Mail Call

(written on/about June 17, 2007)

Another one of those fine Army traditions is mail call. I don’t know how to explain its appeal, but it is one of the highlights of being on active duty.

Mail call here is typically held during morning formation. All 300 or so of us are gathered in a large formation. Formation starts with announcements from the First Sergeant, which inevitably begin with either “Can everybody hear me?” or “All right, listen up real quick” We usually have an informal bet or two over which phrase he is likely to use.

After the First Sergeant (or “Top” as we call him) finishes, the designated mail handlers start calling reading names off of envelopes and packages. Multiple pieces of mail usually elicit a low rumble of envious comments, while boxes/packages lead to cries of “you’d better share that”—on the expectation that the boxes contain edible goodies therein. Brightly colored envelopes or (heaven forbid) perfume-scented mail inevitably summon relentless catcalls and loud harassment. For a people-watcher like me, it is a fascinating social laboratory and I enjoy every minute of it.