Are care packages allowed in basic training?

Question

If yes, what can be sent in those care packages?

Answer 1

the DI will let the recruit know what and when.

I don't recommend sending anything until you're asked. Punishment is pretty much imminent if you send anything on your own.

Answer 2

Yes and some times encouraged especially over the Holidays. But be careful. I was In the USMC and we got loads of care packages and so not to waste them we all opened them at the same time and had 30 min to eat every thing. Then we went for a 3 mile run. it was a messy three miles. Check with the recruiter they should be able to give you an idea of what is OK to send. Also have the your Basic Trainee give you an idea of what is deemed appropriate by his Drill Instructors.
I would not recommend sending anything perishable, send in small amounts. and absolutely no underpants... My father sent me briefs because I made the comment the Boxers, as issued by the USMC were not my favorite. Nine pairs got worn. One each day, on my head, then i tossed them.
Again, care packages are OK but be warned the the Drill instructors may just use them as a training tool...LOL

Answer 3

Well yeah they are allowed, but.......

...only if you want your recruit to pull extra duty and do lots of push-ups and be made fun of by the drill sergeants.

...only if you want to spend your hard earned money to send a care package to the drill sergeants, because they are the only ones that will get to enjoy it.

In general, no they are not allowed. Send lots of encouraging letters. That will cheer your soldier up far more than get a package. Only send a care package if you want to see your soldier tormented. More like an uncaring package.

Answer 4

The Army wants you to send him letters. Any package would have to be opened in the presence of a DS so contraband can be confiscated. The list of contraband is long. The list of what is OK is VERY short. Send letters. If you send pictures they cannot be of you or anyone else in a comprimising setting. In other words everyone must have clothes on, street clothes. Stick to the letters. Doing anything that makes him standout WILL cause him pain, physical pain, blisters, dirty hands from digging a foxhole, muscular pain, getting the point????? Send letters and nothing else!!! SSG US Army 73-82 They have lost their sense of humor. Used to be you could send cookies etc. We would have to share and have it all eaten before going in but did not get in trouble. That was then, now it goes in file 13.

Answer 5

I wouldn't. The DI would confiscate our care packages and smash them in front of us and then proceed to make us have to PT extra for the caring gesture of our families. We could even receive extra socks and underwear without PT torture.

Answer 6

Sure, you can mail them, but everything inside minus a letter or card that may be in it will never reach the recruit. Send them letters and cards, nothing else. They are not at summer camp and they don't have anywhere to store anything you send them. They don't get junk food or anything else cool unless it from the mess decks at chow time.

Answer 7

it is best to ask a recruiter or di, but yes. was in the navy and what my di did was saved all the books sent and we all got to share everything, that way no one was left out if they weren't sent anything.

Answer 8

Its up to your drill sargeant / company commander. I went through boot camp during Christmas and our CC let our families send cookies and small gifts...The recruiters are suppose to tell you what's allowed.

Answer 9

they are but the soldier you send it too most likeyly will not get it. and if he does, he will get ripped on hardcore for having a care package. for the soldier's sake dont send them a care package

Answer 10

NO. do NOT send them anything but letters, postcards and (tasteful)pictures.

anything else will be confiscated and he could face additional PT becuase of it.