BOLC Week Three: Soldiers First

**Lunah**, MSN, RN

Lots of good things this past week: another formation run without vomiting, which was great. But also our first record (official) PT test, and I'll say right up front that I still didn't pass the sit-ups, darn it!

Very frustrating.

I did more this time, but not enough. However, it was hard to be sad about the sit-ups when I knocked almost two minutes from my two-mile run -- I have no clue how that happened!

So I'm working harder on my sit-ups, needless to say. I was going to reward myself with a Cheesecake Factory visit after the PT test, but nope ... no cheesecake until I pass.

I didn't realize there were 1,001 strategy tips for the sit-ups. I've heard them from many people here now, because everyone is eager to share what works for them. Some people use their hip flexors more, some use their abs. Others place their feet right next to each other, others have them a bit apart. Some people prefer to have their feet held, others the ankles. Exact hand placement behind the head varies as well. I just have to figure out my style!

Lots of training classes this week, as usual. If I haven't explained it already, we don't actually get to the "Nurse Track" -- the nurse-specific training -- until the last two weeks of BOLC. Training up to this point is geared toward the healthcare areas of concentration (AOCs), but is generalized to cover all of us.

There is one underlying theme that has been driven home: before all else, we are soldiers first. If you've never read or seen it, this is the Soldier's Creed, with the Warrior Ethos in italics:

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.

Standing with my platoon and speaking those words makes me proud in ways I've never been, and never even anticipated. HOOAH!

BOLC Week Three: Soldiers First

About Lunah, MSN, RN

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