10 Letter Ideas for Boyfriend in Basic Training

Let’s look at some letter ideas for your boyfriend in basic training.

You can’t see him right now, but you want to let him know how much you love him, that you are thinking of him, and that you are eagerly waiting for him to return home.

You want him to look forward to mail call every single day, hoping for a heartfelt letter from you.

Writing letters to him while he’s in basic training is a great idea!

But what, exactly, should you say?

We’ve already helped our readers discover the best military boyfriend gifts as well as the most thoughtful and creative deployment gift ideas. Aside from sending gifts, how do you come up with the perfect words to say to your boyfriend in basic training?

We’ve put together three lists of 10 ideas for what to put into your letter or card.

  1. First, we’ll have ten ideas of topics to write about.
  2. Second, we’ll have ten creative card/letter ideas to add some pizzazz to your mailing.
  3. Third and finally, we’ll share ten great quotes you can include to inspire and express your love.

Let’s dive in to some great ideas for military love letters for him.

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What to Say in a Letter to Your Boyfriend in Basic Training

It’s hard when your boyfriend is away – training to protect our country while you cheer him on from home.

Here are some ideas for what to say when writing to him as he’s in basic training.

1. Say anything at all

Just write. Tell him anything and everything. Nothing is too mundane. He wants to hear it all! Tell him about what the dog or cat has been up to. Ask him to share his days with you.

2. Tell him about everyday things

Talk about your day. From the time your alarm went off until the minute you sat down to write to him. Relay your workday, what you ate for lunch, and who you talked to. Tell him about the traffic on the way home.

This provides some sense of normalcy when his life is being – rather purposefully, too – turned upside-down.

3. “I look forward to seeing you again!”

Let him know you miss him and cannot wait to be reunited! But be careful here: Don’t go on and on about it, which may cause him to worry; and remember that if others get ahold of the letter, they’ll have ammunition for mockery.

Tell him of the plans you are making for his homecoming. Talk about the next time you can go out to eat, to a movie, or out for a drink.

4. “You got this.”

Tell him you believe in him. There is nothing he can’t do! Let him know he’s strong and perfectly capable of making it through boot camp. Yes, it’s tough, but if anyone can do it, HE can!

5. “I’m proud of you!”

The armed forces aren’t for everyone. It’s hard work! Let him know how proud you are of the rigorous training and the sacrifices he’s making. He is making a difference in this world.

6. Talk about local news.

Keep him up to date on all news and gossip from the outside world.

  • Let him know what the weather is like and what the forecast is.
  • Tell him about the local sports teams; who’s playing who, and what the scores were.
  • Give him social media style updates about friends and family.
  • Include clippings from local newspapers.

7. Send Bible verses to encourage him.

Quotes from God’s Word will provide encouragement and ongoing support in this hard time. Here are some favorite verses.

Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

And so many more encouraging Scriptures.

8. We can be just as strong apart as we are together.

Even though you are separated physically by miles, your hearts are united. You are faithful and loyal to each other.

9. You’re almost finished.

Basic training doesn’t last forever. Just make it to the next day. It will eventually end.

Keep these things in mind, and remind him that the date is fast approaching when he will be home.

10. Tell him you love him

  • I love you to the moon and back.
  • You complete me.
  • We fit together like puzzle pieces.
  • I am here for you…always.
  • I am yours, just like you are mine.

10 Letter Ideas for Boyfriend in Basic Training

Let’s go beyond what you say and think about how it looks. Add some artistic flourishes, create a memorable card, or add a thoughtful touch with these meaningful letter ideas.

1. Long Way From Home

This hand-made calligraphy notecard is a sweet way to let him know you are thinking of him. This is a thoughtful way to send a message to your patriotic recruit!

Imagine the smile that will be on his face each time he looks at this hand-written card.

2. Favorite Soldier

This card is designed with your favorite soldier in mind.

Open the card and write your heartfelt message to your soldier. Remind him just what he means to you. He will appreciate you and the time you have invested in him.

3. Personalized Pop-Up Card

This hand-made pop-up card is for anyone who loves our US army! The card features a hand grenade, bullet, dog tags, name, and age. The camouflage background adds a finishing touch.

This is a perfect way to say “Happy Birthday” to your soldier.

4. Helicopter Pop Up Card

This cute pop-up card is a fun way to let him know you are thinking about him! With plenty of space to write your messages, it is for sure a sweet card that he won’t want to toss.

5. Inspirational Cards

When you order this package, you will receive 120 pieces of motivational cards with 30 different designs. In addition, you can write down your own words of encouragement on the blank backside of the card.

Each mini card measures about 3.5 x 2 inches and is made from sturdy cardstock. These note cards with motivational quotes such as “you are awesome,” “so proud of you,” “you are amazing” lets you express your appreciation and encouragement to your loved one.

6. Well Wishes

This digital file is printable from your home office or favorite printing company.

Send your military man encouragement and well wishes while he is away from you. Let him know that you are back at home, cheering him on!

7. Open When

These envelopes make for a perfect gift for a loved one who will spend time away from home. Send this bundle of special envelopes stuffed with your letters along with him to boot camp. He’ll be opening each “open when letter” as instructed. It will be the highlight of the day/week/month!

This is a cute way to let him know you are thinking of him.

8. Classic Flag

What better way to honor your recruit than with the American flag?

The inside of these patriotic note cards is left blank for you to write your heartfelt feelings. So let your sweetheart know how proud you are of his sacrifices for our country!

These American flag cards are made from recycled materials.

9. You Are My Hero

These hand-made military cards say a lot, even before you write a personal note inside.

The notecards are printed on durable cardstock and will stand up to the many times he will open and read it repeatedly.

10. Letter Blanket

Choose from several sizes and materials to send your loved one a cozy hug. On those long nights away, he is sure to appreciate this “letters from home” blanket.

The blanket is hand-made and will keep that special love letter for years to come. Your design will never fade, crack, or peel, keeping this memory in perfect condition.

Related: Best Military Boyfriend Gifts for Your Officer or Enlisted Man

Positive Quotes to Add in Your Letter

Here are ten inspirational quotes to include in your letters, cards, or military care packages to your boyfriend in basic training.

1. Hang in There

Hang in There - Positive Quotes

Hang in There

2. Learn To Rest

Letter Ideas for Basic Training - When You Get Tired...

When you get tired, learn to rest not to quit

3. Believe in Yourself

Positive Letters for Basic Training - Believe in Yourself

Believe in yourself and anything is possible

4. Admiring Your Strength

Strength Quotes

Don’t forget, while you’re busy doubting yourself, someone else is admiring your strength

Kristen Butler

5. Anything is Possible

Positive Quotes for People in the Military

Today, Anything is Possible!

6. Limits

Positive Quotes: Your Only Limit...

Your only limit is your mind

7. Believe in You

Positive Letter Ideas for Those in Basic Training

I Believe in You

8. Faith

Faith Over Fear - Encouraging Letter Ideas

Faith Over Fear

9. Trust the Wait

What to Write in Letters for Hope

Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of the upcoming.

10. Don’t Give Up

Don't Give Up- Letter Ideas for Military Training

Don’t give up because you had a bad day, forgive yourself and do better tomorrow

What Not to Include

According to service members who have been through basic, here are some things you should avoid in your messages.

Don’t include:

  • Anything that high school boys would make fun of. They will!
  • Personal information such as your phone number or email address.
  • Racy photos or pornography.
  • Food, such as cookies or other treats. It will cause more trouble than it’s worth!
  • Troubling or tragic news regarding family members. There’s nothing they can do, and they’ll just worry.
  • Overly cute, sappy, or emotional decorations or sentiments. You want to make it fun and cute, but minimal is best.

These might seem like good things, but remember, drill sergeants and all the other new recruits are just looking for something to razz him about.

The most important thing is that you show that you care by writing to him. The second most important thing is that you help keep him from any additional trouble!

More Cute Ideas for Basic Training Letters

Take your letter to your military boyfriend to the next level with any of these ideas:

  • Add a questionnaire
  • Add countdowns to your letters until the next time you see them
  • Write about your day
  • Include photos
  • Add several “open when” letters inside sealed envelopes
  • Share a funny story
  • Send updates on their favorite sports teams or shows
  • Scent the paper with your perfume or cologne
  • Add an inspirational quote or Scripture
  • Decorate your letter with stickers or pressed flowers (lightly – don’t overdo it!)
  • Include comic strips or newspaper clippings

After reading this, you should have lots of new ideas for cards, quips, and surprises to send to your loved one!

Read Next: 10 Best Military Going Away Gifts for Deployment

10 Basic Training Letter Ideas
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Karen Roldan

Karen Roldan is a part-time writer and full-time licensed funeral director. These two professions have given her unique insight into the things that people truly value, and her passion is to help families in their deepest time of need.

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