Anyone going to BOLC this fall 2014 or spring?

[armyNP]

Hi All,

I am a newly commissioned NP trudging through phase 1 BOLC and was wondering if anyone was going to be attending Ft Sam Houston in the fall? I am trying to figure out the best time schedule wise on when to attend the phase 2.. and learn some more about what to expect while there... Do you still need to have a printer or access to one? I read PixieRN blogs which were fantastic!! Unfortunately at this point I am the only newbie officer attending BOLC in my unit... any thoughts or additional tips from people that have recently been would be much appreciated!

Thanks! armyNP

[armyNP]

Hi Pixie RN!

Thanks for the response! I don’t think combative’s is for me.. I grew up with 7 brothers.. been there lol. I am kind of looking forward to it, so I can fully participate in my unit! I wonder if anyone else on the government thread will be heading to BOLC this October? If so give a shout out!

Thanks

armyNP

[scrubnurse]

ArmyNP,

I'm here at BOLC now, last week! Combatives were not an option. Only those that failed the PT test were exempt from combatives (they do regular PT while we did combatives). I dreaded doing it, but it's not bad and actually kind of fun. The short course reservists did combatives in the morning with us and then did PRT in the afternoon. They do this so the short course people can learn how to perform and conduct PRT. (no worries, this is mostly just stretching exercises). Those of us that are active duty do PRT during regular BOLC. Don't be anxious about BOLC. It is not hard at all and it is actually lots of fun! You will make lots of friends. While I'm happy to see my family again, I'm actually sad to leave!

[armyNP]

Hi scrubnurse, bummer lol, I did pass the PT test, now battling shin splints.. what is PRT? A guy in my unit said that two people while he was attending BOLC last year, did combative’s and one person ended up with a fractured wrist and another ended up with a spinal fracture.. I guess that is why I am anxious about that part of it.. but I guess ya gotta do what ya gotta do.. How is the weather there this time of year? I heard from people in my unit that I need to go check out someplace called the riverwalk? What have people been doing on the weekend? are you on base or in a hotel on the weekend?

Thanks for your response I really appreciate it!

ArmyNP

[armyNP]

Update from BOLC!! So I have completed week two of the Short Course!! So the first day we arrived orders said to report to building 592... That was not correct lol it was actually at a hotel on base called Candlewood... We got the hotel shuttle to bring us over there... Filled out paperwork and then we were given our room assignments.. Back to 592 I go... At least we had the shuttle since it's a bit of a walk with bags.. Then we had to change into PT uniform and get to AMEDD building for continued in processing. As for the PT test everyone needs the copy of the record PT test with the 1SG or company commander legible printed name and signature AND contact information on said paper... OR a memo stating that it is a record APFT and that your score is accurate.. With the name typed or printed, signature and contact info.. If not you will be taking the PT test here.. You now have private room no roommates at the hotel ..

The first week is classroom getting paperwork straightened out... Come with the documents listed on the BOLC website you will need them and it is not easy getting to a printer all the time..once you learn the lay out of the post it is easy to get around.. A car is best.. But you can walk everywhere on base, just give yourself enough time to get there! The Cadre set up a google drive with the power points on it and when we integrated the next day with the long course we were given their google doc/email account information so we could follow along. The integration was ok.. Everyone has been pretty cool and has been great with giving information for people who have no military background!

[armyNP]

Part two of update!! The first week out at the field was interesting... The Sunday prior we dropped our duffle bags off in the morning then had the rest of the day off.. Saturday we had an all day lecture until 1600.. Not bad .. Then Monday 4 am,,, rise and shine! On the bus out to the obstacle course!! Unfortunately I hurt my back by falling off the log roll "belly buster" I think they called it! Then off to the leadership reaction course!! It was fun but physical... I did a bit of damage to my back.. Had to get seen by medics got a ice pack and Motrin.. Piled in trucks and van off to the fob.. Carrying assault pack.. Got issued rifle and gas mask then collected our duffle bag and found our tent.. Hello army cot! Lol .. Not very comfortable.. With a bad back.. Off to sick call the next morning met a really cool PA.. Got some muscle relaxer and Motrin.. On temporary profile now but getting better each day! The cadre here are really cool.. As long as you be there on time.. Right uniform. No issues.. Stay tuned for week three!! Oh by the way read the other blogs about bringing the trash bags to line the duffle bag.. And gallon zip locks!! Snacks! It rained here ridiculously for three days and was cold!!