Weight Limit on Mail to Persian Gulf Crisis Region Lifted

WASHINGTON — The 12-ounce restriction on military mail to APO and FPO addresses in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf has been lifted, the Pentagon announced Friday.

“The military postal support system in Saudi Arabia and sufficient airlift capabilities are now in place to handle the increased volume of mail,” a statement said. “All classes of mail up to the maximum weights allowed will now be accepted.”

Those who wish to send packages or mail to particular service members should check with his or her unit to determine whether an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office designation has been established, a Pentagon spokesman said.

It is taking an average of seven days for first-class mail to reach Saudi Arabia, the statement said.

Tobacco products and U.S. stamps depicting the American flag may be sent, the statement said.

Erroneous reports that such products were not allowed have resulted in “some isolated cases” in which letters or packages have been returned, but the military postal system and the U.S. Postal Service are attempting to correct those cases, the statement said.

The address for people who wish to express their support to any member of the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps is:

Any Servicemember

Operation Desert Shield

APO New York 09848-0006

The address for any member in the Navy and Marine Corps is:

Any Servicemember

Operation Desert Shield

FPO New York 09866-0006