Long distance relationships and staying connected during basic training can be tough and take a toll on people. It doesn’t have to be if you’re prepared for it. Keep reading for some tips to stay connected and not have your relationship strained during your time away
Yes, that is obvious
Discuss Communication Together Before You Go
Talk about it so both of you know communication will be limited or possibly even
Staying connected during basic training is a challenge. It’s much easier going in knowing this instead of stressing out over it later
Staying Connected During Basic Training By Phone Calls
As I just said, each week you are given the opportunity to call loved ones for 5 minutes.
Your phone will be passed back to you and you’ll be on an emotional joyride talking to those you’ve been missing for some time. If your unable to get a hold of that special someone
Side tip, I’d recommend having your phone fully charged before arriving at basic training. It will be hard to find an outlet to charge your phone when there are far more trainee’s then outlets.
Staying Connected During Basic Training By Letters
I know this goes against what I just said that letters have limits too, but stay connected by having letters sent to you even if its one sided. Your significant other will be thinking of you while writing them and you will be thinking of them while reading.
I also know you will be tempted to write letters back but it’s difficult when your instructor doesn’t allow time to write or even collect letters to be sent out for that matter. If you wanna know how to send out letters while in basic training read the post about it here.
Another common way to stay connected through
Instructors pass out mail and if they feel a photo in it, they will have you open up the mail in front of them to inspect it. So don’t have anything sent you don’t want your instructor to see
Side Story – Thinking back to my time in basic training there were a few people that got photos confiscated from them that weren’t allowed. One of them received prank mail too. One day
Another Side Tip, Mail arrives and will be passed out usually once a week by your instructor while sitting in the day room. I would consider yourself lucky if you have an instructor that does mail more then once a week.
Plan A Graduation Trip Visit
At the end of basic training, you’ll be molded into a
It’s the perfect time to strengthen the relationship after being apart for nearly two months. After the graduation ceremony, you are able to spend the next few afternoons together off base around San Antonio. So take advantage of the opportunity and plan to see each other during this time.
To Wrap It Up
With these 4 tips for staying connected during basic training, your relationship should survive the time spent apart.
It won’t be easy but remember to talk about communication before leaving, attempt to call every week, receive as many letters as possible, and plan a graduation visit
Corey Porter
Air Force Veteran
Corey is an Air Force veteran and the lead writer at Basic to Blues. He refueled fighter jets as a young airman and deployed twice to the Middle East. Now Corey can be found hiking in the Pacific Northwest.
Who the hell… POL!