JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas —
The 37th Training Wing is collaborating with a new platform to provide information to families of trainees faster than ever – all with just a few clicks.
The Department of the Air Force’s Basic Military Training has partnered with Sandboxx, a digital platform, as a way to facilitate communication and increase engagement between trainees and their loved ones during what can otherwise be seen as stressful time.
Trainees must first opt in to use the app, which is free to download. Once they do, pre-identified family and friends receive a link to create a profile. Registered users can access information including a trainee’s mailing address and weekly updates that detail the training experience.
“The goal is to help families understand what their trainee is experiencing as they progress through BMT and learn what it entails,” said Col. Will Cooper, commander, 37th Training Wing.
The app provides a faster way for families to communicate with trainees by allowing them to send digital letters, which are then printed and delivered, as an added service. This serves as an option for trainees, as traditional mail will continue to be delivered. For more information about BMT, visit www.basictraining.af.mil.
-37th Training Wing Public Affairs
…and allows us to monitor and audit communications…lol
It’s amazing how quickly things change. When I went through BMT in 1995 we were still writing letters and hoping for a “patio break” to use one of the pay phones and the prepaid calling card the Chaplains handed out.
You got prepaid calling cards?! Lucky…
Other than the prepaid cards it was the same in 2005. Sitting at mail call in the day room with the TI ripping your mail open to look for “contraband” and hurling the letters at trainees.
The best was when someone got an ooh-la-la letter that smelled like perfume or had stuff written or drawn on the envelope.
I remember getting like a 10-15min calling card from the Chaplain in the 2nd week I think it was, whenever you went there for whatever moral leadership class they did. I’m sure they were donated from some club or something.