Questions regarding Stamps and Mail

yes, Marsboy was disenrolled for academics. And we had fun with him at in-processing.

as for mail, yes, cadre can read the mail as long as they don't open it. however, most cadre don't read it unless it's a postcard, or they get permission from the basic cadet. For example, if you get a letter that's funny and you start to laugh while reading it (if you're allowed to read it right then), then your cadre may read it to the flight so everyone can see why you were laughing. If cadre see pictures or something on the letter, they can also take it and read it, as long as they make the basic cadet open it.


since we're on the topic, i would recommend in-coming basic cadets do a couple of things:

1) pre-address (and pre-stamp) envelopes to yourself and give them out to friends. They are much more likely to write you sometime if it only requires writing, sticking it in the envelope, and mailing it. Plus if if they have an envelope, it's a reminder to them. I did that, and got a lot of mail which was very nice to have

2) Bring pre-addressed (and stamped) envelopes with you with your parents address and whoever you know you'll send mail to. I know it doesn't take long, but when you're writing letters when you're given time, or at night when you should be sleeping, saving a minute here and there is very helpful.
 
2) Bring pre-addressed (and stamped) envelopes with you with your parents address and whoever you know you'll send mail to. I know it doesn't take long, but when you're writing letters when you're given time, or at night when you should be sleeping, saving a minute here and there is very helpful.

+1

Can't talk specifically for BCT; however, in Enlisted BMT, I wrote a few letters here and there and ended up sending multiple letters in the same envelope because I didn't have time to address and stamp the letters. It seems trivial, but you need your sleep sometime! :biggrin:
 
We made copies of pictures at home on the computer and then wrote around them or on the flip side. One twin's cadre said that was ok, the other guy got his mail confiscated. So, it's fun to do for at-home siblings, but be prepared in case some mean cadre doesn't like it.

Also , for parents/siblings, we sent our boys fun questionnaires with stamped envelopes that they could return. It was easy for them and quick, and great for us.

Examples:

My roommate is:
a) a nice guy from ________________, ___
b) from some distant planet
c) on the path to perdition
d) a girl.
e) _____________________________________

Always was important to leave a blank space so they could write just a little personal stuff.

Other examples:

The food here is:
a) good and plenty!
b) ok, but I'd rather order a pizza
c) akin to rat - poison
d) I'm starving
e) ________________________________________

My cadre is:
a) an escaped convict
b) an ok person but has a mean streak
c) angry
d) open to bribery (send candy)
e) ______________________________________

You get the idea. My sons loved this at BCT; quick dirty no work and usually fun/funny for them. Don't forget the SSAE.

I kept all my sons' letters home; priceless!
 
PO Box

Is the PO Box number we got in our second BFE the same number we will have for basic training? Ive heard our BCT PO Box # is different
 
You only get one PO Box for your time at USAFA, and that is the number they sent you in your BFE. You will get the combo to open it when you go up the stairs at Doolittle Hall on I-day.
 
You only get one PO Box for your time at USAFA, and that is the number they sent you in your BFE. You will get the combo to open it when you go up the stairs at Doolittle Hall on I-day.

And this grad from '83 still remembers his spider's home and the combo it HAD then...

Of course if that spider had kids...and they had kids (for about 27 generations)...and they were as aggressive about guarding the box and preventing any mail from being deposited within... :rocket:

Perhaps the combo is the same? :scratch:

Hmm...

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
I don't know their combos of course, but I will probably ALWAYS remember my sons' PO Box numbers! Etched into mother's (tiny) brain, those two numbers are.
 
Does anyone know when basic cadets are likely to get mail for the first time? Will it be during the first week?
 
Will be up to their cadre as to when they can fit in a march to the mail room in their schedule. Giving a date would be pure speculation.

That said, write to them so there is a letter in their box on I-day (and everyday after that during BCT) so that when they do go to the mailroom there will be letter(s) waiting. I'd number my letters on the back of the envelope so DS would know which one to read first, or if one was missing, by the number
 
Does anyone know when basic cadets are likely to get mail for the first time? Will it be during the first week?

My flight went for the first time about 5 days into basic. The first beast cadre tend to use it as a reward/punishment, as in "If you do well, we may take you to the mailroom" or "We were going to take you to get mail, but..."

During second beast, mail call was every other evening.
 
I'd number my letters on the back of the envelope so DS would know which one to read first, or if one was missing, by the number

This is an excellent idea. My mom did this, and when you have 3 letters from parents in your PO box it makes reading that much easier.
 
Back
Top