[John79]

I'm signing for the Army in about a month, and I have no idea if I can bring a knife, or if they will provide me with one. If I can bring my own, what are the restrictions? Happy voting everyone.

[screechjet1]

Do NOT bring any weapons to Basic.

Start getting in shape now...pushups, situps and running.

Start running. Don't injure yourself, but start if you're not running now.

Did I say, "run?"

Run.

Thanks for your service.

[John79]

Gotcha. Thanks for the info. Working out almost every day now, it feels great.

[Good Shot Group]

Hello,
While you're at basic training, you will not be allowed a knife of any kind. Not even scissors. Leave all those things at home or they will confiscate them from you when you hit basic.
Afterwards, it is a different story. A good soldier always has a tactical folder pocket knife, like a Columbia River Knife and Tool M-16 series or a Benchmade, and a Gerber multi tool on them. The Army normally won't issue these items to you unless maybe you are getting sent to Iraq or Afganistan. The thing you need to remember about military gear is that you can't count on the Army 100% for getting you the best equipment. There is a rule I tell my Soldiers concerning this, IF THE ARMY DOES NOT SEE FIT TO EQUIP YOU WITH THE TOOLS NECESSARY FOR SURVIVAL, THEN YOU HAVE TO BUY IT YOURSELF. I had to spend about $2000 before I deployed to Iraq. Keep your receipts because you can deduct these purchases off of your taxes.
You will need a good fixed blade knife for the field. Nothing with a blade over 6". The blade, just like the blade on your tactical folder, should be half serrated. Your command also might have restrictions as to type and size that you can have on your TA-50 so check with your NCO before you purchase this fixed blade. No Rambo knifes, that's a sure fire way of getting scuffed up.
Enjoy your time.
Keep them sharp!!

[Creature]

You'll be able to buy a folding knife at the PX (or eleswhere if you like) soon enough after you finish bootcamp. You will be issued a fixed-blade bayonet before you saddle up for deployment.

[John79]

Alright, sounds great. Thanks guys. I was thinking a good blade for after training would be the Fallkniven A1. This We'll Defend.

[Treo]

I made it through my miliatary career just fine W/ a Gerber Multitool or a Buck knife

[okiebuckout]

second the gerber and buck.

[hiker44]

...and practice a lot of "Yes, Drill Seargeant!" You're going to be a better man at the end of basic, in more ways than one. The hardware will come soon enough. Get good with the stuff they teach you about and don't try to second guess them. You'll do just fine. And run a lot.

[Seven High]

Your recruiter should give you a list of what you can take to basic training with you and also the physical training requirements of basic training. I would be striving to be able to ace all requirements before going to basic training.

[BBQLS1]

Start getting in shape now...pushups, situps and running.

Start running. Don't injure yourself, but start if you're not running now.

Did I say, "run?"

Run.

Thanks for your service.

My little brother became a Marine about 2 years ago. He told me a story about running with the Drill Instructor who during the run stated that they were only going to run 10 miles today. My little brother then asked "Sir, when does the 10 miles start sir." The drill instructor just turned and smiled. I forgot how long they ran that day, but some where they got their 10 miles in.

[Just One Shot]

Screechjet1 was right. Run, run and then run some more.

I would suggest that you go out and buy you some Army type boots and run in them instead of running in tennis shoes. Try to toughen up your feet and get your legs use to the extra weight now.

I pray that you never have to take a life but, If and when you hit combat just remember, it's you or them so be smart, shoot first and shoot straight!

Thank you for your service and God Speed!

[tank mechanic]

Don't run in boots. Buy a good pair of running shoes with the proper arch support for your feet and run in those.

You can buy a pair of boots to get used to wearing something a lot heavier than your regular sneakers, but only wear them to walk around in.

[Fergy35]

I can't add much of anything to what has already been said, but I do want to say thank you for your service.

[Thin Black Line]

All the advice you have been given here is good --especially the "do NOT
bring a blade to basic" part. Likewise, unless you are issued a fixed blade,
do NOT get one until you find out the rules of where you are stationed even
after basic. This includes on deployment since some CDRs do not want
soldiers accidentally poking themselves with their own unissued knives.

As far as deployment --I was also one of those guys who spent $$$ before
deployment and then ended up finding out later it would've been issued either
in theater or en route for me for free. This included multi-tools, knives, GPS,
and a whole bunch of other stuff. If you are going to do a lot of convoys or
walking around outside the wire even a civie GPS is a good thing to have,
but that is also an opsec issue. I was told to zero mine out right before we
redeployed which I did. I had a lot of other stuff which didn't go home with
me which I gave to the next person who rotated in. This included me giving
away a switch-blade. It was one of the cheesie orange-handled ones so no
big loss. BTW, something like that is illegal to mail home even if it was issued
to you.

Keep in mind if you go into a deployment and depending on your MOS you
will show up with kevlar, IBA, weapon(s), a pack, and approximately four
duffle bags stuffed like fresh sausages. Please trust me in that you will
not want to buy a lot of extra personal filler to carry around other than an
MP3 player, a tiny personal LED flashlight and some batteries. Also, consider
having a personal DVD player mailed to you rather than a laptop unless you
actually have internet access (some FOBs are better than others). You
will be surprised how much junk you can still buy after you show up in the
warzone. There were times when I saw a pallet of laptops for sale, but
not a single razor...the following month was just the opposite.

Almost everything you sign for, you will have to return. If you fail to turn it
in, you can be charged more than what some of it is actually retailing for at
the local surplus. You may get stuff in theater on a hand recepit which you
will have to turn back in before you leave theater. If it's given to you w/o a
receipt and no one asks for it back when you're getting ready to redeploy, it
doesn't necessarily mean it's yours to send home. We had some really nice
non-Army medic vests/bags in that category which seemed to us would be
better to leave behind for the next unit (we did).

I almost forgot the MOST IMPORTANT thing to add in your pack --a roll of TP.

Good luck!

[mljdeckard]

There is a big difference between how they operate in training units, and how your permanent unit will act when you deploy. There is a lot of difference between line combat arms units and support units. (I've been in both.) Your unit's supply will have discretionary funds to spend on gear as they see fit. Sometimes they already have everything they need, (usually because they have already done this at least once,) and they are able to buy you a lot of goodies. Gerbers, knives, Surefire lights, Camelbacks, goggles, etc. Sometimes they are unit that has just been reorganized and they need to spend it all on essential unit items, and still ask for more money.

Like someone said above, some items are important enough that you must have them, whether or not the unit gets them for you or not. What I WILL DO, is wait until I deploy. See what the guys leaving are willing to sell or give you. You might find piles of stuff left behind. Not just for battle gear, look for guitars, laptops, and Wii's depending on where you are going and what you like.

In my everyday uniform, I have a CRKT folder in my pocket, and a Leatherman on my belt. On my web gear I have my Gerber Mk II 9" dagger, (which I've had for 17 years, it's discontinued,) I own a Buckmaster, (also discontinued,) which I've also had for 20 years, but honestly, while I carried it when I was in combat arms, I'll probably leave it home this time. (If the army needs me to hack a tree down, I'll risk breaking THEIR bayonet this time.) Being in the national guard, I already know my command well enough to carry what I want to, and if the division SMAJ is doing a visit, they'll whisper to me to lose it until he is gone.

Absolutely get one with a serrated edge. Either a general purpose knife with half, or a medium size Spyderco needle-point, if you don't mind carrying another. The things you have to cut in emergencies, like strap, clothes, SEATBELTS, (skin, tendons, blood vessels,) etc, laugh as you try to saw your way through with a regular blade.

[Float Pilot]

Remember that Boot Camp (and AIT to some degree) is really just a screening process. It has little to do with how things work in line units.

So don't take anything personally, the guys and gals who are yelling at you are paid to do it and they really do not have it in for you..

Also be ready to be surrounded by a bunch of other new recruits who will seem to be even more clueless than you are...Most of them eventually get better or get out.

[KINGMAX]

Begin to get yourself in shape. Start running, and GO AIRBORNE - YOU WILL LOVE IT. There is nothing like having your parents pin those silver wings on your chest

[hso]

No knives in Basic. After Basic it is literally up to your CO what, if any, knife you may carry.

Read here for ideas/experiences.

[Treo]

I would suggest that you go out and buy you some Army type boots and run in them instead of running in tennis shoes

Please do not do this unless you want to be held back in BCT for shin splints. Army style combat boots are not designed for running on concrete.

Use a well designed running shoe and replace it after basic training (yes you will wear them out in Basic)

That is one of the things I routinely did while in the Army wear what you're issued in basic but when you get to your unit buy the best boots you can afford I always wore Matterhorns ( they make a desert boot now)

last thing get some good arch supports you're going to need them

[mljdeckard]

I appear before a medical board Thurs for shin splints. Not fun. I left basic with bruised heels that didn't heal for months.

I have several pairs of current issue boots, I still wear my Matterhorns for my own recreation.

And that's correct, wear running shoes to run, no one will make you do any significant running in boots. Get cheap ones now if you just can't talk yourself into spending for the best, but I promise you, you'll buy quality the next time. The guideline is to replace them every six months, and honestly, do your best to do that.

[JShirley]

Good advice.

Don't run in boots.

Get in shape, especially pushups, situps, and running.

Don't bring any weapons to Basic.

[Coyote3855]

Times change. Basic training, Ft. Lewis WA 1969. We ran in combat boots for 8 weeks. I carried a Case Trapper the whole time.

[rcmodel]

IMO: A good Multi-Tool would be far more valuable then a large fixed blade knife in todays war.

The primary use for a big knife when I was in during the Vietnam war was for chopping brush to clear fire-lanes, or for camouflaging positions.

But there ain't no brush or bushes in Iraq, near as I can see on TV!

And todays kinder, gentler Army probably wouldn't let you carry a big knife anyway!

[Good Shot Group]

I used my Buckmaster in Iraq mostly for chipping the large blocks of ice we got off the street to cool down our Strawberry Fanta.

[moxie]

The Fallkniven A1 is a wonderful knife but you're not going to be able to wear it anywhere except possibly when you deploy, and then it will be up to unit policy. After basic, get a good all purpose folder and/or a good multi-tool like the Leatherman Wave. A good swiss army knife also will meet 99% of your requirements. Nothing like tweezers to remove a splinter, or an awl to make a new hole in a belt or some other gear.

The CRKT Desert Cruiser is a nice folder: http://www.knifeworks.com/crktdesertcruiserdesertzytelhandlecomboedge.aspx

Here are a few SAKs:
http://www.knifeworks.com/swissarmyworkchampbyvictorinox.aspx
http://www.knifeworks.com/swissarmyfishermanbyvictorinoxred.aspx
http://www.knifesupply.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=VN54821

[Al Thompson]

Ditto on most of the advice given - concentrate on push-ups. Do not buy ANYTHING till your in your unit. Also, when I processed through Benning for movement to Iraq 10 months ago, we were issued multi-tools. When you get to your unit, your chain of command will dictate what you can and can't carry. :)

[gregormeister]

When we deployed in 04' we were issued/given Leathermans and as far a knife we had everthing from double edge fighting knives to stag horn bowies. Good luck on your military time.Be safe

[nyggis]

During my military service in the Swedish Army I had a Cold Steel SRK on my web gear. Great for clearing lines of fire, collecting camouflage material in the field and cutting up fire wood. I also had a good folding blade in my pocket. A good tip is to attach the folding knife to a piece of paracord and a small carabineer at the end attached to one of the belt loops. In the field its really easy to lose equipment, and a knife is a bad thing to lose.

Remember to wear correct running shoes, and to stretch your achilles tendons. You DO NOT want to get a case of achilles tendonitis during basic. Painful and slow healing.. SPEND MONEY ON CORRECT HIGH QUALITY SHOES.

Good luck!

/ Erik

[TimboKhan]

I ran in boots-n-utes a few times in the USMC, and it was sort of fun and all, but that was the exception rather than the rule. Running for fitness, which will define the bulk of your running, does not require torturing yourself with heavy unsuitable footwear. Being uncomfortable and miserable comes naturally to most people, so there isn't any particular need to train for it.

Knife wise, when I was a Marine, I carried a knife every single day. I carried a variety of different knives right up until I found Spyderco, and that was what I carried from then on. The only other addition I made to my gear (in garrison or in the field) was a pair of pliers carried on my belt in an old farmer-style sheathe. Today, I would probably carry the same knife (it was either an Endura or a Delica, and it was pink), but also a Leatherman instead of the slip-joint pliers. Big knife wise, I learned early on that they were generally sort of a pain to haul around. I had the standard Ka-Bar, and while it was a good knife that I still own, the fact is that it did not pay for itself in terms of weight or utility. I found a small Gerber boot knife/dagger one time (either a guardian or related to a guardian), and frankly, that was all the tactical knife I could have wanted. I unfortunately did not find the sheathe along with the knife, so eventually I also lost it, but it was a solid little knife that cost me nothing in terms of weight and space. Trust me, hauling around some big stabber is generally an excercise in futility. They look and in fact are cool, but generally speaking, very short in day to day utility.

[peter_mn]

Everything that has been said is correct. Don’t bring a knife to basic.

My personal winning combination for the last few years has been a SOG PowerLock EOD multi-tool: http://sogknives.com/store/B61.html . I keep it in a horizontal carrier on my web belt using Sep-Ops Super Sheath: Link (http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=15#).
The SOG was given to me by my unit, but it was a local purchase and is not a centrally stocked or issued item in the Army. The Army will from time to time do something cool like give you a really expensive multi-tool, so wait and see what happens at your first unit. The carrier I bought for myself from the PX. I’ve had to replace the carrier once because it wore out, but I replaced it with the exact same thing because I liked it so much. I would personally recommend picking up an inexpensive multi-tool the first time (less than 50.00). I can almost guarantee that you will loose it or get it stolen in your first year; I did.
Find a good running store in your area and have them help you pick out a good pair of running shoes. Talk to the cross country coach and ask him where he sends people. If you have a pair of running shoes that you have been wearing, bring them with you. A good sales rep can look at you and a pair of your old running shoes and help you pick out what’s right for you. Bring your shoes with you to basic. Some basic training units will let you bring your shoes from home.
Um…. have fun at Basic, and remember it totally different from the rest of your time in the Army.

[Al Thompson]

Really good point on losing stuff. I've always kept a spare knife around and 550 cord is your friend! :)

[Ghost Rider1976]

Everything has been covered but I will say it again Get in shape try to get up to P.T. fitness level before you go. Run Forest Run. Front lean and rest, sit ups, etc. Knives no go at basic, At Benning we went into a room and left our things like knives etc. The room gets your goodies if ya bring em I know I had a case trapper left in the room the morning I got off the bus. Running in Boots hardly ever, they dont wanna risk your feet and legs being injured etc. Buy good Running Shoes (running) and swap em out religously when they get broke down. If you bring em from home make sure they are running shoes. Basic will be totally different than the rest of your military career. They break you down and rebuild you nothing personal. Oh also Do Not Fall Asleep on Fire Watch. Dont let people bring you down. Stay focused and just have fun. My family and I would like to thank you for your courage and support in defending our country and way of life. HOOOAAAHHH!
God Bless You.

[icebones]

definately dont bring a knife to basic, or a cell phone or anything like that.

have it mailed to you after basic by your family or spouse.

i dont know about the army, but we got the chance to buy custom insoles for our boots and running shoes. BUY THEM. they make a hell of a diffrence. trust me on this

[Treo]

i dont know about the army, but we got the chance to buy custom insoles for our boots and running shoes. BUY THEM. they make a hell of a diffrence. trust me on this

After basic go on sick call and tell them your feet hurt when you run. they will very likely issue you a pair

[J. Jay]

I did not serve, but my Dad told me the less of your own stuff you take into basic training the better. Oh, and keep running!