HS Graduation Idea for Nephew going into military

[snowwhitesmom]

I agree with the round trip ticket home!

 

[sissy_ib]

Unless things have changed since I went through basic (15 yrs ago so they may have) a 12" plastic ruler and tweezers were two of the things I used the most. Clothes has to be folded to specific specifications with all edges lining up (thats where the tweezers come in handy)

Also, I'm not sure if they still where the black combat boots that need to be shined or if every branch weres the fabric beige/desert ones now but if they do where the black ones then cotton balls and shoe polish is a must too

Not expensive stuff but things he'll need for basic. I like the idea of an airplane ticket to come home, usually if you can afford it, you can come home before you head to your permanent base.

I would not give anything that would be needed in basic. That will all be provided or they will be taken to buy it. This is where a little extra cash slipped to him the day before he leaves may be useful. I don't know how the Marines do it but when I got to AF basic our lockers were already stocked with supplies (including a ruler, sharpies, clothes pins, etc) and on our first shopping trip we were required to pay for those items and pick up the rest of the supplies we needed (such as cotton balls and shoe shine kits and yes all boots are now suede). In the Navy they box EVERYTHING you bring with you up and send it home. They issue you everything including socks and underwear.

Another idea is gift cards to use once he is out of basic. Places that are everywhere like Wal-mart so he can get things for his barracks room.

 

[ToddyLu]

Love the idea of the plane ticket home...what a terrific idea!!

 

[mnasf]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all of your advice and suggestions. I'm going to discuss with my husband. But thank you for your time! And help.

 

[Nancyg56]

They give those to them, or at least the Army does. And I agree, they are expensive.

They now issue dress blues for the Marines also(so I have heard it has been a loong time for my hubby )

It can get expensive to alter them or add the needed item to the uniform

I am glad that they are issued now. i remember that he spent a lot of money on them.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I am glad that they are issued now. i remember that he spent a lot of money on them.

I don't think DH has ever paid for any, and he has been in since 1998. He just swaps out what he has for a larger size, if/when he needs them. We are currently waiting for them to change from the Greens to the new Blues, which I really like so much better.

Now, they do only issue one set, if they need more, they will have to purchase additional ones. DH only wears his about once a year. We have to pay to have them hemmed, I a capable of doing it, but I won't.

Suzanne