Experiences from OBLC??

Staczse7 · May 18, 2009

Waiting_28

When r u going????? there's a few of us going in June????

some employers will pay the difference between what you earm while at OBC and what you would have gotten there. Also, if you have dependents, you want to make sure you complete and submit the application for BAH (housing) as they will pay rent/housing (I believe its reimbursed) for while you are away

chocokitten · May 19, 2009

I am a reservist so I'm not sure if my experience will be the same as yours, unless you are a reservist. I went for 26 days to fort sam. I drove my own car there, and yes, this is allowed (I got 1400 in travel pay afterwards, too :yeah: ) and it was WONDERFUL to have my car. We were in class pretty much every day, then we had 2 weeks on m-f in the field (overnight too), and one week of m-wed because of a holiday. I have a dependent and did not get any BHA, as a reservist. My room was paid for while at fort sam, and I only had to pay for my meals while not in the field. I had a great time, despite the hard work :)

I've compiled a suggested packing list, based on my experience, if you're interested?

Staczse7 · May 19, 2009

that'd be cool thanks chocokitten thanks!

chocokitten · May 19, 2009

p.s. I work for the VA and I took over annual leave and military leave to cover all the time I was gone... so I got paid as if I were working full time PLUS my reserve pay ^_^

I love working for the VA as a reservist

pattyrn376 · May 19, 2009

I work for the VA too and that is sweet isnt it! 5 wks vaca, 3 weeks military leave , 13 days sick, and I lost count of the holidays!

chocokitten · May 20, 2009

Yep! I think it's 15ish... Not bad ^_^

BunkyRN · May 20, 2009

I just got back from the OBLC-RC 2 weeks ago... totally take your car if your not too far away. You'll be in the field m-f for 3 weeks regardless if your reserve or not. But you will have your "diagnostic" PT test the 2nd day you are there. I recommend that you pass this. Only because it will follow you to your unit if your a reservist and if your not... you will have to pass it in order to graduate. I had to do combative training instead (because I passed PT)... but lots of people went to PT instead... I would of rather done PT to keep up the fitness. They don't check when your in the field. The focus of OBLC is to learn the soldering skills all soldiers should know. Compared to people who went to OBLC years ago, it is much better now. It used to be a retreat... now its actual learning of what you are supposed to be... a soldier first and foremost. I totally feel sorry for you if your going in Summer... it will be hotter then heck there.... It was rainy and muggy and hot the majority of the time I was there. And since there are no showers at Camp Bullis... ugh ! :down: Well.... they are taking out the summer class next year... and they also said once they get showers out there..... OBLC will be in the field for 21 days.... and that is coming from the Maj.... !!!! yikes ! Well.... lots have and do it for longer...

Don't worry about PT... but I do stress that being in shape will help you... being in the field is really physical because you have to wear the full ACU and you'll have your LBE with all your gear on it... always have your M16 on you, and your gas mask..(which is a pain in the butt !!! cause it weighs about 3 pounds or so itself)... and your usually carrying around your ruck too with your gear in it. And your doing alot of walking and tasking.... all day long. If you have anymore questions... feel free to ask !

Good Luck.... the instructors there are super awesome to work with ! My favorite was..... "Hamburger" ... you'll totally get it once you are there ! :wink2:

momofabmtcs · May 21, 2009

I am a reservist so I'm not sure if my experience will be the same as yours, unless you are a reservist. I went for 26 days to fort sam. I drove my own car there, and yes, this is allowed (I got 1400 in travel pay afterwards, too ) and it was WONDERFUL to have my car. We were in class pretty much every day, then we had 2 weeks on m-f in the field (overnight too), and one week of m-wed because of a holiday. I have a dependent and did not get any BHA, as a reservist. My room was paid for while at fort sam, and I only had to pay for my meals while not in the field. I had a great time, despite the hard work :)
I've compiled a suggested packing list, based on my experience, if you're interested?

Do you care to post it?

2soldiers44 · May 22, 2009

Thanks BunkyRN for the info. As of now I am sched to go to OBLC in November. Hope that it is still in the works and it doesn't change. Has anyone heard about a phase I class that must be taken prior to going to OBLC ? It was mentioned during my inprocessing but he was unsure of details. I guess it is something new. And Chocokitten, could you please post your suggestions on the packing list? I was hoping to rent a car once I got there for two reasons. Mine already has almost 100 thousand miles on it and I live in PA. Very long drive.

Thanks again for all the ideas and support. Good luck to all!

2soldiers44 · May 22, 2009

P.S. Anyone else sched. for November??

Staczse7 · May 22, 2009

Thanks BunkyRN for the info. As of now I am sched to go to OBLC in November. Hope that it is still in the works and it doesn't change. Has anyone heard about a phase I class that must be taken prior to going to OBLC?

Maybe these are the two online courses you need to have done.... one is on antiterrorism, the other is ? computer learning (how to access while @ FSH)