Hey, I am in my second day at ME school in Charleston.  I know there's another thread that talks about it a bit but I figured it would be ok to start my own about what I experience while I'm here.  It would also give people another avenue to get updates on how the school is and to get questions answered if needed (and if I know the answer to them).

First problem: if you're an ME hopeful, you better be prepared for the PT test.  We had some get written up already on the second day because they weren't ready.  Never want to start off on the wrong foot and already be on the radar as being unprepared. 

Good news: We are going to get more range time than we probably even want and told we're going to each fire off around 1900 rounds for the Sig 229 alone.  We were also told we're at the range for around 4 hours a day for 6 weeks. 

As things come along, I'll try to update but I can't promise how often or how quickly (probably every couple days as the current plan).  Hope I can get info out there for you guys to make an informed decision on if this rate is what you want to do.

Talk to you later

v/r

SN George Lehr

Lurker,

Thank you for the post! Please continue and post what you are able (regs). I am very interested in hearing your experience!

Today was awesome!!!! Got 3.5 hours on the range and shot a 135 on a mock basic pistol qual. After over 200 rounds in 3 hours though, I was mentally exhausted from the heightened concentration while handling a gun. It was a great exercise in being able to focus while mentally or physically tired. We also got introduced to their type of physical fitness. Needless to say, I forsee many tired and sore nights ahead. It goes back to what I posted earlier....GET IN SHAPE BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK OF COMING HERE!!!!!

Other than that, it's a great time and the instructors are incredible. I've learned so much in just a short time that I can't wait to see what their going to do tomorrow. However, the internet is a little sketchy so I'll still try to post every couple days but still can't promise anything. Post any questions as they come up. Talk to you later.

I had a big challenge personally today. I didn't start shooting like I did yesterday and got really frustrated with my performance. It took a while to get my mind right and as a result, I wasted rounds with bad mechanics. I only post this to try to be an example on what not to do. You'll have good days and bad but you have to concentrate on every shot like it's the only one you're taking that day. I ended up pulling it together and correcting my mistakes but just knowing that I wasted all that time is still disappointing.

We also had our first PT session today and it was seriously no joke. I already feel like I'm going to have the body of Dolf Lundgren (sp?) from Rocky 4 when I get home. I also told Senior Chief that my wife is going to send him a thank you card for it all;-)

We also earned liberty for our first weekend and got to change out of our ODU's finally. A few of my shipmates took the shuttle downtown but I have watch tomorrow morning so I'm staying in. All in all, it was a good day but I must emphasize to come in shape because the PT program is incredible.

As usual, ask any questions you think of. Talk to you later.

Thanks for keeping us informed, Lurker. My son is a future ME. His name should appear on 'the list' any day now.

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days but there hasn't been much to post about. We didn't have class over the weekend (and even earned liberty on our first weekend here) and had Monday cancelled due to the ice storm. They didn't want instructors trying to drive in on icy roads (lots of accidents in the area and roads shut down). So, we were in the classroom all day today to make up for class time lost yesterday. While it wasn't very fun, it was necessary and our instructors made it as painless as possible. I'm having fun with it anyway as it's a ton better than my civilian job.

Tomorrow we have classroom time and time at the range again (my favorite part). Our first eval is coming up Thursday for the basic pistol qual. Keep your fingers crossed for me to bring home my E. I'll keep you updated as stuff actually happens.

End of week 2 and it's been awesome every day. We're learning a lot in class (such as use of force and difference between Initial Safety Inspection and Searches), but if you ask questions, it's really easy to understand and remember. You get breaks in class so you're not sitting there for hours at a time and, since some didn't pass their initial PT, we're also doing pushups and situps during breaks to get ready for the next PT.

On the range, we had our first practical pistol course. I thought I did pretty good (234 out of 250) but of course just need to get consistent with everything the instructor is teaching us. Over the last 6 months alone, I've gone from not really knowing a Sig from a hole in my head to shooting pretty well on practical courses. I really do owe it all to the patience and knowledge of all our instructors here and at my unit. Just listen to what you're GM's have to say and you'll be fine.

PT is a little rough. But you can tell you're getting better by how much your muscles complain about it the next day. I can already tell that my wife is going to be liking the change when I get back. Again, though, if you're coming to ME A-school, get your butt in shape now!!!!! I can't emphasize that enough.

Ok, well I got to get up early for duty. Ask any questions as they come along.

End of week 3 and this one was amazing. We shot our official practical pistol course Wednesday and though I didn't do as well as I did last time, I still shot a 224. We have then moved on to the M16 PQS and will be shooting that next week probably Tuesday. There's lots of information we're being tested on so bring whatever study aids you need (such as but not limited to note cards or notebook paper to jot info down). PT was also a little harder this week after getting taught pressure points (which caused some soreness) but I can tell it's working as I've gained 5 pounds in the last 3 weeks.

Well, laundry is calling but I'll still be around to answer questions if you have any.

Today is another laundry day so I figured I would update again. We're learning a lot of physical techniques involved with the levels of force we've been learning. We also have a techniques test coming up on Thursday so I'll have to practice some things to make sure I have all the moves correct. Rifle training has gone well. I shot a 183 on the basic course and have the CRC (combat rifle course) coming up soon too.

On the academic side (yes I have to study laws and regulations too), I got a B on my EPME to go toward my advancement to E4 and an A on my first academic test for the ME class. They weren't too hard but I'm also pretty good at taking tests. If that's one of your weak points, all of the instructors are more than willing to help tutor or help in any area you feel deficient in.

The PT has been ramped up a little again so it's challenging but not so challenging that it's overwhelming. My wife is coming to visit today so we'll see what kind of reaction she has ;-) It seems everyone is on the edge of exhaustion by the end of the week but feel pretty regenerated when Monday swings around again. I'm taking that as a good sign that we're getting a lot done during the week.

PS....anyone thinking about A-school should go over their priorities on why you're here. This didn't happen to anyone in my class but (without particulars) another class had a shipmate get in serious trouble. You need to realize that A-school isn't party time and isn't time to act a fool. You're here to advance your career and are very much AT WORK while you are here. They are always cautioning us to be aware of what consequences our actions will produce even if unintentionally. You really don't want to be the one sent back to your unit (if a reservist) or to the closest cutter (if active) because you can't act like a mature adult. That will go on record and will probably keep you from advancing as quickly because you're obviously not ready for leadership roles (even an E4 is somewhat of a mentor/leader to nonrates). All I'm saying is to be smart and keep your priorities in check.

That's all I have. Again, if you have any particular questions, you can either ask here or send me a PM. Have a good day and a great weekend.

v/r

SN George Lehr

Hey Lurker,

I am leaving for basic in two weeks and ME is one of the rates I am considering. Are you a reservist or AD? If you are AD how long was your wait? I am really interested in doing this so I am hoping that the list is open when it comes time to put my name on a list.

I'm a reservist so I only had to wait 6 months to get a spot here. AD guys have waited over 2 years to be in my class. From my point of view, it's well worth the wait. I'm having an absolute blast with everything and learning a ton. I even had fun burning my face off with OC today (my first time.....and hopefully only time being sprayed).

On the CRC (rifle course), I did extremely well shooting a 36/36. We have one more day with the rifle and are moving on to the shotgun soon. They say they're low recoil rounds but still pack a pretty good punch. I hope I at least have a bruise to brag about so I don't look like a complete whiner;-)

Other than that, it's going to get even more fun with all the tactical training and evals to get through next week. Hope you all have a good one.

v/r

SN George Lehr

Do you guys shoot with vests on? The kevlar in the shoulder part of a vest really absorbs a ton of the recoil when you're shooting a shotgun. I don't bruise very easily but I bet if you wear a vest you can go through a whole day at the course and probably not bruise or even feel much pain from it.

You guys shoot the 870?

Well, our vests aren't full kevlar (just thick cloth material) so the cushion will probably be minimal at best. It might add to the low recoil rounds to help a little better but I'm sure more than a few of us will walk away with some bruising. And, yes, we are shooting the 870. Just did the initial PQS class on it and will have the full one tomorrow with the test on Monday. Other than that, we have our 3rd PT test tomorrow morning at 730. I passed the first two so I should be fine but they whooped our butts at PT today because people were dogging it too much. I can't emphasize enough to come ready to work out from the beginning so you don't have to play catchup the whole time.

v/r

SN George Lehr

Hi Lurker,

I'm enlisting and will go to BC in a couple weeks, so I know I have along way (and even longer wait) to get to ME A school but none the less here's my question: Are incoming classes staggered a couple weeks apart (couple classes going on at the same time) or only one class at a time. Thanks

You have some overlap but it's around a 6 week turnaround. In other words, I reported Jan 2nd and was here with a senior class for a little over 3 weeks. Then, we had 3 weeks on our own and another class came in not this last Sunday but the one before it (Feb 13). They'll spend a little over three weeks with us and then have 3 weeks before another class comes in. There's talk of having classes convene more often but they're streched thin with instructors as it is so I don't know how that's going to happen. Also, they cap each class at 24 because they don't have the range space to accommodate more than that and I was shooting everyday at the range for the past 7 weeks (which was AWESOME!!!!).

Hey I've read everything you've been updating and WOW! You've given lots of details and it's helped a lot! I'm a high school senior in Tampa, Fl and am doing the reserves as well.... I ship out to basic when i graduate high school....When I first spoke to my recruiter I knew for sure I wanted to do the ME rate. I heard for the reserves you don't wait as long as Active duty members do to get into an "A" school.... I would love for you to shed some light on how difficult or easy it was getting to the ME "A" school as a reservist, and what types of things did you do at your station while waiting for your "A" school date. (My recruiter isn't the best at giving me information).

Posted By SN_Recruit_Guild60 on 22 Feb 2011 10:49 PM
Hey I've read everything you've been updating and WOW! You've given lots of details and it's helped a lot! I'm a high school senior in Tampa, Fl and am doing the reserves as well.... I ship out to basic when i graduate high school....When I first spoke to my recruiter I knew for sure I wanted to do the ME rate. I heard for the reserves you don't wait as long as Active duty members do to get into an "A" school.... I would love for you to shed some light on how difficult or easy it was getting to the ME "A" school as a reservist, and what types of things did you do at your station while waiting for your "A" school date. (My recruiter isn't the best at giving me information).

You would have to look up the qualifying ASVAB scores for the ME rate because I don't know them off the top of my head.  As long as you have the scores for it, it shouldn't be too hard to get it.  I think the biggest disqualifier is the background check because of security issues.  You aren't necessarily going to be issued a secret clearance but you have to be eligible for one.  Once that's taken care of, it took me 6 months from boot camp to begin A-school.  Active duty side members are waiting 2 years for the chance to get here so I definitely feel proud to have this opportunity.  Between boot and here, I was getting quals done at my station to be boat crew qualified.  This included range time, underway time, and other PQS signoffs that are necessary for my particular unit.  Each unit will be a little different depending on what the command deems more important for new guys coming in to do first.  If I was on shoreside, my quals would be a little different too.  I'm at a PSU so there's lots of work to do for a possible depolyment.  We'll end up going to specialized training just to be at that unit too (I've already got orders for a 2 week training in April).

I've heard that stations make nonrates clean and paint a lot before they're allowed to do anything else.  Since I'm at a PSU, they are more interested in getting people qualified because of the immediate chance for deployment.  What unit were you thinking of trying to get to?

Oh, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask here or in a PM.

v/r

SN George Lehr

Thanks for replying, and I'm not sure exactly what the precise ASVAB scores are needed but I already qualified. 6 months really isn't as bad as I thought. I am currently filling out my secret clearance paperwork and after that I take my physical and I'm in. I really don't know the exact unit I'll be going to but obviously it will be in the Tampa bay area, my recruiter told me I have a spot so I'm not too worried. Now before you went to basic, did you have your recruiter give you a GUARENTEE that you had a spot in the ME "A" school? Or did you have to do it yourself? Now my father is a colonel in the Army that just left for Iraq (director of intelligence for the whole country of Iraq), and has been filling my ear with Shit that happens in the Army, not the coast guard, thinking the same thing happens in all services because he know nothing about the coast guard. He's saying you go to your "A" school directly after basic....(thinking it's infantry school). And I'm telling him that I go to my unit first! Now I'm just trying to understand all of this before I do it.

Again, Thank you for your time. Oh and I bet you're having the time of your life at school. I can only imagine the things you are learning!

The only guaranteed "A" school after basic right now for the CG is FS. Tell your Dad, thank you for his service. The CG does things differently than the other branches. In the CG, you choose your rating (MOS for Army), after you graduate basic training. This allows you to see the different ratings in action before signing up for "A" school. This gives you a chance to make an educated decision before choosing a career path. The only qualifier is your asvab scores and ability to pass security clearance.

Thank you very much. And that helped out a lot, thank you for clarifying. I'm just trying to know what I'm dealing with here.

As a reservist, I chose an open billet that I qualified for before I went to boot camp. Therefore, I had orders for A-school on the same paper as my orders for boot camp. The only reason why this worked out for me this way is because I was a reservist going to a specific billet they had an opening for. While it wasn't hard for me to qualify for that billet, it all hinged around the fact that it was open to begin with. Sorry for not clarifying that at the beginning.

Other than that, yes I reported to my unit before going to A-school. It was perfect timing as it has been 6 months since I signed my contract as an E3 so after passing my EPME and passing A-school, I will be eligible for E4. Good luck with the whole physical and maybe I'll see you at the unit.

Recruit,

Thank your dad for all of us! My ex-husband just got back from Iraq. He tells me he is thrilled he got to go, he is even happier he will never have to go again! We'll all be praying for his safe return. Pepper pretty much summed up the answer for you so I'll leave it with just a big thank you to you and your dad.

Macie

Final update: I graduated March 10th 4th in my class and 2nd on the range. I've gone back home to FL with my family and am looking forward to drill weekend next weekend. The last week was a combination of crazy and awesome. I still can't believe how much I've learned in the last 10 weeks.

Summary: I'm now an ME3 and am already planning my next advancement with the service-wide in 6 months. Wish me luck.

v/r

ME3 George Lehr

Congratulations! Best of luck with everything!!

Congrats ME3! Thank you for your help setting up for graduation. Remember if you ever have questions there is a wealth of knowledge available to you! Along with the servicewide get back to BO school! You can never have enough training always strive for more and never cut corners! Best of luck and keep in touch!

Thanks for all the info Lurker!After reading everything on this thread,i will definetly follow this path and wait for over 2 years to get in the A school.Im really excited eventhough I still have a long way to go.lol.
So tell me about reservist only waiting for 6months vs AD for 2 plus years.

Posted By otnasirk on 18 Apr 2011 07:33 PM
Thanks for all the info Lurker!After reading everything on this thread,i will definetly follow this path and wait for over 2 years to get in the A school.Im really excited eventhough I still have a long way to go.lol.
So tell me about reservist only waiting for 6months vs AD for 2 plus years.

I think it's kind of like the difference between having your parents pay for college right away vs having a job for two years so you can save the money and pay for it yourself.  I think the AD guys (or guys paying for their own college) appreciate it more because they went through more to get there. I'm not saying the reservists don't appreciate it (because I certainly do...but then again I'm 30 and have a little more life experience behind me before all of this).  I was just drawing on another analogy I have first hand experience with.

For every AD guy that's angry at reservists for having it so easy, there are at least 10 reservists that wish they were in the AD member's shoes (I was too old when starting my paperwork otherwise I would be AD also).  Just my 2 cents.

I see.At least you got the rate that you wanted.I am definitely wait for x amount of years to get to ME school.It is my rate and my fate right?
So what's it like beinh an ME now?what are you guys working on now?

I see.At least you got the rate that you wanted.I am definitely wait for x amount of years to get to ME school.It is my rate and my fate right?
So what's it like beinh an ME now?what are you guys working on now?

Posted By otnasirk on 18 Apr 2011 09:17 PM
I see.At least you got the rate that you wanted.I am definitely wait for x amount of years to get to ME school.It is my rate and my fate right?
So what's it like beinh an ME now?what are you guys working on now?

Reservists can get the rate they want only if there is a billet open for that rate. You can choose a rate you don't want but take only because it's open. And we all know that is a big mistake. Like you said... your rate, your fate.