What Deployed Troops Really Want in Their Military Care Packages

Being deployed has its ups and downs, but receiving packages from home definitely makes the time spent there less stressful.

The best part is that, through a few great programs, anyone can send a care package and you don’t even need to know the soldier receiving it.

Whether it’s a loved one or someone you’ve never met, we’ve put together a useful guide on what to include, what to avoid and how to send your care package overseas.

What to Include in a Military Care Package

Some of the best care packages deployed personnel receive contain practical items. On military bases, there isn’t much room for clutter, so sometimes the most important things are the most useful and help service members do their job.

Important Tip: Don't forget to seal everything in plastic zip-lock bags. This protects your care package from the elements and the soldier from receiving snacks that taste like soap.

Personal and Practical Items

Service members are on their feet a lot when deployed, so some of the best items are those that help keep them dry, clean and comfortable. These may include the following:

• High-quality socks (This is first because some high-quality socks will make the toughest soldier smile with delight)
• Soap (shampoo, body wash, face wash, etc.)
• Toothpaste, toothbrush and floss
• Deodorant (travel size/non-aerosol)
• Lip balm
• Foot powder
• Baby wipes
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer
• Pain-relieving topical cream (not a necessity but can be a real luxury)
• Vicks VapoRub
• Hand warmers
• Sewing kits
• Lens cleaning cloths and glass cleaner for goggles

Downtime Activities

Many service members also have plenty of downtime. However, they do not have unlimited access to smartphones or the Internet, so they have to be creative to keep themselves occupied or have fun.

Some helpful items to consider include:

• Reading material (magazines, books or an e-reader like a Kindle)
• Handheld video games
• Board games
• Decks of cards
• iPod or thumb drives with movies, music and pictures
• Puzzles
• Plastic model kits
• Baseball gloves and baseballs
• Batteries (AAs and AAAs)
• Pencils
• 3M wall hooks to decorate

Really, anything that could help decompress from a stressful day and focus on something else is a great item to pack.

Food and Snacks

The best way to anyone's heart is through their stomach, and deployed service members are no different.

While there's enough food to go around on base, much of it can be a little bland and the variety is lacking. Try including some of the following:

• Hot sauce (a great commodity to have around, and the convenience of Taco Bell sauce packets are great to have in the field)
• Water flavoring packets (many deployment areas are very hot, and service members need to constantly remain hydrated)
• Beef jerky
• Slim Jims
• Protein bars
• Gum
• Sunflower seeds

As with anything you send, it needs to be non-perishable. Sending homemade cookies or soft candies halfway around the world just won't cut it. Please don't send food in the same package as shampoo or other toiletries — there's nothing worse than getting some treats from home covered in soap.

Sentimental Things

While all of the above are great, sometimes we just need an extra boost of confidence from home. While emails are convenient, they don't have the same poignancy and convey the same emotion as a handwritten letter.

Remember to take videos of everything: baby's first steps, parties, family get-togethers and even just lounging around the house. You can even put some of those on a USB drive and send it.

How To Mail a Care Package

Even if you don’t have family or friends overseas, you can still send a care package to a deployed soldier. The USPS offers a free military care kit, tailored to the most common requests from military families. They also have a dedicated military mail page to help ensure your care package arrives successfully.

5 Steps to Ship a Deployment Care Package

Sending a care package to a deployed service member takes a little extra planning. Military mail follows specific guidelines, and overseas routing can add time in transit.

A few simple steps can help your package arrive safely and without delays.

1. Use the Correct Military Address Format

APO, FPO and DPO addresses follow a unique structure. Be sure to include the proper region code (AE, AP or AA). Avoid listing a foreign city or country, as this can delay delivery.

2. Complete the Required Customs Form

Packages traveling outside the United States require a customs declaration form. Clearly list the contents and attach the form securely to the outside of the package.

3. Choose Sturdy Packaging and Add Padding

Mail headed to deployed locations is often handled multiple times. Use a strong box and fill empty space with lightweight padding to prevent items from shifting or breaking during transit.

4. Check Location-Specific Restrictions

Some duty stations have restrictions due to climate, security or local policies. The USPS publishes updated guidelines by ZIP code, which can help you avoid sending prohibited items.

5. Ship Early and Track When Possible

Delivery timelines vary by location. Some bases receive mail weekly or biweekly. Shipping early gives your package the best chance of arriving on time. When available, tracking can provide added peace of mind.

While you send a little piece of home overseas, you might also be considering what home looks like when they return. When you’re ready, connect with a Veterans United VA loan expert to help you understand how to turn your hard-earned benefit into homeownership.