BOLC June 2014

Specialties Government

Published

Hello all! I have been browsing threads to see who's headed for BOLC 2014 possibly June. No orders yet. Still waiting for the "phone call", my recruiter says it may take "2 weeks to 2 mos". I was commissioned (took an oath) Jan, 14th :). HOOAH! Also, are you going to Pre-BOLC? I am interested, I mentioned it to my recruiter and he just dismissed me. No prior military background/experience. I have been an RN for nearly 3 years. Currently working at a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital as a M/S Nurse. Still working on my APFT.

I just commissioned myself as a 66H but I have no idea yet when I go to BOLC. I'm in the Guard so things are a little different for me (I was administered the oath of office and signed the DA-71 right after going through a harrowing board with a colonel, LTC, and major). I'm hoping to go this summer. Is BOLC only offered a few times a year? Do they issue any clothing at BOLC? I have ACUs because I was enlisted for a short time right before commissioning but my ASU needs to be changed out.

As a guard officer you get a one time clothing allowance and everything else is on your dime. Gear is issued at BOLC (not ACUs or camelback) and as a guardsman you won't need ASUs because you are going to the 3 week and not the full course.

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Specializes in ICU.
Crossfit is a bad idea for a beginner athlete or a person trying to get back into shape.

You can get hurt in any sport quite honestly. Also, there are fundamentals or "on-ramp" classes to teach beginners proper form with just PVC pipes or using a training bar with no weights on it, then you start to add weight as you master the technique. That's how I learned and I never had an injury.

And 3 weeks only for BOLC?! I was hoping for a good 6-7 weeks of Army fun! What the heck do we do in only 3 weeks?

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You can get hurt in any sport quite honestly. Also, there are fundamentals or "on-ramp" classes to teach beginners proper form with just PVC pipes or using a training bar with no weights on it, then you start to add weight as you master the technique. That's how I learned and I never had an injury.

And 3 weeks only for BOLC?! I was hoping for a good 6-7 weeks of Army fun! What the heck do we do in only 3 weeks?

If the goal is to pass the APFT, just train to standard and worry about the overall fitness later. Crossfit is a fad/trend right now that will pass over eventually. It has some good stuff and some bad stuff to be honest. I have always incorporated olympic lifts into my routine but I would just be very wary as a new beginner who doesn't want to start their career off on a profile...

Nope, unless you are a guard MSC officer you will do the "short" course which is around 23 days at Fort Sam. Weekends are off or for classes and the 15 days are in the field at Camp Bullis. If you have been to basic or did ROTC it is pretty much a rehash of soldier skills with some AMEDD flare thrown in during the last week. Most BOLCs are 4-6 months haha

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Specializes in ICU.
Nope, unless you are a guard MSC officer you will do the "short" course which is around 23 days at Fort Sam. Weekends are off or for classes and the 15 days are in the field at Camp Bullis. If you have been to basic or did ROTC it is pretty much a rehash of soldier skills with some AMEDD flare thrown in during the last week. Most BOLCs are 4-6 months haha

:(

I did some research and looks like you're right. That's crap! A short-course shouldn't even exist! Everyone should go through the same exact training for the same length of time! Thank goodness I went to basic (didn't think I would say that one day when I was in basic)! *alright ... getting off my soapbox*

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Specializes in ER/Trauma ICU.

Hi all,

Just found out that I'm official. My recruiter just called today... Sunday!

Still not clear on how this all works, but found some helpful information here.

I'm a 45 year old, 15 year ER/ICU nurse mostly Level 1. Now I'm a director of an ER here in Houston.

I was really surprised how easy the application and selection process was.

Now I don't know what happens next, but I'll just take it as it comes; however, I will be scoping out this thread.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma ICU.

Commissioning on Friday, March 21st. My recruiter says we will travel to Ft. Sam Houston to buy uniforms.

Seems odd that I will buy uniforms without having any formal Army training.

I will repot to my unit and then attend BOLC. Wouldn't it make more since to learn how to be an Army officer then report, but oh well.

I will try not to trip over my own shoe laces.

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Dogleg,

Congrats! Are you active duty or reserves? Do you know your bolc dates yet? I just signed my contract yesterday. Now I'm in wait mode for orders.

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Specializes in ICU.

Congrats to the both of you!

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Specializes in ER/Trauma ICU.

I will be in the reserves. No answer on BOLC yet but when I do know something I'll be sure to post.

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm in the Guard and I'm pretty sure the prerequisites are the same. We need to pass a PT test and complete the online portion of BOLC before we can ask to go to BOLC. From what I remember, I believe there are courses starting in August and September with space available. The online portion is exceptionally tedious.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Wouldn't it make more since to learn how to be an Army officer then report, but oh well.

As a Reservist, you'll only be going to BOLC for the field training exercises (FTX) - that will teach you some of the basics of soldiering, but not how to be an officer. Your Reserve unit will teach you Army customs and courtesies. I also encourage you to read the Army Officer's Guide: http://www.amazon.com/Army-Officers-Guide-52nd-Edition/dp/0811711889/. My recruiter gave me a copy when I was selected, it is an excellent reference.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma ICU.

YAHOOOOOOOO! field exercises.

Thanks for the info Pixie.

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