First-Time Soldier Guide

If you stumbled across this site, there is a good chance that this is the first time you’re living in a barracks after your initial training. Living on your own is definitely not the same as when you are at basic training. No drill instructors yelling at you or telling you what to do or where to go. You’re on your own now! You may have lived on your own prior, but barracks life does come with different challenges than living in an apartment or family.

To make it easy lets put it into two groups, home and work.

Home: You will be living in tight quarters, somewhere in the ballpark of 100 square feet per person. It’s also a high chance that you will have a roommate. Hygiene is very important. Your tight space can become stinky rather quickly. You will need to be creative with space; finding the right space-saving items will help minimize your clutter.

Work: This is the biggest challenge that apartment life will not offer. You will share spaces like the kitchen, bathrooms, and living space with the very people you work with or work for. You will see them all day long, then back at home. This can be challenging, so fostering the right kind of relationship with them is key, learning how to decompress and work out the disagreements will save you a headache in the long run. These will be people you will depend on, so fighting over splatter in the microwave may not be the hill you want to die on. Another key difference, your boss will encroach on your living space. Inspections, stopping by to chat, and walkthroughs with key people every now and again will happen.

This guide will show you tips to prepare yourself before you move in or if you already live the life. I will also give you my top picks that you should consider for your barracks or dorm.

• Always keep your room tidy. Being tired is not an excuse. Even if you had a 24-hour shift followed by an impromptu formation, meetings, or inspections. I know this sucks, but it happens; leadership seems to check in on your worst day. If you’re tired and you cut corners because you would rather sleep, it could come back to haunt you and make your day that much worse. Trust me, in hindsight, taking a few extra minutes to take out the trash or put some items away will save you hours.

• Living a large life with expensive items is probably unwise. People will come and go from your room often, and if you have a roommate, visitors may be in your room when you’re not around. Not to say you can’t trust your fellow soldiers, but… things can disappear. Large items you can’t do a lot about, like Tv’s, other than taking pictures of serial numbers and attempting to secure as best you can with locks when possible. 

• Community items like laptops, game consoles, and kitchen appliances need to be stored in secure locations, like your locker or closet, when not in use. Also, put your name on it. Even if not malicious, things can disappear. Someone could mistake an item for theirs. You may want to be nice and like to share, that’s great, but not everyone may have the same intent. Remember, you will be living with people from all walks of life and different regions of the country. They may have been raised to share, and some may not have. So if you don’t want it shared or to grow feet and walk away, best to label and lock up.

• Safety. You and your roommates will likely have a bit of basic medical training. Being prepared in case of an emergency will help save time during a crisis or may even save someone’s life. Have a first aid kit in your room and stocked at all times. They are not that expensive, and most of the items don’t expire (some items can, so make sure to check all the dates), and you will be able to take the kit with you wherever you go. Depending on your unit, you may be able to restock items from company supplies. Checking with your leadership may be a good idea.

• When you pack and head to your first assignment, don’t pack your entire wardrobe. Space will be tight. You will likely have 1 or 2 wall closets and a drawer. You will need room for both your civilian clothes and uniforms.

• • Make sure to check your email and junk folders. Before you head to your first unit, you may have got an email from a sponsor. They will be a good resource, especially if you’re going overseas, as there may be specific concerns that they will make you aware of.

Top picks for your room.