Basic questions

[Anonymous]

What should I take to BT? I don't want to carry around a bunch of stuff I'll never use. Should I cut my hair before I go? Would that be easier since it is practicaly impossible to put it up? If my hair isn't my natural color, will they shave my head? I am gonna get my period as soon as I get there, is that gonna be a big problem? Is there anything I should know about before I go?

thanx for your help Susan

Charlie91angel@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

Jenn, all you need to really take to basic is a positive attitude. You will get a chance to goto the PX and buy everything there, no one seems to believe this when I tell them, but it's just like a HUGE department store with everything you need, and everything as cheap as hell. You might want to bring some bras and underwear if you're real picky about that kind of thing, but they need to be all white. If you're hair's a big problem staying up, you should atleast cut it to shoulder-lenght, (above the colar) you get very little free time and it's a real pain in the butt to have to worry about your hair. They can't make you shave your head, but if the color is crazy or doesn't look right, you should probably dye it before you leave so you wont get hassled. Everyone's going to get their period, it's no big deal, they can't deny you a head call, or bathroom call. If you have bad cramps or anything like that, you should notify your drill sergeant so he/she doesn't think you're just whining, you can always goto the sick bay. Anything else....be in GREAT SHAPE. If you can't run atLEAST two miles in less than 20 minutes, you should be running every day. Also be able to do A LOT of pushups and situps, you'll be punished with these. Keep your weight down, the drill sergeants love to mess with weighties. Just remember that it's a very short time, only nine weeks, and you'll be done with it before you know it. Keep a positive attitude and never give up. Strive to be your best at all times and help others too. I wish you the best of luck, you'll do fine! Jenn

[Anonymous]

Your recruiter should give you a list of items to take with you to basic training. Not every place will let you go to the PX immediately upon arrival to get items you might need. Basics include white underwear, calf high socks, bras...toiletry items, but keep them simple, you won't have enough time to go through an entire facial complete with mask every night...birth control pills if you take them - enough to last at least 3 months...couple changes of civilian clothes appropriate to the climate of the place you are going - you'll have to wear them for a couple days until you get your basic issue. (daisy dukes are out of the question no matter what, take jeans and only jeans)

Regulation states that your hair must be worn above the collar. If you have a hard time keeping your hair up, I suggest you cut it. Mine was about 2 inches long all over and it saved a LOT of time in the morning - wash and go. If you cut it into a bob style, you will need to take bands or barrettes with you to pull up the sides and they must be close to the color of your hair. One thing to watch out for is you will be wearing a Kevlar - if your hair bondage devices are in the way, you will be in for one big headache - same goes for your gas mask. Your hair must also be of a color that is normal to humans - you don't grow purple hair - and must go with your skin tone. No, they will not shave your head, but if you are that worried about it, color it back to it's normal hue before you leave.

Your cycle is not a big deal. I've mentioned in another post here that every time I've been to the field, I've had mine. You just deal with it as normal, and you might find that you won't have time to worry about cramps.

nmdreamcatcher@hotmail.com