While you’re immersed in Basic Training or Boot Camp, your mission is clear: focus on training. That means very limited access to your phone or outside communication. But life doesn’t pause—and the military understands that.
In the case of an emergency, you have a powerful ally ready to help: The American Red Cross. They are the official channel for getting urgent messages to you when it truly matters.
What qualifies as an emergency? Here are a few examples:
- A serious illness or death in the immediate family
- The birth of your Recruit’s child
- A catastrophic event affecting their home or family
These are just examples—but they highlight the level of urgency required for Red Cross intervention. It is important to share this information with your family so they know who and how to contact you in the case of an emergency.
What They’ll Need to Provide:
When reaching out to the Red Cross, be ready to share the following details to help them quickly deliver your message:
- Full Name and Rank of Soldier
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Branch of Service (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard)
- Military Address (Unit and Base Name)
- Name and contact info for the family member experiencing the emergency
- Where the emergency can be verified (hospital, doctor’s office, funeral home, etc.)
Contacting the Red Cross:
Call 1-877-272-7337 to speak with a Red Cross Emergency Specialist
Or visit: redcross.org/emergency-communication
When every second counts, the Red Cross is there to make sure your Recruit gets the message—fast.
Hopefully your family will never have to utilize this service, but the more prepared everyone is, the better you will be.
I will be back next week with another update for you. Until then, Hooah!
SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Retired)