What can you send to someone in basic training?

Question

My friend left for the Army and I'm sick of just writing letters. Wanted to know if there is anything that I am allowed to send to him.

Answer 1

FOLKS, SHE SAID "BASIC TRAINING" (not regular duty)

CARE PACKAGES WILL >>NOT<< BE FORWARDED TO THE SOLDIER IN BASIC TRAINING!!

I came across this interesting site:
"Basic Training for Moms"
and I think it might answer some of your questions.
For example, this excerpt:
Can I send my soldier Care Packages?
"No. There are several items considered contraband (prohibited) in Basic Training. Among these are candy, chewing gum, cookies, soft drinks, and tobacco products. All these products undermine the physical training advancements your soldier is attaining, and they will be confiscated."
http://www.militarymoms.net/basicformoms.html

Here's another:
"Care packages are not allowed during boot camp and basic training (candy and toys don’t really help toughen up a new recruit). Your soldier in basic training will not receive any pack you send, and packs will not be returned (this is a good time to write a letter…those are ok)."
http://www.beyondbookmarks.com/products.aspx?catid=3&subcatid=28&addonsid=30

And one more:
"Also importantly, don't send anything but letters until the recruit sends you the OK first. In the first weeks of training, everything will be confiscated, including gramma's cookies, their favorite brownies, etc. Just don't do it or your recruit may suffer. ( a note, "suffer" refers to extra PT, extra duty, spot discipline like many many pushups, or other punishments up to and possibly including disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which is DAMN HARSH!) Wait until you get the ok first, if they are still punished, it is between the Drill Sgt's and the recruit."
http://www.silentwarriors.net/interviewdale.html

Answer 2

It'll depend on his drill instructors. Some are more strict than others. But if it's early in his BCT the answer's "Nothing" the first couple weeks of basic are the most strict. I'd ask him what he's allowed to get. Don't worry about just sending letters though. "Mail call" is among the most anticipated events. NOT getting a letter is depressing.

Answer 3

The only things you can send are letters or postcards. Youre friend won't have any "civillian" things until they earn it... which we'll proab be towards the end of their basic training. Sometimes they don't even give all the mail to them... some can check email, but at most bases u have to pay to use the computers. So just keep writing.

Answer 4

Just about anything....cookies, candy magazines etc. Keep in mind most in basic will have to "Push" for evey letter or package they receive. In my time it was 25 pushups for a letter and 50 for a package so whatever you send...

1) Make it worth it.

2) nothing illegal OR immoral (porn mags)

3)something disposable...."personal non-military item" space is VERY limited. Think the size of an average Bible...nothing bigger and that size is total...no matter how many items you send.

I suggest....cookies, candy, hometown newspapers, preferred coffee or tea powders, preferred shampoo, wet-wipes, Kiwi Black instant shoe polish. Also a note from me that says..."Thanks for serving!"

Good luck and I hope this was useful!

Answer 5

my husband went through basic at ft jackson in 2003 i sent him packages but it was for holidays. dont send to many letters ( no more than 4-5 a week) they hold mail and give it all at once and they have to push for every letter so be nice...i didnt know that until he got home and said he had to do the "grid" for my letters ...sorry baby... it ended up to be like 100 push ups

Answer 6

Food packages are always good, but it's a community life, so I recommend sending enough to share with about 8 people. Pictures are nice. They don't need or have time for anything else. Most items are contraband during that time. I'd go for food.

Answer 7

Sometimes when they are in basic you need to send enough for their group, like if you want to send him cookies, send a case so all the guys can have some. Once he is done with boot camp sending individual stuff is fine. That's what we had to do when my nephew was in boot camp anyway. I send stuff just for him to Iraq now.

Answer 8

He can get cards, but be forewarned that if they're in cute envelopes he'll be made fun of. :) My son was in BCT last year (he's at AIT right now) and he wasn't allowed to get newspapers, magazines, etc. BCT soldiers are NOT allowed any candy or food items. (One of my friends did mail him a pack of gum the last week of Basic and he got away with it.) They are allowed to get photos, and my son really appreciated photos of his friends. Check on the website of the post where he is for their regulations. If he's at Fort Leonard Wood, I'll save you the search, cause that's where my son is, and tell you that although it says to send them lots of mail it doesn't say specifically what they can and cannot have.

Answer 9

You can send alot of things, but something he will suffer from. Cookies and sweets cause him and his friends to do push ups. If you want to spice his life up, send a very sexy, sensual postcard, then follow it with a Gay one sent by a male friend, just as sensual...he will get yelled at, laughed at and teased, but it will be funny for everyone. If you're not dating, you'll be okay if you do that, if you are dating, he'll dump you for the prank.

Answer 10

Send them encouragement, leave material things off. They are fed and clothed and really don't have time to deal with the crap they will get from the Drill Instructor for getting "contraband".