How Do Soldiers Mail Letters Home While Deployed?

Deploying soldiers often have the desire and need to communicate openly with loved ones back home. Understanding the process of mailing letters ensures that their messages reach their intended recipients accurately and efficiently. Here's a comprehensive guide to help soldiers navigate the military postal system and the unique aspects of mailing from various deployment environments.

On Military Bases

The Process: When deployed, soldiers can mail letters from on-base post offices. These post offices are typically manned by military personnel who are trained and certified to handle the mail. The system is known as the Army Post Office (APO) and the Air Force Post Office (FPO), which are part of the broader Military Postal Service (MPS).

Steps:

Write the letter or postcard Address the envelope with the appropriate APO or FPO code Drop it in the mailbox or deliver it directly to the post office

Military personnel are accustomed to making mail handling a top priority. This ensures that communication remains a seamless process, even in remote areas where personal mail could be challenging to manage.

Traditional Mail Systems

Past Practices: During the 1980s, when the author of this article served in Cyprus, Northern Ireland, and Germany, soldiers used traditional mail systems. They would write and post letters directly with stamps, similar to how civilians do in America. This reflects the historical approach to maintaining communication lines while deployed.

Current Systems: In the current age, technology has revolutionized communication. Soldiers sometimes opt for texting or emailing instead of writing physical letters. However, traditional mail remains a primary method, as it provides a sense of normalcy and reliability in uncertain environments.

Overseas Duty Stations

Military Postal Service (MPS): In foreign duty stations, the process remains largely the same as on bases in the U.S. Mail is collected and processed through the Military Postal Service (MPS) before being delivered to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

Special Procedures: In remote locations, soldiers might gather all outgoing mail in a labeled bag and deliver it to the nearest post office. These regions often lack direct access to commercial mail services, making the military's postal system a crucial lifeline for communication.

Combat Zones

No Postage Needed: In combat zones, the need for efficiency is paramount. Soldiers often do not pay postage for their mail. The military ensures that letters and postcards are prioritized and delivered promptly.

Reduction in Paperwork: In remote and dangerous areas, minimizing paperwork and ensuring security is essential. The military postal system is designed to streamline the process, making it easy for soldiers to maintain communication without unnecessary delays.

On Ships

Outgoing Mail: For soldiers deployed on ships, mail is collected and placed in the outgoing mail bag. The ship will schedule deliveries at regular intervals, ensuring that mail is eventually sent to shore.

Logistics: Shipboard mail is handled carefully to ensure it reaches its destination safely. The military ensures that mail is integrated into the ship's supply schedule, allowing for timely delivery even in challenging environments.

In conclusion, the military postal system is a reliable and efficient way for soldiers to stay in touch with their loved ones while deployed. Whether through traditional letters or modern communication methods, the military ensures that messages are communicated effectively, maintaining the essential human connections that support soldiers during these challenging times.