My brother-in-law is shipping off to Boot Camp in January, and my wife and I are wondering what sort of things he is allowed to bring. Books? Portable dvd player? Laptop? Any ideas and suggestions would be helpful!
2006-10-29 05:54:37 · 15 answers · asked by swhertzberg 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Not many personal items are ALLOWED in Boot Camp, definitely NOT DVD players & Ipods.
They are confiscated during the term then returned to the person as they depart for school.
Instead, put together a care-package.
Small items such as fingernail clippers, stamps for writing letters, a couple of decent cheap writing pens that will not leak and do not have caps that you will lose, baby powder for feet and for that rash that WILL show up, heavy duty healing ointment like Aquaphor for dried cracked skin, Ben Gay is a must, disposable lighters (they are not used for smoking either), large package of Q-tips (helps in rifle cleaning among other things), a small portable shoe shine kit with Kiwi Boot Black (black boots are still used in training), small sewing kit like you use with camping gear, some acne medication (everyone breaks out due to all the dirt and sweating), a couple of unscented antiperspirants, plain writing tablet with plain envelopes, a couple of small notebooks, a black, brown, or olive green waterproof watch with a net band, and a Pre-Paid calling card!
I know it doesn't sound like much but you have no idea how much those things will be appreciated if you don't have those things with you. Save your portable DVD players & Ipods for their graduation presents from Boot Camp where they will actually be able to enjoy them.
Also, 3/4 small laminated waterproof photos of friends & family is nice to have.
2006-10-29 06:27:49 · answer #1 · answered by Muinghan Life During Wartime 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most drill instructors do not allow laptops, dvd players, and even reading material. The only entertainment that I had was reading what they call a "smart book" it's a book that has all the basic skills for new soldiers and they allowed us to read the New Testament. You can send him a care package via mail with a few cookies in it, calling card, and a letter from the family. That's about all they let us have. Don't send alot of sweets though because if he is overweight or hasn't passed his P.T. test they will throw your cookies in the trash. He will get more privleges after he complets basic training and is attending A.I.T.
2006-10-29 06:17:45 · answer #2 · answered by guitardan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just got out of the Navy after 6 years. I would suggest a good set of running shoes as any branch will have lots of PT in Basic Training. I'd hold off on the expensive gifts because everything he brings with him will upon in-processing will be boxed up and sent home. He can't have dvd players, laptops or any of that during training. Just as a heads up, have him pay close attention to what his recruiter tells him to bring, as he'll be singled out for bringing anything the drill instructors finds frivolous (i.e: laptop) I wish him luck!
2006-10-29 12:23:41 · answer #3 · answered by seeress_of_hell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for Boot camp/Basic training : NOTHING he is allowed only a religious aritfact(Bible, rosary, that sort of thing). everything else will either be packed away and locked up for the duration or mailed back.
he MIGHT be able to keep a good sturdy watch.(not dress tyle), so you could look into that.
However, that being said, after he graduates and heads to A school he may possibly be able to have more things, but it is in his best interest to wait until he actually gets settled in and finds out exactly how much room he will have to store hs stuff before sending him anything big and bulky. Additionally..laptops and gaming systems take upa lot fo room, and if he gets assigned to sea duty right away, he won;t have room, especially since theyhave to be locked up. and Laptops may NOT be hooked to the ship's LAN which means it would only be good for watching movies and playing spider solitaire, not for checking email
2006-10-29 07:06:25 · answer #4 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best gift are cash in small denominations. He will have to keep track of his money while there. Also some writing paper, pre-stamped envelopes and pens. Another great thing would be a travel iron. I had one while I was in basic training and they are a MUST. They are relatively cheap on base but it sure is nice to get one as a gift too. He will be using it a LOT. No laptops or books or dvd players as he wont have time to use them and they will just be locked up in storage. Also, tell him that we are all proud of him.
2016-05-22 05:35:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm........Boot Camp. Well I remember sending my cousin the basics since that was a very popular item. Favorite toiletries such as, tooth paste, shaving cream, shampoo, etc. You can ask your brother in law what he is allowed to bring. I know they have stipulations for what is allowed. If you want it to be a surprise call the local retruitment office and ask them for suggestions. So not to send him something they would take and give back to him later. Good luck to your brother-in-law.
2006-10-29 06:10:04 · answer #6 · answered by giya_98 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, I don't know your background, so don't mean to offend anyone. I know that the American Standard Bible that is written in terms we can understand today is a real source of comfort and strength when you need it the most. This would be a tremendous gift for him and to folks with him, God Bless you and keep you surrounded with His love and guidance. He is lucky to have you for a brother-in-law, how sweet you and your wife are. When he is established wherever he gets stationed, it would be a joy to receive "care packages" from home; there are a million websites where families and mom's have lists of things they send to our service people that really make a difference. Goodness to you.
2006-10-29 06:02:09 · answer #7 · answered by OPTIMIST 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All you can give him is a good pair of running shoes. NO BOOKS, DVD PLAYER, LAPTOP, NO NOTHING. He's not going to have enough time to read, watch a movie, play around with a laptop.
2006-10-29 06:05:31 · answer #8 · answered by Rusty Shackleford 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure there are certain things they can have,maybe a Book.The boot camps can be restrictive and he probably will not have to much time for anything.Help, him to adjust and find a good Job when he gets out.He will be most grateful,to have a good career.
2006-10-29 06:13:57 · answer #9 · answered by Rather be dead than red... 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A pair of Boots.
Seriously though, I would say any of the things that you mentioned would be a great thing. If he doesn't already have a Laptop, it would be a great way for him to stay in touch with you guys from wherever he ends up.
2006-10-29 05:56:33 · answer #10 · answered by wscarpelli@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋