Interesting blog about OBLC experiences

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 5, 2007

Excellent blog!

Thanks for sharing :nuke:

Itshamrtym · Jul 7, 2007

loved the blog!!!! Thanks A lot !!!

afred007 · Sep 22, 2007

I am getting ready to leave for OBLC at Ft. Sam Houtson on Oct 8th. Are the new Converse Tan Desert Boots allowed to wear throughout the course? What is the longest ruck march that you do? Do you have to go through the NBC chamber (i saw it on the schedule, so I am assuming so)? Thanks.

Amber

http://armynurselife.blogspot.com/2006/12/obc-week-10-grand-finale.html
Gives some insights for those of us going to OBLC soon!

Gennaver, MSN · Sep 23, 2007

I am getting ready to leave for OBLC at Ft. Sam Houtson on Oct 8th. Are the new Converse Tan Desert Boots allowed to wear throughout the course? What is the longest ruck march that you do? Do you have to go through the NBC chamber (i saw it on the schedule, so I am assuming so)? Thanks.
Amber

Hi Amber,

I just finished/graduated the OBLC core on Friday and start NurseTrack on Monday. I finish on the 9th. You will be here just as the current group is finishing their tracks. :)

Yes, you do and will go through the chamber but, it wasn't as bad as many people say....just make sure that you get a proper fitting mask and make a good seal. I wore a small because compared to average my chin, cheeks and nose are not beefy. I think I may have had one of the easiest times of it, (although it is hot on your skin and when you remove the mask you do get a full dose of it).

They say that any boots that are sneaker sole style are not acceptable but, if you have them at OBLC, (I saw several folks with them) they may let you get by with them for the course but, remember that after the course they will not be standard and will likely collect dust in your closet. Caveat to that is that I know of more than one person who started with the standard boots and ended up needing to purchas the converse style to make it through the course.

The ruck says its five miles but, you might do three.

Good luck, I love it, LOVED it. Just make sure you are in shape, hydrated, and noursished and ready for some long days of sitting still in the auditorium and classes, also, be ready to be flexible.

Gen

afred007 · Sep 23, 2007

Thanks for the info. What about TA-50 gear? If we have our own (new ACU pattern LBV), can we wear it or do we have to use what's issued?

I can't believe that I have to go through the gas chamber AGAIN!!!! If you are new to the military than I can see it, but not prior service. That's stupid.

How many briefings do you have to do in front of your class by yourself?

Amber

Gennaver, MSN · Sep 24, 2007

Thanks for the info. What about TA-50 gear? If we have our own (new ACU pattern LBV), can we wear it or do we have to use what's issued?
I can't believe that I have to go through the gas chamber AGAIN!!!! If you are new to the military than I can see it, but not prior service. That's stupid.
How many briefings do you have to do in front of your class by yourself?
Amber

Hi,

Many of the prior service wore their own LBV but, I think they all still had to go through and get issued the temporary stuff, (with the group and then to return it with the company as well, for accountability).

The prior service all went through the chamber as well too, several said that it was not even their second time either.

In this section of OBLC you ought to only have the one brief, brief to give. For other classes there are more, (say for captains career course) but, OBLC will have you on schedule for other things rather than to have you giving briefs. Wait, there are briefs you may need to do in the field exercises depending on your roles.

No worry, especially if you are prior service, you will excell.

Gen

Cajun9479 · Sep 24, 2007

Wow, great to hear you made it Gen!!! I have been reading your posts and learning so much from them. Thanks for all the effort you have put into this site!

I just recieved word that I passed boards, MEPS and everything else; and I am swearing in tomorrow. VERY excited to see that I am clear to go. I graduate in December and then after NCLEX I'll be there as soon as I can!

I would love any information on things to stock up on now. I figure I can buy a few things here and there and that way when I get there I won't have to spend a big chunk of money I probably won't have. Uniforms? Shoes? Packs? Computer?

Also, when did you find out where you are stationed after OBLC? I picked Fort Sam as my #1, but I'm aware that is up in the air. How long did you have to prepare to make the move?

Thanks for all your great words and look forward to hearing back from you or anyone else that can help in this matter.

Eric

Gennaver, MSN · Sep 25, 2007

Wow, great to hear you made it Gen!!! I have been reading your posts and learning so much from them. Thanks for all the effort you have put into this site!
I just recieved word that I passed boards, MEPS and everything else; and I am swearing in tomorrow. VERY excited to see that I am clear to go. I graduate in December and then after NCLEX I'll be there as soon as I can!
...Eric

CONGRATULATIONS!!

This site has been so very helpful to me, (I am glad to share my own information too, in order to keep the goodness going!)

The only time for certain that I found out my post assignment was the same day I found out that I had to "hit the road" or else I'd loose it! That was July 20th and I had to report on July 23rd. However that was due to my recruiter not forwarding my official orders which were cut on July 9th. I did see my name listed unofficially as being to BAMC at FSH though about three to four months prior, (while still in school). I love it here at FSH and San Antonio and am so glad to have gotten this as my first post. I've heard great things about many places too though and know that I'll likely be at one of them next! That is...after deployment. There are no bones about deploying, just the disclaimer that they will indeed wait until you've got worthy clinical bedside experience.

The folks on here who told me to have four complete pairs of ACU's were spot on. Some soldiers didn't have four but, when we were in the field I was GLAD to have them. Some days it rained, some days it was HOT and well, if you are going to be at OBC during the summer months of August/September I'd recommend having four pairs.

Good to have are two pairs of boots too. For me the standard issue desert combat boot is just fine, (the best for my high arched and regular width foot). You need to try on the boots that fit your feet and have them broken in. There were a few people who had such bad blisters that they were profiled.

I recommend that if you are not a runner now, to begin gradually as well as work on the PT for the test, (sit ups, push ups and the run).

Also good to have:

Ranger Beads

Army flashlight

thorlo boot socks

powder mixes to add to bottled water

protein/carb snack bars of your choice

appropriate color back pack, (black or ACU with NO writing on it)

Meanwhile for now, I gotta git for Nurse track! HOOAH,

:)

Gen

p.s. thanks for the kind words Cajun, I look forward to reading about your success!

Army Nurse E · Aug 5, 2010

I found it interesting to see a pointer to my ARMYNURSELIFE Blog when I was looking for something today. I really enjoyed writing it but might have polished it up a bit had I known that so many people would read it. Army Nursing has been good to me and so I will stay a bit longer than first anticipated: I'm available anytime for questions regarding Army nursing. Elizabeth Hey Wilwayco; you know those were the best months of your life being in a squad with me, and the other maniacs. :-)

Army Nurse E · Aug 5, 2010

Hi Diane, I see you were, maybe still are, doing hospice nurse. I did that for several years prior to joining the Army and I loved it. I will probably return to it when I get tired of this in another 10 0r 20 years.