Marine Officer Gear, Books, and Lifestyle
  • OCS
  • TBS
  • Gear
  • Books
  • Store

The  Basic  School (TBS)  Gear  List  With  Explanations

6/5/2020

 
​Unlike OCS,   students at The Basic School (TBS) have much more latitude in regards to the personal items they can bring.     Most LT's (unmarried) live in the  student quarters on base in what can be compared to  college dorm rooms.    The following list  with explanations tells you what you need to succeed  and live well  at The Basic School.

Clothing

1. Two pairs of boots.   One pair of PT boots (to be worn during O-Course, E course, and Boots and Utes PT).  Danner Reckonings are the way to go for comfort and quality.  Alternatively,  Bates Lites  work as a cheaper option.  

One pair of heavier boots for hiking.  I wore Danner Reckonings for all the hikes and never had a problem, however some people prefer a   heavier duty boot.

Boots are expensive but are the single most important piece of gear you will use at TBS.  Two pairs   minimum. 

​2.   Six pairs (minimum) HIGH QUALITY BOOT SOCKS.  The hikes at TBS are significantly longer than the ones at OCS and  taking care of your feet is paramount.    High quality socks  will help your feet significantly.  
  • Two brands we love are   Fox River    and   Thorlo.

3.   Two pairs of  athletic shoes. 

One pair of  running shoes.  Check out our full review here.
​
One pair of cross-training shoes   (see our Nike MetCon review)

4. Low socks (white, no logos).  To be worn with PT uniform (green on green).

5.   Compression shorts or   athletic underwear.  

6.   Tactical gloves and winter gloves.

7.  Cold weather base layers.  If you will be at The Basic School over the winter months, these are essential.  
  • Base layer (bottom)
  • Base layer (top)

8.   Woodland MARPATs.

9. Dress Blue Uniform .

10.   Service Alpha Uniform (you might have to report to The Basic School in your alphas, depending on the policy specific to your company)

11.   USMC PT uniform:   skivvy shirts  and   skivvy shorts. 

​12.   S
hower shoes.

13. Civilian clothing.  

Miscellaneous

1.   Laptop.

2.   Printer.   The   one that I linked is the one I use because it is small, simple and affordable.    You will be printing a lot of documents at The Basic School.

3.   Laminator.    The one that I linked is   also small, no frills, and cheap.  It works. 


4.  Sheets, blankets, and pillow for extra long twin bed.  

​5.   Red Lens Headlamp.  

6.  Durable, waterproof, digital watch (black).  From my experience most Marines have a G-shock.  They are inexpensive, easy to use, and reliable.  No need to spend hundreds of dollars on this.  Don't overthink it.  This is the one I use and I recommend it.  

7.   Bore-snake (.556).  

8.  Black electrical tape.  

9.   Duct tape.  When is duct tape not helpful? 

10.   Pack of map pens .

11.   High quality protractor.   Very important for accurate land navigation.


12.  Highlighters .

13. Ten pairs   boot blousers.  You will lose these.  They are cheap and something you never want to have to think about.

14.   Rite in the rain protective cover,     three notebooks . 

15. Ziploc bags large    and   small.  These will be a lifesaver when packing for FEX.  

16. Q-tips.  Very important for rifle cleaning,  these will help you clean hard to reach spots.

​17.   
Field mirror  (for shaving and applying camouflage paint in the field).

18. Bodyglide.  Very helpful during hikes to prevent chafing, specifically when applied on hips to prevent chafing from hip belt of ILBE pack.   Hikes at TBS are significantly  longer than the hikes at  OCS.  Prepare accordingly. 

19.  Black or white 3 inch and 1 inch binders.

20.   Multi-tool.   Two good options linked below. 
  • Leatherman   (more expensive)
  • Gerber   (less expensive)

21.   Black sunglasses.

22.   550 cord.

23.   2nd LT oxidized rank insignia.

24.   Camouflage paint.

25.   Mouth guard.

26.   Baby wipes.

27.  Combination lock.

28.  Grinds.   Like dipping, but with coffee instead of tobacco.     Great for FEX.

29.  Foam roller.   This will significantly aid your recovery after hikes.

30.  Dry sack.    It will rain on you when you're in the field.  Guaranteed.  Buy a few of these in various sizes to keep your stuff dry.

31.   Waterproof iPhone Case.   

Paperwork

1. Hard copies of official orders.
2.   Official college transcripts.
3.   Medical and dental records.
4. Vehicle registration and insurance  along with notarized power of attorney if vehicle is registered to someone else.



Things to  Improve Your Quality of Living   at The Basic School 

1.  Blender.   You can't cook in your room but smoothies are a great way to quickly consume a  meal.  Protein shakes will be your friend at The Basic School.    Below are two options.
  • Vitamix .   This is the Rolls Royce of blenders.  It is expensive but will last a life time.  It is extremely powerful and will blend anything.  
  • Nutribullet.  This  is a good cheap, convenient option .  


2.  TRX suspension trainer.    Time is at a  premium at the Basic School and PT time is not built into the schedule. TRX  bands provide a small, portable, solution for your room.    It can be anchored over the door (with the door attachment)   and used to make bodyweight exercises significantly harder.    Originally developed  for use on military deployments, it provides a great home  (room) workout solution.    See our full review  here.

3.  AeroPress Coffee Maker.         Marine Officers drink a lot of coffee.  The AeroPress works as well in your room as it does in the field.   Cheap, packable, and makes a great cup of coffee.    See our full review here.


4.  Electric Kettle.  Very convenient for your room.  Use it to make coffee, oatmeal, etc.  

5.   Wireless workout earphones.  Contrary to what people say, you will have time to workout at TBS.  

6.  Resistance bands.    However, if you are running short on time, you can use these in your room.

7.  Jetboil.  An absolutely essential piece of gear.  See our full review here.

8.   Mountain House Meals.    These will significantly improve your quality of life in the field.  Use them with your   Jetboil .

FEX 1  At  The  Basic  School

12/25/2019

 
In this post we start to delve into field life at TBS. 

Read More

Range Week at The Basic School

11/17/2019

 
Range Week at TBS

Read More

The Basic School Q & A Part 2

9/23/2019

 
In this post, we discuss MCMAP week,  Mike Company, and   online academics at The Basic School.

Read More

The  Basic  School  Q  and  A  Part  1

9/11/2019

 
Headed to the Basic School? This is our first Q and A to give you a better idea of what to expect  when you arrive at Camp Barrett.

Read More

Tired  of  Eating   MREs?  The  Best  Food  To  Bring  To  The  Field

8/28/2019

 
The Basic School

Read More

    Categories

    All
    General TBS Advice
    TBS Field Ops
    TBS Packing List

    marineofficergear.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to  amazon.com
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • OCS
  • TBS
  • Gear
  • Books
  • Store