First-time Recruits.
Follow the Recruit packing list for Cadet Basic Training and the Receiving Day clothing instructions.
Find the 2026 Parents’ Guide: Recruit Packing List ↗PACKING LISTS
Pack Precisely.
Arrive Ready.
Follow the exact list for your course. Required quantities, restrictions and approved substitutions matter.
The Packing Lists Are in the Parents’ Guide.
Use the current Parents’ Guide supplied with your enrollment confirmation for the exact items, quantities and restrictions for your course. The guide-access instructions below explain where to find it.
Returning Cadets.
Follow the returning-Cadet instructions and the requirements for each course in your enrollment.
Find the 2026 Parents’ Guide: Returning-Cadet Packing Instructions ↗Use the guide edition and course instructions issued for your enrollment. Check CampMinder for any required submissions or updates before purchasing or substituting equipment.
Winter Tactical Skills Course Details ↗ · Receiving Day Clothing ↗
COURSE-SPECIFIC PREPARATION
Download Your
Preparation Packet.
Use the packet for your approved course and the current instructions supplied with your enrollment.
Service Support & OJT
Duties, reporting, packing and preparation for Cadet Service Support and On-the-Job Training. Use the current course page for eligibility and approved dates.
PDF · 11 pages · December 2024 edition
Winter Tactical Skills
Reporting, winter packing, course standards, travel and Final Formation for December 27, 2026–January 2, 2027.
PDF · 19 pages · 2026–2027 session
Supply & Central Issue Facility.
Review the new-Recruit issue list for Cadet Basic Training and learn how our Supply team prepares for training.
Explore Supply & CIF ↗Medications need advance approval. Follow the original-packaging and R-Day turn-in instructions, and review the weekly medical administration surcharge displayed in CampMinder if medication is required. Read Medication Requirements ↗
RETURNING CADETS
Returning-Cadet Supplemental Equipment.
These lists supplement the full Parents’ Guide and apply to returning Cadets. Pack the required base items for your enrollment as well.
Cadet Ranger School: required supplement
- 10 gallon-size resealable bags
- Tactical gloves
- One small-to-medium roll of electrical tape
- Headlamp with a red lens
- 100 feet of olive-drab or black 550 paracord
- Hydration pack in black, coyote, olive drab, OCP or ACU pattern
- Small sewing kit with black or tan thread only
- Three pocket-size notebooks
- Multitool or pocketknife
Optional: extra boots, up to two field-skills or tactical books or manuals, and additional authorized uniform sets.
Cadet Field Leader Course: optional supplement
All items in this supplemental CFLC list are optional:
- Extra pair or pairs of boots
- Tactical gloves
- Compass
- Small flashlight or headlamp with a red lens
- 100 feet of olive-drab or black 550 paracord
- Hydration pack in black, coyote, olive drab, OCP or ACU pattern
- Three pocket-size notebooks
- Up to two additional field-skills or tactical books or manuals
- Additional authorized OCP or ACU uniform sets
Do not bring non-XMC undershirts or morale patches; they are not authorized for wear during training.
Items on these supplemental lists are available through the Patriot Exchange.
OPTIONAL CADET UNIFORM
OCP Authorization.
Optional OCP wear has eligibility, purchase and insignia requirements. Review the complete OCP policy before buying or wearing these items.
PREPARE BEFORE ARRIVAL
Follow the Packing List to the Letter.
Bring every required item in the specified quantity and follow all restrictions. Missing required equipment may delay training participation. Use only substitutions expressly authorized in the applicable course instructions.
Summer preparation and packing lists ↗ · Winter CTSTC packet and packing requirements ↗