I wanted to start a post, where all FY10 DCO Selects or ENS(Selects) can post updates on their progress through the commissioning events from MEPS physical to the day you get your COMDOCS.
I will start off... B/C I was prior Enlisted and already an Active Reservist, the processors told me I only needed an updated 2807. Now 2 weeks later, they say I need a full physical at MEPS. A waste of time if you ask me, now I feel like I am falling behind the group, when I should have been ahead....
Hey, at least your in the system! As a non-prior I can say that getting into the system is a cast iron b!tch and a process that requires patience and persistence. Added to that, my recruiter is strangely reticent lately so even getting my MEPS appointment is turning into a process unto itself. However, I am assured that I am going to be able to go to MEPS next week. Time will tell...
I'm not sure if the NW region does it differently, but I went through MEPS before the board. Its kind of a relief having it done, but now all I have to do is sit, wait and stir until COMDOCS arrive.
Good luck with MEPS ya'll! Tons of fun! Oh, and I went on a Saturday. That's a great day to go because there are way fewer people and everyone is much more chill... It only took me about 3 hours to get through.
They have me going through it after the board selection where I am (mid-Atlantic) and as to the day, I am pretty sure that it's going to be mid-week. All the guys I work with (JO's for the most part) are telling me lots of fun stories from their experiences so at least I can go forwarned with a couple funny stories.
Three things I wish I had known before MEPS: 1. Don't be surprised when the needle they use to take your blood looks more like a basketball pump needle than something that belongs in your vein. 2. They give you a briefing before you start, drink tons of water during the brief because the next item on the list is the wiz-quiz. 3. Have a balanced diet and don't take any heavy protein supplements within a few days before hand - apparently it makes your kidney function levels out of norm. A friend of mine had to go twice because of this.
Its certainly a memorable experience, but not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.
Cargodog, Define "protein supplements"? I'm only asking because I am currently working out twice a day and drinking 3 protein shakes a days (besides eatting way to many salads and watching my calorie count). I'm taking the Whey powder and mixing it with water and drinking one for breakfast, one for lunch and one for dinner. Are you saying that I should quit drinking the shakes a few days before heading to MEPS? So far, I'm tentatively schedule to head to MEPS 9-25. This will ultimately be my second time to MEPS (the first time was when I went in as an enlisted). To be honest with you, I barely remember the experience at all.
Cargodog is correct about the protein supplements. Your kidneys work overtime processing that extra protein. It's not bad for you, it only makes your kidneys work harder then normal. Just back off on the shakes a few days before MEPS and drink alot of water to help flush your kidneys.
Why go to MEPS when you can just go to your local reserve center? Get all the bs hearing test etc, etc. Then go to an indoc w/e at a NOSC and have the doc sign your paperwork and be done.
Tis what I did. All they care is that a doc signs your paperwork. You need not do the full MEPS workup.
Oh yah I even had my local doc do my HIV test (need it for my health ins). So I had not sticking or needles -- my physical took all of 1 hr (30 at the reserve center, 25 waiting at the NOSC, and 5 seeing the doc at the NOSC).
It is very true, MEPS Does not have to do your physical.
I went to my NOSC Medical Dept and had them do a Full Physical. It was done in over a weekend, had to split it up over a DWE, but it was alot better then going to MEPS.
The shakes will count as a protein supplement. I think they said protein shakes (whey and I think soy), bars with huge counts and just eating an Atkins-like diet will do it. Not that it actually makes your kidneys fail but it appears on your blood work that the range is outside the limits flagging you for some kind of abnormality. I would take RV's advice and eat "normally" for at least three days before hand. Yes, drink lots of water but don't overdo it. If you drink too much water before, your urine will be very diluted and they won't get an actual reading and you'll have to do it all over again. (Too much would be like three gallons the day before).
I didn't realize that you didn't actually have to go to MEPS. I sure wasn't given that option but wish I had!
Alright, I get it!!! Coffee and donuts for three days before MEPS it is! Nothing like a good sailors diet... LOL!
I'm just kidding. No protein shakes 3 days prior to MEPS. And I couldn't drink 3 gallons of water in a day even if I tried... But I will ensure I drink plenty of water. Thanks guys!
There are a few folks who have posted their timelines from selection to commissioning. All that I have seen have MEPS after selection. I wonder if you do it before hand if "expedites" the commissioning process? Just wishful thinking, I guess.
I was told that my information would be submitted quicker since I had already completed MEPS. My recruiter said that they do not wait on the other Ensigns to complete MEPS before they submit the completed packets. However, that does not mean anything. I have a good friend who is going to MEPS this weekend. So we shall see if I am commissioned before her.
Originally posted by Rkobo25: I will start off... B/C I was prior Enlisted and already an Active Reservist, the processors told me I only needed an updated 2807. Now 2 weeks later, they say I need a full physical at MEPS. A waste of time if you ask me, now I feel like I am falling behind the group, when I should have been ahead....
How has this worked out? I am in a similar situation and was told the same thing back in August. However, my NOSC "took care" of it supposedly but here it is nearly two months later and still no paperwork from BUPERS.
I actually did complete it on my own without help from the recruiter or processor. The only think is that you need to make sure they do everything that they need in TN to process your paperwork. The reserve medical center should know what’s needed for a commissioning physical, including a chest x-ray. In the end I completed it and got a PQ, which means I am physically qualified.
