If you’ve joined the military and are getting prepared to head out, you’re probably wondering what type of watch to bring to basic training. You might even be wondering can you bring one? Or is it forbidden? Well, you can bring a watch, whether you end up wearing it depends on the DS. Some drill sargents might not ant them. You have some guys who look for a total uniform look in cadets. However, many people find that bringing a watch is essential to a successful basic training. The ability to know the exact time, as well as set an alarm to wake yourself up at that super early hour is so important. However, not all watches are appropriate for basic training. You don’t want to bring a watch to basic training that will make you stand out and look like a wannabe or a rich snob. Also, you don’t want to bring a cheap watch that will break. And you don’t want a watch that is useless for basic training (no alarm? no good).
You might be able to get a watch at the PX a little while after you start basic training, but you can’t be sure that they will have one you like or that you will have time to go to PX before you need the watch. So it’s a good idea to get a watch that you can bring with you to BT.
So here are the best watches for Basic Training.
Casio G Shock
Probably the best all around watch for basic training are the Casio G Shocks. They hit all the main important features. First, they are unbelievable durable. The things are virtually, in the opinion of many servicemen, indestructible. They are not going to break after a long day training.
They also are not too flashy. The last thing you want to do is show up to BT with something like a Omega and have your Drill Sarge think you are some rich kid. A g-shock is a respected watch, and everyone knows its super affordable.
You should choose a G-shock that has two things: Alarm and Afterglow light (push a button and have a bright illumination so you can see the time in the dark).
Here are the two best Casio G-Shocks for Basic Training.
Super affordable watch. Backlight push button. Several Timers( countdown, daily alarm, etc..) Big buttons and easy to use.
G Shock G7900 Rescue
This is the same watch that was in the movie 13 hours Benghazi (the ex-military contractor played by John Krasinski wore one). Many people like this because the buttons are super easy to touch and use. It has a nice wide face (50mm), easy to read face, and as mentioned, large button that make it easy to adjust the watch.
Non Digital Watches You Can Bring To Basic Training
If you don’t happen to like the look of the Casio G-Shock, then you should get a Seiko in black. These are very popular in the militarily. Not as popular as the Casio, but still pretty common. The only thing that this watch doesn’t have is an alarm features, so if you really need that wake up help I would suggest that you get a Casio G Shock. The important thing here is that you get the black color (important for Basic Training) and a super functional watch.
What Watches Should You Avoid Bringing To Basic Training
The type of watch you don’t want to bring to basic training are the following:
Fragile
Fragile watches are defiantly not for boot camp. You want a strong watch, which is why G-Shocks are so good. You’re going to put these watches through the ringer, so it’s best to get something super strong. Generally speaking, the G-Shock are the best watch for basic training because they will withstand the heavy duty workload. A cheaply made watch, is not what you want to bring along. There is a big difference between cheap and inexpensive. The G-shock line is inexpensive, but they are not “cheap” watches.
Fancy
OK, so you might see officers or higher ups wearing a Rolex, Omega or other luxury watch. Don’t think you can do this. While you can, it will be seen as elitist and will get you a bad rep. Why would you wear a super expensive luxurious watch to basic training? When you see a master sergeant wearing a Daytona (Rolex) he gets that privilege because of his seniority and rank, what do you think the drill sergeant or other guys will think if a new guy in boot shows up wearing the same watch? So stick with a watch such as a Casio G-Sock