My son arrived in Meridian Saturday and he's ready to begin A-School. He will be training to be a AZ. From what I understand, school starts this week? I look forward to hearing how it goes, but not as nervous/anxious as I've been during his boot camp.
A school is a lot different from boot camp, it's more relaxed and he will be asking you to send him his clothes once he receives his green dot. The green dot means he doesn't have to be in uniform all the time. He will have more liberty and a lot more fun. The school part is not that hard my son (who name is David as well) as been there since December and he will be leaving there sometime I. February. Your son is able to get acell phone now so you guys can talk everyday. So I hope this helps.
Oh yes! Very helpful Bcedab. I knew he would be getting liberty and we were able to give him his cell phone at the airport Saturday (so much fun driving into O'Hare! lol). How long before they get their "green dot"? Is that something they must earn?
I am hoping to go visit him there during Spring Break, if he's not finished with school by then.
Welcome Mrs. david's mom....my son is no longer at Meridian. He was there from 10/8/11 to 11/26/11. He is an LSSA and is assigned to a ship in San Diego. He enjoyed his time there but is really liking San Diego. We never made a trip there to visit, it was too close to the holidays and we were hoping for him to make it home for Thanksgiving but that didn't happen. We are planning a trip to see him in SanDiego before they are deployed for 6 months.
Bcedab; Good, earning that green dot will be a good incentive for him.
browns57; David wants to go to SD after A-School. We are from that area and have a lot of family nearby. We moved to Arkansas when David was in the 2nd grade but he had remained a hard core Chargers fan all along!
Well, got a call from David last night. He is enjoying it there so far, but found out his school won't actually start for a couple of weeks. Said they don't have enough students for an AZ class, they're waiting for more to arrive.
Oh well, at least he has his cell phone and can call home every weekend. During boot camp I got the "I've arrived" call, the "I'm a Sailor" call, and he called us the night before PIR. That was it. So no more excusses!
Doesn't feel like it's been a week since PIR! I am feeling relieved that all thats over with, the excitment of the ceremony and the stress of traveling there. Now I can mentally relax!
My son is fairly new to Meridian. His PIR date was 1/27, so he's been there since the 28th. still waiting for his class to start. I believe they are allowed to have laptops, mine has his cell phone and was thinking about getting himself a computer.
David has called a couple times and is enjoying it there so far. Things are more relaxed there than in boot camp. Since he waiting for school to start he's been doing odd jobs, cleaning, watches, even working the mail room, which he enjoyed. He took a bus trip to a shopping mall which was great! Bought himself some civilian clothes to wear when he goes off base.
So, when does your SR PIR? It's so exciting! When we went up there it was cold, but we couldn't have asked for better weather!
How much civilian clothes should my SR bring with him to MS? He graduates this Friday and I was going to pack a bag for himn but not sure on how much if any.
When my som went to MS he could did take any clothes because hehas to wear his uniform until he earns his green dot and thn he an wear his clothes. But what i did do was, i packed all his and sent them to him later. I hope this help.
We didn't bring anything for David to carry with him, it'd just be more to travel with. We mailed him a box just this week. It was about two weeks before he could go off base anyway, and he bought himself a couple things there. We did take him his cell phone. He called friends while we were out after graduation, but couldn't bring it back to RTC. We met him at O'Hare Saturday morning and gave it to him to take to MS.
PIR was so exciting!!! You probably just got your "I'm a Sailor" call this week? Did he sound tired? David did. Almost couldn't recognize his voice.
David's class at A-School just started this week, so, eight more weeks and he gets to come home for 14 days!
Have a safe trip to Great Lakes. Are you driving? Watch out for toll roads! I'm not use to them, and got in an IPASS lane and missed paying my 60 cent toll. I was able to go on line and pay the toll, but it cost $3.80. Oh well, it's better than the $60 fine my friend got when she missed a toll booth.
Thanks no sailor call yet they did not go through BS yet can not wait for a call. I have not spoke to him in 8 weeks other then the I am here call. When his DIV got to call he had watch bummer. What is your son's job in MS? We are driving and will make sure to watch those tolls
Yes he just tested out but can't leave until next opening period which is the middle of March. So he'll be there a little while longer.
Your son will have alot of fun though, they get to leave the base and they have a lot of activities there, like a basketball team (if your son likes basket), bowling and alot of other things to do, so don't look for alot of phone calls home.
David is training to be an AZ. Aviation Maintence Administration. He'll be responsible for all paperwork involved with maintaining a squadron of aircraft.
I didn't get calls when he was at RTC except for the "I'm here" and "I'm a Sailor", and a call the evening before PIR just to check on us, see if we got there OK. Now that he's got his cell, he's been calling every weekend.
Beth, to answer your question regarding their sleeping quarters; From what I can remember David telling me, he was sharing a room with one other sailor, but there was another bed in the room, so I suppose there could be 3 to a room.
My son is goin to connecticut for 7 week and he will be home for 2 weeks. They have suite mates from my understanding, they have a living room and two bedroom with two to a room.
Don't hate me but i'm not a mom! lol I am engaged to my sailor. At first the transition from basic is going to be a little confusing and maybe a little hard but he will adjust. You can talk to him everyday!! From what i have been told its in the middle of "nowhere" but there is A LOT for them to do on base. Anthony got his "green dot" in just a few days and is already going to hang out at the mall and going to the movies. All the guys become pretty close too so he will make new friends easy! Graduation is awesome!! Congratulations on your Sailor! I pray that he does very well =D
It all depends on what they are doing for A school some rates take alot longer and involve more schooling. My son was in MS for LS, he was there for approximately 7 weeks, I believe he got his green dot after like a week & a half, which meant he could start wearing civis. Right after he got there he gave me a list of clothes to send him, luckly the box arrived the day he was allowed to wear them. It was right after that, that he was allowed to have liberty and he went by cap with others to the mall! From what I have been told there isn't much to do in Meridian.
Gonavymom - Don't worry, keep asking questions.....I have learned so much and I still am asking questions, it was only a year ago that I joined N4M's. My son is assigned to a ship in San Diego, they have been on a couple of short deployments but will be gone for 6 months sometime down the road.
David's school is 8 weeks, but it didn't start right away. It was also about a week and a half for him to get his 'green dot'.
He is set to graduate April 13. He originally said he'll get two weeks liberity, but now he's not sure when he'll have to report to his new assignment.
gonavymom - Yes he has been living on the ship ever since he arrived in San Diego. I talked to him the other day and he said he was going to put in to move on base.
gonavymom: How was your trip to Great Lakes? Wasn't PIR exciting? I sure enjoyed our trip in January. By now she should be in Mississippi, (getting wet) getting processed in and probably anxious to start school.
Davids' school is going well, but now he's not sure about coming home in April. He's too excited to get to his first assignment, and not really feeling home sick anyway, so he doesn't want to spend the money to come home.
Hey everyone, my name is Maria and my son is in A School in Meridian,Ms. The Bootcamp Graduation was exciting and get to see him was amazing. We spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday early morning with him. Went to Chicago Saturday and the trip was really cool, St.Patrick day.
Maria - You are so very lucky, back when my son Graduated we only got to spend Friday afternoon with him, about 7 hrs, he flew out very early Saturday morning.
Mrs. David's Mom - I hope your son changes his mind, once he gets to his first duty station there's no telling when he might have the chance to take leave.
Welcome, Maria! yes, you are lucky to get so much time with your sailor. Our son left early Saturday morning as well. We did meet him at O'Hare to say one last Good-Bye, and give him his cel phone.
And I hear St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is wonderful!
browns57: I hope he changes his mind too. I don't think he realizes how long it could be till he'll get another chance to come home. But, we're so boring around here,lol. He thrives on hangin' out with friends, and here he is meeting more and more new people and really enjoying it.
We are originally from the San Diego area, and IF he does go out there, he'll want time to visit family that he hasn't seen in several years. And, we'll have another excuse to go out there for our 25th. anniversary later this year! he can run but he can not hide! if he won't come to us, we'll go to him! mom and dad will find him!!!
We were planning to go visit our son in SD but now it looks like he is going to try to come home before they get deployed. My son is Cranking right now, he explain to me that cranking is the ghetto term for FSA which means Food Service Assistant. He said every junior sailor has to crank for 90 days when they arrive in a new duty station. He said its not too bad it just sucks because he isn't working with his LS crew. He can't wait to finish and get back to work with his LS buddies.
So I will wait for a visit from him and I think we will plan a trip to welcome him back after his deployment.
My daughter will be attending her A School here when she gets out of BC and I wanted to know what I could and couldn't take her for her trip to Mississippi. Are they allowed to have cell phones or computers?
So when is your daughter's PIR date? Yes, at A-School they can have their cell phones and computers. It easier to mail clothes to them after they get there. We took David's cell phone to him when we went to PIR and he was able to use it that afternoon, but couldn't take it back on base when he had to check back in. We met him at O'Hare to see him off and give it to him then. It's nice to be able to text him when ever I want, and he's been able to call home most weekends.
She's just arrived BC as of March 20...she's just getting started! I was just trying to plan ahead so I knew what to take or couldn't take. I know it's premature but since I haven't heard from her since she arrived I guess you could say, I'm just trying to fill my days. I'm lost without her!
Denise - browns57
I had thought it was 8 weeks but then my son informed me it was more self paced. He finished between 6 & 7 weeks, I believe.
Jan 6, 2012
Navy Mom Ship 3, Div 047
That is very neat that it is self paced. My son wants to be stationed overseas, perhaps Japan. Did you son say it is difficult to get to go overseas?
Jan 6, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Hello Ladies
My son arrived in Meridian Saturday and he's ready to begin A-School. He will be training to be a AZ. From what I understand, school starts this week? I look forward to hearing how it goes, but not as nervous/anxious as I've been during his boot camp.
Jan 31, 2012
Bcedab
A school is a lot different from boot camp, it's more relaxed and he will be asking you to send him his clothes once he receives his green dot. The green dot means he doesn't have to be in uniform all the time. He will have more liberty and a lot more fun. The school part is not that hard my son (who name is David as well) as been there since December and he will be leaving there sometime I. February. Your son is able to get acell phone now so you guys can talk everyday. So I hope this helps.
Jan 31, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Oh yes! Very helpful Bcedab. I knew he would be getting liberty and we were able to give him his cell phone at the airport Saturday (so much fun driving into O'Hare! lol). How long before they get their "green dot"? Is that something they must earn?
I am hoping to go visit him there during Spring Break, if he's not finished with school by then.
Jan 31, 2012
Denise - browns57
Welcome Mrs. david's mom....my son is no longer at Meridian. He was there from 10/8/11 to 11/26/11. He is an LSSA and is assigned to a ship in San Diego. He enjoyed his time there but is really liking San Diego. We never made a trip there to visit, it was too close to the holidays and we were hoping for him to make it home for Thanksgiving but that didn't happen. We are planning a trip to see him in SanDiego before they are deployed for 6 months.
Jan 31, 2012
Bcedab
Yes, he will have to earn his green dot, it took my son two weeks to earn his. So it shouldn't take long.
Jan 31, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Bcedab; Good, earning that green dot will be a good incentive for him.
browns57; David wants to go to SD after A-School. We are from that area and have a lot of family nearby. We moved to Arkansas when David was in the 2nd grade but he had remained a hard core Chargers fan all along!
Feb 1, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Well, got a call from David last night. He is enjoying it there so far, but found out his school won't actually start for a couple of weeks. Said they don't have enough students for an AZ class, they're waiting for more to arrive.
Oh well, at least he has his cell phone and can call home every weekend. During boot camp I got the "I've arrived" call, the "I'm a Sailor" call, and he called us the night before PIR. That was it. So no more excusses!
Doesn't feel like it's been a week since PIR! I am feeling relieved that all thats over with, the excitment of the ceremony and the stress of traveling there. Now I can mentally relax!
Feb 4, 2012
Beth89
My SR is in bootcamp and will be doing A school here wondering if they are able to use a laptop
Feb 18, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Hello Beth!
My son is fairly new to Meridian. His PIR date was 1/27, so he's been there since the 28th. still waiting for his class to start. I believe they are allowed to have laptops, mine has his cell phone and was thinking about getting himself a computer.
David has called a couple times and is enjoying it there so far. Things are more relaxed there than in boot camp. Since he waiting for school to start he's been doing odd jobs, cleaning, watches, even working the mail room, which he enjoyed. He took a bus trip to a shopping mall which was great! Bought himself some civilian clothes to wear when he goes off base.
So, when does your SR PIR? It's so exciting! When we went up there it was cold, but we couldn't have asked for better weather!
Feb 18, 2012
Beth89
Feb 18, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Beth,
What will your SR be training for in A-School?
Feb 22, 2012
Beth89
Feb 22, 2012
Beth89
How much civilian clothes should my SR bring with him to MS? He graduates this Friday and I was going to pack a bag for himn but not sure on how much if any.
thank you
Beth
Feb 25, 2012
Bcedab
When my som went to MS he could did take any clothes because hehas to wear his uniform until he earns his green dot and thn he an wear his clothes. But what i did do was, i packed all his and sent them to him later. I hope this help.
Feb 25, 2012
Beth89
Thank you I thought this but I just wanted to be prepared. I will send thing later. Is your son still in MS?
Feb 25, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
We didn't bring anything for David to carry with him, it'd just be more to travel with. We mailed him a box just this week. It was about two weeks before he could go off base anyway, and he bought himself a couple things there. We did take him his cell phone. He called friends while we were out after graduation, but couldn't bring it back to RTC. We met him at O'Hare Saturday morning and gave it to him to take to MS.
PIR was so exciting!!! You probably just got your "I'm a Sailor" call this week? Did he sound tired? David did. Almost couldn't recognize his voice.
David's class at A-School just started this week, so, eight more weeks and he gets to come home for 14 days!
Have a safe trip to Great Lakes. Are you driving? Watch out for toll roads! I'm not use to them, and got in an IPASS lane and missed paying my 60 cent toll. I was able to go on line and pay the toll, but it cost $3.80. Oh well, it's better than the $60 fine my friend got when she missed a toll booth.
Feb 25, 2012
Beth89
Thanks no sailor call yet they did not go through BS yet can not wait for a call. I have not spoke to him in 8 weeks other then the I am here call. When his DIV got to call he had watch bummer. What is your son's job in MS? We are driving and will make sure to watch those tolls
Feb 25, 2012
Bcedab
Your son will have alot of fun though, they get to leave the base and they have a lot of activities there, like a basketball team (if your son likes basket), bowling and alot of other things to do, so don't look for alot of phone calls home.
Feb 25, 2012
Beth89
Bcrdab where is your son going in the middle of March? Sounds like my son will have a good time he loves sports. What are the sleeping quarters like?
Feb 25, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
David is training to be an AZ. Aviation Maintence Administration. He'll be responsible for all paperwork involved with maintaining a squadron of aircraft.
I didn't get calls when he was at RTC except for the "I'm here" and "I'm a Sailor", and a call the evening before PIR just to check on us, see if we got there OK. Now that he's got his cell, he's been calling every weekend.
Feb 25, 2012
Tiffany51908
My sailor just graduated basic and in now in meridian training for LS! Maybe they know each other?? hope all is going well for you and your sailor =D
Feb 26, 2012
Beth89
Feb 26, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Good Morning Ladies,
Beth, to answer your question regarding their sleeping quarters; From what I can remember David telling me, he was sharing a room with one other sailor, but there was another bed in the room, so I suppose there could be 3 to a room.
Feb 26, 2012
Bcedab
My son is goin to connecticut for 7 week and he will be home for 2 weeks. They have suite mates from my understanding, they have a living room and two bedroom with two to a room.
Feb 26, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Oh yes, the living room! And I think he said each bed room has a bath room? The important thing is: No more group showers!!!
Feb 26, 2012
Tiffany51908
Don't hate me but i'm not a mom! lol I am engaged to my sailor. At first the transition from basic is going to be a little confusing and maybe a little hard but he will adjust. You can talk to him everyday!! From what i have been told its in the middle of "nowhere" but there is A LOT for them to do on base. Anthony got his "green dot" in just a few days and is already going to hang out at the mall and going to the movies. All the guys become pretty close too so he will make new friends easy! Graduation is awesome!! Congratulations on your Sailor! I pray that he does very well =D
Feb 26, 2012
Beth89
Feb 28, 2012
Tiffany51908
No problem. If your son needs anyone to show him around or a liberty buddy send me a message to my inbox and my sailor will help him out!!
Feb 29, 2012
Beth89
Mar 4, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Beth, how was PIR? Hope the weather wasn't too cold.
Mar 4, 2012
Beth89
Mar 4, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
How soon will his A-School start? David had to wait a couple weeks for more sailors to come in, so they'd have a full class. But, they kept him busy.
Mar 4, 2012
Beth89
Mar 4, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Hello gonavymom! PIR is so great, so much excitment!
Beth; How did Haydens first week go?
David's school is going well. He thinks they may get their orders next week. He's anxious for that, really hoping to go to San Diego.
Mar 12, 2012
Beth89
Mar 12, 2012
Denise - browns57
It all depends on what they are doing for A school some rates take alot longer and involve more schooling. My son was in MS for LS, he was there for approximately 7 weeks, I believe he got his green dot after like a week & a half, which meant he could start wearing civis. Right after he got there he gave me a list of clothes to send him, luckly the box arrived the day he was allowed to wear them. It was right after that, that he was allowed to have liberty and he went by cap with others to the mall! From what I have been told there isn't much to do in Meridian.
Gonavymom - Don't worry, keep asking questions.....I have learned so much and I still am asking questions, it was only a year ago that I joined N4M's. My son is assigned to a ship in San Diego, they have been on a couple of short deployments but will be gone for 6 months sometime down the road.
Mar 12, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
David's school is 8 weeks, but it didn't start right away. It was also about a week and a half for him to get his 'green dot'.
He is set to graduate April 13. He originally said he'll get two weeks liberity, but now he's not sure when he'll have to report to his new assignment.
Mar 13, 2012
Denise - browns57
gonavymom - Yes he has been living on the ship ever since he arrived in San Diego. I talked to him the other day and he said he was going to put in to move on base.
Mar 14, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Good WET morning everyone!
gonavymom: How was your trip to Great Lakes? Wasn't PIR exciting? I sure enjoyed our trip in January. By now she should be in Mississippi, (getting wet) getting processed in and probably anxious to start school.
Davids' school is going well, but now he's not sure about coming home in April. He's too excited to get to his first assignment, and not really feeling home sick anyway, so he doesn't want to spend the money to come home.
Mar 21, 2012
Maria
Mar 21, 2012
Denise - browns57
Maria - You are so very lucky, back when my son Graduated we only got to spend Friday afternoon with him, about 7 hrs, he flew out very early Saturday morning.
Mrs. David's Mom - I hope your son changes his mind, once he gets to his first duty station there's no telling when he might have the chance to take leave.
Mar 21, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Welcome, Maria! yes, you are lucky to get so much time with your sailor. Our son left early Saturday morning as well. We did meet him at O'Hare to say one last Good-Bye, and give him his cel phone.
And I hear St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is wonderful!
browns57: I hope he changes his mind too. I don't think he realizes how long it could be till he'll get another chance to come home. But, we're so boring around here,lol. He thrives on hangin' out with friends, and here he is meeting more and more new people and really enjoying it.
We are originally from the San Diego area, and IF he does go out there, he'll want time to visit family that he hasn't seen in several years. And, we'll have another excuse to go out there for our 25th. anniversary later this year! he can run but he can not hide! if he won't come to us, we'll go to him! mom and dad will find him!!!
Mar 21, 2012
Denise - browns57
We were planning to go visit our son in SD but now it looks like he is going to try to come home before they get deployed. My son is Cranking right now, he explain to me that cranking is the ghetto term for FSA which means Food Service Assistant. He said every junior sailor has to crank for 90 days when they arrive in a new duty station. He said its not too bad it just sucks because he isn't working with his LS crew. He can't wait to finish and get back to work with his LS buddies.
So I will wait for a visit from him and I think we will plan a trip to welcome him back after his deployment.
Mar 21, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
David ought to feel RIGHT AT HOME cranking! He's got plenty of food service experience, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell... He may even enjoy it!
Mar 21, 2012
Maria
Mar 22, 2012
modaPIR5/11Ship12Div147
My daughter will be attending her A School here when she gets out of BC and I wanted to know what I could and couldn't take her for her trip to Mississippi. Are they allowed to have cell phones or computers?
Mar 25, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Hello Whits Mom,
So when is your daughter's PIR date? Yes, at A-School they can have their cell phones and computers. It easier to mail clothes to them after they get there. We took David's cell phone to him when we went to PIR and he was able to use it that afternoon, but couldn't take it back on base when he had to check back in. We met him at O'Hare to see him off and give it to him then. It's nice to be able to text him when ever I want, and he's been able to call home most weekends.
Mar 25, 2012
modaPIR5/11Ship12Div147
She's just arrived BC as of March 20...she's just getting started! I was just trying to plan ahead so I knew what to take or couldn't take. I know it's premature but since I haven't heard from her since she arrived I guess you could say, I'm just trying to fill my days. I'm lost without her!
Mar 25, 2012