MEP'S SAN DIEGO - DELAYED SHIP

[latinnative]

MEP’S San Diego…. For my son MEP’S was a little different than most people’s experience, because he was a delay ship (it was about 6 months from the day he visited the recruit), and he lives in the same city as MEP’S.  My son’s MEP’s experience was stretched into two full days and one half day.

If you plan to join your son/daughter I would suggest you plan for an all day events.  They will feed your recruit in the cafeteria area, but I would suggest you bring sandwiches, snacks and water for everyone attending.  There aren’t any restaurants or fast food places within walking distance from MEP’S San Diego.  There are a few restaurants and fast food places within a 5 minute drive.  However, it is an area with a lot of big business, and it is known for heavy traffic so it can be very busy.  I would recommend you pack a lunch so you can focus on supporting your recruit.

The MEP’S in San Diego has standard hard stackable chairs and plays movies for everyone in a large room.  They have a table in that same room with a few board games.  There are mostly recruits in this area.  There is a separate small room with a TV and some comfortable chairs with small tables attached to them.  Families are mostly in this room, so it does get packed in there, so be prepared to sit on the floor (it has carpet) if you don’t get there early.    

The first day he went was for all his testing… It took about 8 hours.  You will spend most of day without him.  I recommend you take food and something to do.  2 people attended this day.

The second time he went to MEP’s was for his swear in day and job selection it took about 8 hours…Unfortunately, the back ground check system was down, so it caused a delay… This day you will see them here and there but count on spending about half the day without them.  You will be able to take pictures after they are sworn in.  I recommend you take food and something to do.  6 people attended this day.

Finally was his ship day.  He arrived at MEP’s at 5:00am.  We arrived at 8am.  He was able to join us about 9am.  He was with us for most of the remaining time.  I recommend you bring snacks and something to drink. .  When it was close to his ship time they called all the recruits and their families into a briefing room to explain what to expect for travel and the arrival at Great Lakes.  It put my mind at rest knowing how well they had planned everything and how well they were taking care of my son.  After the travel briefing he was sworn in again and we were able to take pictures.   Then it was time to line up and board the bus.  It was about 1pm.  10 people attended this day.

Out of about all the recruits at MEP’S less than 10 had families with them.  Your son/daughter will be very nervous and anxious and it will be the last time you see them as a civilian.  I noticed the difference on recruit’s faces from the ones who had family there and those that didn’t.  I would recommend attending everyday that is possible to show your support.