MEPS and contracts

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Permalink Reply by Brenda Sue on September 7, 2009 at 7:54pm

I would go to this group and ask here - Click Here

Tell them that I said that since Rhode Island is so small they must only have one MEPS!!

hehe - I tell some of them that we have one ranch in Texas (King's Ranch) that is the size of Rhode Island.

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Permalink Reply by Kimandtheboys on September 7, 2009 at 7:56pm

We were allowed to attend our son's swearing ceremony. There were lots of parents there and we were welcome to film, take pictures, etc. We were not present while he had his physical, etc.

One thing I would think to look for in a contract, is if there is some type of bonus that goes with the job he chose, make sure the contracts states it.

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Permalink Reply by Melissa (Tucson) on September 7, 2009 at 8:20pm

Ummm, are you referring to your son's first visit to MEPS or when he's getting ready to ship out to bootcamp?

The first time your son goes to MEPS, he'll return with a copy of his contract. You need to review it carefully and make sure your son knows what's in it. Such as, his rate (job), his rank (E-1, E-2, E-3). Any waivers needed? Signing bonus? Ship date? Any guarantees? Just make sure all the info is correct. Did he attend college and where those credits noted?

As far as your son's recruiter making it difficult, weight requirements are mandatory. If he's overweight when he reaches Great Lakes, they will send him home. Can you be specific about the delays? Doubt very seriously it's a test. Unfortunutely for recruits, the Navy's manning levels are just about full. Which means the Navy can be very picky about who gets in. Fewer Sailors are leaving the Navy and more want in. So, yes, the Navy can pick and choose right now.

I would suggest if your son's recruiter says something you disagree with or don't understand, ask him to explain it to you. I insisted all my questions were answered by my son's recruiter, and they were.

Oh, one more thing, DEPers can stay in the DEP program for up to a year. And some recruits ship to bootcamp when there is a job opening.

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Permalink Reply by jem0628 on September 10, 2009 at 10:00am

I know that when my son Jake was leaving for bc, we were there at MEPS with him to say goodbye. Very hard by the way to do that. We even got to take pictures in the mock swearing in. He was sworn in the first time he went to MEPS but they ahd others there and did it agian for us. It is a wonderful thing and I hope you can be ther when he leaves. Anything else I could help with ,let me know. It is always easier having someone who has been through it already.
Joan

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Permalink Reply by MissUAlready on September 10, 2009 at 7:42pm

Thank you for your replies! I am sure I will be asking more questions once things really get moving.

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca-Jordons mom on September 11, 2009 at 10:24am

When my son first went to MEPS, I asked him to ask the recruiter if I should go. The recruiter said I could, but Jordon didn't really want me there. He's definately a mama's boy, so for him to show this form of independence was kind of refreshing to me. When he got home, he already had the contract signed, and actually got $4K more on his enlistment bonus than they promised, so I was happy that he could do it without me!!! He said there were NO other parents there, so I was relieved that I didn't go, as he probably would of been totally embarrassed!!! I would definately go over the jobs listed on military.com before he goes to MEPS to make sure he doesn't get into something he doesn't like. He can't change for two years. My niece did that, and is very unhappy with her position! Good luck!

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