Q: What is an APO address or an FPO address?
Q: What should I know about my APO/FPO address?
Q: How much postage is required for APO/FPO mail?
Q: What is Operation Dear Abby?
Q: What are the Military Mail Restrictions?
Q: Are there specific APO guidelines for Iraq?
Q: Are there specific APO guidelines for Kuwait?
Q: Are there specific APO guidelines for Afghanistan?
Q: Are there free mail privileges for military personnel?
Q: What is the Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA)?
Q: Is there “Any Service Member Mail”?
Q: What to Send and Not to Send a Deployed Service Member?
Q: What are the recommended APO/FPO packing tips?
Q: What is the USPS Military Care Package kit?
Q: Can you explain the military mail acronyms & definitions?
Q: Will military mail be opened for inspection?
Q: Do I need to complete a “Change of Address” my Military APO/FPO address?
Q: Who do I contact for a Delayed Military Mail Pieces?
Q: Is military mail subject to host country customs requirements?
 - More Questions? Check out our APO Box signup FAQ
- Want to find the location, base and country of an APO FPO? Check out our APO finder
Q: What is an APO address or an FPO address?
APO/FPO Mail - domestic mail and international mail that bears a U.S. military delivery address or return address and that, in some stage of its transmission, is in the possession of the DOD. This is mail that is being sent to or received from military installations located outside the Continental United States (CONUS). This mail may be official or personal in nature. This mail is centralized at certain locations such as San Francisco and New York for transport overseas. When mail is received in the CONUS from these facilities, letter mail is normally received in sleeved half trays, flats are received in sleeved plastic flat tubs, and parcels are received in #1 sacks.
APO/FPO addresses are not international addresses. There is an assumption, that because the addresses reside in a foreign country, military mail goes through an international postal carrier. This is not so. Our mail goes through United States Postal Service-Priority Mail.
Mail sent to APO/FPO addresses will go either to California, New York, or Florida before it is transported to the overseas military installations.
APO/FPO addresses have a state.
These addresses use the following state abbreviations: AE (Armed Forces Europe), AA (Armed Forces Americas), and AP (Armed Forces Pacific).
Q: What should I know about my APO/FPO address?
First thing is that if your package cannot be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service you will not be able to get it. At the current time for any person or store to send something to your address it must be sent via the USPS, hand carried into the post office, and have the proper customs forms. This is just one of the reasons that some stores will not deliver to your address. If you are new to shopping online with your address, you may not realize that there are many stores that will not deliver to your new APO/FPO address. By using APO Box, your frustration will be limited to just the regular USPS size and weight restrictions. For packages, Priority Mail is only way to go. If you ship a package to your APO/FPO address using standard or "surface" mail, it will likely be a while before you see it. This is because all Priority Mail eventually makes its way onto an airplane. Surface mail does not. Sending a package via surface mail may take up to 8 weeks because it will be placed on a ship instead of a plane. APO Box sends all packages Priority Mail.
Some items just can't be shipped to APO/FPO. If you are planning on ordering a new range for the kitchen, you aren't going to find anyone who will (or can) ship it to you.
"AE", "AA" and "AP" The APO/FPO "states" of "AE", "AA", and "AP" are the only legitimate states to use for an APO/FPO addresses. It is common knowledge that you can use "NY" for "AE", "CA" for "AP", and "FL" for "AA", but you run the risk of having your credit card rejected because the billing address they have on file (with AA, AE or AP for the state) does not match what you submitted online. To avoid your packages being delayed, APO Box will guarantee its delivery.
Q: How much postage is required for APO/FPO mail?
You only have to provide normal, domestic postage on mail going to an APO or FPO address. The United States Post Office delivers APO and FPO mail to a military port, located on the East Coast or West Coast of the United States (depending on where the member is stationed/deployed), and the military takes over from there, transporting the mail via military cargo aircraft to the overseas location/Navy ship.
Q: What is Operation Dear Abby?
Concerns about regular mail delivery have prompted the military to suspend the letter-writing campaign...
However, Dear Abby, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of the Navy are providing a private and secure online resource that will allow you to send a Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, or Coast Guardsman a holiday greeting or message of support.
How It Works:
Supporters send messages to our servicemembers.
Servicemembers with internet access may read those messages via https://wwwcfi.cnet.navy.mil/dearabby/.
Servicemembers without internet access may still read messages as follows:
Company commanders that have internet access have the ability to download bulk messages to be printed and distributed according to service branch and location.
Q: What are the Military Mail Restrictions?
Each country has customs regulations that apply to all incoming mail. These may include prohibitions on certain kinds of food or entertainment products. Military units may also have additional restrictions imposed by the unit commanders, such as those on size and weight, to ensure logistics support can handle the mail along with other necessities. The maximum length of a package in any category is 72 inches. In addition, Military ZIP Code™ restrictions may be revised as military units move to different locations. While there are specific restrictions for each five-digit military (APO/FPO) Post Office™ area, generally speaking, it is prohibited to mail the following:
· Aerosol cans
· Firearms
· Flammable materials
· Liquids and powders
· Lottery tickets
· Poisons
· Alcohol and liquor
· Ammunition
· Drug paraphernalia
· Fireworks and other explosives
For specific restrictions to an APO/FPO location, you can call 1800ASKUSPS (18002758777) or consult your local Post Office. The Military Postal Service Agency's toll free number, 1-800-810-6098, is available Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (6:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. CST).
Note: The intent of the customs prohibition against mailing religious items stems from the host country's concern about distributing these materials to its citizens. Mailing a Bible or other individual religious item if it is solely for the personal use of the service member should not be an issue.
Q: Are there specific APO guidelines for Iraq?
1. The average transit time to area of responsibility (AOR) for pro-grade mail (mail entering the AOR) is:
Letters (12.51 days) Parcels (13.05 days)
2. Mail for Iraq is flown to Bahrain, and is flown daily to Baghdad (and to various other locations in Iraq) on DHL aircraft.
3. The average transit time from AOR for retrograde mail (mail leaving the AOR) is: 11 days
4. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is currently sending mail 7 days per week, with approximately 8-10 flights per week.
5. Mailing restrictions “H1- Pork or pork by-products are prohibited and “V- Express Mail Military Service (EMMS)” not available from any origin are the most common restrictions for IRAQ.
6. The major cause of late delivery of mail to outlying posts is the threat of attacks. If the roads are at condition RED, no trucks move: this could last anywhere from 24-72 hours. As of 10 May 2004, there had been only 1 truck reported hit; that truck caught fire. KBR contractors as well as US Military convoys must await an armed escort to move mail throughout the AOR.
7. All mailing restrictions for Overseas Military Mail can be located in the most current USPS Postal Bulletin at www.USPS.com
8. PS Form 2976 or PS Form 2976-A is required on all mail articles containing merchandise.
9. Mailers should avoid including the city and country name in the mailing address of an APO/FPO. This could confuse domestic mailings with international mail.
Q: Are there specific APO guidelines for Kuwait?
1. The average transit time to area of responsibility (AOR) for pro-grade mail (mail entering the AOR) is:
Letters (12.17 days) Parcels (12.59 days)
2. Mailing restrictions “H1- Pork or pork by-products are prohibited and “V- Express Mail Military Service (EMMS)” not available from any origin are the most common restrictions for KUWAIT.
3. The average transit time from KUWAIT for retrograde mail (mail leaving the AOR) is 11 days.
4. The major cause of late delivery of mail to outlying posts is the threat of attacks. If the roads are at condition RED, no trucks move: this could last anywhere from 24-72 hours. As of 10 May 2004, there had been only 1 truck reported hit; that truck caught fire. KBR contractors as well as US Military convoys must await an armed escort to move mail throughout the AOR.
5. All mailing restrictions for Overseas Military Mail can be located in the most current USPS Postal Bulletin at www.USPS.com
6. PS Form 2976 or PS Form 2976-A is required on all mail articles containing merchandise.
7. Mailers should avoid including the city and country name in the mailing address of an APO/FPO. This could confuse domestic mailings with international mail.
Q: Are there specific APO guidelines for Afghanistan?
(Pakistan Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, etc.)
Letters (12.80 days) Parcels (12.48 days)
1. The average transit time from AFGHANISTAN for retrograde mail (mail leaving the AOR) is 11 days.
2. Mailing restrictions “H1- Pork or pork by-products are prohibited and “V- Express Mail Military Service (EMMS)” not available from any origin are the most common restrictions for IRAQ.
3. All mailing restrictions for Overseas Military Mail can be located in the most current USPS Postal Bulletin at www.USPS.com
4. The major cause of late delivery of mail to outlying posts is the threat of attacks. If the roads are at condition RED, no trucks move: this could last anywhere from 24-72 hours. As of 10 May 2004, there had been only 1 truck reported hit; that truck caught fire. KBR contractors as well as US Military convoys must await an armed escort to move mail throughout the AOR.
5. PS Form 2976 or PS Form 2976-A is required on all mail articles containing merchandise.
6. Mailers should avoid including the city and country name in the mailing address of an APO/FPO. This could confuse domestic mailings with international mail.
Q: Are there free mail privileges for military personnel?
The free mailing privilege only applies to military service personnel and designated civilians in specially designated areas with limited Postal support. In other words, it is only free for those deployed personnel mailing from designated overseas locations identified by The Department of Defense (DoD). This program is not for their loved ones, family, or friends back home mailing mail to them. Regular Domestic postage is used when mailing overseas to military personnel. There are no discounts for mailing from the U.S. to overseas APO and FPO locations. The free mailing privilege may only be used by members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty who are:
Assigned to military duty in certain overseas areas, and who mail the matter at an Armed Forces Post Office™ in that area. -OR- Hospitalized in a facility under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces due to disease or injury incurred as a result of service in these designated areas. Note: The "free" mail privilege is only for military personnel sending mail home to the USA. Authorized Locations:
"Operation Enduring Freedom"
Aboard ships in the Persian Gulf
Aboard ships in the Red Sea
Aboard ships in the Gulf of Oman
Aboard ships in the North Arabian Sea
Aboard ships in the Gulf of Aden
The total land areas of Afghanistan, Bahrain, Diego Garcia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kurdistan, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
"Operation Freedom Eagle"
All of the islands of the Republic of Philippines south of the island of Luzon within the following described limits: 08-00N/116-30E; 04-45N/119-30E; 05-00N/128-00E; 13-00N/129-00E; 12-30N/116-00E.
"Operation Iraqi Freedom"
The total land areas of: Iraq, Bulgaria (mail originating from APO 09312), Crete, Cyprus, Romania (mail originating from APO 09338), Turkey (east of 35 degrees east longitude) - Expired November 10, 2003. Exception : Iraq still qualifies for free mail privileges.
"Operation Joint Forge / Joint Guardian"
Aboard ships in the Adriatic Sea
Aboard ships in the Ionian Sea north of the 39th parallel
The total land areas of Albania, Hungary, and the Former Republic of Yugoslavia (including: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Zagreb, Macedonia, Serbia-Montenegro, Kosovo, Vojvodina, Slovenia.
Q: What is the Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA)?
The MPSA is an extension of the U.S. Postal Service. MPSA delivers mail to more than a million customers in more than 160 countries, not to mention aboard ships. The MPSA website has up-to-date information on how mail travels from your mailbox to your loved one's FPO address. The site also links to special mailing information, including mail restrictions.
Q: Is there “Any Service Member Mail”?
No. With large numbers of service members deployed overseas this year, family members, friends and other Americans who want to support the military are asking about military mail service. A Department of Defense (DOD) News Release highlighted the cancellation of mail programs that allowed the general public to send mail addressed to “Any Service Member”. While these programs were very popular with the public, security concerns and transportation constraints with military mail led to their cancellation. As an alternative, the DOD News Release noted web sites that will post messages of encouragement and highlighted opportunities to support veterans and military families.
Sending donated items to the military or 'Any Service Member'
The Department of Defense (DoD) has become aware of organizations and individuals who solicit donations for care packages and use unit numbers and/or a list of service member names to send the packages to deployed forces. These programs are usually supported by well-intentioned and patriotic people who are simply unaware of the new risks facing deployed military forces. Some individuals and groups have even publicized the names of service members, ships or units on websites, without realizing that personal information may be used inappropriately. Visit the Defend America Home Page and go to “Support our Troops” to find DoD recommended ways to show your support.
Programs that allowed people to send mail to service members unknown to them were discontinued following the terrorist attacks of 2001. This includes the "Any Service Member" mail program for overseas military personnel. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a Collection Box® will not be delivered.
If it has a valid return address it will be returned to sender.
Items without return addresses are opened in our Mail Recovery Center Network to determine the sender's address.
If it is impossible to determine the sender's address, items are sent to local charities.
Operation Shoebox (http://www.operationshoebox.com/) and Any Soldier (http://www.anysoldier.com) are privately run programs that accept donations and supplies to our troops engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom. As with all unsolicited donation or mailing programs, the DoD does not endorse or support this initiative, and urges helpful Americans to visit the America Supports You website at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/index.aspx for a list of officially approved methods that they participate in to best support our troops.
Q: What to Send and Not to Send a Deployed Service Member?
Receiving a care package from home can be a real morale booster for a deployed service member. Choosing and packing the contents of the package will also help you feel closer to your loved one. Your service member will undoubtedly appreciate anything you send, but some things are particularly useful, and some items can’t be sent at all. Before putting together your service member’s care package, find out what he or she wants, and check to see if there are restrictions on what you can send. What not to send: There may be items you cannot send, depending on where your service member is located. If your service member is in the Middle East or Persian Gulf areas, you should not send anything that would offend people of the Islamic faith, including pork or pork by-products, obscene material, religious materials contrary to Islam, anything depicting nude or semi-nude persons, pornographic or sexual items, alcohol, or non-authorized political materials. What to send: Reminders from home: in every care package, be sure to include a personal note or other special reminder of home. Photographs, drawings, and videotapes of your activities at home will be comforting to your service member. Entertainment and Communication: Reading material, word games, electronics, phone cards, writing material. Food and Drinks: Powdered drink mix, protein bars, snacks, candy and gum. Personal Care and Clothing: Choose small, travel-size containers of personal care products, and avoid aerosol cans. To keep liquids from spilling, cover the opening of the container with plastic wrap, then recap before shipping.
Q: What are the recommended APO/FPO packing tips?
It's a good idea to keep the following in mind to ensure that packages are delivered promptly:
Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees.
The Box: Select a box strong enough to protect the contents and large enough to accommodate cushioning. If reusing a box, cover all previous identifications and markings with a heavy black marker or adhesive stickers.
Cushioning: Cushioning the contents with newspaper is a novel way to send news from home. Styrofoam and bubble wrap are also good choices. Close and shake the box. If it rattles, add additional cushioning to keep items from shifting.
Batteries: Occasionally a battery powered item such as a radio or electric razor will turn itself on during shipment. Be sure to remove and wrap the batteries separately.
Sealing: Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2" wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine as it causes the package to get caught and possibly harmed in sorting equipment.
Include a card describing the contents: Occasionally improperly wrapped packages fall apart during shipment. Including a card inside the package that lists the sender's and recipient's information along with a description of the contents helps in collecting items that have fallen open during processing.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has requested that those who send mail use the service member’s full name (with or without grade, rank, etc.), or a specific title (e.g., Commanding Officer, Supply Officer, etc.). Also required is the unit designation and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office™ or Fleet Post Office) information with the nine-digit ZIP Code (if one is assigned) and a return street name/number, city, state, and ZIP CodeTM. For parcels, mailers are asked to write on one side only with the recipient’s information in the lower right portion.
Note: Do not include the country or the base camp’s city, as it might be routed through the host country’s mail system.
Q: What is the USPS Military Care Package kit?
Since Priority Mail® supplies are the packaging of choice for families preparing care packages for service members overseas, the USPS® has created a "Mili-kit" based on the items most frequently requested by the military.
The kit contains:
Three (3) each of flat rate boxes O-FRB1 and O-FRB2
Two (2) each of Cube boxes OBOX7
Address labels - Label # 228 8 each
Address labels - Label # 106-A 1 each
Customs FORM 2976-A 8 EA.
The kit may be requested by calling 1-800-610-8734 (Packing Supply) and:
Choose your language (1 is English, 2 is Spanish).
Choose option 1 (it states it is for Express Mail®, Priority Mail® or Global Express Guaranteed® products).
When you reach a live agent, request CAREKIT04.
Please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
Note: These are free supplies, postage must be affixed.
Visit http://www.usps.com for more details on this program.
Q: Can you explain the Military Mail acronyms & definitions?
MPO (Military Post Office™) -Provides Postal services for military personnel
APO (Army/Air Force Post Office) -Military Post Office for Army/Air Force personnel
FPO (Fleet Post Office) -Military Post Office for Navy personnel
PAL (Parcel Air Lift) An expedited service available for Package Services
SAM (Space Available Mail) -An expedited service available for Package Services.
MOM (Military Ordinary Mail) -Department of Defense mail (originating from the Department of Defense) sent Periodical, Standard Mail™ or Package Service.
Q: Will military mail be opened for inspection?
Letter mail is not being opened unless it appears unusually bulky, military officials said, in which case it may be examined to see if it contains contraband, such as drugs. Parcel mail is being examined on a spot-check basis to determine conformity with host country customs regulations and for terrorist-type mailings.
Q: Do I need to complete a “Change of Address” my Military APO/FPO address?
If you are moving overseas and have a Military (APO/FPO) address, you fill out the same Change of Address (COA) card that is filed for a domestic move (PS Form 3575).
This change of address process must be completed at the local Post Office™ (i.e. the U.S. office). If you are moving to or from an International or Military address the COA can not be submitted via the internet.
Q: Who do I contact for a Delayed Military Mail Pieces?
When it appears that the difficulty has occurred after the mail has left the jurisdiction of the U.S. Postal Service®, the matter is referred to the Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA). The Department of Defense liaison agency with the Postal Service™ and has overall responsibility for Postal operations at military locations overseas.
For help with these situations you can write to:
Deputy Director
Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA)
2461 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22331-0006
If you have a specific problem that you would like to discuss with the military Postal service agency officials in the future. You may contact their customer service at 1-800-810-6098.
Q: Is military mail subject to host country customs requirements?
Yes. Mail going to personnel through the Military Postal Service is subject to the host country customs requirements and parcels and packets require customs forms.
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