Army Rules about Quilts?
 

I just learned a nephew will be leaving for basic training the end of the month. Anyone know the Army's rules regarding whether recruits are allowed quilts from home after they complete basic training?

Donna D., Hemet, CA

I'll be watching this--my stepson is in basic now. I do know that during basic, they can't have anything, but after that, I'm not sure. Thanks for asking.

Once he is stationed I have no knowledge of any rules restricting his personal items.

I don't know, but I think if I was in the Army I would stress out about not getting my quilt trashed by army life. Think of him possibley ending up living in a tent. Making a quilt for when he returns home might be more practical. Sending care packages would probably be enjoyed.

My husband was in the army for 35 years. A soldier can have whatever they want once the are done with basic. Unless they are in a war zone or in the field (usually only a week at a time) they are not living in tents. They live in barracks, think dorm rooms.

Three years ago, with tremendous help from members of this board and my local guild, the supportive public of central Virginia, and some financial help from our local VA, we made and mailed 128 quilts from Virginia through an APO address to Farah, Afghanistan to cover a whole battalion with quilts that were a colorful "hug from home"....The Barracks Quilt Project.

No problems. They were well received and definitely gave the men happy faces in the photos they sent us. We used only 100% cotton fabrics and batting and the quilts were about 50" x 70" for their military cots. Our program was initiated by a request from an Army captain for his men, so I can see no problems with service personnel receiving these now.

Most of our recipients were very young men; they did not have the intimate personal attachment we quilters have for quilts. They just needed color and knowing that "someone somewhere" was thinking of them and caring. We knew many of these quilts would likely be left behind when they transferred home, or would be harshly used while in country. It didn't matter to us....the quilts were a gift sent as a "hug", not a chore for them to "take care of".

Jan in VA

What a GREAT project that must have been. Good going Jan of Virginia !!

Thumbs up Jan! they may have left them behind for the next guy, so see brightness in a drab world.

My so in law has been in the army for 14 years now he has had many special quilts go on deployment with him over the years. Cost of his (guys) have asked for quilts too, some have received them. They are appreciated and in some cases needed