How to Address a Basic Training Letter
Anyone that has waited for their soldier to come home from Basic Training will tell you that the letters were a saving grace. For me, I loved writing updates to my soldier and even more loved getting to read how he was doing. Now, writing them was fun but making sure they got to him was stressful and nerve- racking. So, I want to make sure you get it perfect!
Step One: Grab a PLAIN WHITE Envelope and Black Pen
Yeah, I know. It’s boring. But the Drill Sergeants aren't too partial to glitter pen. You want to use a plain white envelope whenever possible. I understand if you buy a card, and it comes with a blue envelope...try and switch it out. I did that because it makes it easier later (Step Six). You want it to look as professional as possible.
Step Two: Your soldiers NAME, NUMBER, and RANK
Hopefully, you know your soldiers' name haha. Now the number, you're thinking “Oh gosh what number? Did I miss something?” No, you did not miss anything. When you receive the Commanders letter, the return address will have your soldiers roster number at the end of their name(this is how K wrote his). For example, roster number 407 means they are soldier 07 (by last name) and in the 4th platoon. DO NOT FORGET this number. They typically go by number more than name! As for rank, this could be anything from PV1, PV2, PFC, or SPC. This abbreviation will be before your soldier's name on the return address. So, all together it would look something like this,
SPC Doe, John 407
However, this is not how the Commanders Letter will tell you to write it. They will want it written like this:
407 SPC Doe, John
Step Three: Unit and Battalion
These two things are equally as important as your soldiers name and roster number. These two things will also be on the return address of the Commanders Letter. It will look something like this,
1st Battalion, 46th Inf Regiment B Co, 3rd PLT
Just like the roster number and name, you will write this differently as well. You will write it like this:
B Company, 1-46 IN BN
The first letter is indicative of what company your soldier is in. A: Alpha, B: Bravo, C: Charlie. The set of numbers is their battalion and regiment. So, 1 is first battalion and 46 is regiment. The IN stands for infantry. So, altogether it is, Bravo Company 1st Battalion 46th Infantry Regiment.
These are especially important to add to your letter. This will help them sort the letters by company.
Step Four: The Training Site Address
This will be the building number, street address, city, state, and zip code. Remember that this is just like regular mail.
Step Five: Postage and Return Address
PLEASE do not forget to put a stamp on your letter. I bought a sheet of forever stamps and used every one. Just like regular mail, you need to include your return address. I do have some not so good news though. If your letter never makes it to your soldier, there is a very high chance it will not be returned to you. I know I mentioned this is just regular mail but they are not going to take the time to return it to you. I addressed a letter with the wrong building number once and he thankfully got it, but it will make you check three times that you have everything right.
Step Six: Color Coordinated Dot
In the Commanders Letter I received, it said to put a small dot in the bottom left corner of the envelope with the designated color to help sort. The color was dependent on the soldier's platoon. For example, 1st platoon was green, 2nd platoon was red, 3rd platoon was blue, and 4th platoon was yellow. I found it best to use a highlighter. This way it wasn’t too dark, but it also showed up and was bright. Just make sure you know their platoon and are using the correct color.
Step Seven: SEND THAT LETTER!
YAY! You can send your first letter! Your envelope should be nice and clean, no stickers or perfume or lipstick kisses (ew). If you want to tape the envelope closed, you can. I always did this just in case. Your envelope should look like this:
407 SPC Doe, John
A Company, 1-46 IN BN 1234 Freedom Street, BLDG 501
Fort Moore, GA 31905
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE ADDRESS!! Please do not think this is your soldier's address. Remember...wait for the Commanders Letter!
Now, don’t think your soldier is getting mail every day. The Drill Sergeants decide when they want to pass out mail. So, if you speak to your soldier and they say they haven’t gotten anything just be patient. If they tell you the Drill Sergeants are passing mail out and they still aren't getting your letter(s), double check that you have everything correct. Don’t fret, your soldier knows you support them. Letters are nice, but don’t let them get you down. The phone calls are just as important.
