What are you supplied with when you join the army?

Answer 1

When you report in for Basic Combat Training or One Station Unit Training, you'll go to the Clothing Initial Issue Point. In 98, I was supplied with three sets of Summer PT uniforms, two sets of Winter PT uniforms, four sets of Battle Dress Uniforms, one long sleeve dress shirt, two short sleeve dress shirts, two sets of Class A dress trousers, one Class A jacket, two pairs of dress socks, seven pairs of black socks to be worn with your battle dress uniforms, one garrison cap, two patrol caps, two pairs of black leather boots, two duffel bags... those are items you'll keep.

The uniforms have changed some since then.. for example, the BDU uniform is no longer in use, so you'd be getting Army Combat Uniforms, instead, and probably only one patrol cap - with the BDUs, you got two sets of temperate lightweight uniforms, and two sets of intermediate heavy weight uniforms, and one patrol cap for each type of uniform - the new ACUs are all temperate (there was no value to the intermediate weight, and most didn't want to wear them at all, even in garrison). And the black boots have been phased out for the desert boots, as well.

At your BCT/OSUT unit, you'll receive your unit issue, which typically consists of your webbing, rucksack, helmet, helmet cover, weapons cleaning kit, etc.

When you report to your duty station, you'll go to the Central Issue Facility, where you'll receive items which you'll have to turn in once you leave that duty station. That will include all your field kit (shelter half, wet weather gear, poncho, sleeping bag system, rucksack, webbing, canteens, etc.). Most of that stuff, you'll have to return, although some items (beret, boots, cold weather socks) you will keep. It varies by duty station.