MC - Ft. Meade, MD

[JakePDT]

Ahoy all.

Upon PIR from RTC, I'll be going to Ft. Meade, MD for MC A-school (called DMA(?), says the internet) and have been invited to a wedding. I'll be in either Phase1 or Phase2 during the wedding (Sept '15, in Connecticut). On top of that, I've been asked to be the best man. Without knowing much information, I've turned down the task of best man (for my highschool best friend, nonetheless) because I don't know if I'll even be able to attend.

If anyone has gone to Ft. Meade & knows anything about being granted liberty, leaving the state on liberty, leaving/returning in uniform or civies, please let me know so I can get a better idea of what to expect.

Thanks in advance,
Jake.

[FlyNavy]

Ahoy all.

Upon PIR from RTC, I'll be going to Ft. Meade, MD for MC A-school (called DMA(?), says the internet) and have been invited to a wedding. I'll be in either Phase1 or Phase2 during the wedding (Sept '15, in Connecticut). On top of that, I've been asked to be the best man. Without knowing much information, I've turned down the task of best man (for my highschool best friend, nonetheless) because I don't know if I'll even be able to attend.

If anyone has gone to Ft. Meade & knows anything about being granted liberty, leaving the state on liberty, leaving/returning in uniform or civies, please let me know so I can get a better idea of what to expect.

Thanks in advance,
Jake.


If you're in Phase 1 or if you're gonna be in class, its definitely gonna be a no.

If you're in Phase 2 or 3, you should talk with your duty section leaders and if you're in some kind of battalion, company, division (each A-school calls these things something different), then ask the leadership for that.

Basically just use your Chain of Command.

/r
CTT1

[jzhaun]

If anyone has gone to Ft. Meade & knows anything about being granted liberty, leaving the state on liberty, leaving/returning in uniform or civies, please let me know so I can get a better idea of what to expect.


Never travel in your uniform if you can avoid it. It makes you a target and your uniform gets all creased and rumpled.

If you're phase 1 or 2, you're probably going to need to take leave for this, not liberty - your liberty will end at a curfew every night. At my school it was 2200 for phase 1, 2200 on weeknights and 2359 on weekends for phase 2, but that'll change by base.

[FlyNavy]

Never travel in your uniform if you can avoid it. It makes you a target and your uniform gets all creased and rumpled.

If you're phase 1 or 2, you're probably going to need to take leave for this, not liberty - your liberty will end at a curfew every night. At my school it was 2200 for phase 1, 2200 on weeknights and 2359 on weekends for phase 2, but that'll change by base.

Shit in Phase 1 and most of 2 we really weren't allowed to go anywhere haha. Phase 3 though was super relaxed.

/r
CTT1

[jzhaun]

Well, yeah, Phase 1 had to wear uniforms all the time and couldn't leave base except in special circumstances (generally escorted by the duty driver), but my LPOs would have at least considered something like this as a possible exception.

I remember someone being granted overnight liberty (normally phase 3) while on phase 2 since their spouse was visiting.

Phase 3 was the best. Every other service on our base was jealous.

[JakePDT]

Thanks for the insight, guys. Doing a rough schedule in my head, I'll PIR during the first half of August so, I'll definitely be Phase1 while I'm at Ft. Meade during September. I'll ask once I get there but, going on all of your information, it's not looking likely I'll be able to leave for the weekend.

jzhaun- Can you elaborate on "it makes you a target?" (re: traveling in uniform) Target in a negative way for people to shout "Bush was behind 9/11" and "you'll be brainwashed" and sh!t like that? Or target like, all of the hot girls at the Amtrak Acela station will want my digits? (fingers crossed for the latter! Hahahah)

J.

[Agrias]

target like you'll get killed by a terrorist target.

edit: noticed you're from NYC, which recruiting station?

[JakePDT]

Ah, well, hopefully I'll have civies by then so, if I can go, I won't have to travel sticking out like a sore thumb.

My NRS is Elizabeth, NJ and I went through MEPS at Ft. Hamilton. Shoot, man, MEPS is the worst. I believe that that building is designed to test the mental fortitude of a prospective. That place is bureaucracy at it's finest, red tape & all...

[Agrias]

I went to the ft hamilton meps. Looking back at it now it would just seem like any government building. I know what you mean though, it's not the building, it's your mental state.

[JakePDT]

target like you'll get killed by a terrorist target.

edit: noticed you're from NYC, which recruiting station?
So, I guess that spawns the next question: Have you had any flak, verbal "abuse," or godforbid, physical, while out in public in uniform? Whether it be NWU or khakis (called NCU?)?

[LT Guppy]

jzhaun- Can you elaborate on "it makes you a target?" (re: traveling in uniform) Target in a negative way for people to shout "Bush was behind 9/11" and "you'll be brainwashed" and sh!t like that? Or target like, all of the hot girls at the Amtrak Acela station will want my digits? (fingers crossed for the latter! Hahahah)

J.

Read this - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Stethem

[Agrias]

So, I guess that spawns the next question: Have you had any flak, verbal "abuse," or godforbid, physical, while out in public in uniform? Whether it be NWU or khakis (called NCU?)?
Personally, have not had bad experiences traveling in uniform for the 2 times or whatever I was required to do so. Doesn't mean it was safe lol. You'll still stick out like a sore thumb, and it screams booter. Nobody wants that.

[CTR3(IW/SG) Freddie]

It's called NSU. I have a MC1 that is cross rating into a CTR that's in my class right now. I can ask him how the phase policies were 5 years ago at the MC a school. Stuff changes but it might be similar still.

And at Corry, we can route overnight Liberty chits for the weekend all the time in phase two. Phase three is when we can stay out without asking. There is also the possibility that you might be only able to travel a certain mileage away from your school. Ours is 150 miles away, so if this wedding isn't close to the base, then you more then likely will not be able to go regardless of what phase you are on.

[JakePDT]

Read this - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_StethemI have heard of this incident before. Actually, I think it was from a Navy trivia quiz I took for fun online. The question was regarding the flight number as some "omen," if I remember correctly.
You'll still stick out like a sore thumb, and it screams booter. Nobody wants that.Understood. I remember kids in college wearing their fraternity's Greek letters all the time once they "got in" and they stuck out as new initiates very quickly. One could draw parallels...
It's called NSU. I have a MC1 that is cross rating into a CTR that's in my class right now. I can ask him how the phase policies were 5 years ago at the MC a school. Stuff changes but it might be similar still.

And at Corry, we can route overnight Liberty chits for the weekend all the time in phase two. Phase three is when we can stay out without asking. There is also the possibility that you might be only able to travel a certain mileage away from your school. Ours is 150 miles away, so if this wedding isn't close to the base, then you more then likely will not be able to go regardless of what phase you are on.I asked a friend of mine, who's currently an O-3 at Camp Pendelton & he didn't have much insight except that I probably won't be allowed to leave the state. If that's the case, I'd imagine that the penalties for traveling from MD to CT would be astronomical if caught.

[CTR3(IW/SG) Freddie]

I talked to the MC1 in my class and he said it doesn't take long at all to get out of phase one and phase two. But there is still a limit on how far out you can go. Of course you could go but like you said if you get caught the consequences would be terrible. Put on restriction and half months pay probably taken away.

[JakePDT]

I talked to the MC1 in my class and he said it doesn't take long at all to get out of phase one and phase two. But there is still a limit on how far out you can go. Of course you could go but like you said if you get caught the consequences would be terrible. Put on restriction and half months pay probably taken away.Thanks for the insight! I am not prepared to risk my career for a wedding but, asking through my chain of command can't hurt, right? Do you think it'd be best to ask when I get there (to DINFOS) or wait 'til the date gets closer?

Also, I guess this is a practical/personal question but, let's say I do get approved/allowed to use leave days to attend the wedding. I've been warned against traveling in uniform (and I won't) but, I doubt I'll have time to stop at my folks' place & get a suit & tie. Since dress whites/blues would be the "classiest" thing I'd have, does anyone think that it'd be uncouth to bring it with me, change there & attend the ceremony/reception in that? I'd be worried about attracting too much attention at the wedding. I'm probably going too deep into the issue & am having more doubts that I'll even be able to go in the first place...

J.

[LT Guppy]

It's fine to attend weddings in your dress blues.

[FlyNavy]

Blues are totally acceptable formal wear. I'm getting married in mine and all of the Sailors present will be as well.

/r
CTT1

[navycatmc]

FINALLLYYYYYYY I AM NOT ALONE!! When do you ship?

[JakePDT]

FINALLLYYYYYYY I AM NOT ALONE!! When do you ship?20150527. I think we've gone over this, actually! You should lay off that reefer; it's makin' you forget stuff, catmc! :cool0041::nono:

[redsoxfan1001]

20150527. I think we've gone over this, actually! You should lay off that reefer; it's makin' you forget stuff, catmc! :cool0041::nono:

See ya there, leaving May 26th MC rate.

[JakePDT]

See ya there, leaving May 26th MC rate.Do you know of our Facebook group? https://www.facebook.com/groups/961849080510166/?fref=nf

Very happy to see another MC!

[redsoxfan1001]

Do you know of our Facebook group? https://www.facebook.com/groups/961849080510166/?fref=nf

Very happy to see another MC!

Adding right now!

[kycop107]

Just got my rate changed to MC at the last minute. Was slated to go CTN 20150511, but lost it due to partial hearing loss that MEPS entered incorrectly. Quite a let down. So now I'm shipping as MC on 20150526. JakePDT and redsoxfan1001, guess I see you guys there. I'll be the old guy (39).

[Jaymaal904]

I'm currently here at MC a school. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask.

[redsoxfan1001]

I'm currently here at MC a school. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask.

Ya one quick question, know anyone who's trying to get Combat Photo? Do you know how you get it?

[redsoxfan1001]

Just got my rate changed to MC at the last minute. Was slated to go CTN 20150511, but lost it due to partial hearing loss that MEPS entered incorrectly. Quite a let down. So now I'm shipping as MC on 20150526. JakePDT and redsoxfan1001, guess I see you guys there. I'll be the old guy (39).

haha Ill see you there. There's a facebook group called May Shippers 2015, if you'd care to join!