Sailors attending A School in Meridian, Mississippi

My daughter made it to Meridian! Gets to bunk with her bunk mate from boot camp. She has her laptop so she has internet and she has her phone. Said she finally gets to sleep in today! She was very happy about that! It sure is nice being able to hear from her a little more often now!

NavyWife-My daughter went to Meridian June 11th and those who were sent with her got thier orders yesterday already. However my daughter did not because she is FTS.

FTS is full time support. She is in the reserves, but works full time like active duty Navy, and can be stationed anywhere. I am learning what that means as I go...I cant find too many others that are FTS...

My SR just got to boot camp on the 22nd. He will be in school in Meridian. He is also FTS. Nice to meet you all!

Nice to meet you pmbell02. Another FTS'r, yay.

Navy Wife...The LS school is "self-paced" :  They have 16 "modules" to complete, at their own pace, and some sailors get finished before others.  It is my understanding that if you can complete 4 modules in one week, and you can keep-up with that pace, you could easily complete the classes in four weeks.  Some sailors go even faster...and some go slower.  The modules seem to become a little more difficult as they progress.  They only have class Mon. thru Fri. and then continue to PT and stand watches... but they seem to have quite a bit of "free" time as well.  Last weekend a large group of sailors went to a nearby waterpark that only cost $20 for the bus ride to the park as well as park admission...and my son went and said it was a lot of fun!  The "MWR" has a variety of recreational events that the sailors can do during their free time.  Also, while at Meridian, they can eat at Subway (on base) and go to the bowling alley, shoot pool, and there is an outdoor swimming pool that they can use at their leisure.  SOOOOO different from Boot Camp!  They still get personal inspections and have their quarters inspected every week...and they keep in shape with  runs, etc.  It is VERY HOT in Meridian:  Every day it is near 100 degrees!   That's about all I can tell you right now...and I don't know anything about moving families as my sailor is still single.  Good Luck with your move !

@Lujos mom My sailor just got there & I also appreciate the info. He has been to the pool a couple of times already...yes different than BC but they deserve it after going thru that. He had to wait to start his modules because a computer error had him locked out of the system for a few days. It finally got straightened out today.

Fa4airtran:  Glad to hear that your sailor has arrived at Meridian and has already enjoyed the pool!  And I DO agree that they definately deserve the ammenities that are offered, at Meridian, after the BC experience!  Has your sailor requested his civilian clothes be sent to him yet?  My sailor was able to wear civilian clothes, on base, after being at Meridian for only two weeks...during his "free" time of coarse!  He only wanted me to send a few items, of clothing, due to the limited space they have to store them in:  But his civilian swimming trunks were one of the items he definately wanted me to send ( because it is sooooo HOT at Meridian)!  Hope all goes well with your sailor while he is in school!   Keep us informed .

@Lujos mom He got leave for the weekend so I drove to Meridian from Atlanta to pick him up. He is driving back on Monday. It was a treat - I got to see the base. Always nice to have a viz of the place your loved one is in.

I brought our dog who he dearly loves and she didn't recognize him at first & started barking defensively when he got too close to "her" car. When she saw it was him, she went crazy & must have kissed him for 5 minutes.

Meridian-Atlanta round trip in one day is not my idea of fun, though. He does have civilian clothes now.

new mom here need to know when my son will get to call me from A school he was supposed to arrive there last night

My son will be leaving sometime this week for Meridian. He graduated Friday.

DAB1984:  My son has been at Meridian for 4 weeks and when he first arrived, at Meridian, he got to call home on his second "full" day there!  Since his arrival he has called home at least once a week...and initially he phoned home 2-3 times per week!  (I guess the "newness" of phoning home has worn-off a little)!  Meridian is soooo much more relaxed than BC!  Your son will enjoy the new "freedoms" he is allowed!  Let me know when you hear from him!

My son called & we got to talk for over an hour on Sunday :) He is keeping a score of 99.6 & is hoping to complete with at least this score or higher! He does have shin splints, so the only concern at this time is his final PFA.

My son will be flying to Meridian Tuesday. Can anybody tell me where they flew to? And how did they get from airport to the base?

My son just graduated boot camp on July 8th.  He flew to Meridian Mississippi on July 9th to attend school for logistic training.  If anyone info would be much appreciated.  Thank you. 

 

My son leaves Tuesday for same thing!!!! He graduated July 1 but there was quite a few at stayed in GL and we actually had liberty with him the entire weekend and July 4th. It was awesome. Everybody else flew out last Thursday to their destinations. He got held over for a recheck on his blood sugar.....which was fine! Now he flies out Tuesday...by himself...grrrr! Have you heard much from him since he got there. My son is afraid he is gonna be behind when he finally gets there! And....maybe you can answer my previous question about where they flew into and how do they get to the base from airport?

My son flew in last night landed 10:30 and they where picked up at the airport and driven to the base.  Today he was able to tour the base pick up personal items such as soap an wash he laundry.  He said it was nice there but very hot!!!! I believe he would start tomorrow by the way I understand what he said so your son flying in on Tuesday would not be behind by much.  Where will your son be going after Mississippi?

Did he fly out of OHARE? And flew...where? Straight to Mississippi or did he have a layover/change planes?

Yes flew out of OHARE and he did have a stop not sure where for one hour then Mississippi.

Zachary's Mother:  My son has been at Meridian since June 4 and is in Logistics Specialist school.  Since he arrived, at Meridian, he has phoned home frequently and seems to like it there (except for the extreme HEAT).  His first full week, at Meridian, was indoctrination...learning about the base, etc.  He did not begin school until the beginning of his second full week there.  The school is "self-paced" and is completed in "modules" (16 modules total):  Some modules are easier than others so you can complete some modules quicker than others.  After about 3 weeks, at Meridian, he received his orders for his first duty station:  He is to report to the USS Nimitz (at Bremerton, WA), on August 18.  The MWR (at Meridian) has fun things for the sailors to do during their free time:  My son went to a water park,  with a bus-load of other sailors, about 2 weeks ago and has a great time.  There is also a bowling alley, bar, outdoor swimming pool, and other leisure-time activities at the base...which they are able to use.  Civilian Clothes can be worn, on base, after they have been at Meridian for about 2 weeks.  Your sailor will love their quarters...they have a t.v., fridge, and a living room...which they only have to share with 6-7 other sailors!  They will stand watch, on occasion...even during their first week there.  All-in-all I have NOT heard one single complaint, from my sailor, other than it it ALWAYS HOT there!  Let me know how your son is doing.

Lujos Mom,  I feel so thankful you provided me with such great information.  It was so hard leaving him again at the airport the day after graduation and feeling again the unknown of his new location as he was also uncertain.  Thank you again.  I will most certainly let you know as soon as I hear from him.  He did text me yesterday he was ok but it was HOT like your son said.  Thank you so much.  Nancy

Lujos mom...it is hot! We live in Alabama and it's hot here! I am glad your son likes it. That makes it so much easier. I am ready for my son to get there! He should be flying out tomorrow.

Fa4airtran: wow...I didn't understand about the "leave". So...they can go as far as Atlanta when they get leave? my sons fiancee graduates from college the first of August. He wants to be there, of course but didn't figure he would make it.

Zachary's mother: I forgot to also tell you that on the 4th of July they had a 4-day weekend and my son, and 3 other sailors, went to Biloxi, MS and stayed all night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino...all had a great time!  They do continue to PT...usually during the early morning hours when it is not so hot.  They have access to the NEX and my son seems to spend quite a bit of money there (snacks, ipod, clothes, soda) and they are responsible for keeping their quarters clean and have inspections of their quarters once a week:  My son said they had to purchase their own cleaning supplies.  I sent him his cell phone and laptop  just as soon as I received his Meridian address...but (whoops) forgot to send his cell phone charger...so had to send that in a seprate padded envelope.   My son has his Federal Credit Union statements sent to our home address so that's how I know how much $ he spends at the NEX!  Since he does not have a "permanent" address...other than at home...he's OK with me opening his mail:  I just have to remember to keep my mouth shut regarding his spending!  He's earning his money and it's his to spend as he sees fit...just because mom is thrifty doesn't mean her son is!  By-the-way...I live in Illinois and it is in the 90's here, today, and HUMID!  Probably a lot like Meridian. 

Hi Lujos's Mom Thank you again for the great information.  I spoke with Zachary today and he did say there was lots to do there but again very Hot.  If he passes his reviews this week he will get a 2 day pass and will be able to go to the water park this weekend.  He is a little home sick I think since he saw us and especially his girlfriend who did attend his graduation with us last week.  I told him to stay positive and how proud we all are of him and to concentrate on his goal. He won't start class until next Wednesday but they are giving him the basic information of what he needs to accomplish today and over the next few days.  I live in CT and it is hot here too!  Thank you again talk to you soon.  Nancy

@Lucyloves I am not sure if he got to go that far because it was 4th of July weekend. Your sailor can check & see how far they will let him go.

When did your SR's find out when they had to fly out for school after boot camp?

My son found out the day before PIR that he wasn't flying out until the next week. There were several going different places and flew out on Thursday.

Actually he just landed in Meridian about an hour ago. He didn't fly out with others because he had to get a recheck on blood sugar, which was fine. Delayed him several days.

My son made Honor Grad & AAP :) He graduates A School today!

That is great! What is AAP? I don't know ALOT about A school! Zacharysmother: my son is still processing in....think school starts on Monday. He may be in process with your son. I think the ones that graduated 7/8 are there and then he and another from 7/1 came in Tuesday.

AAP is the Accelerated Advancement Program. It means he will advance to E-2 when he graduates (today) & in 4 months will be promoted to E-4 as long as he continues to hold himself to a high standard of excellence :) He earned this by being the top student in his class & he had to have a "satisfactory record of military bearing & professional performance". He had some struggles in BC, so I am so happy to know that once he got to A school, he was able to get back to himself!

Luvn my Navy son Congrats to your son!!!  lucyloves her Sailor Yes Zachary and your son should be together.  He did tell me he will not be starting classes until next week and yes he was from the 7/8 graduation class.  Zachary does miss home but he sent me a picture of his room and told me about all the activities they can earn and do and that he does like it there.  I do hope when I speak to him tonight he may have things to do over the weekend. I am a little sad to think next week is his 21st birthday and I won't be with him :(

Well it is Zachary's 21st birthday 7-22-11 and I tried so hard to surprise my son and his buddies with an ice cream cake from the Ashley Home made ice cream parlor.  I went to a place where they sold dry ice and they packed 20 pounds of dry ice in a foam container along with chocolates cookies plates and napkins for all.  Candles too!!!    Zachary called and was so happy of the thought but when the guys help me pack on the dry ice in the box nobody thought it would crush the cake :(  The candy cookies and candles made it fine.  Well HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to my son  Zachary!!!!

Awwww....well Happy Birthday to him anyway! Get to see my son this weekend and I can't wait! We are only 2 1/2 -3 hours from Meridian.

@lucyloves How was your visit?  I was there weekend before last. Not much in Meridian but the base is nice & compact for them.

Oh thanks! It was wonderful! He actually got to come home....it was a 3 hour trip. But taking him back and then back home...well....6 hours! Crazy! But that young man wanted to come home and sleep! lol. Told him I couldn't do that again. Loved being with him! There's not much to do...the mall is about all I saw.

Fa4airtran: how did that work with your son taking car back? You have to go back and sign him in?

Hello everyone! My husband will be attending AZ school after is PIR on 8/12. Was just wondering what to expect. He doesn't even know for sure when he has to report

Hi navywife81 my son Zachary is in A school for Logistics in Meridian and he loves it.  It is hot all the time and he does miss home but he seems to be happy every day when I talk him. Everyone is nice they do have fun things to do, He is suppose to be done in 3 weeks then he will be going to sub school in CT.  I can't wait because he will only be an hour away from home.

Did his school take the whole time? I mean AZ is 8 weeks but I think they r able to try to finish early. Trying to figure out when I need to put my notice in at work lol

I'm happy your son likes it and that's great that he will be so close

Well he said he will be in CT in 3 weeks and he has been there since 7/10 and he is ahead of schedule.  They are aloud to go at a faster pace so he will be done before 8 weeks

My son is planning to be finished by then too, Zachs mother....navy wife....it's a self-paced school. They have modules they complete at their own pace. It's hot there but my son hasn't complained about a single thing throughout this journey. He is quiet and to himself so he doesnt venture out too much. However, we only live 3 hours from him so we go there and visit on weekends....sometimes. This weekend he actually got a 3 day leave and came home. I am thrilled he is home right now. They have a projected "graduation" date when they get there. Now, I don't think it's like a big grad ceremony. But I'm not sure about that. I guess I need to ask....lol.

I'm sure anything is better then boot camp lol I'm hoping my husband can finish in less then 8 weeks, I also plan on visiting but I am about 15 hr away lol

Navy wife...I hope you do get to visit soon. Things are better than bc, for sure! There's a mall in Meridian and some nice places to eat. Other than that, we haven't seen much. If you like casinos, there one in Philadelphia, MS and it's only about 20-30 miles away. It appears that it can easily be completed in 8 weeks and I am speaking about the Logistic Specialist course. My son, also, will be in reserves.

Hi all --- my Sailor took off for Meridian on Saturday -- haven't heard anything, but he does not have his cell phone yet. How long does it take to be allowed a call?  His birthday is coming up here in just 11 days. Am I allowed to ship him anything -- I'd like to ship him a book from Barnes and Noble - their packaging. How does one get the address? Are they allowed to start getting things shipped to them? *phew*

Hey! My son took his cell phone with him from Great Lakes. They can use them. They just can't have or use them during the day...school, PT,watch duty. He phased up pretty quickly. After the first full week he got liberty the next weekend. Seems like he could wear regular clothes the next weekend. Your son will have to give you the address but I don't think they mind him getting a package. I don't have the address. My son usually will text at night and we live 3 hours away so we have been able to go visit him. He came home on liberty one weekend.....we had to sign him out and then go back to sign him back in. It was worth it to see him! But he took his car back with him. This past weekend he got a 3 day leave. He drove home. they do have a PFA every week and must pass it to be able to have liberty.