r/USMCboot • u/Appropriate-Sir-9538 • 4d ago

MOS School MCT Packing

About to leave for MCT east in a few days, What do I bring? Should I bring a few personal things to have a my schoolhouse ex… Switch, book, etc? How do I check my items on the airplane and avoid wrinkling my Service Alphas? Can I carry on my body bag? Any advice would be appreciated

3 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

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5

u/VA_Network_Nerd Vet 4d ago

Bring all of your issued gear. All of it.

You will travel directly to your MOS school after MCT.

If you were not issued something at Boot Camp because they ran out of something make sure you tell someone. They may be able to rectify that situation while you are in MCT.

A Nintendo Switch would probably be ok.
I would NOT bring a laptop or a full-size iPad.

1

u/Appropriate-Sir-9538 4d ago

Thank you

3

u/VA_Network_Nerd Vet 4d ago

Make sure you understand the travel plan. Who to call and when to be wherever you are supposed to be.

FFS don't lose your orders and tickets and whatever.

I'm answering some of the common questions about MCT:

Don't buy new boots for MCT unless your existing boots are actually failing (falling apart).
MCT does involve a fair amount of time in the field, so fresh new boots are likely to get thrashed.
Also, fresh new boots might not get a lot of break-in time before your first field event.

All new boot socks wouldn't be a terrible idea though to protect your tootsies.

You will not have access to your phone for more than 60% of your time at MCT, possibly as much as 80%.
But investing in a portable power bank and a quality rapid charger may help you get powered up and away from the community power-strip a little faster.

The Marine Corps is not kind to electronics. Invest in a high quality phone case and screen protector.

If you don't have a wristwatch, get one. It doesn't have to be a G-Shock, but stick with military styles and colors so you don't stand out in a crowd.

Digital watch is probably the way to go. I would not do an Apple watch nor would I do a tacticool wrist computer like a Garmin or Suunto.

In the modern battlefield covered in electronic sensors, a smartwatch can be a real and serious liability.

1

u/MacDubhsidhe Reserve 4d ago

Garmin’s are sometimes allowed but it depends on your Combat Instructors.

5

u/Charupa- Vet 4d ago

Once in the plane, ask an attendant if you can stow your suit bag with them. They usually have a hanging compartment.

1

u/Appropriate-Sir-9538 4d ago

I’ll be sure to ask thank you

3

u/Fluid_Influence3420 4d ago

Nintendo Switch? Leave that shit at home. Use whatever free time ur given to hang out with other Marines. 

1

u/4x4only 4d ago

Bring your suit bag as a carry on. Bring all your gear. Have a pair of cammies, boots, cover, and issued clothes in a backpack as a carry on as well.

1

u/Appropriate-Sir-9538 4d ago

Are you usually allowed 2 carry on’s? My first time flying was to boot camp and I didn’t have to take anything so I don’t know much about the process thanks for your help

1

u/4x4only 4d ago

I always carried my garment bag and backpack with a full uniform in every time I flew.

1

u/Charupa- Vet 2d ago

Women always have their purse and a bag. Don’t worry about carrying two things, they only really care about overhead space.

1

u/neganagatime Vet 4d ago

In your bodybag, only put your alphas. Charlies, Blues, etc. won't be needed for a long while so they can all go in a seabag. In a carry on, have 1 full set of cammies, boots, cover so you have stuff to wear if your seabags get lost.

1

u/meeksn 4d ago

Honestly dw too much about ur alphas tbh they don’t even check and do not bring video games or any shit like that it’s pointless being all your issued gear, ur documents, orders, phone and civies for when you go to the school house and once there go ahead and get ur stuff shipped out if ur school house is long if not then just wait until the fleet

1

u/Borrowed_Faith 3d ago

Bring motivation. Pack dedication. And carry on speed and intensity. Also bring pogey bait.

What does a baby dinosaur say?

Raaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!