If you’ve never shipped out to boot camp, then you’ve probably never encountered the “last chance” moment all recruits experience before their training kicks off. Within hours of arriving, the staff gives every newbie a chance to come clean about something they may have lied about to their recruiter or throw an item or two away they weren’t supposed to bring with them into what’s known as the “amnesty box.” If a boot does toss something away in the box, it’s confidential and they won’t be penalized. But don’t think for a second that the boxes don’t get opened by the staff for a good laugh.
So, we asked a few boot camp instructors from across the branches, “what’s the craziest things you’ve found in the legendary amnesty boxes?” What they found might surprise you.
Here are 6 crazy things actually found in boot camp amnesty boxes
1. Commercial aircraft sized bottles of liquor — mostly empty.
We guess some recruits just want to catch a quick buzz before they walk in the fiery pit of hell known as boot camp. We can’t blame them.
2. Various genres of porn
You’re not going to get a visual on this one — you’ll just have to use your creative imagination.
3. Live and spent ammo
We’re not sure why someone would bring ammo along with them — there’s a good chance they’ll shoot a weapon soon enough.
4. Small drug baggies
FYI, you take a urinalysis test in boot camp, so be clean when you show up or your ass could get kicked out.
5. Various adult toys
Again, use your freakin’ imagination.
6. Prepaid cell phones
Boot camp is a good place for young adults to turn their life around. Amnesty boxes are a clever way of getting rid of old, burner cell phones.