My husband is in BCT at Fort Jackson right now. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to send him to make his time there easier (other than letters)? Has anyone received anything creative while in BCT or has anyone sent something creative to a soldier in BCT. I appreciate any ideas.

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Hello Again LiHer82:

Hopefully Armygirl4ever or MSGGlenn (excuse any typos) can give you an answer if you can't find out from the training facility, or from any other source. I sent my husband a huge care package during training, and to my surprise he was only able to have a few items. The worst part is that it wasn't returned and he never go it when he left. I will never know what happened to it. It saddened me and taught me a lesson about the millitary. I hope I can save you from this experience since I am sure that you want to send him items to lift his spirits.

Letters, letters, letters. Slip in pics every now and again but seriously nothing is more treasured then letters of encouragement. Do not send big care packages as there is not room for stuff like that and it's a distraction. They have all the stuff they need during the training. Don't waste the money. Letters, letters, letters.

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Armygirl4ever,
Proudly Serving in the Silent (okay, maybe not always so silent) Ranks

The reason that your Soldier did not receive all of his items is because on day one they tell Soldiers to tell their families not to send care packages. There is a long list of items that are contraband and that may have been what you sent in the box.

I'm not sure what the lesson is you learned about the military, but the lesson here is for your Soldier to have told you not to send him anything besides letters. I don't want to sound harsh but they tell you this the minute you get to reception when they make you dump things like candy, cigarettes and whatever else they consider to be contraband.

I'm sure it was disappointing to take the time to put together a package with lots of thought and love but sadly your Soldier should have let you know that was not authorized. There will come a time when all that will be appreciated and appropriate.

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Armygirl4ever,
Proudly Serving in the Silent (okay, maybe not always so silent) Ranks

Most of what I sent could be purchased at the BH, but without getting into details, I learned a lesson nevertheless. I understand some of your defense, and without sounding harsh as well, my angle is to offer advice which may prevent someone from making the same mistake. The lesson learned is never to assume anything when it comes to the military; to expect the unexpected, and research the information first. Such is life: My husband was in a certain situation which I won't get into. As long as we live, we will continue to learn. I believe in sharing the experiences I've learned. That isn't a negative reflection of the army by any means, just a point about adjusting and how to proceed during periods on non-communication.

There's really no way to make BCT "less harsh". By sending him a care package you might even be making it tougher on him. My son five years ago when he left for the Army & was still at Reception was able to call & write & he told us that the it was suggested that nothing be sent from home other than letters. Don't even include any pictures in the letters.

Don't worry - he'll receive everything he requires. BCT isn't that long & as he progresses through that he will receive more privileges. Sometimes a visit to the PX is allowed on Sundays. It gets better in AIT.

__________________
Proud Dad of a USArmy Ranger SFC - 3/75 Rangers
USNavy 1960-1966 Submarine Service, Navy Diver-UDT 21
USArmy 1980-2001 Airborne Infantry,G3, Army Instructor, Commo Instructor Company 1SG
Retired MSG
I was a Soldier. I am a Soldier. I will always be a Soldier.

I know when I was in basic we were not allowed to recieve anything from home. I think Army Girl has hit the nail on the head. Letter's,Letter's Letter's. I never really needed anything that the Army didnt provide or I couldnt buy from the PX(with the drill sgt.s permission). Letters bring to your soldier what he needs more than anything else, support and encouragement from home.

Thank you everyone for your input I really appreciate it. I guess I'll just keep sending him letters. I wouldn't want to make things any tougher for him. Do you know if they read the letters we send them?

They don't read the letters you send them.

__________________
Armygirl4ever,
Proudly Serving in the Silent (okay, maybe not always so silent) Ranks