Do You Have Privacy Of Your Stuff Like Books, Items That You Don't Want To Share When You Join the U.S. Army?

In basic you don't have rights to many things however mail is still private as long as it doesn't appear to have the potential to hold contraband. (Such as alcohol or drugs or pornography). Pendants are still personal property but you may not be able to wear it in uniform unless its for a religious purpose. They are allowed to break into lockers for Welfare inspections. However you must be present for an inspection so you can unlock things yourself.

When your not in basic you are allowed to have most anything but Welfare inspections still take place. Just not for alcohol but instead for drugs or items that violate your units SOPs. When your overseas Welfare inspections are taken to keep General Order number one in place. Most of the time you'll get along fine with porn on your computer as long as its hidden but alcohol is still not permitted, same with drugs. Books, Bibles, pendants that aren't crude are all good to go.

I'm assuming your looking at going into training. I know that when I went to basic they gave an amnesty opportunity when you got there. That's when you can get rid of things that are illegal or against the rules. Just follow the law and for the most part you'll be fine. I wouldn't over pack because you will be given a little bit of heck at the beginning.

Oh pictures are fine too as long as there's no nudity. But when I say nudity I mean sexual, a friend of mine was able to keep a picture of his son in a bathtub while we were there. Our drill sergent messed with him a little but it was mainly just friendly.

EDIT: Grab a copy of Army Regs-15 from a recurtier or online itll give you a lot of insight

it really depends on your circumstances how much privacy you have. in basic, none. ait, a little - and they can root through your stuff. when you're enlisted if you live in the barracks, they are subject to search. if you live on post, they can inspect the house, but not go through stuff. if you're living off base housing (which you won't for a while unless you're married) then they can't do anything. if you want to have something with you, i don't think it would be an issue to have something small in your pocket when you go to work (normal work day). though be prepared.... if a sensitive item goes missing and it comes down to it, they'll search you.

only if you can lock it up. and yes those secure boxes are broken in to at times.

as for carrying stuff around in the field: you will also be carrying 50+ pounds of gear everywhere that is NOT negotiable.. so only you can decide if carrying anything else is worth it.