Care Packages: Sending items to deployed friends

[cfortune]

I have a buddy who was deployed in Afghanistan last month. He gave me his address and I'd like to send him a package.

I know I can send him cookies n' shit but can I send him some spare stuff I have lying around? I have a shitload of Surefire 123 batteries, a Troy modular aluminum vertical grip in FDE, and some new in wrapper PMAGs (both M2 windowed and M3 mags).

He is in the Navy as a corpsman but has been training and was deployed with Marines.

I only get a chance to talk to him on FB every once in a while so I figured it'd be best to ask here, being a civilian and all.

[fitz19d]

Don't send alchohol, gag gift dildo's, and certain other things. If you're unlucky they can get in trouble for it. Very early on in Iraq friend had all kinds of wierd stuff sent to him but after things got "boring" the rules also got stricter/enforced and had to be more cautious about what was sent from what I was told.

One big one depending if he has to actually go afield would be toiletries and other hygiene type stuff. Wet wipes etc.

[trlcavscout]

Hard candies and such is good to have. When I came home I sent the biggest box I could ship full of jolly ranchers, Copenhagen, mints, small stuff like that.

[usmctarzan]

Magazines/ books, snacks, jerkey, dip/ smokes, toiletries like fitz said, boot socks, gloves, underwear, coffee. All I can think of off the top of my head.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cfortune]

Thanks guys. I'll stick to that stuff then.

I see PMAGs are ITAR controlled so that's definitely a no go.

[USMC_5-Echo]

The easiest way to figure out what you can and cannot send is to ask them. They should be able to get a list from their command that shows the dos and don'ts. I got one form my command and sent it to my family when I was deployed.

[Scanker19]

Nothing will make a day like getting some EZ cheese anda box of cheese itz.

[nogaroheli]

Nothing will make a day like getting some EZ cheese anda box of cheese itz.

Or some Oreos, those are at the PX for like six whole minutes when they come in. I'd do awful things for some of those and wheat thins. Depending on where he is certain things are harder to get than other places. I'd ask him what he has a hard time getting. Things from home are awesome.

I just got one with mountain bike, gun and "other" magazines, a colorado flag and mug, some home made cookies and chap stick and it was perfect.

[rbeau30]

Listerine looks a lot like rum.... Just sayin' Little bit o' shrink wrap over the top. (EDIT: I am just kidding. This could get people in trouble)



Ohh... but seriously. Hand held snacks... stuff easy to shove in your pocket that won't melt and get all slimy. That is what I liked.


I also loved to keep a pocket full of water flavorings (kool aid/gatorade, etc). I was in a place where once a month we would get mail in, and this always made my day. Drinking a shit ton of water without any flavor sucks day in and day out.

[Mick-Boy]

As noted, magazines (and a lot of other weapons parts/accessories) are ITAR controlled. Also, an FMF corpsman won't be carrying a rifle in most cases.

Usmctarzan and USMC_5-Echo are spot on. Option A should be to ask what he needs. Option b would be the list that usmctarzan posted. Little packets of flavoring like Rbeau30 mentioned (also the Starbucks VIO instant coffee) are winners.

Remember that mail to most of the FOBs and COPs usually runs about two weeks. Perishable items should be avoided. If he's in Helmand, things that won't handle heat should be avoided (It's been in the 80s/90s down there already this year).

Booze and porn are on the no-go list. Don't send either unless you both know and accept the risks of getting caught.