We did not have to do this for DS 2 years ago. They did suggest bringing some money with them (about $200-300). This is for small items they may need from the C-store and an outing they get to go on about half way through BCT. I think we sent our DS with $200 which was the suggested amount then. If I had it to do over again, I would have given him a little more, like $300 because we found out later from a letter he wrote that his roommate had very little to no money and our DS began to buy his necessities for him too. (Very proud of him for that to this day). He still did fine and learned to be very resourceful from day 1 but I wish I had known so I could have helped my DS help this young man whose family was struggling. Nevertheless, it worked out and taught my son how to budget and help others. But I thought I would share this for future Appointees and parents to consider.