First Visit to MEPS in January 2012

[Hannah88]

So after searching on this site (and Craig's Depper site) for several hours, I either couldn't get a straight answer or the info was from 2009 or earlier, so I wasn't sure it was still accurate.

We are on recruiter #3 who seems more interested in filling her quota than giving us the answers we want and actually tried to talk me OUT of going down in January to his first MEPS visit, so I don't trust her at all. There is a bunch of info on this site about NOT accepting any rate simply because you want to enlist and don't want to go down to MEPS again (not a big deal for us, only 1 1/2 drive although it is missed work time), or don't want to wait for your rate to open up, but I don't want him to be in a vulnerable situation after going through the whole MEPS ordeal that he'll take anything they throw at him, so I know the more homework we do before we go, the better, and yes I know nothing is guaranteed until they put his ASVAB, AFQT and physical results together. It tooks like I'm allowed to see the contract before he signs it, is that right? Am I allowed in the room? Is that the final contract, or does he sign another one at the final MEPS visit before he actually ships out?

He scored 82 on his ASVAB and total 223 on his AFQT and we're told he qualifies for almost anything except nuke. We were shown the AFQT breakdown on a computer screen. Is there any way to get the breakdown so we can actually look at it to find out what rates he qualifies for? Son will be a Depper as he doesn't graduate till June 2012.

Also, it looks like anything AW (any aircrew?) and obviously any SWCC and Spec Ops (redundant?) rates require SERE training, but are there any other not so obvious rates that require it? Son is not afraid of hard work or beatdowns (been dealing with a-hole football coaches for 6 years that even made them drag tires till they puked), but simulated enemy capture is not on his list of fun things to do (tongue in cheek), so that would also be nice to know before we go down, too.

Also, one of the depper meetings each month is at 11am an hour's drive away. When I mentioned that it would be impossible for him to make that meeting (there is another one on a different day at 4pm he CAN make),  I asked if he needed to go to both meetings and they said yes, but we'll try and work with him. What does that mean? He can't make an 11am depper meeting in the middle of the week which will be a stain on his record, I'm guessing, but if he doesn't go to class, he won't graduate and then he can't enlist! 

On a lighter note, thanks to this site, I actually knew more than the recruiter did about a bunch of things, like where A school is for HM (San Antonio not GL), how many days between yr 17th and 18th bday eligible to go to BC (90 not 30), and a lot of others, which I have to admit was satisfying, to say the least. 

Hope everyone's loved one is safe and sound, wherever they are, this holiday season.

[Craig]

Click to make bigger....

[Hannah88]

wow, awesome, thanks for posting!

[Tom]

The latest scores/academic requirements for Nuke - http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2011/01/18/enlisted-nuclear-field-acade...

[Tom]

The minimum is still a 35QT, but NRDs are not having a problem finding the 50 or better.

[Craig]

Tom - I had to look that up, I just couldn't beleive it.  You are 100% correct.  For others:  It's says in vol 2 of the recruiting manual: 

020602. AFQT SCORE. Acceptable AFQT score for enlistment of non-prior service
(NPS) applicants is 35. NPS applicants with AFQT scores less than 50 must be Tier I.

(Tier 1 is high schoolers)

Hannah - For the most current scores for each ratings go to Vol 4 here:

http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/Publications/1130.8J.htm

[Tom]

Craig,

Once the defense bill is signed by the president, and finally implemented by the services, you should see an expansion to what constitutes a Tier I credential. (Search "Tier Tweeners" for the Act's verbiage).

[Craig]

Tom,

I just read it.  I also read your "allow me to introduce myself".   It's good to see a guy with your knowledge on this website.  I get quite a few deppers on my website asking questions that only a NC can answer.  So I'm going to start sending them your way so they can get the answers straight from the horses mouth. 

It's good to see a pro-Navy retired guy, and electronic dude,  just like me.... Woo-hoo!  

[Hannah88]

Thanks a lot to both of you!! This is great. Son is actually okay with not being eligible for nuke (math is not his greatest subject :)) but he did do well on the AFQT, his highest combined was a 233 which is pretty good. Goes down for MEPS physical Mon pm/Tues 5:30am, and again Jan 2-3 for detailer, background, etc. Thanks again for everything! 

[lemonelephant]

I read up and it appears that the young man or young woman can have a parent (or trusted relative/friend) go in during the job selection process at some MEPS stations.  When speaking with the job classifier, having two sets of eyes and another person who may have relevant questions that the young person may not have thought of could help the young person to make a better decision and/or get a better contract.  It also appears that it is up to the young person to make the request to have the parent come in.  There are two times the parent can be with the young person at MEPS, during the job selection and signing of the contract and during the swearing in ceremony.

At some MEPS stations the parent cannot go into the room with the job classifier during the selection process, but the young person can go out to the parent.  When this happens, sometimes an opening that was on the table is not available when the young person goes back in because it was given to another during the time that young person was with the parent and waiting to go back to the job classifier.

I mentioned "trusted relative/friend" because some had an aunt or uncle or close family friend who was former/current military/Navy go in with them during the job selection.  

The thing that came out to me in the reading was that the young person had to make the request and that the person s/he chose to go in was someone who could help with the decision by listening and asking additional questions, but in the end, it is the young adult who makes the decision. 

[Hannah88]

This is really good info, thanks. It just seems to me that although I respect the person who is taking the oath to make the ultimate decision, they just don't have clue (and neither do most grownups!) when it comes to reading and signing contracts, especially ones that will affect the rest of their lives. Thanks again.

[Tom]

The only part of the classification interview you don't want to be in on is when the classifier once again goes over his application - sometimes the applicant will not fully open up with a parent sitting next to them - but after that and during the rating/program seeking process you should have no problem being there. The recruiter should advise the Navy MEPS Liaison that you will be coming, and they should be able to give you a good time to arrive - there is no need for you to be there at zero-dark-thirty - even so, it is will be a long day of sitting and waiting on your part, so bring a good book :)

Oh, and i highly recommend attending the swearing in.

[Hannah88]

Right and the good thing is we only live 2 hours away so I can cut the wait time down a little. Not sure what you mean about opening up. Our situation is a little different than most (single mom, dad died when he was 3 yrs old, no siblings, no living family)  so talking about drugs, sex, alcohol and any other typically taboo teenage subject is common dinner table conversation for us.  This is really good info though especially since our recruiter is so new at his current job/rate!