So I just came from MEPS, and ooh what a day it was. I am honestly exhausted!!
VERY IMPORTANT!!
LADIES WHEN YOU GO TO MEPS DO NOT WEAR ANYTHING THAT WILL ATRACT ATTENTION TO YOURSELF.
WEAR THE PLAINEST CLOTHES YOU HAVE!!
NOTHING FANCY, SHINNY, PINK, ANYTHING THAT STANDS OUT
-MAKE SURE TO WEAR;
----UNDERWEAR
----SOCKS (GIRLS NO FLATS, HEELS, OR FLIP FLOPS) PREFERABLY SNEAKERS OR CLOSED SHOES!
Let me begin by telling you, getting DEPPED in is a LONG process. Be prepared to be bored!
My day began at 4am when I received a wake-up call from my recruiter. He was picking me up at 5:15.
We drove to the MEPS in Fort. Hamilton, Brooklyn. Like I mentioned before I am kinda girly. I wore a nice sweater with a scarf, ripped jeans and some flats. I even put makeup on (BAD IDEA). I put my bag and jacket away in the locker and got on the sign up line. the lady in the Control Desk, spotted me from a mile away. she said "Recruit put your scarf in the locker and come back to me" I did as I was told. When I went back to her she told me, "Go down to the Navy Liaison office and get a T-Shirt and Socks. It was about 6 am then. to my luck the Navy Liason office wasnt open until 9. My recruiter waited with me while we saw the movie STAR TREK. at that point I went to the bathroom washed my face took off the makeup and tied my hair back. It was 9 am and the Liasion was not there yet. Another recruiter gave me a T-Shirt and my recruiter and i went back up to the Control Desk to try to sign in. The first lady wasnt there anymore. there was now a male processor. He told me it was fine that I didnt have socks for now but that I would need some to do the oath. I went back down to the Navy waiting area and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited until like 12. Then they called me and tried to intimidate me saying if I lied they would fine me 10,000 dollars, and go to jail for 5 years blah blah blah..(LIES). I went back to my seat where i have been waiting all morning. (Were now watching our 3rd movie; Star Trek, Live Free or Die Hard, 3000 B,C) One of the officer calls my name and come up to me and tells me "The only jobs we have available for you are ABE and SG" At that point my hear droped. I was seriously freaking out!! She then explained that the Navy was trying to incorporate women into male dominated rate, but honestly I didn't give a flying f$%k!! I didnt sign up to be a Mechanic PERIOD!! I was so upset. I then told her if I could talk to my recruiter first. He didnt help the situation AT ALL!! He told me pick ABE. there are no bad jobs in the NAVY. That made me even more upset. I went into the bathroom and called my brother seriously crying!! At that point I was ready to just walk out and not sign at all. My brother spoke to my recruiter and told him how upset I was. My recruiter then called me and told me to pick ABE and that he would make sure I got a different Rate that I actually liked before I shipped out. He promised!!!! I then went into the lady's office and told her I would take ABE. She told me she had spoken to my recruit and that she would also help me get another rate when it became available. Soooo... I signed! I then went back to wait, wait, and wait a little more. They then sent me down to the Fingerprint department. Thats where my day got interesting! LOL. First I sat and talked to 3 girls all of which got COOLER jobs then me! Which pissed me off a little bit. The 1st fingerprinting consist of a guy asking you wierd questions like..."Who should we call if you die?" and "Who should we give your last pay check to if you DIE?" which makes u think..Danm I am gonna die! LOL...After that goes Phase 2. Thats when they take you to a scanner and scan your fingerprints. It would be a normal if something weird didn't happen to me. Apparently I have the hardest finger to fingerprint EVER. Because it took other 5 minutes to get theirs done compared to me which took ONE AND A HALF HOURS!!!! It got to a point where the had to call the guy from the FBI who actually examines the prints to come and teach a class using ME! (HOW NOT FUN!!) But I mean I couldn't say no to the FBI guy Right? After that I was pretty much done. I went back down to my Liaison office the gave me the paper and my NAVY bag. Told me to ring the bell and go down and take my oath. Being the cool being that I am, I went down to a a Sergeant I had be-friended during the fingerprinting shenanigan and told him I was ready for the oath. He then told me that since I was so cooperative during the class, I wouldn't have to wait to do the oath with the other 100 people waiting. He took me into a room, where they briefed me about being AWOL and stuff and then should me how to stand at attention. They then took me into the Oath room. I room with red walls and red carpet and flags behind the podium. The Captain then came briefed me again and proceeded to do the oath. He said raise your right arm, blah blah.. and repeat after me. I NAME promise to defend the constitution blah blah from enemies foreign and domestic..blah blah so help me god. He then shook my hand and said welcome to the United states Military or something like that.. ANd THAT WAS IT!!
I AM Officially in DEP awaiting to roll in with another RATE because I hate the job I got!! My tentative ship out that should I decide to stay with ABE is 20100727!!
We'll see what happens....
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
MEPS MEPS MEPS!! Pt 1 (Medical)
Military Entrance Processing Station also known as MEPS. Is a place all new recruits will have to visit a couple of time. My local MEPS is at Fort. Hamilton in Brooklyn, New York. As far as I know you may have to go up to 4 or 5 times. The first time you may go is to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). However your recruiter may take you to take the ASVAB elsewhere. The full medical exam however you do have to get it done at MEPS. My 1st MEPS experience went as follows..
My recruiter informed me that I had to be at MEPS by 3PM the day before. He personally drove me to MEPS. When we arrived he checked me in. they asked for ID and my right index fingerprint. They gave me a LABEL to put on my chest. It said US NAVY my complete name, Social Security number and a barcode. I was then instructed to leave all of my belongings in a locker room. My recruiter then escorted me to the waiting area when I was told to wait for further instructions over the PA. At around 4PM they said "All new recruits waiting to go to the hotel please report to the control desk". At the Control Desk they gave us a paper to sign stating if we broke anything in the hotel we would have to pay for it. We were then instructed to sit in a room and wait. Thats when it hits you. 6 Women and 57 Men!! Very awkward at first. when the yellow school bus arrived we were told to go get our stuff from the locker room and get on the bus. Girls first of course. The ride to the hotel was about 30 mins. When we got the the bus driver basically left us there and left we search for a way in. When we finally found a way in we were greeted by 15 or so white dinner tables. At this point we were all starving. Keep in mind not all of us were there for Medical the next day. Some where shipping out the next morning and others were signing their contract.We were given our room keys and who our roommate was. We were then told to do whatever we want as long as we were in our rooms by 9:30PM. They has a hot-tub and a pool for us. Also a computer room, a fitness gym, a play room. I personally loved the hotel. They gave us a wake up call at 4:15AM and they served us breakfast. We were to be on the bus by 5:05AM. We got to MEPS before 6AM. They divided us SHIPPERS on one side, MEDICAL on another, and SIGNERs in the middle. From then one you go first to control desk once again the fingerprint you and give you another label. Your then instructed to go to the Medical floor. They give you a colored folder with ALL of your information. You will take this folder to all the station and when your done to the liaison office of the branch of service your joining. First is Vital signs, Vision, Hearing, Breathalyzer, Briefing, Urine test, Blood-work, the Physical Exam and finally for us females a GYN exam. Just a visual exam they don't touch you. Its just to see if you have visible signs of STDs. THey also check for hemorrhoids..(SO AWKWARD!!. They make you turn on your side and spread your butt cheeks) The Physical exam is more embarrassing then it is hard. They make you walk like a duck, jumping jacks, circles with your foot walk on your knees, test to see if your joints and muscles are working correctly. The embarrassing part....your in your underwear.. YES Panties and Bras ONLY!! But don't feel bad there are 7 girls in the room along with you. Throughout the day they will ask you a million questions about your medical history and psych history and drug use. Your recruiter will inform you on the best way to answer these questions. At the end of the exam you take your folder to you office in my case it was the Navy Liaison where they told me I cleared Medical. They called my recruiter and he came to pick me up. I was done by 10AM..Lucky me!
I then went home and relaxed :D but not for long. I then got a call form my recruiter. He said that after furthur review of my test results, the Protein levels in my urine were very high. Obviously I was freaking out...
They told me I had to retest in 48 hours. I Literally drank 4 gallons of water that weekend and retested on tuesday. I was so nervous it took me 2 hours to *pee*. When I finally did, the test results came back negative for protein. I couldn't have been more excited!! :D :D :D :D
My recruiter informed me that I had to be at MEPS by 3PM the day before. He personally drove me to MEPS. When we arrived he checked me in. they asked for ID and my right index fingerprint. They gave me a LABEL to put on my chest. It said US NAVY my complete name, Social Security number and a barcode. I was then instructed to leave all of my belongings in a locker room. My recruiter then escorted me to the waiting area when I was told to wait for further instructions over the PA. At around 4PM they said "All new recruits waiting to go to the hotel please report to the control desk". At the Control Desk they gave us a paper to sign stating if we broke anything in the hotel we would have to pay for it. We were then instructed to sit in a room and wait. Thats when it hits you. 6 Women and 57 Men!! Very awkward at first. when the yellow school bus arrived we were told to go get our stuff from the locker room and get on the bus. Girls first of course. The ride to the hotel was about 30 mins. When we got the the bus driver basically left us there and left we search for a way in. When we finally found a way in we were greeted by 15 or so white dinner tables. At this point we were all starving. Keep in mind not all of us were there for Medical the next day. Some where shipping out the next morning and others were signing their contract.We were given our room keys and who our roommate was. We were then told to do whatever we want as long as we were in our rooms by 9:30PM. They has a hot-tub and a pool for us. Also a computer room, a fitness gym, a play room. I personally loved the hotel. They gave us a wake up call at 4:15AM and they served us breakfast. We were to be on the bus by 5:05AM. We got to MEPS before 6AM. They divided us SHIPPERS on one side, MEDICAL on another, and SIGNERs in the middle. From then one you go first to control desk once again the fingerprint you and give you another label. Your then instructed to go to the Medical floor. They give you a colored folder with ALL of your information. You will take this folder to all the station and when your done to the liaison office of the branch of service your joining. First is Vital signs, Vision, Hearing, Breathalyzer, Briefing, Urine test, Blood-work, the Physical Exam and finally for us females a GYN exam. Just a visual exam they don't touch you. Its just to see if you have visible signs of STDs. THey also check for hemorrhoids..(SO AWKWARD!!. They make you turn on your side and spread your butt cheeks) The Physical exam is more embarrassing then it is hard. They make you walk like a duck, jumping jacks, circles with your foot walk on your knees, test to see if your joints and muscles are working correctly. The embarrassing part....your in your underwear.. YES Panties and Bras ONLY!! But don't feel bad there are 7 girls in the room along with you. Throughout the day they will ask you a million questions about your medical history and psych history and drug use. Your recruiter will inform you on the best way to answer these questions. At the end of the exam you take your folder to you office in my case it was the Navy Liaison where they told me I cleared Medical. They called my recruiter and he came to pick me up. I was done by 10AM..Lucky me!
I then went home and relaxed :D but not for long. I then got a call form my recruiter. He said that after furthur review of my test results, the Protein levels in my urine were very high. Obviously I was freaking out...
They told me I had to retest in 48 hours. I Literally drank 4 gallons of water that weekend and retested on tuesday. I was so nervous it took me 2 hours to *pee*. When I finally did, the test results came back negative for protein. I couldn't have been more excited!! :D :D :D :D
Helpful and Funny Youtube Videos!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeyPxZBF_GE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrO3OpQ1dqA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrO3OpQ1dqA
Where to start...
Thinking of joining the Military??
Here are my recommendations on what to do before you speak to a recruiter.
1.) Do your RESEARCH!
- Sit down on a computer and compare all the branches of the Military and write the pros and cons.
- Write down ALL the questions or concerns you encounter will researching.
- Narrow down to 3 branches you are definitely interested in.
2.) Schedule appointments to speak to a recruiter from each of those 3 branches.
- When your speaking to the recruit make sure to tell them you are looking for information
and that you will be speaking to other recruiters from other branches and will then make a decision.
3.) Recruiters are like salesmen, they will do and say anything to convince you. If something sounds too good to be true..look it up online. Chances are it is.
4.)Chose the branch that interests you the most and you believe is right for you. Then contact the recruiter you spoke to and go from there. They will guide you on everything.
5.) Be aware that you are not obligated to go thru with it until you sign your contract. You can change your mind at ANY time before this. You have no obligation to your recruiter.
Here are my recommendations on what to do before you speak to a recruiter.
1.) Do your RESEARCH!
- Sit down on a computer and compare all the branches of the Military and write the pros and cons.
- Write down ALL the questions or concerns you encounter will researching.
- Narrow down to 3 branches you are definitely interested in.
2.) Schedule appointments to speak to a recruiter from each of those 3 branches.
- When your speaking to the recruit make sure to tell them you are looking for information
and that you will be speaking to other recruiters from other branches and will then make a decision.
3.) Recruiters are like salesmen, they will do and say anything to convince you. If something sounds too good to be true..look it up online. Chances are it is.
4.)Chose the branch that interests you the most and you believe is right for you. Then contact the recruiter you spoke to and go from there. They will guide you on everything.
5.) Be aware that you are not obligated to go thru with it until you sign your contract. You can change your mind at ANY time before this. You have no obligation to your recruiter.
Proper Introduction.
ADOUT ME:
I am 20 years old. I was born and raised in New York City! :D I am as girly as it gets.. I LOVE PINK! I love wearing heels and makeup and going out to dance and party with my friends. Hey I live in New York City.. the capital of the freaking world!! LOL
Marilyn Monroe is my idol. I absolutely adore her! But then there is the other side to me. The side thats loves baseball (GO METS!!) and loves hanging around my house in sweats with no make up just watching NCIS re-runs and doing weird things with my brother.. (I am an NCIS addict). I decided I wanted to join the NAVY because I honestly believe the U.S. Navy can give me the self-discipline that I need. I also think that the benefits are great. (Medical, Dental, Education; Tuition Assistance. G.I Bill). Not to mention the travel. My dream is to travel the world, and if all goes as planned the NAVY will enable me to do so. Coming into this experience I am more excited then anything, maybe a little scared about boot camp. Im dreading having to cut my hair. But its just hair it will grow back. I honestly cant wait to be independent. Joining the Military during a time of war to most may seem idiotic, but not to me I believe this is the right choice for me. With this blog you guys can join me in this experience of going Navy Recruit to full blown sailor!!
I am 20 years old. I was born and raised in New York City! :D I am as girly as it gets.. I LOVE PINK! I love wearing heels and makeup and going out to dance and party with my friends. Hey I live in New York City.. the capital of the freaking world!! LOL
Marilyn Monroe is my idol. I absolutely adore her! But then there is the other side to me. The side thats loves baseball (GO METS!!) and loves hanging around my house in sweats with no make up just watching NCIS re-runs and doing weird things with my brother.. (I am an NCIS addict). I decided I wanted to join the NAVY because I honestly believe the U.S. Navy can give me the self-discipline that I need. I also think that the benefits are great. (Medical, Dental, Education; Tuition Assistance. G.I Bill). Not to mention the travel. My dream is to travel the world, and if all goes as planned the NAVY will enable me to do so. Coming into this experience I am more excited then anything, maybe a little scared about boot camp. Im dreading having to cut my hair. But its just hair it will grow back. I honestly cant wait to be independent. Joining the Military during a time of war to most may seem idiotic, but not to me I believe this is the right choice for me. With this blog you guys can join me in this experience of going Navy Recruit to full blown sailor!!
Welcome to my Blog!!
After deciding to joining to Military a couple of months ago, I've done ALOT of research online.
I have come across a lot of website with information for new recruits but most of it is outdated. In this blog I will share with you my step by step experiences while entering the world of the U.S Military. I hope the information I provide her will help fellow women who are embarking in this journey along with me. This blog is from a female perspective and dedicated to my fellow service women out there. Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns you have. I will do my best to answer. Let me make one thing clear. I am not an experienced servicewomen. Im just a future sailor.
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