friend in army?

Question

my best friend has just left for the army. just wandering if anyone else has friends in the army and how often you are able to talk on the phone and write.

Answer 1

Though it's true that basic training affords little time to call or write, towards the end of it, there is time to call. It also depends on the tempo of the unit (some Drill Sergeants and/or units are more lax than others) and also, remember that he may have more than a couple of people that he can call when he gets the chance...
As far as being stationed - it's no different than him living in another state - he'll be able to call or write as often as he wants.
Deployments are tricky - I got a phone call every week for 20 minutes on a satellite phone. And that was 3 and a half years ago. I know people there now who call more often and even have daily access to e-mail. It depends on his job, where he's deployed, and what the operational tempo of his unit is in theater.
Do both of you a favor and do your best to keep in touch with him - particularly if he's deployed - and I would bet that he keeps in touch with you as often as he can.

Answer 2

My brother is a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. When he was in basic he called only once, he only wrote most of the time[also rare 1-2 messages]. And, when he did get to write he had to write quick, brief messages on the back of a postcard [your friend will need ur address]. When he finally gets settled down [and is assigned a base] and gets his orders [work] or duty you'll be able to talk to your friend more.

-Basic Training is 6 weeks, or 2 months.

-My brother also had 2 tours of duty in Iraq [he went twice]. If your friend goes to Iraq [hopefully not], he'll be able to write as much as he wants [he might even get email service].

-Talking on the phone in Iraq is a big luxury..because you'll need a satellite phone or be patched through a base in Iraq to a base in your hometown and then to your house--so he/she won't be calling too often.

Answer 3

You can tell your friend to always call you on the phone when he has a vacant time. You will have a hard time calling your friend because of the tight schedule.

Answer 4

hi i spent 5 years in the army, and was statoned at ft. benning. during basic, they will have very little time to acciciate with the outside world. basic training is a very rigourous event in which new soldiers need all the time to focus on training. you guys can usually communicate through the mail. but she will have to send the address.

Answer 5

I'm ex-Army with many old friends there. One of my old friends calls me sometimes from Baghdad. He is the 1st Sgt of his unit now.

Answer 6

Boot Camp doesnt afford such luxuries...way to busy being trained....I didn't see a phone till after I graduated..