When writing to your loved one at boot camp,
use a plain envelope and DO NOT decorate it with drawings, stickers, or any text other than the to and from addresses
. Don’t spritz it with perfume, either. This will cause unnecessary attention from the drill instructor during mail call and nobody wants that!
Do they check your mail in boot camp?
At the end of the duty day, the drill instructor will enter the barracks, call out names and pass out mail.
You’re then usually granted about one hour of free time to read your mail
.
How do you address an envelope to bootcamp?
Addressing Your Letters
Address your letters to
“Rct.
Last name, First name.” Your son or daughter is NOT a Marine yet. DO NOT put any other rank other than Rct. —which means “Recruit”—and refer to him or her as such when addressing the envelope.
Does the military read your letters?
No. They don’t read letters
.
No, recruits at Ship 5 are permitted to write letters
every day
. Their only restrictions are when there is formal instruction taking place or they are standing watch. Additionally, they are not authorized to write or read letter after lights out (2200).
When should I stop sending letters to bootcamp?
It’s recommended to stop sending mail
near the end of week 7
. This is the safest end date to ensure Trainees receive all your letters.
What can you send to someone in basic training?
- Address book.
- Baby wipes, unscented.
- Bar soap, unscented.
- Black Pens.
- Cash less than $50.
- Dental floss Deodorant, unscented.
- Digital watch (black band)
- Envelopes.
How long does it take to receive a letter from someone in basic training?
Patiently wait for a message
During this time, some soldiers get a chance to call, and even write their families a letter. However, since they are not yet in their basic training unit, they cannot give you a return address. Usually, you should give it
about a month after they leave
for BCT to begin expecting a letter.
Can you send letters to basic training?
So, it’s better to wait until your recruit finishes basic before you send any packages. Ordinary mail, however, is always allowed.
A letter from home can encourage your recruit during the demands of basic training
. If you do send a letter, use a plain piece of paper and an envelope.
| Navy Boot Camp Ship 12 Navy Boot Camp Ship 13 | 3515 Sailor Drive Great Lakes, IL 60088-3515 3420 Sailor Drive Great Lakes, IL 60088-3520 |
|---|
They will they will have to write to you first, to tell you their ship and Division number. Once you have that information, you
address your letter to RTC Great Lakes street address, followed by the ship name, followed by the Division number
. Shortly after the recruit arrives, they mail a postcard home.
How long does it take for soldiers to get mail in basic training?
Contacting Recruits & Emergencies (TOP)
After the initial phone call, all correspondence is made through letters and postcards. Recruits will send their first letter home
7-9 days
after they arrive at MCRD Parris Island. The letter will include their mailing address with company and platoon information.
Are drill sergeants still allowed to yell?
Drill sergeants still shout to enforce discipline
, and they may force young soldiers to do push-ups—but they’re not supposed to hurl personal insults.
Can you send cough drops to someone in basic training?
What
not to send
: Medication of any kind (prescription or nonprescription). This includes common over-the-counter medicine like aspirin, cough drops and topical creams. (All necessary medications will be prescribed by medical personnel during recruit training.)
Can the military go through your mail?
A First-Class® Mail stamp can deliver a letter to a U.S. military service member located halfway around the world
. The United States Postal Service processes APO (Air/Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office), and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) mail similar to domestic mail.
What can you send to Air Force boot camp?
Families should use good judgement on what to send to a trainee in Air Force Basic Training.
A simple hand-written letter sent in a white envelope is sufficient
. Families writing to a trainee should attempt to write positive and encouraging letters. Avoid sending care packages or contraband items to trainees.
What do you write in a letter to bootcamp?
- Write about the good parts of your day.
- Share a funny story.
- Offer insight to your child’s day.
- Send jokes (lighthearted, appropriate ones)
- Cut out a few comic strips to send.
- Send photos with captions.
- Offer updates on favorite sports teams.
Know that letters mailed before you get the form letter do not get to your recruit much quicker, if at all, than letters mailed after receiving the form letter because
the recruits cannot receive mail until they are in their permanent ship
and a Recruit Mail Petty Officer has been trained in how to handle mail, which …
In the past, the official form letter the recruits mail home containing their address and graduation information typically would arrive within
about two weeks
of them arriving as this letter was mailed out on their second day of boot camp.
- Letters. …
- Basic Stationary – Envelopes, paper, and stamps. …
- Photos – Your recruit will love receiving photos! …
- Cards – Loveable cards to your recruit are always welcome! …
- Newspaper/Magazine clippings – Recruits do not get any information on outside news during boot camp, so keep them updated!
Can you send colored envelopes to boot camp?
Yes, absolutely a recruit may receive an envelope of any color
!
Can you keep letters in boot camp?
Writing letters are the best way to stay connected to your recruit while he/she is in boot camp
. You may hear someone will tell you there is a day you are supposed to stop sending letters. This may be from their own personal experience, but every situation is different.
Can you send pictures in letters to basic training?
Whether you are using Sandboxx or handwritten Letters to stay in touch with your Recruit in training,
adding a photo with your Letter is highly encouraged by the recruits
. During basic training recruits are kept completely disconnected from the outside world.
What can I send my soldier in boot camp?
Letters are the best way to keep in touch during boot camp
, and the best way to keep homesickness at bay. You might be tempted to send care packages, but don’t send anything but letters unless your recruit specifically asks for it.
Can you call home during basic training?
Generally Soldiers are allowed to make a quick call home when they first arrive at Fort Benning and another when they are out of reception and assigned to a basic training unit
.
How do you get sent home from basic training?
- 1 Entry Level Separation. This designation is neither honorable nor dishonorable and is used for recruits who cannot handle physical rigor, who are repeatedly unwilling to take commands or who exhibit mental distresses, including suicidal behavior. …
- 2 Existing Prior to Service. …
- 3 Medical Leave. …
- 4 Family Emergency.
