No News is Good News!
We know, we know! This sounds so cliche! But it is true. Recruits have very limited downtime during the first few weeks of training as they adjust to a rigid routine. Their days are packed with drills and strenuous physical activity, while their evenings are even more restricted, allowing them only 1 hour to write home. On Sundays, they are offered more time to write letters, so don't be alarmed if you don't hear from your recruit for a few weeks. Typically, recruits only get an hour of free time each evening, which they use to shower, prepare for the next day, receive mail, and study. This schedule means it may take 2 to 3 weeks for recruits to find time to write letters.
If That's the "Good News," Is There Any "Great News?"
Yes! Each letter you send through Sandboxx includes stationery and a pre-addressed envelope to make responding easy for recruits.
When will my recipient read or receive my mail?
Mail call varies by military branch and base. Once letters are delivered to the base mailroom, Drill Instructors are responsible for picking them up and distributing them during Mail Call. Mail Call depends on the training schedule, so delays before your recruit receives their letters are possible.
How Does My Recruit Communicate With Me? Is it through the Sandboxx App?
Recruits do not have access to the internet or their cell phones during training. Letters sent to recruits are handwritten and sent via USPS. The lack of tracking information and recruits' limited time for personal responses may sometimes delay correspondence.
Sandboxx provides the means for your recruit to send you a physical letter back immediately with the self-addressed envelope. Once letters are marked as delivered to the base, their distribution depends on the training schedule. Sandboxx offers free resending services for any lost or delayed letters.
How Will I Know When My Recruit Sends a Letter Back?
When your recruit writes home, the letters will be sent via USPS. Delivery times can vary and we aren't provided any tracking or delivery information. Recruits may take 2 to 3 weeks to write letters because of their busy schedules, and USPS delivery adds to the delay.
Another great idea is to sign up for Informed Delivery through the US Post Office. It allows you to get notifications when you have a letter out for delivery.
Additional Tips and Support
Confirm address details, including Battalion, Company, and Platoon, before sending a letter.
For letters marked as delivered but not received, reach out to Sandboxx support.
Remember that military schedules affect mail times. Patience is vital during training.
Sandboxx can resend letters for free in cases of missing or significantly delayed mail.
Why Haven’t My Recruit's Letters Been Received?
Letters can cross paths in transit. For instance, your recruit may reply before receiving your letter. Postmark dates on received letters can help identify mailing delays or gaps. Contact Sandboxx support if issues persist.
What Happens If I Made a Mistake in the Address?
If the zip code or PO box is incorrect but the unit information (battalion, platoon, and company) is accurate, your recruit should still receive the letter. However, mail sent to incorrect addresses during temporary situations like AG BN reception may not reach recruits. Confirm and resend letters once the correct details are available. By using Informed Delivery, you can also view email notifications with images of incoming mail to track what letters are on the way.