Countdown to May COT...

[midinphx]

May COT is quickly approaching. I know of only 3 of us here who are in. Who else is going?

I still haven't commissioned, should be soon obviously.

I can't get on base to get all my uniforms, but I have a friend who can take me to do it. Does everyone have their stuff?

As I organize to close up my house for my renter, I am stressing about it getting moved before I leave for COT. I can't get to TMO before my orders.... kind of freaking out about that. I know I can have someone else do it for me, but it would have to be a friend, as I have no family here.

So many questions and lists in my head!

I'm out running to make sure I can keep up once I get there; it's a great stress killer.

monica

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

Anyone Know if Car rental would be reimbursed while at NTP? I am considering flying instead.

Nope, getting reimbursed for car rental is like pulling teeth, and it has to approved up front.

[Az_RN_BSN]

I work as a civilian RN @ Scottsdale Healthcare where they do the NTP for new grads. It's a great facility! You will def enjoy it!

[mt_nurse]

I'll be going to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn!

I'm wondering whether or not I should get the mess dress uniform. I read somewhere that during summer COT we dine-in wearing ABUs?

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Technically you're required to maintain a mess dress as an officer regardless (not that everyone does, and they're pretty expensive so I don't blame them). On the Jeanne Holm Center home page they generally have an announcement for each COT class that shows whether you'll be required to purchase it or not. If you call, the standard answer is "yes, you have to have one" and my understanding is they were making people go to clothing sales and buy one anyway.

Not really related, but I felt more "Dressed Up" in my mess dress than I did in my wedding gown. Guess I really am supposed to be military! :)

[midinphx, BSN]

wondering about prior service medals/awards. Would you/did you wear them with your uniform? Mine are Army and I know i'm authorized to wear them, but I'm doubtful that I should. Or is that just something I shouldn't do?

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I wore everything I was authorized, as did the other priors, which included the two Navy folks we had in my class. You earned them. Wear them. Half the people won't know what they are anyway, really. :)

Oh, and a note to the prior AF folks - you ARE authorized to wear the Basic Training Ribbon. I know on the COT site it says you can't - that's meant for anyone who hasn't COMPLETED Basic Training of any sort. When you graduate from COT, you'll earn an oak leaf cluster for that ribbon. I wore my OLC when I took my pictures, which is when it's authorized for priors. You can wear your BMT ribbon from day one if you've been through Lackland's BMT. Again, only the nonpriors aren't permitted to wear it until graduation day.

[midinphx, BSN]

There is another nurse joining us! There are 5 of us now.

Welcome RninSCarolina!!

I got all my uniforms. They are in alterations. I could not believe the cost of the shoulder boards for the mess dress!!! That one shocked me. lol.

Does anyone have actual orders yet?

[Travelcrazy]

About how much did it all cost you?

[midinphx, BSN]

Blue service coat $150

Af blue slacks $36

ABU top$35

ABU pant $41

mess dress jacket $170

mess dress skirt $67 (long skirt - reminded me of little house on the praire)

mess dress shirt $29

summerbund $12

mess dress shoulder board $45 (!!!!)

sage green boots $99

black patent oxfords $53

All that with all the t-shirts, hats, name tapes, name tags, socks, neck tabs, duffle bag, etc..... $1337

(I did buy 3 ABU's instead of 2. I buy extra t-shirts and socks too.)

Other than that, it is just everything off the list from COT.

oh, and when I pick up my alterations and tape sew ons, it'll be another $100.

Not trying to freak anyone out. Just thought you should know and plan accordingly. :)

[Travelcrazy]

Thanks Mid. I was curious to how much it would really all be. That's a lot of clothes. You need a whole new closet for that stuff! I'm guessing you were there a couple of hours picking everything out. I'm excited for you. Not much longer!

[midinphx, BSN]

24 days left.

I'm having a little mini freak out today. So a short vent, if I may....

I have no orders yet!!! My recruiter just called to say I need to resign my papers because my yrs of service are wrong - 5yr, 6 months instead of 5 yrs 3 months!! Really? They are waiting this paper before processing orders. And my recruiter is out of town, otherwise I would be driving to the his office this minute despite the fact that I've only had 4 hours of sleep and have 2 more nights to work.

I have no control over getting my household moved. I'm single and have no family here to proxy my household move. It needs to be done before I leave. And you can't call TMO until you have orders. I think I'm going to have issues with this. My renter can't move in if my household is still here. I need the rent money.

Okay, thank you. I'll calm down now. sigh.

[shapely]

Midinphx-Oh, how I feel your pain :) I can't wait to get to COT and put this behind. I don't think I'll believe it until it happens. Even after the countless times that I've signed and resigned things for my application packet (even after it was submitted), I am still working on incorrect information keyed in wrong somewhere. In my wildest dreams, I wouldn't of thought the process would be this drawn out. But hey there is a bright side to your story...just 24 days. They will pull it together by then for sure. They have to. I hope you took a few days off before leaving for COT. I'm sure there will be other craziness to deal with...a few days off is in order. Have fun bringing it all together.