Need Info on Ft. Leonard Wood Basic

[Anonymous]

I am leaving for basic May 16 to Ft. Leonard Wood. I am concerned about trivial things, but I'm hoping someone can answer my questions. What personal things should I bring? I was told that if I bring certain items, such as hair gel, hairspray, contacts, any makeup (yes, I know it's not a beauty pageant) that they throw these things away. Is this true? Also, I have long, very curly hair; what is the best way to wear it? Are women allowed to wear barettes to secure hair providing the color is the same as my hair color? Do I need to purchase running shoes before I leave? And I would welcome any advice from women who have recently gone through basic, not just at Ft. Leonard Wood but anywhere. Thank you!

sbarolet@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

: I am leaving for basic May 16 to Ft. Leonard Wood. I am concerned about
: trivial things, but I'm hoping someone can answer my questions. What
: personal things should I bring? I was told that if I bring certain items,
: such as hair gel, hairspray, contacts, any makeup (yes, I know it's not a
: beauty pageant) that they throw these things away. Is this true? Also, I
: have long, very curly hair; what is the best way to wear it? Are women
: allowed to wear barettes to secure hair providing the color is the same as
: my hair color? Do I need to purchase running shoes before I leave? And I
: would welcome any advice from women who have recently gone through basic,
: not just at Ft. Leonard Wood but anywhere. Thank you!


Hi, Shelley, I'm Shelley! I graduated Basic Training from Ft. Leonard Wood in December. It was a great experience, and if you scroll down through these messages, you will find that I was a nervous wreck before I left and asked many of these same questions, so I'll be glad to help you out now that I can. Let's see, anything that you bring such as make-up will not be thrown away...they can't do that, but it will be locked up in a room until the day before graduation. You may be able to keep the spray and gel in your personal drawer, but I doubt they will be of much use to you. As far as personal items, I would keep it simple and stick with the basics. Cut as many corners as you can, such as shampoo/conditioner in one and a body/facial type soap. Your space is limited. Basically take what you NEED and leave the rest at home. It's only 9 weeks! Hair is a big issue with me. I whacked mine off thinking it would be easier to handle, and I've regretted it every since. People with longer hair had easier mornings than I did...most of the females put their hair in a simple bun, or kept it braided and twisted underneath. Just as long as it is not below your collar, it will work. If you aren't great at braiding your own hair, there will be plenty of females there who are nice enough to help you out some nights when time permits. You are allowed clips but make sure that they aren't noticeable. Everything must blend in with your hair color. As far as the running shoes, I would actually suggest waiting to buy a new pair when you get there, because they take the time to actually look at your feet and tell you which shoe would be best for your type of arches. Believe me, if you don't have proper arch support, you will pay for it later! Just take a fairly decent pair with you..you won't be doing any running at the reception before you are given the opportunity to purchase new ones. Take very good care of your feet and your legs...Ft. Leonard Wood is known for injuries! I'm attending AIT here in Ft. Sam Houston now, so let me know if there is anything else that is on your mind. I'll help you out any way I can, and everyone on this site contributes a lot of helpful information! Good luck, and let me know how everything goes!

theskipper98@yahoo.com

[Anonymous]

: I am leaving for basic May 16 to Ft. Leonard Wood. I am concerned about
: trivial things, but I'm hoping someone can answer my questions. What
: personal things should I bring? I was told that if I bring certain items,
: such as hair gel, hairspray, contacts, any makeup (yes, I know it's not a
: beauty pageant) that they throw these things away. Is this true? Also, I
: have long, very curly hair; what is the best way to wear it? Are women
: allowed to wear barettes to secure hair providing the color is the same as
: my hair color? Do I need to purchase running shoes before I leave? And I
: would welcome any advice from women who have recently gone through basic,
: not just at Ft. Leonard Wood but anywhere. Thank you!


Shelley - Thank you so much for the advice. I've been reading some of the messages you've posted in the past and it's good to know that I'm not alone! Can you tell me anything about the shakedowns? My husband (who was in the Navy) says that I'm overreacting and worrying about nothing; but I would feel more comfortable hearing about them from someone who experienced Army Basic. Thanks again!

sbarolet@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

Hello, I am also leaveing for FLW in may. But I will be there the 22nd. Thank you so much for asking the questions that you did I had the same ones and couldn't get any answers. The only people I know that went there are my boyfriend, brother and a friend who is also male and they told me that i worry to much. But I just wanted to be prepared. Good Luck!

What is your mos? mine is 31 U

Rebecca

chica45@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

Hi i am also going to ft leonard wood for basic, but i dont leave till June after graduation. And im scared too, LoL. Does anyone have any good workout programs that I can follow for the next 2 months....

Thanks

g_i_jessie@webtv.net