Military Preparation Hub - GSCK
Get in touch with us at krahngavin.s@gmail.com
Enlisting in the military is an exciting, and challenging new direction with a multitude of opportunities! Regardless of your background, the next few months of your life will be dramatically transformed as you make the transition from civilian to military. The change can be scary, however these few products will equip you with the basics to ensure your success! Just don't lose them...
Legal Disclaimer
This site is meant to aid as an instructional and product directory to assist future military members with the ease of transition to military life. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, including those listed on this webpage. I have used, or currently use all of these products. The links on this site allow me to earn a commission as a creator, however feel free to search all products up independently!
Basic Training Essentials
Why buy these products?
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Casio W736H Watch - This watch is trusted by many members in the military community as a cheap, yet robust and reliable component of their everyday lives. With multiple alarm presets including vibration alarms, and a low level backlit illumination button, this watch has all the basics you will need to be 15 minutes prior! Don't be the recruit who shows up with a tan or camouflaged watch. Buy an extra for the guy who does.
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Pilot G-2 0.7mm Pens - These ball-points might seem a bit on the expensive side for pens, however the long-lasting nature and continuous reliability after repeated abuse in the military is what sets these apart. When it comes down to it, everyone will be asking to use your pens... just make sure you get them back.
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Body Glide - This inconspicuous stick is worth its weight in gold. Long rucks coupled with intense humidity and repeated uniform usage in the field will have your thighs and armpits chafed beyond your wildest imagination. One quick swipe of body glide before a ruck will have you walking on clouds. Try not to share it, as it may or may not be a health code violation.
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Moleskin Blister Prevention - Seemingly a role of thick tape, this simple innovation will save your feet in the long run. Issued footwear in the military seems to always be a size too small, or too big. In any case, you as a new recruit are almost 100% likely to receive a standard issued blister along with your footwear. Mole skin allows the user a second layer of protection against hot spots on their feet. Cut off and apply a layer of mole skin to the agitated area and this specialized tape will effectively negate the friction upon your skin. This is most effective during long rucks such as The Forge in basic training, but is still widely used at all points in the military. Another upside is you can actually use it as tape.
AIT Essentials
Why buy these products?
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Tan Boot Blousers - These small braided strings may not seem like much, but their elasticity and quick application saves precious seconds when rushing down to formation. Tucking trousers into boots is a common blousing technique used by low-speed individuals. You are not one of them. Not only does it look unprofessional, but is also a hassle; as PT in AIT is quite common and will cause a tucked boot to quickly become unbloused, leading to more PT. Boot blousers are simple to use, quick, and effective and will secure your uniform and leave your Drill Sergeants impressed. Be warned however, these vital components are easy to lose and overlook with an untrained eye.
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LED Headlamp w/ Red Lens - A standard lightweight headlamp, adorned with a switchable red light lens for nighttime operations. This Princeton headlamp is continually used throughout the military by grunts and smart people alike. It's rigid build, and consistent reliability, as well as its impressive brightness makes this piece of equipment a highly sought-after component of every soldier's arsenal.
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Fox River Boot Socks - Fox River is a name that resonates throughout the military as a legendary brand of socks. Moisture wicking material makes managing blisters easy by removing moisture build up during rucks. The padded material used in these socks is second to none, as impact of everyday operations is absorbed and cushioned. These socks are worth the price - especially with an enlistment bonus.
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Soffe Men's Tan T-Shirts - There are a multitude of tan t-shirts on the market, some are good, but these are the best. Widely used across the military, these t-shirts are fully compliant with AR670-1 and are extremely comfortable at all times. Durability and their low pricing is a high selling point for these shirts, which are machine washable and will not shrink due to their polyester/cotton blend.
Recommended Footwear
Why buy these products?
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Garmont Tactical Men's T-8 Bifida Combat Boots - These boots are rugged, well put together, and will have you walking on clouds compared to your trusty old basic training boots. These boots are specifically designed for navigating through tough terrain, giving you tremendous ankle support in all areas of your duty day. This boot comes factory with extremely comfortable sole inserts, and provides considerable room for the toe box. Breathability of this product is extremely high, and when paired with fox rivers is a military phenomenon where ingenuity and genius meet. Just remember to break these in before you go to Airborne...
About Me.
SPC Krahn is a Soldier currently serving within the U.S. Army. Enlisting as a 25S, he attended the 12 week Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Jackson. Upon completion of BCT, he and a select few of his fellow graduates were transported to Fort Eisenhower, formerly know as Fort Gordon for their Advanced Individual Training (AIT). There he completed his 28 week AIT and graduated from the United States Army Cyber Center of Excellence as a Satellite Communications Systems Operator/Maintainer. When SPC Krahn was able, he transitioned to Fort Bliss where he is a current Signaleer with the 1st Armored Division.
BCT
Basic Combat Training
This is what many people refer to as "Boot Camp" or "Basic". Basic Training is a 10 week course with multiple different phases where you will learn Drill and Ceremony, Military Customs and Courtesy, weapons handling, history, battle tactics, and more.
AIT
Advanced Individual Training
Depending on your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) you will move onto the next station of your training pipeline, known as AIT. This portion of your military training is a much different pace when compared to BCT. Thankfully, AIT has more relaxed standards compared to BCT with a large amount of personal time you will be able to use to access the post's amenities. In certain longer AITs, off-post privileges may sometime be allowed. This training block can vary in length based off of your job choice, but will prepare you for your first unit. Try to pay attention.
PCS
Permanent Change of Station
A PCS is a change of station where you will undergo out-processing of your current place of duty into a new place of duty at another base or installation. During this time, property issued at your current base will be turned in to CIF before your departure. Upon arrival of your new duty station or training destination you will in-process with your new unit and be issued items from CIF that correspond with your new unit or base's mission set and issuing guidelines.
CIF
Central Issuing Facility
The Central Issuing Facility is where all soldiers are issued relevant gear and equipment such as helmets (ACH), body armor (IOTV), and a multitude of other products. CIF is normally run by a cheerful group of military civilians who will happily throw your issued items in your face. You better hope they fit...
OSUT
One Stop Unit Training
OSUT is a training block that combines the 10-week BCT course with your military training, and is normally only used for training combat MOSs such as 11B (infantrymen). During this roughly 22 week course you will be assigned a platoon, and will most likely stay with this platoon your entire cycle in order to build cohesion. If this training applies to you, be prepared to endure countless hours of annoyance.
OCP
Occupational Camouflage Pattern
This strange acronym is referencing your uniform. Your OCPs are a part of everyday Army life with the full uniform consisting of; OCP top, tan t-shirt, army issued tan belt, OCP bottoms, calf socks (green, tan, or black), combat boots, PC (Patrol Cap w/ rank - also an issued part of the OCP uniform), as well as a US Army Velcro patch, nametape, unit patch, rank patch, and a rear facing American flag patch.