Coast Guard Mail

Recruits will start receiving mail, typically, by the end of the second week or into the early part of the third week.
You will typically receive a letter by about the middle of week 2 with information about your recruit's company name and which hall to address your letter to.
You are encouraged to send letters to your loved ones. You cannot, however, send care packages (e.g. food, books, magazines, etc.) as they are not authorized.

MAIL CORRESPONDENCE TO:

SR (Last name, First initial)

Company # and Hall (James, Healy or Munro)

1 Munro Avenue

USCG TRACEN

Cape May, NJ, 08204

You can send MondayDelivery.com postcards once a week, which includes an image/photo and your personal message. Postcards are a great way for family members to send quick motivational notes directly from their phone. Overnighted every Thursday.
Also, the mail is delivered to the companies every evening, however, they are only given 5 minutes to read their letters before they are on to the next task. They are only authorized "letter writing time" on Sundays during divine hours (adopted from CWO Timothy Tamargo, Public Affairs Officer letter).

Number your letters -since delivery can be delayed we recommend you number your letters (both on the envelope and letter) - this will allow your recruit to read the letters in order.
Write frequently - the number one inspiration and morale booster is receiving mail from loved ones. Encourage your family & friends to write a short letter or postcard to your recruit.Hand written vs. an app - Although electronic mailing apps can be convenient handwritten letters are always more meaningful to your recruit. We recommend you use various forms of letter creation based on the purpose of the message. Handwritten is best for 'heart-felt' content, where a postcard or electronic letter is best for quick motivational messages or scriptures.
Receiving Mail - Don't be disappointed if letters from your recruit are few and far between. Your loved one is very busy and maybe overwhelmed, especially within the first few weeks. The most important thing is to keep writing.
Sending stamps & envelopes - You may include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a few sheets of paper. Print out some pre-printed address labels with those of your family and a few friends so they can place it on the envelope. Please send them to basic with a roll of stamps and stack of envelopes.)
Mailing Pictures - Photos may be reviewed by the command to ensure that they in good taste, i.e., no nudity, no pornography, no gang signs, no alcohol or drug-related, or profanity. We suggest that you send copies instead of original to avoid heartache should the photo get misplaced or damaged. Space is minimal, so keep the letters to a regular standard size.
Phone cards - Recruits are allowed to have a phone card. It's best to send it with them, but you can include this with one of your letters.

COAST GUARD MAIL

Letters may be delayed based on quarantine and delivery time of the US Postal System. Don't be discouraged if you don't hear from your receruit consistently - they are ok.

Send a post card.

Best Practices & Ideas