Questions on A School in Meridian Miss

[Strawberry shortcake]

My SR is having PIR on 1-24-14 and is then going to go to Meridian for AZ training. Can anyone tell me a little about this and what to expect?? Also.... Will they have a graduation ceremony like they have in BC?? Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

[smurfette84]

Hello, my sailor just graduated AZ school and waiting for orders to leave.  When he first got to Meridian, there wasn't enough people to start school.  This school is taught by the Marines.  They also bunk with the Marines, which means they will also work out with the Marines (alot more than the Navy, prepare), it took about 3 weeks for school to start, but once it started, he enjoyed it.  (I have to brag, he graduated 1st, happy dance)  he would have never done this in high school.  The benefit from graduating 1st is that you are the first person to choose your duty station.  It took about 2-3 weeks before he could wear "civies", we shipped his TV, XBox some clothes & shoes to him once we got his address.  There wasn't a graduating ceremony like PIR.  We did take his car to him.  If you stay at the Navy lodge, you have to go through a lot of paperwork because the lodge in on the base.  We actually ended up leaving early because we only got to see him once because they were always busy.  There is only 1 place to eat on base (Subway) at the bowling alley, but there is a Starbucks in the bowling alley.

If you have anymore questions, please ask away :)

[Blisshay]

Did he take his phone?? We were not able to take him his phone to the airport. Will he still be able to call??

[Momma TS]

Hello, be prepared that your sailor will probably have to leave the Saturday after PIR. You will be able to stay with him at the airport until his flight.
Once he gets to Meridian, our sailors experience was similar to Smurfett84's sailor. He had to wait a long month to class up, our sailor was at LS A School on Meridian. The base is pretty, but doesn't offer much to do. I would recommend sending them their phone, computer, gaming station. It took a few weeks to get cleared to wear his civilian clothes, but trust me he will want them ASAP.
Communication will be better through wi-fi than cell reception while on base, my son's friends had varied cell service companies, but none received great reception. Even off base reception wasn't fantastic. But they do have more time for texting, skype and or FaceTime.
They will get more sleep too, so the exhausted sailor you have been talking to will sound more like himself. Prepare him for a lot of southern cooking while on base. My son and his friends shared cabs into the small town of Meridian, about 15 min away from base, to go to Buffalo Wild Wings, Olive Garden and some local BBQ places. I also, sent him a Subway and Starbucks card that I could reload from home. My sailor said the gym on base was OK and he spent a lot of his off time working out with friends. They were also able to fish at the lake on base.
I would recommend liking the base Facebook page, they post happenings on base and graduation pictures. Graduations usually take place on a Thursday, while not any where nearly as grand as PIR, they do have a small graduation where they are handed a certificate and have their picture taken with the commanding officer. Remind your sailor to smile nice, most look caught off guard. The base will post the pictures the following Friday morning.
They will get their post orders about half way through class. the time after graduation until they ship to their new post varies, as does the opportunity to go home for a visit. Some get leave, some don't, not sure what the deciding factors are, it's the Navy need I say more.
Your sailor will enjoy A School much more than they did BC.
I also suggest you join the Navy For Moms boot camp group for your sons PIR group. They will have lots of good information, you can also try to connect with other families who have sailors going to the same school. I would recommend Sarges Meet and Greet the night before PIR, it will also give you lots of great info for PIR. Sit high in the bleachers so you can see over all the heads in case your sailor isn't in the front. After you check in at the tables, move straight through the museum to get in the next line, don't waste time looking through the museum if you want a good seat up high. Once inside sit in front of your sailors Div. Sign, they will line up behind it when they enter. Have all camera batteries charged and tissues ready. It's a pretty grand ceremony and it's hard seeing your sailor but having to wait to hug them. I barely remember anything said during the ceremony, except of course that his Div scored the most points and awards.
As you can probably tell, I am a very proud Navy Mom! Welcome to the club!
This site is very supportive, informative and helpful, let us know if we can answer any other questions.

[RuthTH]

My son is currently in Meridian. He arrived on 11/16, was delayed about 2 1/2 weeks to class up (start school). Then they broke for Christmas for a couple weeks. School resumes again this Monday 1/6, for him. He is not in AZ school though but LS.  A few thing about the base.. As far as cell service. If he already happens to have AT&T, he's in luck. The reception is good.  My son didn't and had to walk outside to the other side of the base to make a call. He went to a on base AT&T kiosk and changed and got a military discount.  He pays $50 a month for internet service. Skype is your friend! The Subway does take Subway gift cards but the Starbucks does not take Starbucks cards. When you go to PIR you can take him a backpack with his laptop, cell phone etc.  Maybe a few civilian clothing items, warm socks, new underwear.. You can not give him this backpack until he gets to the airport in Chicago so you'll have to be planning to meet him there but he can take it with him to MS for sure and start using his cell right away. Don't forget the charger and headphones! Enjoy every second of PIR. Take tons of photos!! It was a once in a lifetime experience for me, I'll never forget it!  FYI...Sit in the front of the balcony upstaires if you can!!! It's the best place to see your Sailor,watch everything, and take photo's.

[TDSNAVY04]

Good morning!! My daughters are currently in BC they will both be going to Meridian for A school LS I noticed your son went there during the holidays like my girls. Was your son able to come home for Christmas? If not what did they do for the couple of weeks it was closed?

[PAOLA]

Hi new mom Sailor he's living to A School Meridian Mississippi .He just graduated today we are at the clouds right now so happy and proud .

[mishka422]

My son is currently in BC but upon graduation will be going to Meridian for LS school.  Where in MS do they fly in to from Chicago?  I'm just curious. :)

[soygifts]

My daughter has been in Meridian, MS for LS school since the day after PIR 12-12/14.  Since this was during the holiday stand down class did not start until Jan 5th for her.  Her graduation date is Feb 19th so with that being said class is about 7 weeks long.  There are several places to stay in Meridian but they are all about 20 minutes from the base as it is in the middle of no where.

[usmcaf88]

During the holiday break do they get to leave during the holiday break?  If they stay, what did they do during the two weeks?