My son is entering his 4th week of basic training at Lackland AFB, and is scheduled to graduate August 23rd. He will then go to tech school in Missouri.

I would like to get him a gift. Not necessarily commemorative, but maybe more utilitarian. But it has to be something he can have on-base. I am hoping some of you Air Force/military folks can provide me some ideas and considerations for a good gift.

I don't really have a set budget in mind. I am more interested in it being thoughtful and useful. Perhaps something he doesn't even know he will want to have!

Thanks, SigForum!

For commemorative, I usually get a US Mint silver proof coin. But for this, maybe some sort of multitool/ Leatherman thingy that is oriented toward his skills/ MOS?

What's his AFSC going to be?

Leatherman multi tool of your choice. Great gift for a GI!

Leather man, or a good quality flashlight.

I'm Army not AF, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

If he is going into a Tech field, a leatherman or a quality flashlight like a streamlight might be good. Or it could be bad if the AF wants him to only use the tools they issue.

A decent watch, like a Casio G-Shock might me good.

Show up for the graduation and take him out to dinner.

quote:

Originally posted by MattW:
What's his AFSC going to be?

I'm not sure exactly what his code will be. He will be starting in Admin for the first two years. His plan is to be Pararescue, but needs laser eye surgery to correct his vision to the requirement.

And, yes, I am going to the graduation!

Really depends on your son. I’d go with something that he would appreciate.

OT- I hope you are going for is graduation. AF does it up good, three day event. We went to our son’s graduation in 2015 and this old Marine was duly impressed.

I'd go with a decent watch. A Casio G-Shock is a solid choice regardless of MOS. No matter what you do in the military knowing the time is important and you are not always somewhere where you can look at your phone or check a computer. But you should always have a watch.

For something more than a "run of the mill" G-Shock I would recommend a GW5000-1JF. Although it looks common it is definitely a step above. Quality that will last.

And congrats on raising a great son!

https://www.seiyajapan.com/col...oducts/g-gw-5000-1jf

quote:

Originally posted by mbinky:
A Casio G-Shock is a solid choice regardless of MOS.

2nd this. My son graduated Marine boot camp in 2016 and I got him a G-Shock. It's been through 2 deployments, training in Alaska, Thailand, Jungle training, many field operations in the Mojave desert, and not only hasn't skipped a beat, it still looks good. I'd get him one of the solar powered one so he never has to worry about a battery. My son and I both have the Rangeman.

https://www.casio.com/products...hes/g-shock/gw9400-1

Danner Boots. An AAFES gift card.