NicksMom - yes, they can have cell phones in A school. They however, do not get to carry them to class and are restricted on when they can use them. My son would call during lunch breaks, when they were in the pod at night and on weekends when he did not have watch
What you read its not what actually happens! Your sailor can have whatever he whats at Meridian, they are very relaxed there. They can have anything from cell phone to car.
I know they can have it after Phase 1 but just don't want him in trouble from the beginning if he has it when he arrives instead of me mailing it in 2 weeks.
nicksMom- all I know available is cab - my son did not get reimbursed for that ride, but he did share the cab/van with 3 others and that helped defer the high cost
phones can be given to your sailor at the airport. He can definitely have it upon arrival in Meridian. He can also have a couple of civilian outfits. After the "shell shock" of basic it takes awhile for them to adjust to the priviliges they have at "A"school
My son left for Meridian today and his flight got delayed once he landed in Atlanta. His flight was originally supposed to leave Atlanta at 9:00 pm and is now delayed till 12:30am. He tried calling to let someone know that his flight got delayed and no one answered. Once he gets to the base, is there someone who will guide him as to where he needs to go??
Yes, Maria there will be someone to tell them where to go and what to do. Lots of liberty in Meridian, but they also have rules and regs still in place. In-doc will take care of most everything. Since this is a holiday, he may have a few days just to get setteled in and aclimate. My son arrived on a holiday weekend and was thrilled to have a few days to sleep and get setteled in. They will take good care of him
Thanks Marmee!! He just texted me this morning that he got Meridian at 2am. No cabs so he had to stay at a hotel. Is on his way there now. Thank goodness they are allowed to have their phones.
Hi everyone, quick question! My bfs been in Meridian for almost a month, I'm heading down to visit him mid January. He told me on the phone today that only someone related to him (his sisters coming) can take him out for the weekend. Then he told me whatever car we drive on base to get him with has to be registered to her, or rented in her name. Can anyone clarify this? It just makes no sense to me, we were planning on driving my car down, it wouldn't work if she was driving my car when she got him?
My son is on flight heading to Meridian now. Left ATL @ 5:30 EST I found a phone number for cab company yesterday and had him put in his phone. Told him to eat in ATL just in case got to base late and no food available until tomorrow. The Mom in me I guess lol
To Knittycat10...My son was just there less than 2 months ago for A school, and I just asked him about what your asking, and he said unless they just changed the rules you didn't have to be related. Most usually all bases if your a visitor will ask to see registration of the vehicle. In Meridian he has to be picked up on quarterdeck, so you actually have to go in passed the gates, safety and rules. My suggestion to you would be to go with his sister. The guards at the gate will tell you if it's not okay and tell you what you need to do, just make sure you both have ID with you.
For starters, I was just there yesterday and you can't go through the front gate without your sailor. He has to meet you at the front gate. We called our son on his cell and he came up to the front gate while we waited at the building right outside the gate. We had a rental car, and needed our rental agreement and driver's license and my son showed his military id. If you have your registration for your car and your license, you should be okay.
My boyfriend graduated from BC on the 28th. He is now in Meridian, MS for A School! He is trying to buy a cell phone out there. Does anyone know if there is anywhere that he can get one or do I need to try to send him one?
My daughter is heading for Meridian hopefully sometime in January. She's not coming from Boot Camp, but from Goose Creek, SC (she failed out of Nuke A-School). Does anybody have any idea when classes are forming and what she might have to expect travel-wise? Thanks.
Ctav, from what I've read they fly to Atlanta than to Jackson mi where they either have to rent a car or taxi to meridian. Doesn't sound like an easy place to get to. I read here that the cab was $200 ride so she should be prepared to pay that fare. Good luck to her. My son will arrive 2/2.
I was able to get my son a flight from Atlanta into Meridian. Then he shared cab with others heading to base. If it was just him the fare was only going to be $30.00. About a 30 min ride
My son flew from Dayton Ohio into Atlanta. He had a 3 hour layover then left ATL at 530 and flew into Meridan airport approx 600. They are an hour behind on Cental time. Took cab from airport to base. I read that they only do 2 flights a day from Atlanta to Meridan
greetings to those who have sailors heading to Meridian. My son left there in Dec. He really enjoyed the freedom, the classes, and the chance to see some of the beautiful country around that area. The time there is short. Encourage your sailors to study hard so they are in a position to have good picks for next duty station. Congrats on BC completion!!!
How soon does there time start? My son should arrive there Saturday? Also when can they go off base? Are there places on base to eat or hang out if they can't go off base?
Hi all! My sailor arrived in Meridian yesterday and I have to admit, I love A-school better than boot camp already! I just spent 15 minutes on the phone with him and my husband talked to him 20 minutes earlier today. :) The weather in Mississippi is much warmer than in Great Lakes of course, so he loves that. lol He doesn't actually start "school" for a couple of weeks, but will report for duty tomorrow. I don't think he will get to leave the base for a few weeks, but he said they've got everything he needs right now and the food there is pretty good. Guess we'll have to just wait and see if he still agrees once he can leave the base for "fast food". lol I am confident that he's gonna do well there and especially excited for the day when I can see him again in person. :)
My sailor arrived Saturday. I feel like you do. So kuch better to he in touch. He called everybody. Yesterday they were shown around base. Hung out at bowling alley. Watched the Superbowl. Said the same as yours. Liked it alot better. Weather great. His room is nice. Has everything he needs. We are planning a trip out there on the 15th. He attached to a Marine group which made him a little nervous. Their PT and all is alittle more strenuous. What is your sons rate?
Question! My sailor needs an Ipad charger....Can I send hI'm one via Amazon? I know I can send him a package but can they receive packages from online places?
I have not heard that they cannot receive things from places like Amazon - I would guess that it might be opened for security reasons, but that is just a guess. We only sent packages from us thru regular mail and had no problems with those.
My son was attached to Marines also. Even had Marine roommate in the pod. He was intimidated the first few days, but they have become great friends, and my son really enjoyed the discipline of the Marine work-outs to keep him in shape. All that junk food available was a problem the first few weeks. LOL
Thanks Marmee. We told him to make the best of it. I think it was just the initial change. He seemed in better spirits yesterday and also said it'll help him build up.
Hey Lita, my son told me tonight that he is attached to a marine group too. He has an uncle and a close friend of the family who are retired marines, so he's ok with working with them. We just got his official address tonight when he called so I've got a small package I'm putting together to send this week. My plan is to send one of the small flat rate boxes to him periodically...just little care packages every once in a while since we couldn't send anything like that while he was at boot camp. My son's rate is YN - yeoman. What is your son's rate?
Hi GA2- I'm waiting on an address too. Have the same small box ready to go. Girl Scout cookies and a few other things. My son is AZ. He made friends with a sailor that is YN. May be your son. He said his mom lives 3 hrs from Meridian. His dad races cars. He has a child. Would that be your son?
We got the address for our son last night! :)
Based on the description of your son's YN friend, I'm pretty sure our sailors don't know each other yet. lol My son is 19 and while we are close enough to drive to Meridian, we aren't 3 hours close...we're actually 5 1/2 hours away. lol
Girl Scout cookies?! I wish I had ours already so I could send my son his favorites....Samoas. :)
Can someone ask there sailors will they have over night liberty presidents day weekend? My SR will be there Saturday and we are four hours away I was planning to visit
My sailor said once he gets his green sticker, he will be allowed to leave the base for day liberty, but didn't think he would be able to stay off base overnight.
Hi sailsetter. Congrats on your sons PIR! I know YOU are proud! :) I just talked to my son and he said that we should definitely send cookies! lol Our sailors can go to the NEX to buy stuff, but I'm positive they would appreciate us spending our $$$ on stuff than them. lol I haven't heard of any 'rivarly' between the branches, but you never know.
i am new my son was told this is where he is headed in 4 weeks he PIR is 3/15 and then headed to mississippi.. anything i ned to know or be prepared for that you have all been thru with this schooling thx ,,,,
hi yamahamom63 - hopefully your son will enjoy Meridian. My son really liked it. Heads up for him, if he is AZ they will live and train with Marines - that is different for many and a bit scary at first. Also, they have a lot of freedom compared to BC and it takes some getting used to - advise him to enjoy it, but stay focused on completeing "A" school quickly and successfully then getting a good assignment. Assignments are handed out according to class standing - so first in class gets first pick - something to work toward.
Hi everyone, things starting to settle down to a bit of normalcy now that PIR is over and my sailor has started school in Meridian. He's actually at the mall in Meridan as we speak so he's excited to see the outside world. I was a bit worried when they were in lockdown on the other days for the tornados but they were safe.
thank you for letting us know. lock down :O( My spouse didnt want to meet our sailor before flying out after PIR, so he doesnt have his phone yet. I mailed it to him, but he is still waiting for it. He called tonight and is doing good.
Mrs. David's mom
we gave our son his phone at the airport the morning after PIR. They can't have them at RTC, but A school is ok.
Dec 28, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
NicksMom - yes, they can have cell phones in A school. They however, do not get to carry them to class and are restricted on when they can use them. My son would call during lunch breaks, when they were in the pod at night and on weekends when he did not have watch
Dec 28, 2012
navyboy2012
What you read its not what actually happens! Your sailor can have whatever he whats at Meridian, they are very relaxed there. They can have anything from cell phone to car.
Dec 28, 2012
NicksMom
Dec 28, 2012
NicksMom
Dec 28, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
nicksMom- all I know available is cab - my son did not get reimbursed for that ride, but he did share the cab/van with 3 others and that helped defer the high cost
Dec 28, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
phones can be given to your sailor at the airport. He can definitely have it upon arrival in Meridian. He can also have a couple of civilian outfits. After the "shell shock" of basic it takes awhile for them to adjust to the priviliges they have at "A"school
Dec 28, 2012
NicksMom
Dec 28, 2012
Maria
My son left for Meridian today and his flight got delayed once he landed in Atlanta. His flight was originally supposed to leave Atlanta at 9:00 pm and is now delayed till 12:30am. He tried calling to let someone know that his flight got delayed and no one answered. Once he gets to the base, is there someone who will guide him as to where he needs to go??
Dec 28, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
Yes, Maria there will be someone to tell them where to go and what to do. Lots of liberty in Meridian, but they also have rules and regs still in place. In-doc will take care of most everything. Since this is a holiday, he may have a few days just to get setteled in and aclimate. My son arrived on a holiday weekend and was thrilled to have a few days to sleep and get setteled in. They will take good care of him
Dec 29, 2012
Maria
Dec 29, 2012
Knittycat10
Hi everyone, quick question! My bfs been in Meridian for almost a month, I'm heading down to visit him mid January. He told me on the phone today that only someone related to him (his sisters coming) can take him out for the weekend. Then he told me whatever car we drive on base to get him with has to be registered to her, or rented in her name. Can anyone clarify this? It just makes no sense to me, we were planning on driving my car down, it wouldn't work if she was driving my car when she got him?
Thanks!!
Dec 29, 2012
NicksMom
Dec 29, 2012
navyboy2012
To Knittycat10...My son was just there less than 2 months ago for A school, and I just asked him about what your asking, and he said unless they just changed the rules you didn't have to be related. Most usually all bases if your a visitor will ask to see registration of the vehicle. In Meridian he has to be picked up on quarterdeck, so you actually have to go in passed the gates, safety and rules. My suggestion to you would be to go with his sister. The guards at the gate will tell you if it's not okay and tell you what you need to do, just make sure you both have ID with you.
Dec 30, 2012
DonnaB
For starters, I was just there yesterday and you can't go through the front gate without your sailor. He has to meet you at the front gate. We called our son on his cell and he came up to the front gate while we waited at the building right outside the gate. We had a rental car, and needed our rental agreement and driver's license and my son showed his military id. If you have your registration for your car and your license, you should be okay.
Dec 30, 2012
RobsPrincess12
Dec 30, 2012
Sgknavymom
Dec 30, 2012
RobsPrincess12
Dec 30, 2012
ctav01
My daughter is heading for Meridian hopefully sometime in January. She's not coming from Boot Camp, but from Goose Creek, SC (she failed out of Nuke A-School). Does anybody have any idea when classes are forming and what she might have to expect travel-wise? Thanks.
Jan 3, 2013
Alison(LS A school)
Jan 6, 2013
NicksMom
Jan 7, 2013
destinee
Jan 18, 2013
NicksMom
Jan 18, 2013
destinee
Jan 21, 2013
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Jan 25, 2013
destinee
Jan 25, 2013
marmee4 (alumni mom)
greetings to those who have sailors heading to Meridian. My son left there in Dec. He really enjoyed the freedom, the classes, and the chance to see some of the beautiful country around that area. The time there is short. Encourage your sailors to study hard so they are in a position to have good picks for next duty station. Congrats on BC completion!!!
Jan 25, 2013
destinee
Jan 26, 2013
marmee4 (alumni mom)
My son is AZ and is now in San Diego and is really loving the weather! LOL
Jan 26, 2013
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Jan 30, 2013
GA2thfairy(Ship 04 DIV 087)
Feb 3, 2013
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Feb 4, 2013
DulcesMommy
Feb 4, 2013
marmee4 (alumni mom)
I have not heard that they cannot receive things from places like Amazon - I would guess that it might be opened for security reasons, but that is just a guess. We only sent packages from us thru regular mail and had no problems with those.
Feb 4, 2013
marmee4 (alumni mom)
My son was attached to Marines also. Even had Marine roommate in the pod. He was intimidated the first few days, but they have become great friends, and my son really enjoyed the discipline of the Marine work-outs to keep him in shape. All that junk food available was a problem the first few weeks. LOL
Feb 4, 2013
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Feb 4, 2013
GA2thfairy(Ship 04 DIV 087)
Hey Lita, my son told me tonight that he is attached to a marine group too. He has an uncle and a close friend of the family who are retired marines, so he's ok with working with them. We just got his official address tonight when he called so I've got a small package I'm putting together to send this week. My plan is to send one of the small flat rate boxes to him periodically...just little care packages every once in a while since we couldn't send anything like that while he was at boot camp. My son's rate is YN - yeoman. What is your son's rate?
Feb 5, 2013
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Feb 5, 2013
GA2thfairy(Ship 04 DIV 087)
Based on the description of your son's YN friend, I'm pretty sure our sailors don't know each other yet. lol My son is 19 and while we are close enough to drive to Meridian, we aren't 3 hours close...we're actually 5 1/2 hours away. lol
Girl Scout cookies?! I wish I had ours already so I could send my son his favorites....Samoas. :)
Feb 5, 2013
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Feb 5, 2013
destinee
Feb 7, 2013
GA2thfairy(Ship 04 DIV 087)
Feb 8, 2013
sailsetter
My son called with an address yesterday, wants me to send him a few things. Just PIRd Feb 8th and will class up in a month.
My son is AZ as well.He did mention the co/mingling of Navy/Marines there. Is there much rivalry?
Is it ok to include cookies with a package
Feb 11, 2013
GA2thfairy(Ship 04 DIV 087)
Feb 11, 2013
sailsetter
thank you GA2thfairy :O) I sure am proud, and proud of all of our sailors accomplishments. cookies are on their way!!
Feb 12, 2013
sailsetter
My sailor will begin classes in a month, what do they do until that time? I assume stand watch.... does anyone know?
Feb 14, 2013
yamahamom63
i am new my son was told this is where he is headed in 4 weeks he PIR is 3/15 and then headed to mississippi.. anything i ned to know or be prepared for that you have all been thru with this schooling thx ,,,,
Feb 14, 2013
marmee4 (alumni mom)
hi yamahamom63 - hopefully your son will enjoy Meridian. My son really liked it. Heads up for him, if he is AZ they will live and train with Marines - that is different for many and a bit scary at first. Also, they have a lot of freedom compared to BC and it takes some getting used to - advise him to enjoy it, but stay focused on completeing "A" school quickly and successfully then getting a good assignment. Assignments are handed out according to class standing - so first in class gets first pick - something to work toward.
Feb 14, 2013
Alison(LS A school)
Feb 15, 2013
sailsetter
thank you for letting us know. lock down :O( My spouse didnt want to meet our sailor before flying out after PIR, so he doesnt have his phone yet. I mailed it to him, but he is still waiting for it. He called tonight and is doing good.
Feb 15, 2013