Take a roll of quaters $5 and have about $30 in small bills. 1s and 5s. Don't spend this money on drycleaning or anything, save it for special events like fun runs and warrior challenge. There's also several details where you get to use the vending machines and we are required to send you with a few bucks.
Cut your hair before hand. Not shaved to the bone but at least a number 1 guard. You may hear all the stories about being messed with about that but they aren't true. You are too busy in zero week to mess with trainees about their hair. you wont have time in zero week to fix it so best it not be there.
Wear comfortable shoes pants and bring a sweat shirt. YOu may not get uniforms for 3 days and will be wearing civies until then.
Your recruiter may have givin you a list of things you'll buy when you get here. Most of them are a good idea.
-soap/shampoo and any other toiletry....get a flat bottle so it doesnt roll around in your drawer
-get a razor that shaves FAST...the mach 5 is good....you won't have much time.
-forget about towels....use the ones you'll be issued, they are easier to fold.
-phone cards are expensive here so go get a cheap one at wallmart.
most of everything else you can get here for cheap so you can pack light. ONLY BRING ONE BAG!
Learn how to say a reporting statement FAST before you ship.. "Sir, Trainee (last name) REPORTS as ordered"
Its not reporting for orders or reporting as ordered.
If you do get singled out for the DC job be aggressive and don't be afraid to have initiative. TIs love it when a DC can do their job for them....I'm not messing with you either, that's how I train mine, command voice and all.
Other than that move fast everywhere you go. Don't take attitude or argue with the MTIs. You'll stand out for your age but as I've said, I've had some 30 somethings in flights before and most were total turds. They washed up in everything else they did in life and ended up in my dorm. It really is hit or miss what sqaudron you get and how easy/hard it is.
I will tell you though it is not a walk in the park anymore. We train hard.....be prepared to feel some pain.
Good luck!