Basic Training Question

[honeydew1894]

Hi! A former student of mine is leaving for Basic in a few weeks. I would like to give him a small gift, but I am not sure what would be good. Will he have cell phone access or would a phone card be good? I am open to any ideas! Thanks!

[honeydew1894]

Thank you!

[Deleted]

I think a restaurant or pre-paid Visa gift card would be a nice gift. I think people are still discouraged from bringing money or valuables, so I would stick with a smallish denomination that he can use before he goes.

[blondemoment123]

I'd do something before he goes. I didn't know recruits had access to their phones in Army boot camp until this past weekend. :inserts the more you know logo:

[foundmylazybum]

Trainees here definitely have access to cash. They have to buy basic goods like razors etc. the gift card is a good idea. I work with trainees a lot at Fort Benning. It might not be fancy but a Cracker Barrel gift card would be very much appreciated lol. It's a popular Family Day restaurant.

[kristie]

I went through basic 13 years ago and we couldn't use our cell phones (I don't remember if I even had one then. Lol) I remember buying a watch while I was there (towards the end of training), because I really felt like I needed it. I would go with visa gift card though, seems the most likely to be helpful.

[blondemoment123]

Oct 11, 2015 10:08:04 GMT -5 kristie said:

I went through basic 13 years ago and we couldn't use our cell phones (I don't remember if I even had one then. Lol) I remember buying a watch while I was there (towards the end of training), because I really felt like I needed it. I would go with visa gift card though, seems the most likely to be helpful.

The watch is a good idea. I always see recruits at the PX buying them.