What do we bring for someone joining up...compulsory military service

[janmack]

Our friends brother has now signed up for military service and the family are having a wee bit of a party for him soon.  They've invited us along.  Just wondering if there is a tradional present/gift at these occasions???  No point in asking our friend as he would rather we came without anything than not come at all.  Many thanks.

[Linda]

Normally you give a gift of money as they will desperately need it during their 15 month stint as the wages are extremely low and many have barely enough money to pay for phone calls, cigarettes (if they smoke) etc.

[janmack]

Thanks Linda...that makes a lot of sense  

[screamlead]

A cheap leatherman type multi tool would do too.

[keng38]

How about a swiss army knife?