Looking for a post office alternative to sending mail? Many military families like to use Sandboxx! So, what is Sandboxx?
It’s a mobile app developed by veterans that allows you to send letters to your trainee directly from your phone. Sandboxx prints out your letter into a physical piece of mail and then overnights your letter via FedEx so that it arrives on base the next day. Don’t want to use your phone? No problem! You are able to use Sandboxx on your computer as well.
Sandboxx letters include a color photo, pre-addressed return envelope and piece of stationary so that your trainee can easily write back to you. The best part? They give you a tracking number so you can know exactly when your letter has arrived on base in the mail room.
Rest assured, everything Sandboxx builds starts with three key components – security, privacy, and OPSEC. Since the company is created by veterans, they take the protection of information and security seriously. They separate themselves from any other social and communications app in this way. Sandboxx uses senior cyber security advisors to supplement their internal engineering team.
You can download the app for free and learn more about it here: https://www.sandboxx.us/
For those that have not yet left for BMT you can download the app and create your account. Once you download the Sandboxx app, you can invite your friends and family. You will also usually have the opportunity to do this at the airport USO before you go to basic training. Sandboxx has partnered with the USO to get mail to the trainees sooner and help increase morale and motivation!
Common Questions about Sandboxx:
FAQ:
Can I see when my letter is delivered?
Yes, you can use the tracking in the app to see when your letter was delivered to the base USPS. The letters are then sorted and delivered to with the rest of the mail.
Q. Does Sandboxx violate OPSEC and/or PERSEC?
A. No, using Sandboxx does not violate OPSEC or PERSEC. Basic training addresses are not considered OPSEC information.
Q. Do trainees get in trouble for using Sandboxx?
A. Absolutely not. Sandboxx have sent almost 2 million Letters to trainees since 2014.
Q. Who created Sandboxx?
A. Sandboxx was created by Major General Ray Smith (USMC, RET.) and Sgt. Sam Meek.
Q. Why did I receive a text about Sandboxx?
A. Trainees have the option to let their family members know about Sandboxx when they go to the USO at the airport before basic training. It doesn’t cost the trainees anything and it is optional. It is also optional for family members to use. Sandboxx has partnered with the USO to get mail to the trainees sooner and help increase morale and motivation.
A. Does Sandboxx breach DOD 5500.07-R?
Q. No, this regulation is with regard to officers and senior military officials endorsing private companies. The Department of Defense is not permitted to endorse non-federal entities due to DOD 5500.07-R. For example, the DoD does not endorse Starbucks, but service members and families are still allowed to purchase their products and use their app. Sandboxx does have a contract with the DoD through Marine Corps Community Services.
Please feel free to contact Sandboxx with any questions!
