Sandboxx https://www.sandboxx.us/ Connecting our Military Mon, 20 May 2024 14:59:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.sandboxx.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cropped-sandboxx-global-site-logo-750x750-1-32x32.jpg Sandboxx https://www.sandboxx.us/ 32 32 Basic Training Mailroom Closures For Memorial Day Weekend https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/basic-training-mailroom-memorial-day-closures/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=basic-training-mailroom-memorial-day-closures Mon, 20 May 2024 13:47:44 +0000 https://www.sandboxx.us/basic-training-mailroom-memorial-day-closures/

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend we have information about when your loved ...

The post Basic Training Mailroom Closures For Memorial Day Weekend appeared first on Sandboxx.

]]>

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend we have information about when your loved one’s basic training mailroom will be closed for the holiday, so that you can make sure to get your letters to your recruit before the long weekend. The dates below are subject to change depending on the needs of the Command. Additionally, our print room will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024 in observance of Memorial Day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Customer Happiness team

This weekend, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Here are some Ways to Honor The Fallen This Weekend

Sandboxx Memorial Day Printing Schedule

Wednesday 5/22
Ensure Delivery for all Army Bases before Memorial Day – Final Print at 5pm ET

Wednesday 5/22
Ensure Delivery for Parris Island(USMC) before Memorial Day – Final Print at 5pm ET

Thursday 5/23
Ensure Delivery for San Diego (USMC) & Quantico (USMC) before Memorial Day – Final Print at 5pm ET

Thursday 5/23
Ensure Delivery for all Navy Bases before Memorial Day – Final Print at 5pm ET

Thursday 5/23
Ensure Delivery for all Coast Guard Bases before Memorial Day – Final Print at 5pm ET

Thursday 5/23
Ensure Delivery for all Air Force Bases before Memorial Day – Final Print at 5pm ET

Army Basic Training

All mail submitted after 5pm ET on Wednesday, May 22nd will be delivered on Tuesday, May 28th for Fort Moore, Fort Jackson, Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Sill.

BASEDATEMAILROOM STATUS
Fort MooreFriday 5/24 & Monday 5/27Closed
Fort JacksonFriday 5/24 & Monday 5/27Closed
Fort Leonard WoodFriday 5/24 & Monday 5/27Closed
Fort SillFriday 5/24 & Monday 5/27Closed

Marine Corps Basic Training

All mail submitted after 5pm ET on Thursday, May 23rd will be delivered on Tuesday, May 28th for Quantico and Wednesday, May 29th for San Diego.

BASEDATEMAILROOM STATUS
MCRD San DiegoMonday 5/27 & Tuesday 5/28Closed
MCRD Parris IslandFriday 5/24 & Monday 5/27Closed
QuanticoMonday 5/27Closed

Navy Basic Training

All mail submitted after 5pm ET on Thursday, May 23rd will be delivered on Tuesday, May 28th for Great Lakes.

BASEDATEMAILROOM STATUS
RTC Great LakesMonday 5/27Closed

Air Force and Space Force Basic Training

All mail submitted after 5pm ET on Thursday, May 23rd will be delivered on Tuesday, May 28th for Lackland.

BASEDATEMAILROOM STATUS
JBSA LacklandMonday 5/27Closed

Coast Guard Basic Training

All mail submitted after 5pm ET on Thursday, May 23rd will be delivered on Tuesday, May 28th for Cape May.

BASEDATEMAILROOM STATUS
Cape MayMonday 5/27Closed

The post Basic Training Mailroom Closures For Memorial Day Weekend appeared first on Sandboxx.

]]>
Congress Puts Service Members and Families First in New Quality of Life Report https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/congress-puts-service-members-and-families-first-in-new-quality-of-life-report/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=congress-puts-service-members-and-families-first-in-new-quality-of-life-report Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:41:37 +0000 https://www.sandboxx.us/?p=102715

As parents, family, and friends of new military members, it’s crucial to understand the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for your friends and loved ones as they embark on their military journey. Joining the military opens up a world of possibilities and benefits with unwavering congressional support. The people you elect for your districts and states all care about the well-being of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guard.

The post Congress Puts Service Members and Families First in New Quality of Life Report appeared first on Sandboxx.

]]>

As parents, family, and friends of new military members, it’s crucial to understand the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for your friends and loved ones as they embark on their military journey. Joining the military opens up a world of possibilities and benefits with unwavering congressional support. The people you elect for your districts and states all care about the well-being of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen. 

These young men and women have volunteered to defend our nation, and Congress is always pushing our Department of Defense to be at its best. I am incredibly proud to see our legislature and DoD leadership thoughtfully focus on our service’s quality of life just as much as we focus on ships, aircraft, installations, systems, and training — creating a comprehensive defense strategy for global good. 

A recent report released by the House Armed Services Committee’s Quality of Life Panel sheds more light on the ongoing and comprehensive legislative measures aimed at supporting service members, particularly the younger enlisted ranks. 

The Congressional Commitment to Quality of Life

(DoD Photo)

The Quality of Life Panel was established in June of 2023 to address the evolving needs of military personnel and their families. Through bipartisan collaboration, the panel created a series of recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — more commonly known as the Defense budget — to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who serve. The focus of this panel has been on improving various aspects critical to service members’ welfare, including pay and compensation, housing, healthcare access, and spouse support. 

Under the leadership of Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) as Chairman, and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), as the ranking minority member, the panel has focused on core areas that drive both recruitment and retention of our service communities. There has never been a better time to join and stay in the military. 

Higher Pay and Better Housing Options for Service Members

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Amy Lovgren)

One of the standout recommendations the panel has produced is the proposed 15% increase in basic pay for junior enlisted members (E-1 to E-4). Basic Pay is the foundation of military pay and entitlements and is based on a service member’s pay grade (rank) and time in service. You can learn more about Basic Pay here.

This initiative aims to restore the real-world value of service members’ income, acknowledging the increase in civilian earnings for individuals with similar educational backgrounds. Doing so ensures families can pay their bills, put food on the table, and invest in their future while they serve in the military. Moreover, the proposal to adjust the Regular Military Compensation (RMC) benchmarks reflects a concerted effort to ensure military pay remains competitive and fair. These RMC benchmarks represent the combined value of Basic Pay and other military entitlements servicemembers of all ranks receive in each paycheck.

The Panel also emphasizes the need for continued improvements to housing solutions. It recommends reversing the recent reduction in the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to ensure it covers 100% of the calculated rate for service members and their families, providing the finances required for a more stable living situation. BAH rates are calculated based on a service member’s pay grade, number of dependents, and location, with rates varying by zip code based on the local housing markets.

For too long, families only received 95% of this benefit as a cost-saving measure from the Department of Defense. We should never balance the checkbook on the backs of families and we are excited to see this injustice corrected. Further, enhancing the calculation methods for the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and Cost-of-Living Allowances (COLA) will better reflect the actual living costs faced by military families stationed throughout the country and around the world. These entitlements are meant to offset the cost of service members’ meals (BAS) and any additional costs incurred by living in more expensive locations (COLA). 

Improving Access to Healthcare and Military Spouse Opportunities

((U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Clayton Cupit))

Improving access to medical care has been highlighted as a critical area by military leaders and members of the Quality of Life Panel. The Panel suggests evaluating the effectiveness of current healthcare access standards and expanding direct access to specialty healthcare providers. 

These measures aim to reduce waiting times and improve the overall healthcare services available to service members and their families. This next generation of service members is much more aware of health and well-being than many in the last generation. As such, we must strive to not just create equity in the comparable healthcare system, but to make military healthcare services among the best in the world. 

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by military spouses, particularly in maintaining their careers amid frequent relocations, the Panel also recommends expanding the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot Program — a competitive multi-year program that provides military spouses with paid 12-week fellowships in companies spanning a breadth of industries and locations. Participating spouses receive hands-on training and mentorship within the professional civilian environment to better equip them for a successful career. 

Spouses should not have to choose between supporting their loved ones and pursuing their own careers. This program facilitates employment opportunities for spouses, significantly bolstering their professional and personal stability. 

What This Means for Parents

(U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

These developments provide parents with valuable reassurances about their children’s welfare and future in the military. The legislative focus on improving pay, healthcare, housing, and family support underlines a robust commitment to addressing the everyday challenges faced by service members. By staying informed about these changes, you can better support your child’s career and well-being in the armed forces.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers has already pledged to include these recommendations in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (Defense budget). It’s an optimistic time for military families, with tangible improvements on the horizon to enhance the quality of life for all service members. 

This collaborative and effective bipartisan effort is not only a model for our other committees to follow, but it is also a successful case study on the positive outcomes that our military members reap when our elected officials and senior military leaders come together for the good of the services, and most importantly, the people within them.

You can read more about the recommendations HERE, and you can read the full Quality of Life Panel report HERE.

The post Congress Puts Service Members and Families First in New Quality of Life Report appeared first on Sandboxx.

]]>
Phone Calls During Basic Training https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/phone-calls-during-basic-training/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=phone-calls-during-basic-training Mon, 08 Apr 2024 20:36:45 +0000 https://www.sandboxx.us/?p=102529

Today’s generation has practically grown up with a cell phone in hand. We live in ...

The post Phone Calls During Basic Training appeared first on Sandboxx.

]]>

Today’s generation has practically grown up with a cell phone in hand. We live in a world where instant gratification in terms of communication has become the norm. This makes the transition to basic training a major challenge for some trainees and their supporters as communication looks drastically different. One of the most common questions we get at Sandboxx is “when will my Trainee call?”.  While we would love for you to have the ability to get a phone calls from basic training everyday, that is just not feasible in the training cycle. Your Trainee is hyper focused on learning the skills necessary to earn the title of American Soldier. Ultimately, phone calls in basic training are a privilege. 

Phone Calls From Your Trainee

Normally Trainee’s get the opportunity to make calls home on Sundays. I always like to recommend to supporters to turn the volume up on their phone every Sunday for this reason. There is no guarantee your Trainee will call. But if they do get their phone privileges that week, Sunday is your best bet. They will have limited time to make phone calls and we cannot tell you who they will choose to call.

During this short availability of phone call time, they will be given access to their cell phones. Normally, they try to catch up with as many people as they can fit into the short window of opportunity.  One key thing to remember is, phone calls are not guaranteed. If the platoon got in trouble that week for example, one of the most precious things they can lose is their phone time. Drill Sergeants want training to be the priority. As a result, they may take phone priveldeges away in order to get a trainee sattention.

Communication at Basic Training

During basic training, phone calls aren’t a guarantee, but mail call is. Your letters will be essential in keeping your trainee’s spirits high throughout their time in training. Don’t worry we go over all you need to know about sending Letters to trainees in basic training in this post.

The post Phone Calls During Basic Training appeared first on Sandboxx.

]]>
Enlisted U.S. Army Ranks https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/enlisted-us-army-ranks/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=enlisted-us-army-ranks Mon, 08 Apr 2024 20:14:46 +0000 https://www.sandboxx.us/?p=102519

Before you or your trainee get to basic training, most people don’t have a very ...

The post Enlisted U.S. Army Ranks appeared first on Sandboxx.

]]>

Before you or your trainee get to basic training, most people don’t have a very thorough understanding of military ranks. Everybody recognizes the ones that commonly show up in movies like sergeant, captain, or admiral, but where they fall on the pecking order of different branches isn’t all that clear. 

So whether you don’t know anything about military ranks, or you’re just confused how to put them in order, here’s a breakdown of the Army rank structure. 

Army Grade & Rank

Grade and rank correlate with each other, but there is a difference between the two. For example if your trainee is a Private (PVT) their grade will be an E-1. E-1 is short for enlisted pay grade one. Pay grade is important for figuring out the pay scale they are on, as the enlisted pay scale goes from E-1 to E-9. Thus, when your Soldier is promoted or advances to the next rank, they will be in the next higher pay grade. For example, if your PVT gets promoted to PV2, they will now be an E-2.

Soldiers are not referred to as their pay grade, instead they are referred to as their rank. When you are referencing your Soldier, it is correct to refer to them as PVT Jones or PV2 Smith.

Junior Enlisted Army Ranks

In the Army, Junior Enlisted personnel includes privates and specialists, ranging from E-1 to E-3. These ranks receive promotions based on their length of service and time in their current pay grade.

Privates (PVT), or E-1’s, advance to Private 2nd Class (PV2), or E-2, after six months of service. While Private 2nd Class personnel typically attain the rank of Private First Class (PFC), or E-3, after reaching 12 months of service and four months in their grade. Furthermore, soldiers usually achieve the rank of Specialist (E-4) after completing a minimum of two years of service and undergoing specialized training.

Here are some general guidelines for understanding ranks for new enlistees in the Army. 

Soldiers who enlist right after high school with no college experience, they will most likely be a PVT.

Soldiers enlisting with some experience in JROTC, they will most likely be a PV2.

If a soldier enlisted with a college degree, they will be a SPC.

Non-Commissioned Officer Army Ranks

Like most other military branches, the Army designates all ranks E-4 and above as Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). 

E-4

Corporals, E-4’s are often referred to as junior NCOs. However, they are accorded the same level of respect as any other NCO.

Unit commanders have the authority to promote PFCs to the rank of Corporal once specific criteria are met:

  • 26 months in service.
  • Accumulation of six months’ time in grade, which can be waived to three months under certain circumstances.
  • Possession of a security clearance suitable for the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in which the promotion is sought. In some cases, advancement may be facilitated by the granting of an interim security clearance.

E-5 and E-6

E-5 is the first level where enlisted soldiers are referred to as Sergeant (SGT). Among the various grades of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), this particular rank arguably holds the most significant influence over lower-ranking soldiers.

The rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG) or E-6, is similar to that of Sergeant in terms of duties and responsibilities. Overall, the fundamental duties and responsibilities of all NCO ranks don’t change, but there are important differences. Most notably, Staff Sergeants typically interact daily with larger groups of soldiers and are generally tasked with the upkeep of more equipment and other property.

Promotion to sergeant (SGT) and staff sergeant (SSG) differs from other ranks in that the promotion is determined through an Army-wide competition. This competition operates on a point system, with points awarded for various factors including firing range scores, performance evaluations, physical fitness, educational attainment, awards, and ranking in promotion boards.

Corporals and specialists must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Recommendation from a commanding officer
  • 36 months of service
  • 8 months in current grade
  • Successful completion of the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC)
  • Possession of a high school diploma, GED equivalency, or college degree.

Staff Sergeant candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

  • Recommendation from a commanding officer
  • 84 months of service
  • 10 months in current grade
  • Successful completion of the primary leadership development course (PLDC)
  • Possess a high school diploma, GED equivalency or college degree

Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Army Ranks

E-7

Sergeant First Class (SFC), or E-7 soldiers represent the first tier of senior NCO’s. They aid platoon leaders in soldier training and welfare, functioning as the second-in-command within a platoon and often serving as Platoon Sergeants. 

Similar to the promotion process for junior enlisted ranks, commanders have the option to expedite the advancement of soldiers under certain circumstances.

E-8

Master Sergeants (MSG), or E-8’s serve as the primary NCO’s at battalion, brigade, or higher levels, offering expertise and fulfilling various roles concurrently. While MSGs and first sergeants may share the E-8 pay grade, their authority and responsibilities differ.

First Sergeants (1SG) play a vital role in the Army, conducting formations, guiding platoon sergeants, and supporting all enlisted personnel. As senior NCOs, they assist in company-level command. 

E-9

Sergeant Majors (SGM), E-9’s, serve as subject matter experts, offering advice on policy development and exerting significant influence, particularly in battalion-level command. SGMs hold the highest enlisted rank pay grade of E-9.

Command Sergeant Majors (CSM) provide professional guidance, oversee policy implementation, and train soldiers within enlisted ranks. 

The Bottom Line

The thirteen enlisted ranks within the U.S. Army are organized into three tiers. Junior Enlisted (E-1 through E-4) as they rise through the ranks. Followed by NCOs, who serve as the backbone of leadership (E-4 through E-6). And finally, Senior NCOs (E-7 through E-9), the officers with the most experience. 

The post Enlisted U.S. Army Ranks appeared first on Sandboxx.

]]>
What is Military Time? https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/what-is-military-time/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-military-time Fri, 05 Apr 2024 14:33:01 +0000 https://www.sandboxx.us/?p=102478

In military settings, time is denoted using a 24-hour clock system rather than the conventional ...

The post What is Military Time? appeared first on Sandboxx.

]]>

In military settings, time is denoted using a 24-hour clock system rather than the conventional 12-hour format. You’ve likely become familiar with military time if your trainee has left for boot camp. This new method quickly becomes the norm for trainees, but it can be confusing at first. 

Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about military time, and providing some quick and easy tips on how to read it.

Why Use Military Time?

The military uses the 24-hour clock system, commonly known as military time, to avoid confusion between morning and afternoon hours. This is essential because the military is in continuous operation 24 hours a day.  

The U.S. Navy began using the 24-hour clock in 1920, after becoming familiar with it during World War I. Followed by the U.S. Army officially adopting military time in 1942.

How to Read Military Time

Military time looks a little complicated and confusing at first, so let’s simplify it. To start, each hour has its own unique number. This eliminates the need for a.m. or p.m. designations. The day begins at midnight with 0000, pronounced as “zero hundred hours”. Each following hour is represented by adding one hundred, so 1 a.m. becomes 0100, and so on. 

Time is expressed in four digits without a colon, such as 0630 for 6:30 a.m. The simplicity continues through midday at 1200 hours. However, after noon, military time progresses chronologically, with 1 p.m. as 1300 hours, and so forth. The day concludes just before midnight at 2359, or twenty-three fifty-nine hours. To convert afternoon and evening hours to civilian time, simply subtract 12. For example, 2000 hours becomes 8 

A trainee’s day typically begins at what they term “O’ dark thirty”, indicating an early start. This usually spans from midnight to 5 a.m. Despite early beginnings and late endings, this time is dedicated to their education and transformation from Trainee to Soldier.

Military Time Chart

12 Hour Clock24 Hour Clock12 Hour Clock24 Hour Clock
12:00 am000012:00 pm1200
1:00 am01001:00 pm1300
2:00 am02002:00 pm1400
3:00 am03003:00 pm1500
4:00 am04004:00 pm1600
5:00 am05005:00 pm1700
6:00am06006:00 pm1800
7:00 am07007:00 pm1900
8:00 am08008:00 pm2000
9:00 am09009:00 pm2100
10:00 am100010:00 pm2200
11:00 am110011:00 pm2300

The post What is Military Time? appeared first on Sandboxx.

]]>