[StaceyPearce]

Thanks! I will definitely check that out.

[Itshamrtym]

YOu are very welcome.

[Itshamrtym]

Originally Posted by newmeafter45

I am currently in my 5th week of OBLC and still have 4 wks left. If you have any questions please ask and I will try to answer them. Before I started OBLC I did alot of research regarding OBLC and none prepared me for this experience. I am taking pictures and videos of our experience and will put them in photobucket to help others prepare for OBLC. Is very challenging physically and mentally, but is fun as welll.

How are things going for you??? just thinking about how you are doing???
I have heard that past classes when they did there first PT test that 1/3 of the people failed!!! Did you find this??? If someone was having trouble, lets say with the run, what would be the best way to gain that stamina needed??? Please take care...... before you know you will be graduating

[newmeafter45]

WOW. Just finished my last week out on the field and we survived. One major item you will need to bring is CHAPP STICKS, you will need it. The ast week out in the field was not so bad. We qualified with the 9M (that was fun) we also got to play roll in Basic Aid Stations and FOP. Make sure your boots are comfortable because the last day you will get up at 4:30 am and begin your 3 miles rugg sack march. It weights approx 12-15 lbs. Then if you did not make the day land navigation you can expect to have it right after the 3 mile march. WOW LOTS of walking. I know I had to do the land navigation again and I think I walked approx 6-7miles that day. Then before you life the field you need to do a field hospital tour (more walking) then clean up the FOP (the place were you will be staying). We were so happy to see the busses that we ran to formation.

TIPS for surviving the Field training:

Never be late for formation
Chapp Sticks
Pack lite but bring the essential items
NO CELL PHONES (ps if you do bring them DO NOT GET CAUGHT )
Sometimes volunteering can be a great thing. (specially for the convoy event)
PLEASE get in shape before starting OBLC this will make your life easier
Comfortable boots and cushioned socks (your feet will love them)
In august it will get VERY,VERY,VERY HOT
Do not let them catch you complaining, sleeping, or laying on your back during a break (they say we are officers, leaders and this is not a good example to convey to our troops)
If you can get a portable shower bag (you will find it a dream, because no showers out in the field) You will use latrines or porta-potties (they will smell)
Small pillow for the very hard cot
Main point follow instructions from cadre August will be very hot and hydration is the main key
the first week of the field you will be overwhelmed, tired, and thinking what did I get myself into but you will survive
DO NOT PACK LIKE YOUR GOING TO A RESORT (your NOT) you will be carrying all your equipment and bags.
VERY VERY important never leave your weapon or your mask anywhere, the first week your there you will get an M16 rifle and Gas chamber mask they will be part of your body and must carry it EVERYWHERE, YES to latrine, morning personal care, and even sleep with you in your bag.

I think for everyone the thoughest part was the gas chamber (if you would like to see what it loks like go to You tube and search for Army OBLC gas chamber 07. The person talking is Mr. Jones he is one of the civilain instructors. You will have many civilian instructors and they are all great and very experienced.
If you are going to OBLC soon stay safe, hydrated, and enjoy your ride. You will learn alot and keep in mind that this is a small portion of what our troops must endure. I now have a different outlook of our soldiers.

If I remember anything else I will continue to post but if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Some emotions you will feel:

Good Luck

[newmeafter45]

Hello Itshamrtym

Yes. I found that many officers failed the PT test the first time the only bad part about not passing the test the first time is that you will have PT 5 times a week instead of 3 while others are sleep at 5am you are doing PT. How I trained for the test is approx 2 months before I started to run on the treadmill and then I would time myselft at times. Start slow and you will gain speed but don't forget the push ups and situps they are just as important. I have three weeks left and on my goodness what a relief not having to go back to the field. I told my children I don't ever want to hear the word CAMPING, that has become a curse word to me.... I posted new pictures on my photobucket. I had alot of fun with the 9MM.

Good luck...

[Itshamrtym]

Wow.... I'm so happy for you!!!! You are almost done!!!!!!! Are your family coming to your graduation???? Hmmmm... Florida to Texas that shouldn't be too bad.... LOL.... Thank you ever so much for all the information that you have shared.. It seems that lately there has been a great interest on allnurses for the military... This should help them. Bowflex has out a new cardio machine... It is supposed to be good. I was thinking about getting one of those. I had a treadmill, but I gave it too my Mom. She needed it for cardian rehab. Please post when you can about what you are doing. If you need a ear. I'm (We) are here for you. TAKE CARE... (thanks again for your reply)

[BunkyRN]

Hello there !

I will have to check out your pics. Hope the rest of your OBLC goes well. I sign my papers for commission this weekend, but I am a reservist. Great to hear it from the front lines ! I'm totally excited for this experience and totally wonder what OBLC will be like. Are you at Ft. Sam Houston ? I know that reserve training is only 25 days.... I have done the research as well..... have you done MOP4 training yet ?
Thanks for your info.... you'll do great and be soooo glad on grad day !

BunkyRN

[Deetonia]

Exactly what is the field? I read about it in another thread, so how long are you in the field? And do you go back to the "dorms" or whatever they are called at the end of the field day?

[newmeafter45]

Hello:
Yes I am presently in Ft. Sam Houston and WOW we graduated today from OBLC we still have the nursing track and that will be two weeks. OBLC will be something different in your life you will meet many great people and some you will never forget. But the Army is a small army and someday you will see them again. I had a great time it was hard work but learned alot. LOL I can say that now...... if you would have asked me several weeks again I would have said something different. My biggest advice will be get in shape and your life will be easier.

[newmeafter45]

Hello Deetonia:

The field is one area of OBLC and will last approx 3 weeks 4-5 days out in the field and then you will come home for the weekend but I heard that it will change in the near future. They plan to go for 10 days and then return to the barracks. The field consist of day and night land navigation, 3 mile rug sack martch, 9mm qualification and also M16 rifle. Gas chamber and mout training with wax bullets and they will hurt... You will have someone shoot you with this bullets. They want you to know how it feels to get shot. This is a new training for officers. Not so bad. You will also have MOP training.You will also have convoy training. Lots of FUN... LOL.... Lets nt forget the no SHOWER part and using latrines. OH and your lunch will be MREs YUMMMMM.