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Gift question for a friends son going into the military
February 04, 2018, 08:08 PM
71 TRUCKGift question for a friends son going into the military
A friend of mines son is leaving for boot camp in a few weeks.
Do you usually buy a going away gift or a graduation gift.
If so what would be an appropriate gift. He is going into the Army.
Thanks
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NRA Life Member February 04, 2018, 08:11 PM
Johnny 3eaglesIf he's going Army, Navy or Marines, dont buy anything until he graduates. If he's going Air Force, buy him some golf clubs to take to basic

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February 04, 2018, 08:15 PM
Sig209after graduation IMO.
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Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
February 04, 2018, 08:21 PM
mcrimmI took a couple gifts to boot camp years and years ago. I put them all in a box with my civies and sent them to my folks on day 2.
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When you have no future, you live in the past. " Sycamore Row" by John Grisham February 04, 2018, 08:31 PM
sigmonkeyGive him a jelly donut.
Tell him to keep it in his foot locker.
Then tell him to leave his foot locker unlocked during inspection.
The Drill Instructor will find it, (sort of like an Easter Egg hunt) and will become very emotional and much bonding will occur.
Neither he nor the Drill Instructor will ever forget this bonding.
"the meaning of life, is to give life meaning" ✡ Ani Yehudi אני יהודי Le'olam lo shuv לעולם לא שוב! February 04, 2018, 08:46 PM
EdmondA good watch such as a Casio G-Shock.
However:
I wouldn't get him anything until after he's graduated from AIT and to his unit. Items he will need will be issued to him. He might want some different boots but I don't suggest that initially. At BCT (Basic Combat Training), he will wear the issue boots. At AIT, he may have a choice but he should wear the issue boots in order to keep him feet conditioned.
Wait until after he gets to his unit and see what he would need. Common things Soldiers would need if not issued by that time would be a good knife or flashlight. Gerber/multi-tool should be issued somewhere along the line.
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February 04, 2018, 08:56 PM
hvyhawlerIf he doesn't have them already, get him three master lock, combination locks #175D. Set them all the same, to his choosing. Tell him to scramble the last two numbers. When everyone else is fighting to open their locks his will be open.... My son said those were a lifesaver..... He graduated Army Basic last September.
February 04, 2018, 09:11 PM
Elk Hunterquote:
Wait until after he gets to his unit and see what he would need. Common things Soldiers would need if not issued by that time would be a good knife or flashlight. Gerber/multi-tool should be issued somewhere along the line.
Careful about knives! If a pocket knife it is probably OK. Larger ones, or sheath knife used to be only allowed during field exercises and had to be kept in the arms room when not in the field.
I would wait until he is assigned to a unit and then find out what that "special something" is that he might need or want.
Elk
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The Idaho Elk Hunter
February 04, 2018, 09:38 PM
WarhorseI would suggest not getting him any gift till after he graduates from boot camp, completes his MOS training, and is assigned to a unit. At that point in time a gift would be appreciated.
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February 04, 2018, 11:27 PM
Icabodquote:
Originally posted by Warhorse:
I would suggest not getting him any gift till after he graduates from boot camp, completes his MOS training, and is assigned to a unit. At that point in time a gift would be appreciated.
This.
“ The work of destruction is quick, easy and exhilarating; the work of creation is slow, laborious and dull. February 04, 2018, 11:36 PM
JJexpYou could give him an IOU for his NCO’s sword when it comes time. That would certainly be a treasured gift.
February 04, 2018, 11:41 PM
KevboFriend of mine’s son graduated basic back before Christmas
When he came home for the holiday I gave him a surefire and a Benchmade
Every soldier, sailor, airman or marine should have a good knife and flashlight
Don’t bother getting it before basic.
Chances are he won’t be allowed many non issued personal items anyway
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February 05, 2018, 02:01 AM
CD228I wouldn't give him anything before basic. It will all go in his bag and get locked up for the duration. At least it did when I went through in 2005. Only the Platoon Guide was allowed to wear a watch.
After he graduates everything, a Casio G shock or Suunto Watch , a leatherman, a head lamp (petzl) or a handlight (streamlight, surefire) might be a good gift. They used to issue Gerber multitools before deployment so that might not be worth it. Another option is an appointment with a financial planner. A lot of young soliders don't start saving for retirement when they should have.
February 05, 2018, 08:12 AM
rsboloquote:
Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Give him a jelly donut.
Tell him to keep it in his foot locker.
Then tell him to leave his foot locker unlocked during inspection.
The Drill Instructor will find it, (sort of like an Easter Egg hunt) and will become very emotional and much bonding will occur.
Neither he nor the Drill Instructor will ever forget this bonding.
I really enjoy your post Mr. Monkey, thank you.
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February 05, 2018, 08:40 AM
HayesGreenerThey are likely to take and store away any personal items during basic. His recruiter will instruct him on this. I would wait until he graduates basic then give him an Exchange gift card, then he can buy what he wants. You can buy the gift cards on line from the AAFES website
If you want to give him a tangible gift, I agree that a high quality flashlight and knife are essentials. If your budget goes that high, a Leatherman Weapon tool would be a great gift for a soldier. Three of my children got Danner combat boots when they finished basic or OTS-the best gift I could have given them and they could not afford them on their own. They can be purchased in the Exchange with the gift card.
CMSGT USAF (Retired)
Chief of Police (Retired)
February 05, 2018, 09:32 AM
reflex/deflex 64I advised my daughter to purchase Gold Bond and Motrin at her earliest opportunity. She was a freaking goddess among her cohorts, as well as quite happy herself.
Upon graduation we gifted her new boots of her choosing, as well as some other "stuff". Laptop, Fitbit, multi tool, watch, all come to mind as things she wanted after graduation. I threatened her with a glitter filled card if she didn't write us more often, (as a 4yr old she was dubbed the glitter queen by a preschool teacher).
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February 05, 2018, 09:36 AM
VanwallThe comments make sense. My first thought was back to basic (quite a few years ago). At that time I would have suggested a Zippo lighter. I went to basic with a fancy lighter which was replaced as soon as I could with a Zippo. Different times.
Today I would go with a durable not flashy watch.
February 05, 2018, 04:24 PM
bdylanArmy guys do basic training. I would suggest a good pocket knife after he graduates.
February 05, 2018, 04:50 PM
MattWGet his mailing address and around week 4-5 send a nice box of assorted candy and snacks. By then he’ll really be craving that stuff, he’ll quickly be a fan favorite amongst his peers. It’s actually a long-term favor you’ll be doing for him. After his 4th or 5th hour of getting smoked and throwing up, he’ll swear off all candy going forward in life. Years down the road he’ll be a much healthier person as a result.
Or as others have said, nothing until graduation. Chances are it will be locked up anyway till he’s finished.