The Coast Guard’s only enlisted basic training is held at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, NJ. You’ll be challenged mentally and physically every day, pushed and tested harder than you ever thought possible. When you graduate, you’ll be proud and confident, knowing the challenges you overcame.
The Coast Guard provides almost everything you need at Boot Camp. There are a few personal items that you are permitted to bring.
There are three categories of personal items:
- Issue: Items issued to you upon arrival at the Training Center.
- Permitted: Items which are allowed into training.
- Contraband: Items which are strictly forbidden and will be thrown away.
You must bring your social security card and at least one form of photo ID with you. Also, we recommend that you bring $50.00 cash (in small bills) to cover the cost of additional items you may desire.
You are authorized to bring one small suitcase or duffel bag (no larger than an airline carry on) with your name printed clearly on it. The bag will be used to store the clothes you arrive in until after graduation. We recommend that you arrive in comfortable weatherappropriate clothes and sneaker-type shoes.
Permitted Items
You may bring the following items to Cape May:
- White v-neck t-shirts (3 each)
- Underpants (white) (6-10 pairs)
- Navy blue or white long underwear (Oct-Apr)
- Watch
- Wallet
- Wedding bands
- Cartridge type razor only
- Bible and/or 1 religious reference book
- Religious medallion worn on a chain long enough that it cannot be seen under a v-neck t-shirt
- Address book
- Stationery, envelopes, stamps
- Hand/body unscented lotion
- Pre-paid phone card
- Toothbrush
- Talcum powder
- Unframed Family photos – frames will not be allowed
Note: If you do not bring any of these items, they are available for purchase upon arrival.
Additional Permitted Items For Women only:
- Birth control pills (if already using-to maintain cycle)
- Cloth covered elastic bands that match hair color
- Gold/silver barrettes/bobby pins or ones that match hair color
- Only one set of ball earrings worn in lowest hole of ear (not larger than a quarter-inch in diameter gold, silver, pearl, or diamond) (Earrings may only be worn for graduation, pictures, and off-base liberty)
- Feminine hygiene items
- Makeup (minimal amount)
- Sports Bras (white/skin tone) 6 each
- 1 Regular Bra
Contraband
The following items are considered contraband and will be disposed of, and possession of some of these items will result in immediate removal from training:
- Alcoholic beverages
- All pornographic photos or materials
- Any glass containers (plastic containers are permitted)
- Consumables (any food or beverage)
- Magazines
- Narcotics and drug paraphernalia
- Newspapers
- Tobacco products and associated items
- Weapons
Items Issued To You
The following items will be issued to you upon arrival at the Training Center. (You pay for these items through allotment from your CG pay).
- 1 Rucksack
- 1 Laundry Marker
- 3 Bars of soap/1 soap dish
- 1 Antibacterial soap
- 1 Deodorant
- 1 Shampoo
- 1 Shower kit
- 4 Towels
- 1 Washcloth
- 1 Pair shower shoes
- 1 Lip balm
- 1 Dental floss
- 1 Toothpaste
- 1 Toothbrush/holder
- 1 Pkg. Band-Aids
- 1 Nail clipper
- 1 Pkg. razors
- 1 Shaving cream
- 1 Blister kit
- 1 Pkg. cotton balls
- 1 Pkg. cotton swabs
- 2 Locks
- 3 Laundry pins
- 3 Laundry bags
- 1 Bottle starch
- 1 Notebook
- 1 3 ring binder
- 1 Ruler
- 12 Pens
- 1 Highlighter
- 1 1” stencil
- 1 1/2” stencil
- 1 Black marker
- 1 Sewing kit
- 1 Shoe shine kit
- 2 Ditty bags
- 1 Canteen
- 1 Penlight
- 2 Masking tape rolls
- 1 Pair of running shoes
Male Only Issue: 2 Athletic supporters
Female Only Issue: Small mesh laundry bag for delicates
Note: Insect repellent and sunscreen are issued May – Sept.