Official Packing List
The following list is from the Active Duty Reporting Instructions dated 15 March 2017. As far as I know these instructions haven’t been updated since, but please let me know if I am incorrect and I will update this list. This post is divided into my recommendations for items from the official packing list, then some other miscellaneous items which many have reported were useful from classes over the years. Please let me know if you have any other recommendations and I will add them to the list.
NOTE!!! The links are not necessarily to the cheapest items. The purpose of the links is to give you an example of what that item is, then it will be up to you to shop around for the best price. Many of the items are items I personally use and recommend despite the price.
Required
*Denotes gender specific items
| ABU (See Note 1) | QTY | RECOMMENDATION |
| Belt, Rigger, desert sand color | 1 | DSCP US Military Issued Tactical Riggers Belt - Color: Sand (46) Rothco AR 670-1 Compliant Military Riggers Belt, Medium  |
| *ABU Coat (Shirt) | 3 | https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf |
| Name Tapes, textile, ABU, 1″ wide | 3 | https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf |
| Insignia, distinguishing USAF, ABU, 1" wide | 3 | https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf |
| AFSC insignia badge (Chaplain, Cyberspace, Aeronautical) (If prior service) | 3 | https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf |
| *Pants, ABU | 3 | https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf |
| Boots, sage green (2 recommended) | 1 | NIKE SFB 8" Sage/Sage 329798-200 Men's Special Field Army Tactics Boots (8.5) Oakley Mens Light Assault Boot 2 Boots, Sage, 10  |
| Socks, boot, sage green | 5 | Under Armour Men's Heatgear Boot Socks (1-Pack) LG (Men's Shoe 9-12.5),Foliage Green FoxRiver Men's Fatigue Fighter Over-The-Calf, Foliage Green, Large  Men's Military Boot Socks OLIVE DRAB - 3 PAIR - MEDIUM  |
| T-Shirt, crew neck, desert sand color | 6 | T-Shirt, NSN 8415-01-519-8786, Large, Tan (Sand), for ACU/ABU Uniform, 3-Pack |
| Hat, ABU | 1 | https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf |
| Watch Cap, sage green (October-April) | 1 | Condor Watch Cap (Foliage Green) |
| Black Gloves (October-April) | 1 | Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves for Men & Women, Black, Small FREETOO Tactical Gloves Military Rubber Hard Knuckle Outdoor Gloves (Black Full Finger, XL:9.2"-9.6" Circumference Finger Length: 3.5")  |
| Blousing straps | 1 | http://shrsl.com/157ew Foliage Green Boot Blousers For ACU (One Pair)  |
| SERVICE DRESS/BLUES UNIFORM | QTY | RECOMMENDATION |
| *Light weight blue jacket, (with or without embroidery) (October-April) | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| *Service Coat, w/epaulets with officer sleeve braid sewn on | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| *Blue Pants (Wool or Polyester, with a minimum of 1 set of Wool pants) | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| Insignia, US (officer) | 2 | http://shrsl.com/157eh |
| *Belt, Blue w/Chrome Buckle | 1 | http://shrsl.com/157ek |
| *Flight Cap (Officer w/Silver Trim) | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| Name Tag, Standard Air Force, Individual, Blue, Plastic | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| Name Tag, Standard Air Force, Individual, metallic | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| *Necktie, Blue | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| *Shirt, Cotton/Poly, Short Sleeve (no “princess cut” shirt) | 2 | Military Clothing Sales |
| *Shirt, Cotton/Poly, Long Sleeve, w/Epaulet | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| Shoes, Dress, Oxford, Black, Plain Toe | 1 | http://shrsl.com/157g4 Bates Lites Oxford, High Gloss Black, 10.5 D US  |
| Socks, Cotton/Nylon, Black | 3 | Gold Toe Men's 3-Pack Metropolitan Over-the-Calf Dress Socks, Black, 10-13 (Shoe Size 6-12.5) |
| Stockings, black (females only) | 1 | |
| Undershirt, Cotton, White, V-neck | 3 | Fruit of the Loom Men's 6-Pack Stay Tucked V-Neck T-Shirt,White,X-Large |
| Ribbons and Ribbon Rack (As required) | Various | EZ Rack Builder |
| Shirt Garters | 1 | Stirrup Style (Loop) Shirt Stays - Adjustable Elastic Shirt Stay 2-Pack (1 Pair) |
| MESS DRESS UNIFORM (See Note 2) | QTY | RECOMMENDATION |
| *Mess Dress Coat (½ inch silver sleeve braid & silver chain, blue in | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| *Mess Long Sleeve Shirt, white | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| *Mess Dress Trousers, blue | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| Mess Dress Skirt (females only) | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| Pumps (black, no higher than 2 ½ inches) (females only) | 1 | Predictions Comfort Plus by Women's Karmen Pump 7 Wide Black |
| *Bow Tie, blue (males)/Mess Dress Tie tab, blue (females) | 1 | Military Clothing Sales |
| Cuff Links | 1 set | http://shrsl.com/157gx |
| Studs (set of 4) | 1 set | http://shrsl.com/157gx |
| Medals (Miniature)(as qualified to wear) | As req | EZ Rack Builder |
| Badges (not to exceed four)(as qualified to wear) | As req | |
| PHYSICAL TRAINING UNIFORM | QTY | RECOMMENDATION |
| PT Shorts | 5 | |
| PT Shirt | 5 | |
| Running Pants | 1 | |
| Jacket | 1 | |
| Socks, white or black, cotton (Ankle or Crew Socks) | 6 | Champion Men's 6 Pack Low Cut Socks,Black,10-13 (Shoe Size 6-12) |
| Running Shoes (color does not matter; 2 recommended) | 1 | ASICS Men's Gel Venture 5 Running Shoe, Silver/Light Grey/Royal, 8 M US |
| MISCELLANEOUS | QTY | RECOMMENDATION |
| *Underwear, bra | 6 | Marvel Wear Captain America Storm Shield Boxer Brief For Men (M) |
| Eyeglass Strap (As required) (purchase at OTS Clothing Sales) | 1 | |
| Personal Hygiene; Toiletry items | As req | |
| Shower shoes/sandals | 1 set | Gear One Men's Rubber Sandal Slipper Comfortable Shower Beach Shoe Slip on Flip Flop, Black, 11 |
| Black Attaché (purchase at OTS Clothing Sales) | 1 | |
| Black Flashlight (Purchase at OTS Clothing Sales) | 1 | |
| White Towel | 1 | |
| White Wash Cloth | 1 | |
| Hand Soap | 1 | |
| Laundry Bag (Purchase at OTS Clothing Sales) | 1 | |
| Tupperware (Purchase at OTS Clothing Sales) | 1 | |
| Masterlock (combination lock only, no key) | 1 | Master Lock Padlock, Standard Dial Combination Lock, 1-7/8 in. Wide, Assorted Colors, 1530T (Pack of 2) Master Lock Padlock, Standard Dial Combination Lock, 1-7/8 in. Wide, Blue, 1506D  Master Lock Padlock, Standard Dial Combination Lock, 1-7/8 in. Wide, Black, 1500D  Master Lock 1500iD Set Your Own Directional Combination Padlock, 2-1/8 in. Wide with 1 in. Shackle, Assorted Colors  |
Optional
* NOTE 1 – Three pair of ABUs are recommended for use at OTS. Realizing that units are only authorized to issue two pairs, students will use their discretion whether to acquire the extra set or not. OTS will not replace uniforms damaged during training.
* NOTE 2 – All cadets will be expected to purchase a black hydration system (camelback) upon arrival at OTS. For standardization purposes, DO NOT bring your own. Hydration systems will be available for purchase at OTS military clothing/sales.
*NOTE 3 – Mess dress is available for purchase or rent at off-base vendors. It will not be worn until the final week of the program.
*NOTE 4 – It is RECOMMENDED cadets bring their own personal APECS if they already have one in their possession.
Unofficial – Useful Items
| GRADUATE RECOMMENDED ITEMS | RECOMMENDATION | NOTES |
| Microfiber Cloth (3 pack) | Dusting and cleaning your dorm room. | |
| Rulers | Making hospital corners and measuring margins on papers. | |
| Water Squeegee | Drying showers without using as many towels. | |
| Boot maintenance | Brush off grass and debris from your boots. | |
| Kiwi Heel and Edge (2 pack) | Use on the soles of your blues shoes. | |
| Laser printer, duplex | I am independent and loved having my own printer while I was there. | |
| Toner (high capacity) | If needed. | |
| USB Cable for printer | If needed. | |
| GPS Running Watch | I love having my current pace on my wrist while I run. | |
| Name tag and ribbon backing |  (I can only find these at Military Clothing Sales) | I hate the cardboard ones, these are the ones I use. |
| Stain Stick | Keeping stains out of your ABUs. | |
| Pledge Wipes | Leaves a waxy/shiny appearance on general surfaces to appear more clean. | |
| Windex Wipes | They will probably have Windex in the supply closet. | |
| Clorox Wipes | I used these to clean the room toilet and sink. | |
| Blister Moleskin | For those who struggle with blisters. | |
| Scissors for Strings | These hurt my fingers but are handy to carry around everywhere you go. | |
| Lighters for Strings | Clip with scissors, burn off with lighters (only on ABU). It will ruin blues. | |
| Travel Alarm Clock | Call me old-fashioned. | |
| Coffee Pot | I ordered one specifically for OTS/tech school. | |
| Silver Dollar | Honor the tradition by giving a silver dollar to the first enlisted member you salute. | |
| Headphones | Bluetooth headphones. | |
| Multi-Function Pen/Pencil | I love this pen. | |
| Expanding File | Something like this could be helpful for in-processing. | |
| Vitamin C | These kept me healthy for my entire time at OTS. |
Juan
What’s the difference between the Kellac uniforms and those sold/issued at the BX?
airforceotsguy
Brand, but both meet the required military spec. In my opinion the kellac looks slightly nicer and sharper. My other post talks about the convenience of the uniforms arriving completely ready to wear
Nathanial
For priors, are you to show up with your career field badges or do they want those removed while you are at OTS?
airforceotsguy
Career field badges are optional unless you have the mandatory pilot/cyber/space ones. Wearing your prior function badge really doesn’t matter at all, the staff didn’t really pay any attention to them when I was there.
Nathanial
That does have to look a little funny being a slick sleeve with a 7-level badge on!
airforceotsguy
In OTS I had two seven level badges! Even now that I had to drop one I still get weird looks from people
paul
Any recommendation on boots? I saw on your packing list spreadsheet it budgets for composite toe (heavy) boots and light trainer boots. Any reason 2 pair of light boots wouldn’t be recommended? Are composite toe boots needed for a component of OTS? Thanks!
airforceotsguy
No you only need one pair. It is useful to have a second pair but you can get by with one. If you have two then if your boots get wet or covered in mud in the field you can switch to the dry ones. Here are my boot recommendations if you haven’t seen it. https://airforcejourney.com/ots/uniform/sage-green-uniform-boots/
LC
For priors, do you recommend buying new uniforms or showing up with the ones you had while enlisted? Any issues passing inspections if they’re not brand new uniforms?
airforceotsguy
It all depends on shadow stripes. The fabric doesn’t wear the same rate underneath the stripes so it can be very obvious once you take off stripes. Either way you should be able to use an old enlisted pair for field exercises. For buying new ones if there were no rumors of new uniforms I would probably buy two. Depending on your class date pay attention to the new uniform rumors
Nick
Do you get reimbursed for buying the uniforms and supplies required?
airforceotsguy
Enlisted members get a “clothing allowance” every year or two years but officers do not get this benefit. Officers get this allowance once upon commissioning and that is it for their career. I got two installments and it was about ~$800 but I had to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed a few months later
Rachel Leslie
Does the type of hand soap you bring matter? (Bar or liquid). How long is it until caffeine is allowed? Is it worth it to bring your own coffee/pot? Is bringing things like protein bars or electrolyte mixes allowed?
airforceotsguy
1) no, the type of soap doesn’t matter. You will just have to order it from tallest to shortest in the cabinet. 2) no caffeine for the first few weeks. Once you guys get settled and do something good as a team (like good test scores or dorm inspection) you can submit a memo to request caffeine privileges. I bought a coffee pot because our classroom didn’t have one but they should have ones there now. They had a Keurig in the dorms when I was there. 3) yes you can bring protein bars and mixes but you aren’t allowed to keep it in the dorms.
Adriana
I’m a non-prior, not yet applied/still earning degree hopeful. Where do you get the PT uniforms? i.e. are they given/purchased upon arrival (assuming they are specific uniforms rather than just general workout clothes) or is it something you purchase from somewhere prior to your arrival similar to ABUs? And second question, as of a week or so ago, females are now allowed to wear pants instead of skirts for the mess dress uniform, but what about service dress? I’m a female that prefers the look of the male uniform over the females
airforceotsguy
The PT uniform sizing is horrid, I recommend just waiting until you get there to purchase or seeing if your recruiter can get you access to a base first.
Jeff
Here is a link for towels that are the right size. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2X5KRDM?ref=myi_title_dp&th=1
hope this helps.
airforceotsguy
Thanks for this