Question for Women Marines

[K8 Mac]

I am getting ready to ship out the 24th of this month and I have been told several times by Marines both women and men, that I should bring nothing with me but my ID, SS Card, Recruiter card, and my docs that I am given. But in "The Making of a Marine" book I was given when I joined the DEP it says that females should/can bring other items (three pairs of skin-tone pantyhose, one white or beige bra, six white athletic bras, at least seven panties, and if needed hair grooming things). Should we bring these or can we buy them when we are given the debit card to shop at the Post Exchange? If you could answer this question it would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Kait

[Pialphamu]

When I went in they pretty much just wanted you to have bras and underwear. I took most of the crap they said in the book, and most of it went in to storage until the day before graduation. You will want clothes to travel in after you graduate but if you are like most of us, they wont really fit you when you graduate. Most everything gets stored. Do not be afraid to write your name very large on your skivvies when you get there. People will take them if you are not careful. I know it is gross, but sorting in the dark, it does happen and people will not return them 99% of the time. I left with only 2 bras and 3 pair of underwear after starting with 7 pair! Things kinda disappear. PLEASE break in your running shoes prior to going. I did not do that good enough and I paid for it! Buy the moleskin and use it on every hump, it will be a life saver. I also put it on the nose guards on my eyeglasses because the sweat made my nose raw. Get everything you need when they take you to the px because you will not want to run out...especially bug juice, get tons because everyone borrows and never lends! Good luck and remember to just take it one day at a time. I wish I had some one to ask these things before I went in because it was a big unknown for me! LOL

[K8 Mac]

Thank you so much for the advice. Yeah this web site is amazing! I am so glad it is here for questioins that most of the Male recruiters can not answer for us female poolees.

[Marine84]

I'm the same P - I wish there had been something like this for me too. My little book said to take a bathing suit and, needless to say, it went to storage - we ended up swimming but we did it in uniform or PT gear.

I'm so excited for you Kate! This is going to be the biggest step you'll take into adulthood - it's a DOOZY but it's a fun step! Drink PLENTY of water while you're at PI - it will be very hot and muggy, keep your ears and eyes open, and move FAST when the DIs tell you to MOVE!

[K8 Mac]

Will do Marine84. So basically bring the bras and panties and shoes. But that’s about it? What about socks? Or are those issued. I am going shopping for the things in the book soon and I want to make sure I don’t miss anything. I already know not to bring like shampoo and razors and things like that. I am strictly going to bring what they say and I have short hair so I don’t need hair grooming things. So anything else I should bring?

[vickymarine11]

Bring the extra sports bras and bring the extra white underwear. Make sure it aint the Victoria Secret underwear make sure its that old grandma underwear and make sure its all white. Also make sure the sports bras are all white and get them a size smaller than what u normally wear in civilizan bras for extra support. If you can I would also bring the white running socks. You dont have to bring running shoes you will be isssued New Balance running shoes when you get there. Mark all your trash with your stencil anytime your given time and during your square away time. Your stuff will disappear if you don't. You will be given PX call, but not right away probably during your third week and then again before rifle range and then again before A-Line BWT. At least that's when our senior gave us are PX calls. I wouldn't worry about it too much you'll be given everything you need during recieving but that extra gear I told you to bring will come in handy. Best of Luck

[Pialphamu]

You will be given PX call, but not right away probably during your third week and then again before rifle range and then again before A-Line BWT. At least that's when our senior gave us are PX calls.

Just be prepared, have your family send you a care package with skin-so-soft in it. We were only allowed 1 PX call and I ran out of bug juice half way through...not fun! LOL I was purple from head to toe because I did not want to get caught swatting the bugs away. You can never chase them all away anyway and forget about scratching! LOL PT was so much fun! LOL Sand fleas are the worst thing God ever invented! They are relentless!

[K8 Mac]

Thank you so much for all the info. Like i said before, it is hard to get answers to these things when your recruiters are men. Thanks again. Take care all!
Kait

[Marine84]

And............if you're lucky like I was - your body will shut your period off for you even. (Sorry for the guys that might read this) I had mine the day I got there and for about 2 or 3 days after that but not one more day afterwards. Then the very day I rode through the gate on my way home I started! That sucked BIG time cause you know I had that booty call lined up - HAHAHAHAHAHA!

[K8 Mac]

And............if you're lucky like I was - your body will shut your period off for you even. (Sorry for the guys that might read this) I had mine the day I got there and for about 2 or 3 days after that but not one more day afterwards. Then the very day I rode through the gate on my way home I started! That sucked BIG time cause you know I had that booty call lined up - HAHAHAHAHAHA!

ROFL! lol Yeah im hoping somthing like that happends but with slight modifications. lol
Kait

[Pialphamu]

And............if you're lucky like I was - your body will shut your period off for you even.

That was one of the best parts of bootcamp! It was great to not have to deal with it!

[CAS3]

Just wait...

I am 35 and haven't had one in 2 years...yippppeee

Downside is....
I haven't had one in two years....

I do have other things happening though...hot flashes MOOD SWINGSetc...

[Marine84]

Dang CAS at 35? I'll be 45 next month and I just started that crap last summer - try Zoloft baby..............I have NEVER in my life taken any kind of mood altering drug like that (unless it was recreational and I didn't do it every day) - now, they've jokingly threatened to fire me at work if I DON'T keep taking it. It has helped TREMENDOUSLY with the mood swings and the panicing (yes, I had panic attacks - with NO stress whatsoever going on in my life to cause it - it was the whole hormone thing). I had to have breast surgery so the GYN wouldn't put me on hormones. Now I still have the hot flashes and sweat like a pig at night but, at least I don't think the sky is falling anymore for no reason and I don't go from sweetheart to SYBIL in 3.2 seconds. AND, an added bonus, it doesn't give you a buzz.

Sorry K8 - another great reason to be a woman! HAHAHAHAHA! This is what you got to look forward to girl but always remember...............it's just the natural cycle of life. But the dash that will be between the dates on my tombstone will be a long one and my epitaph will be "copyright expired" (I have a copyright symbol with 1961 on my right hip) - yes, I literally have a copyright on my a$$.

[Pialphamu]

Man!! I bet the guys have taken off now!! LOL This subject has left nothing to their imaginations!! LOL I bet they are running for the hills!!

[CAS3]

HA HA HA
That is what my ex husband used to call me.
I have had a couple of surgery's that is why so early. All the parts are there but the engine don't crank!! LMAO

I am on as many meds as the doc feels is necessary. I WANT PERCOCET!
Can't (not supposed to drink cause of em) LOL


Pialphamu
Most of the guys here have wives and daughters. If they didn't know the facts of life, they sure will now!!


Didn't they used to put salt peter(?) in the mens chow?