What to write to someone in Basic Training

Whether joining the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard recruits going through basic training always look forward to mail call. Mail call is the one connection recruits have with friends, family, loved ones, and the rest of the outside world. Here are some ideas for what to write to someone in basic training.

As they face new challenges on their military journey, we must show our support and gratitude. Sending frequent letters is a powerful way to bring love and laughter to our loved ones that can have a lasting impact. – Army Mom Strong

Recruits in basic training are kept extremely busy and often times have little downtime. When they do receive downtime it is usually spent preparing for the next day. Because of this many recruits do not always write frequently back home.

Not receiving mail from your recruit does not mean that they aren’t getting your Letters.

As their support system, we know how much you want to write to them but understand that sometimes it is hard to know what to write especially when you aren’t receiving letters back from them.

To help you become a basic training Letter expert we’ve put together a list of what to write to someone in basic training.

If you use the Sandboxx app to send Letters we’ve also included picture suggestions that you can add in your Letter as well.

1. Just say hi.

No need to overthink this one.  A postcard, a single page of stationery, or better yet a Sandboxx Letter, all have plenty of space to simply tell your recruit that you’re thinking of them. More times then not recruits are happy to know that you thought of them and that they aren’t alone on this journey.

Something like the following would work great:

“Hi Bobby!  Just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you.  Keep up the great work.  You rock!”

Sandboxx photo suggestion: a quick snapshot of you, the letter sender – selfies welcome. Start sending Letters now with the Sandboxx app.

2. Share some encouragement.

Basic training is designed to completely break down recruits and build them back up into a warrior. Training is physically and mentally demanding and will cause a lot of recruits to doubt themselves, question why they are there, and make them feel hopeless. As their support system, you have the opportunity to constantly give them the encouragement and motivation they need to get through the day.

Try something like this:

“Hey Natalie, I know some days can be tough and you miss home a lot.  Just remember that I/we support you, and I know you can do it!”

Sandboxx photo suggestion: a motivational quote. You can find a lot of our motivational quotes on our Sandboxx Instagram or on our Sandboxx Facebook where we post weekly Monday Motivation quotes.

3. Tell him/her that you’re proud of them.

This can go a long way.  Reading how proud you are of what they are doing will give recruits inner strength to keep pushing forward. Instructors at basic training are not there to tell recruits that they are proud of them (that only happens at the end of basic training), as their support system this is where you can step in. It doesn’t have to be over the top, just something genuine to let them know how proud you are of everything they are accomplishing, not everyone can do what they are doing.

Use this as a starting point:

“Thinking of you today, and just wanted you to know how proud of you I am. What you are doing is amazing.”

Sandboxx photo suggestion: Something patriotic (the American flag, a bald eagle, etc.)  Even better would be a selfie of you giving a big smile and a thumb’s up!

4. Sports scores, local news, family activities.

Your recruit is being completely disconnected from the outside world. Sometimes it is nice to escape the realities of basic training and read about their favorite sports team, the odd neighbors next door, or just what has been happening with the family.

Here’s an example:

“Hey bud, I know you didn’t see it, but the Lions won the Super Bowl.  I never thought that would happen!  Also, they’re building a new high school gym here.  It’s gonna be nice. Sam and I are taking a trip to see Chad this weekend. We’ll send some pics. Keep rockin’ it there at basic.  See you soon.”

Sandboxx photo suggestion: a picture of the winning goal, a photo of the new gym, or pics of the family/group of friends.

5. “Can’t wait for you to graduate!”

Graduation day for your recruit seems like a distant future event.  So, remind them of the light at the end of the tunnel.  If you know you’ll be there when they finish, tell them you can’t wait to see them in their fancy new uniform.  This will be a big help to keep your service member working hard to reach their goal.

Try this out:

“Hey girl, can’t believe it’s only a few weeks until you graduate. Thank god, because we need to do a movie night.  Keep it up, you’re almost there.  See you soon!”

Sandboxx photo suggestion: a pic of your calendar with graduation date circled.

Your recruit will face a lot of hard days and struggle to keep moving forward. Writing to them your support and positive words will be what keeps your recruit going and help them stay confident so that they can succeed.

Your Letters to basic training don’t need to be long, and they don’t need to be fancy.  What’s important is that you’re sending mail to support them through this journey.

One thing to keep in mind when you are writing to someone in basic training is to try your best to keep your Letters positive.

Now that you know what to write to someone in basic training, you’re on your way to becoming an expert Letter writer. We can’t wait till you receive your first Letter back from your recruit.

Have a recruit currently at basic training? Download the Sandboxx app and start sending Letters. Not sure how Sandboxx works read our article on how my Sandboxx Letter is delivered.