Helpful Information

The Postal Service has created a special "kit" that contains the necessary mailing materials based on the most popular items ordered to send care packages to the troops. Families/supporters of deployed personnel can order these kits by calling 1-800-610-8734 [option 1, option1] and requesting "CAREKIT04." The kits will be sent by Parcel Post and will generally be delivered within 7-10 days. The kit contains 10 Priority Mail boxes, five "Mili-Pacs," one roll of Priority Mail tape, and 10 customs forms with envelopes. There is no charge for the kit. Mili-Pacs, developed with the Military Postal Service Agency, are Tyvek envelopes with Old Glory on one side and feature detailed addressing information. It is encouraged that this process be followed for all mail destined for military units overseas. The address block on the Mili-Pac accommodates service member's full name, rank or rating, military organization or unit, APO/FPO with 9-digit ZIP Code. All packages and mail must be addressed to individual service members, in accordance with U.S. Department of Defense regulations. All military units are assigned an APO or FPO ZIP code and in many cases that ZIP Code travels with the unit. The Postal Service places APO/FPO mail on special charter flights, commercial airlines and military service aircraft to reach armed services members overseas as quickly as possible.