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My Son Joined The Army

My Son Joined The Army
It's never been a bother to me. The Army has always been a "no way, that's not for me mom" kind of conversation. Then suddenly one day my son just send me the enlistment papers, he went to ask some questions and get information without telling me.

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What Could You Send In An Army Basic Training's Package?

What Could You Send In An Army Basic Training's Package?

A lot of us Army Moms might have some questions about what to send in the care packages for your SIT (Soldier in Training) in the Basic Combat Training. Mail usually will be accepted but there are some rules about the care packages.

But just put that aside for now, first and foremost you should be focused on communication by sending encouraging letters by:

  • Simply write a regular letter: to keep it basic, you can use a very plain paper and envelope. Your Soldier will be able to receive the letter in a couple of weeks.
  • Use your smartphone: Nowadays it's so much easier to send a letter to your Solder from your smartphone. There's an application called SANDBOXX, download it to your smartphone and send the letter to your Soldier. Then they will help you to prepare a real physical letter and get it delivered to your SIT. Letters from them are delivered so much faster than usual.

Now, it's time to talk about the care package and what you can add in it for your SIT in the Basic Training.

What Could Army Moms Send In An Army Basic Training's Package

Usually, your child should have a list of everything they needed before they left for basic training. But in case if there is something they forgot, every couple of weeks they will be brought to the PX to buy these kinds of items.

Care packages in basic training certainly have ruled over them. Since there are some units allow care packages but some don't, so the first question you should know the answer is "Does their unit allow care packages?".

Be sure to be aware that they have a very small space in their barracks, so please refrain from sending big care packages. Some personal items like deodorant or soap, please put them in the sealed zip-lock type of bag.

Below is the reference list only, it's always better to ask your SIT about their unit's rules for care packages first before you consider to include some other items that are not in this list.

  • Address book
  • Baby wipes, unscented
  • Bar soap, unscented
  • Black Pens
  • Cash less than $50
  • Dental floss Deodorant, unscented
  • Digital watch (black band)
  • Envelopes
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Hair gel (unscented)
  • Hair ties (black)
  • Journal
  • Lip Balm, unflavored
  • Lotion, unscented
  • Moleskin Paper (white lined)
  • Pencils
  • Permanent marker (black)
  • Self-addressed stamped envelopes
  • Stamps
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Laundry Soap (unscented)
  • Nail clippers (no file)
  • Shampoo/conditioner combo
  • Flushable wipes, unscented
  • Razors (Males ONLY)
  • Travel size Kleenex packages
  • Religious medallions
  • White calf-length socks (no logos)
  • Combination lock (plain black/silver)
  • Underwear (briefs, white)
  • Fine/medium tooth comb (helps with female hair)

Then please use the United States Post Office (USPS) to send your care packages to basic training. The USPS can offer you care package mailing supplies that send to your home at zero cost. It will include priority mailboxes, tape, and address labels. After that, to send the package you will have to pay for the sending fees, take a look at the USPS website for their current pricing here.

For your information, 2 weeks before basic graduation, you should stop sending any mails from there.

These are the websites for Army Basic Combat Training regarding care packages:

In Summary for What to Send In The Care Packages

The letters and care packages for your soldier will always be a spirit lifter while they are in training. They will absolutely love hearing from you.

Care packages should be small and only included needed items for your child.

We hope all of the Army Moms out there found our list helpful to decide what you can send in the care package for your SIT.

Please feel free to share your ideas in the comments below.

 

Ultimate Care Package List Ideas: What To Put In A Military Care Package

Ultimate Care Package List Ideas: What To Put In A Military Care Package

To be a Military Mom (Army Mom, Marine Mom, Air Force Mom, Navy Mom, etc), it means you are the one who should take responsibility for sending care packages to your child in the Military. Below is the completed list of what you need to add to your care package.

After included everything from our Ultimate Military Care Package List Ideas, you can add your own customizing to it simply to make your care package more fun and lovely, your child's spirits will be lifted when received your package. Besides, make sure you follow these tips when sending care packages:

  • Be sure to check on the size and weight restrictions for the packages. You can pick up free Priority Mail boxes from your post office or contact 1-800-610-8734 for FREE Military care package kit.
  • Always include the card which listed all of the contents inside the care package. Add the recipient's name and yours along with everything that's in the package on the card. By doing that, the recipient will know what they should be expecting when going through inside the package, plus if somehow the package breaks opens, the mail handlers will know what to find and add them to your package.
  • For items that may spill or leak, please put them in the heavy plastic zipper-lock bags. To help keep things organized, you can use the gallon freezer bags.
  • Your child's complete address should be written out fully. It should include your child's full name, unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address. Please be aware of your child's unit name, including the battalion, ship, squadron, platoon, etc, along with a nine-digit ZIP code if possible. Besides, just be generic when you fill out the customs form (add "non-perishable snacks" instead of all the foods)
  • If you are planning to send multiple care packages, please be sure to number them and letters. Since some care packages usually arrive later, numbering them will help your child to be aware of the care packages that are still in transit. You can even theme your care package to be better (ie. 4th of July, Halloween, Christmas)
  • Please do not consider to send perishables to warm climates from March to October. They will absolutely be melt, spoilt or busted. 
  • Please acknowledge of what items you can't include in the care packages. ie. Obscene articles/photos, alcohol, weapons, etc.

Now that's everything you need to know about what to pack in your care package for your child in the military, what items would you like to include then?