Military Question: Can I have a pocket knife during tech school?

N

Navyblu

Joined
Jan 11, 2013
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177
Enlisting soon, wondering if I'm allowed to own a pocket knife during training at tech school. Obviously, I wouldn't want to carry it during drills, exercises, etc. but I can't imagine life without a pocket knife. Am I allowed to pack it with me?

Sorry for my ignorance, I'd really appreciate some wisdom.
Many thanks, take it easy.
 
I'm not sure. But I recommend that you give me all your knives just in case they don't allow it.


All kidding aside, I don't understand why they wouldn't let you.
 
My google fu says that no you are not allowed to bring one to basic training. Once you graduate, you are allowed to bring one with you to the unit you are assigned to.
 
Pardon my rudeness, but this sure does seem like the sort of question for your recruiter, instead of a general "Does anyone know?" post here on the Board. You are getting contradictory responses, and at the end of the day, if you listen to the wrong one, it might mean you're singled out in Basic as the guy who thought he was above the rules, or at the least, you have a good knife confiscated when they go through your stuff.
 
K.O.D. said:
I'm not sure. But I recommend that you give me all your knives just in case they don't allow it.


All kidding aside, I don't understand why they wouldn't let you.
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Over my dead body:D

And seems like the military is pretty big on the whole "rules" thing haha, and I wasn't able to find anything on the subject.

knives_in_nature said:
I'm sure it's fine.
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If common sense was the decision maker, then yeah. But it is the military, and rules are rules. Common sense and regulation rarely go together, especially with knives.

Quiet said:
Pardon my rudeness, but this sure does seem like the sort of question for your recruiter, instead of a general "Does anyone know?" post here on the Board. You are getting contradictory responses, and at the end of the day, if you listen to the wrong one, it might mean you're singled out in Basic as the guy who thought he was above the rules, or at the least, you have a good knife confiscated when they go through your stuff.
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No "weapons" allowed during basic, so I'd never try to bring one there. I'm wondering about the time after basic but still during training.
I'll still ask my recruiter about specifics, but I wanted an answer now :D I guess knife addiction and impulsivity go hand in hand.
 
K.O.D. said:
My google fu says that no you are not allowed to bring one to basic training. Once you graduate, you are allowed to bring one with you to the unit you are assigned to.
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I'm fairly certain that you're assigned a unit after any technical schools you attend, not immediately after basic. Definitely a question for my recruiter.
Thanks for the input :thumbup:
 
Well it seems I'm an even bigger moron than I thought. Even though an hour of research last night yielded no results, I was able to find what I was looking for just now in 15 minutes.

Seems that any blades longer than 3" are a no go, unless issued to you (sounds like spyderco delica territory to me). I guess the next question would be if these regulations have changed recently, as the page I read was not dated.
 
Long time ago, USAF. I bet the rules still hold for all branches. After you get bused in to your basic training barracks, your sergeant will go through everything you brought and most anything you're not allowed to have will go in the trash. No knives, kids. :)

Tech school might be strict, might not. Ask them first. When you get to your first assignment, ask about the rules before assuming what's good.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Long time ago, USAF. I bet the rules still hold for all branches. After you get bused in to your basic training barracks, your sergeant will go through everything you brought and most anything you're not allowed to have will go in the trash. No knives, kids. :)

Tech school might be strict, might not. Ask them first. When you get to your first assignment, ask about the rules before assuming what's good.
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Im not gonna show up with a perceived "weapon" and then argue that some guy on the internet said I could have it. I'm definitely gonna make sure. I appreciate the input, thank you for your service. What'd you do in the service? If you dont mind me asking.

303_enfield said:
Even "if" your told NO, you can buy one the first time your allowed to visit the PX. What Branch?
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Hadn't thought of it like that, thanks :thumbup:
Air force.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Long time ago, USAF. I bet the rules still hold for all branches. After you get bused in to your basic training barracks, your sergeant will go through everything you brought and most anything you're not allowed to have will go in the trash.
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How long ago?

With us it was a one on one interview with a E6 or above. I was allowed to keep my knife. Just a small, simple folder. They were looking for straight razors and ice picks back in my day. No tactical knives back then.
 
Navyblu said:
Over my dead body:D

And seems like the military is pretty big on the whole "rules" thing haha, and I wasn't able to find anything on the subject.


If common sense was the decision maker, then yeah. But it is the military, and rules are rules. Common sense and regulation rarely go together, especially with knives.



No "weapons" allowed during basic, so I'd never try to bring one there. I'm wondering about the time after basic but still during training.
I'll still ask my recruiter about specifics, but I wanted an answer now :D I guess knife addiction and impulsivity go hand in hand.
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If you need an accurate answer immediately, call him up. I'm sure he would appreciate an early week check in.
 
Chiefly advice time.....

Bring the absolute minimum you need to RTC, don't worry about a knife at that point. What rate are you striking after RTC? Depending on the location and school, you may be better served with a multitool rather than a pocket knife. Also, depending on the rate, you may be issued a pocket knife or tool. Worry about the edge you carry after you sharpen your mind.

Been doing this Navy thing for just shy of 20 years, my recommendation is wait till you reach your first duty station to purchase a pocket knife. NETC commands get kinda touchy when students carry a knife, if not required.
 
9 years Navy, and agree with Navman. You are about to have every part of normal go away for awhile, and pocket knives are going to be low on your daily list of priorities.

Additionally, leave your recruiter alone. This is frankly a silly question to bother the guy about.
 
Mind you I served in a combat trade so YMMV, but I would attend training with nothing more than the clothes on my back and the proper paperwork. Everything else you need is issued. This way you'll have a better chance of your own personal stuff not getting lost or stolen while on training. (Funny how things go missing...) Once basic is done you'll get a feel for whether or not it's practical/okay to carry your own knife but honestly, I would wait until I got to my unit to start using my own kit.
 
Attended Basic & AIT back in 1993 - No knives allowed at Basic or at Combat Medic school.

I'll second what Navman said - wait till you get to your first duty station.
 
I carried my SAK Tinker all through basic with no issues at all. I was OSUT at Ft. Knox back in 1990. In fact many guys bought them at the PX during basic.
 
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