Today’s generation has practically grown up with a cell phone in hand. We live in a world where instant gratification in terms of communication has become the norm. This makes the transition to basic training a major challenge for some trainees and their supporters as communication looks drastically different. One of the most common questions we get at Sandboxx is “when will my Trainee call?”.  While we would love for you to have the ability to get a phone calls from basic training everyday, that is just not feasible in the training cycle. Your Trainee is hyper focused on learning t ..read more

Before you or your trainee get to basic training, most people don’t have a very thorough understanding of military ranks. Everybody recognizes the ones that commonly show up in movies like sergeant, captain, or admiral, but where they fall on the pecking order of different branches isn’t all that clear.  So whether you don’t know anything about military ranks, or you’re just confused how to put them in order, here’s a breakdown of the Army rank structure.  Army Grade & Rank Grade and rank correlate with each other, but there is a difference between the two. For example if your t ..read more

In military settings, time is denoted using a 24-hour clock system rather than the conventional 12-hour format. You’ve likely become familiar with military time if your trainee has left for boot camp. This new method quickly becomes the norm for trainees, but it can be confusing at first.  Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about military time, and providing some quick and easy tips on how to read it. Why Use Military Time? The military uses the 24-hour clock system, commonly known as military time, to avoid confusion between morning and afternoon hours. This is essen ..read more

Among the benefits that come with military service, military retirement pay is often at the top of the list. Even better, military retirements enjoy protection from inflation through annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs). Let’s look at what makes up military retirement pay. Then we’ll cover why it’s important, and how to make the most of these benefits if you’re considering a career in the military.  Get to Know Military Retirement In 2018, the United States military underwent a significant transformation in its approach to military retirement pay planning. This led to the introducti ..read more

Military pay is a critical aspect of compensation for service members. However, understanding military pay can be daunting and feel overcomplicated. We’re breaking down military pay and the different factors that make up total compensation for service members.   What’s Included In Military Pay? At the core of military compensation is basic pay, which serves as the foundation of a service member’s earnings. Basic pay is determined by rank and years of service, with higher ranks and longer tenures being directly related to increased pay. Military pay scales are publicly available and ..read more

Becoming a Soldier requires a lot of learning. Moreover, a significant part of that learning curve is understanding how to speak like a Soldier; it practically means learning a new language. Initially, this process starts with getting familiar with the phonetic alphabet. Subsequently, one dives into Army lingo and abbreviations. However, with a little practice, you’ll have it down in no time. Your Trainee will learn a lot of specific terminology in basic training, but you’ll also hear some Army terms around military establishments like bases or government buildings. If you’re getting ready to ..read more

I went from saying I would never join the military to serving 27 years in the Corps, and it was one of the best decisions I could have ever made! I am Sgt Maj Paul Davis (USMC Ret). Let’s take a look at the reasons why reenlisting in the Marine Corps could be the best decision for you, and discover the great options available to you when you choose to stay Marine.  Semper Fi: Beyond the Job – When to Consider Reenlisting The decision to reenlist can be overwhelming. You’ve conquered boot camp, faced deployments, and honed your skills. But is the Marine Corps life for you in the long term ..read more

As a recruiter, your ability to attract top talent relies on various strategies beyond just follow-up. Whether you’re engaging with individuals interested in military service or nurturing leads from recruitment events, mastering the art of rapport building and recruit engagement is crucial. Here are eleven tips for better recruiting from our experienced Military Relations team to help you enhance your overall recruiting efforts. Improve Your Military Recruiting Tactics Be Proactive: Take initiative in seeking out potential recruits rather than waiting for them to come to you. Attend events, e ..read more

The knowledge, skills and attributes possessed by your Soldier will be in high demand after their time in the Army. With a keen understanding of this, the Army created a unique pathway program, the Army PaYS Program, to help companies identify and bridge their hiring gaps with transitioning Soldiers from the U.S. Army.   The Army’s Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations and public sector agencies designed to support employment opportunities for transitioning Soldiers. The program guarantees fiv ..read more

Staying connected during boot camp is a lifeline for recruits. Letters are a powerful source of motivation and a reminder of the support system waiting for them at graduation. Sandboxx understands this! We make sending physical letters to recruits simple and – completely free for recruiters through our app. With a few taps on your phone, you can include a motivational photo and message, all transformed into a professionally printed letter delivered straight to your recruit’s mail call.  Never before has sending words of encouragement to boot camp been so quick and hassle-free! How Can I ..read more