Of all the things people stress about before shipping to Basic Combat Training (BCT), underwear usually isn’t one of them—until you get there. Then you realize quickly: you’re wearing whatever the Army gives you, and you’re wearing it for weeks.

Here’s what actually happens with underwear at BCT, why you don’t get much choice, and why you’ll be scrambling for replacements the moment you leave for AIT or OCS.

You Don’t Bring Your Own Underwear to Basic Training

The packing list says it, but most new recruits don’t fully register it:
BCT issues you underwear, and you are required to wear the issued pairs.

You are still allowed to order items that legally have to be stored as your own possession. If you are heading to AIT immediately after basic, consider purchasing underwear while in training so you can swap over after you leave. The issued underwear is a bit uncomfortable for many.

https://amzn.to/4pupd5i

Here is a 5-pack option you can order from Calvin Klein, if it is your preferred brand.

https://amzn.to/4rNxnqY

Here is another option, a bit cheaper and some argue more breathable.

And last, the cheapest option from Amazon Essentials:

https://amzn.to/3MyZTfH

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