Communications at Basic Training

While your recruit or candidate is in basic training (Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School), there will be minimal contact. Recruits communicate only by handwritten letters while candidates only make phone calls on weekends. In a world where we've all gotten used to texts, emails, and phone calls, this is a big shift.

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This is usually harder for you than it is for the recruit or candidate. They are homesick, but so busy most of the time they don't get to think about it. Since everyone they're with is also feeling the same way, they help each other out. You will miss them during all the regular activities they are no longer there for - phone calls, texts, dinners, etc. This is also the hardest part for many people because it's the first time their person is away from them. You can drive yourself crazy without a plan!

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Start by understanding what your Recruit or Candidate is going through. If they are going through Boot Camp or OCS, learn what the key training events are and challenges they'll face. Sign them up for one of our Prep plans, or get one for yourself so you can track what they are doing each day.

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Make a realistic plan to communicate. They will be under a ton of stress while in basic training and are usually very homesick. Writing short, encouraging letters to your recruit or candidate everyday is a huge morale boost!

If you want to make sure you get a response, try including a smaller pre-addressed and stamped return envelope with a piece of paper inside each of your own letters. By making it easier for them to respond (and saving a few minutes), you give them more time to write you back and tell you how things are going.

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No Bad News. This can be tough, because life happens. Try to handle as much of the unpleasantries before your recruit or candidate ships to training. While in training, avoid including any bad news in your letters. A bid of bad news coming at the wrong time in training can completely knock your person off track.

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