The local

Gina Ciocci, 25, teacher

Home base: Capitol Hill

Arrived: 4:30 a.m.

Why? “Bruce” (as in Springsteen)

Vittles: Turkey and ham sandwiches

What else did you bring? The Ellen DeGeneres game, “Heads Up”

The student

Alexandra Mosenson, 18, college student

Home base: American University

Arrived: 3 a.m.

Why? “We love Springsteen, though getting here that early was probably overkill.”

Vittles: “We actually did not pack well. We had sandwiches from Subway but we ate half for breakfast.”

What else did you bring? “Hairspray, perfume … I have to smell nice for when I meet Springsteen.”

The veteran

Max Z. Maxfield, 43, retired from the Army, now a military contractor

Home base: Arlington

Arrived: 6 a.m.

Why? “I’m here early to stake out a spot so my young co-workers can sleep in, the bastards.”

Vittles: Sandwiches, water, Crystal Lite drink powder, energy drinks, gum

What else did you bring? Antibacterial hand wipes, a Kindle and two blinking safety lights, “so I don’t get hit by a bicycle when I’m walking home on Mount Vernon Trail tonight.”

Strategy: “The TTP [tactics, techniques and procedures] is to get here early and be prepared for any eventuality.”

The military kid

Jacob Galindo, 18

Home base: Quantico, Va.

Arrived: 6 a.m.

Why? “We’re here to support our families. My dad is overseas right now, and he’s going to watch the concert live and look for me in the crowd.”

Vittles: Two Kind bars

What else did you bring? “A change of shoes, in case my dress shoes get uncomfortable.”

The realist

Terrance Kimbrough, 36, Marine reservist

Home base: Fort Washington, Md.

Arrived: 6 a.m.

Why? “To see Bruce Springsteen. This might be his last concert. Metallica aren’t spring chickens anymore either.”

Vittles: “I didn’t bring anything but my wallet.”

The maximalist

James Keller, 44, manager at a car dealership

Home base: Detroit

Arrived: 6 a.m., after driving all night. “I’m driving straight back, too.”

Why? “I love concerts.”

Vittles: An entire cake and a pound of salami

The minimalist

Greg Packer, 50, retired highway maintenance worker

Home base: Long Island, N.Y.

Arrived: midnight, slept on a bench on the Mall

Why? “Metallica, but I love all music, especially EDM.”

Vittles: Nothing. “I just have to be careful how much I eat and drink so I don’t have to go to the bathroom and lose my spot.”

What else did you bring? “I have lots of layers of clothes on. Two thermals, two pairs of socks, a sweatshirt. I got this Concert for Valor shirt from a T-shirt guy. He gave it to me when he saw me sleeping on the bench.”