After the initial processing of the boys, they were marched to a compound of barracks by a uniformed older man. He barracks were open areas with rows of bunk beds and the boys claimed whatever bunk was available as they got in. Friends from the same village tended to congregate in the same area, though many of the boys didn't mind making new friends. They were given linen and cleaning supplies, and despite how spotless and empty the barracks were, they were still expected to observe cleanliness. Until sunset, every boy scrubbed every inch of the barracks, picked every piece of stray lint from their blankets, and if there was nothing to clean, they swept dirt outside the barracks if it wasn't raining.

The following day consisted mostly of issuing gear and clothing to the boys. They were told to lock away the clothes they came with and were given a new set of clothing. One of the sets had to be custom altered for them all, so they all tried on different sizes, with young and old women measuring and marking adjustments. This was the dress uniform, a red tnic with brass buttons, black trousers with a red stripe. It was the uniform everybody saw being worn by Young Men returning from their journey, though they were always eager to discard it. For now, every boy was eager to get their scarlet uniform returned to them after the correct alterations were made.