Military Schools » Other Resources » Military FAQs

Military FAQs

This is a section devoted to frequently asked questions about Military here on About Military Schools.

Is there anything I should know about addressing mail to a Soldier?

Answer: To ensure that mail gets through from families and loved ones, the following information is given on addressing. Recommended address:

Soldier's Name (note 1)
Organization to which assigned (note 2)
Unit # xxxx (note 3)
APO AE 09xxx-xxxx (notes 4 and note 5)

NOTES:

Use of rank is optional
Organization name should be included if you have it; however, it is not always used for certain types of forces
Unit # is a four digit number assigned to some units, but not all. Where assigned, it should always be used. Soldiers will have notified friends and family if they have one assigned.
APOs served by New York have a 09 prefix (09xxx); APOs served by San Francisco have a 96 prefix (96xxx), and APOs served by Miami have a 34 prefix (34xxx)
The last four xxxx represent a ZIP 4 add-on to the normal five digit APO Zip Code, and have been assigned to some forces. Where assigned, correspondents should have been notified and the four digit add on should always be used to help in automatic sorting of mail

I have a family emergency and need to get in contact with my son/daughter/husband/wife/etc -- how do I get in contact with them?

Answer: The Rear Detachment is the single best official connection to your Soldier's unit while it is deployed. If you don't know how to contact your Soldier's Rear Detachment, you can contact the American Red Cross

I want to enlist in the Army - who do I contact?

Answer: Go to http://www.goarmy.com. At this Army recruiting web site you can obtain your local recruiting station's address and telephone number, send the recruiters an e-mail, or engage in an on-line chat with a recruiter.

I want to send a message of support to our troops - where do I send it? Can I send goodies/books/etc?

Answer: DoD officials ask citizens not to flood the military mail system with letters, cards, and gifts. Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the Defense Department can't accept items mailed to "Any Servicemember". However, there are numerous other ways in which you can show your support for our troops. The following are websites for several organizations sponsoring programs for members of the Armed Forces overseas. While it would be inappropriate for DoD to endorse any specifically, Service members do value and appreciate such expressions of support:

Back to: