Adopt A US Soldier

Connecting supportive Americans with deployed soldiers.

"...thank you so much...it is nice to know that there are so many people back in the states who are behind us...out here where we are, you can’t help but feel isolated and alone...even though you are so far away, the kind things that are done for us bring you much closer...thank you for your support."

"...thank you for all the candy and food you sent...it's nice to know that people think of us while we are over here in Iraq."

"...thank you for your care package and your incredible support...the thought that someone back home cares enough to send packages makes this difficult job a little easier."

"Wow! I can’t thank you enough for all the love and thought you’ve shown me and my platoon...knowing that there are so many people back home who support us keeps us going strong day after day...keep us in your prayers."

"...I wanted to write and tell you how much it means that you take time to send us letters and packages...sometimes we think that people at home forget about us but when we get things from people like you...it means a lot."

"...we all here feel fortunate to have great people such as yourself to care about us and go out of your way to send us things...everything you have sent was well appreciated and is shared among us all...we can't stress it enough how grateful we are for your selfless acts of generosity...thank you very much."

How to Send

Thank you for your interest in the Adopt A US Soldier program. “Adoption” is as easy as writing letters or as involved as sending care packages. Your level of participation is entirely up to you.

Prior to sending a letter or package to your soldier, please review the following mailing regulations on this page as per the United States Postal Service (USPS). It is important to note that there are some things that CANNOT to be sent due to customs regulations regarding incoming mail.

Also, please note that the information detailed on this page was obtained in large part from the USPS web site. While we try to provide comprehensive and accurate information, it is subject to change and/or individual Post Master discretion.

Prohibited Items

Although there are specific restrictions for each five-digit Military Post Office ZIP Code (APO/FPO), generally, the following are prohibited in the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc).

Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials.

Any alcohol

Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.

Pork or pork by-products.

American Flags (we are not the occupiers).

Processing Military Mail

Military mail postage rates are the same as domestic rates. A 41-cent First-Class stamp will deliver a letter to a U.S. military soldier located halfway around the world.

The Postal Service places APO (Air/Army Post Office) and FPO (Fleet Post Office) mail on international commercial passenger service and international cargo service aircraft from various cities. When the plane lands overseas, the mail is tendered to the Military. The mail is then handled by Military Postal Service representatives and transported to the military post office for distribution to the soldier’s unit for delivery to the addressee.

Anticipated Delivery Duration

Mail delivery time varies, but typically military mail letters take between seven and 10 days for delivery depending on country of destination. Packages can take between 10 to 24 days for delivery depending on destination.

Transit times will vary depending on operational conditions and the unit of the addressee. Soldiers in established bases should continue to receive regular service, while those in forward areas or engaged in operations may experience longer arrival times due to logistical constraints.

Proper Way to Address a Letter or Package

To properly address your letter or package, use the soldier’s full name (with or without grade, rank, or rating, or a specific title), include the unit designation, the APO/FPO address with the nine-digit ZIP Code (if one is assigned), and a return address. For packages, mailers are asked to print on one side only with the recipient’s address in the lower right portion. Please note: do not include the country or the base camp’s city, as it might be routed through the host country’s mail system.

If you have questions about addressing your letter or package, please consult your local Post Office.

Package Size Restrictions

At times, military units may have additional restrictions imposed by the unit commanders, such as those on size and weight, to ensure logistics support can handle the mail along with other necessities. A box cannot be larger than 108 inches when summing the measurement across the longest side and the measurement of its circumference. It cannot weigh more than 70 pounds.

In addition, Military ZIP Code restrictions may change as military units move to different locations. All applicable restrictions for about 3,000 overseas military ZIP Codes are entered into the U.S. Postal Service computer terminals and published in the Postal Bulletin.

Please consult your Post Office for answers to any package/letter size and weight questions.

Letter or Package Inspections

Typically, letters are not opened unless they appear unusually bulky. Letters found to be unusually bulky may be examined to see if they contain contraband such as drugs. Parcel mail is examined on a spot-check basis to determine conformity with the host country’s customs regulations and for terrorist-type mailings.

Mailing Inquiries

For specific restrictions and mailing rates to an APO/FPO address, visit the Rate Calculator on www.usps.com, call 1-800-ASK-USPS, consult your local Post Office, or phone the Military Postal Service Agency at 1-800-810-6098.

Mailing to our US Soldiers is really easy.

TIP: For care packages, you will need to fill out a declaration form (at the Post Office). On that form, you have the option to request the package be redirected to the soldier’s unit if it cannot be delivered directly to the soldier. We suggest you request this option to avoid having your package returned if undelivered.