August OBLC

JDCitizen · Jul 9, 2008

I've been reading some of the post. I am new to allnurses and I was just wondering if any of you would be attending the August 3rd OBLC at Fort Sam. For any of you who have been there how was it and how do you like the Army?

Can't help with answers but I can say: Welcome and congratulations!

lifeafter40 · Jul 9, 2008

OAR,

I wish I were joining you!!! Good luck, and keep us posted as to your experiences:yeah:

S

SilverRN · Jul 13, 2008

Welcome and enjoy FSH. I just got back from there yesterday after graduating from the RC OBLC. Feel free to pm if you have any questions you want answered. There are some old posts here that helped me a great deal when it came to packing and getting ready for the field. Get ready for heat and humidity and enjoy it!

jbrecon2 · Jul 14, 2008

silver,

Hey im heading down to fort sam in august for rc oblc. can you give me a run down on what to expect? do i need the whole packing list? ect. ect. did anyone drive from a distance?

jb

OffandRunning · Jul 14, 2008

Congratulations Silver on your graduation. What was it like? I'd appreciate whatever insight you have to share. I did read a lot of the other post and they were really informative. I'm just trying to make sure all my bases are covered.

SilverRN · Jul 14, 2008

Hi all,

I had a couple of questions sent about the length for RC. I was there 27 days, 15 in the field.

We had a couple of days at FSH before heading out. Inprocessing and some classes. Make sure you have copies of your orders, oath, etc. I seemed to give away lots of copies of orders. We also had to have copies of certs for anti-terrorism and composite risk management. You'll be issued a TA-50, duffel, ruck, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc.

We had 11 straight field days. Pack for that! You'll need LOTS of baby wipes to attempt to get clean. Take a lock for your duffel if you want. A camelbak is really good to have. Most of us didn't need anything for colder weather except the day it poured on us and we were soaked. We all survived without. You'll probably just sleep in your PT uniform.

Pack for a long camping trip. There are no showers or methods to wash clothing so the more you can take, it seems the better. Most of us had 2-3 sets of ACUs. I took enough t-shirts, socks, etc for every day and used everything. Make sure you have bug spray and sunscreen as well as zip bags to keep things clean and dry. Somewhere on here is a packing list of "nice" things to take. I took almost everything listed (except cold weather gear) and used everything at least once (tape, 550 cord, bungee cords, etc). I was given the advice to pack "generously" and that proved to be good advice. I ended up with two checked bags that were incredibly heavy going. No extra fees from the airlines as I was traveling on orders.

The tents are air conditioned which is a huge blessing, not that you spend much time in there!

I had a good time and learned a lot. Try not to get frustrated with lines. It's a good time to meet those around you. The instructors/cadre were great and have tons of experience to pass on.

The RC ended up in a hotel off post due to availability. Some folks brought POVs. Still had to take the bus to class, and to the camp. We didn't have much free time in San Antonio but still managed to see the River Walk and eat steak one night. MREs do tend to get old! One of our days off, we went to the AMEDD and FSH museums which were pretty cool. We had a total of three days off, which was the 4 July holiday. I don't know how the schedule goes otherwise.

The first week I thought they were trying to cull the herd. It was challenging, especially so as I turned 47 while there! I wasn't the oldest though. You will take a PT test before you head to camp. For those of us who passed the PT test, we did combatives in camp. It got better in camp after the first week.

Try to find the packing list on here. The official website also has packing lists. Take those things you can fit that will make your life easier in a tent with lots of other people. No cell phones or MP3 players though.

Have fun with it...

jbrecon2 · Jul 15, 2008

thanks for the info!! what exactly does inprocessing consist of. what do you do in the field if you dont pass the apft (not that i intend on failing). did you guys qualify on m16's and 9mm? do you need the winter PT stuff that is on the list?

SilverRN · Jul 15, 2008

jbrecon2

Inprocessing is filling out paperwork, and more paperwork. You'll also have equipment issued. We also had to provide copies of paperwork, like your orders and oath paperwork. You'll set up a file of papers, which we got back at graduation. We did all that the first day at FSH.

In the field, those that did not pass the APFT had PT everyday while those that did pass had Combatives. No matter if you pass or not, you'll be doing some physical activity in the mornings.

We did go to the range with the M16s and M9s. No qualifying with the M16. It was more familiarization. We did get the chance to qualify with the M9. I didn't, which was frustrating for me as I hit all the first 10 shots that didn't count! :banghead: All the targets on both ranges are the pop up, timed ones. Take water. It's hot and most of the positions are in the sun.

I wouldn't think you would need the winter stuff. I took it but never used it. I did wish I had the long PT pants in camp the day we got soaking wet in the rain! It really wasn't cool in the evenings but the tent could get cold with the A/C...not that I'm complaining :nuke:

Also, take foot powder, boots that are broken in, and good socks! A lot of folks did end up with blisters. Moleskin helps with that. I had older boots that were broken in and really good socks, as well as powder, and I think that made a big difference. I had no problems with blisters. My boots are now "field only" since they are a mess. The one day it rained so hard, I actually dumped water out of them two times! Take care of your feet or it could be miserable.

You'll have fun...just flow with it!

jbrecon2 · Jul 15, 2008

sounds like fun!!!! i can't wait. i'm prior service infantry, so i'm really itching for the field!!! and an m16 in my hands again.....it just can't get any better if it tried.

SilverRN · Jul 15, 2008

It will be with you EVERYWHERE...cot, latrine...

OffandRunning · Jul 15, 2008

Silver, Your info was really helpful. I'm not prior service, so I'm really nervous especiall about the PFT. I'm not a natural athelete. I have been working out and trying to prepare. I'm just trying to go well prepared.