Graduated cot on friday!!!

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

YAY! I made it - I graduated from COT yesterday and am now on my way to my first duty station, Lackland AFB/Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, TX!

I was going to post a nice "column", if you would, on my experience, and I still might - but feel free to post any questions you have here and I'll answer what I can.

It's not so bad (but remember, I'm prior enlisted), but I won't say it's easy. Compared to BOT (the regular officer's training that lasts 13 weeks) and compared to what the Army does to get the same direct commission, it's a cakewalk - but it's not "knife and fork" school, so don't let your recruiter fool you. Some of the civilians experienced a bit of culture shock - but trust me when I say it was nothing like BMT.

So if you have any questions, post away.

[trimeduRN, BSN]

So how was it. Were you able to contact family. Were there certain things that you could or couldnt bring? How long did it take for you application process to actually knowing you were selected and then from there to COT? Sorry, I just full of questions.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Overall it wasn't too bad.

Take your cell phone. You can use it in the dorms after classes are over. Do not carry it around with you.

Other than cigarettes (I don't smoke anyway) and alcohol (can't have it in your room, can't drink it until you're in Second Class status; why you'd want it I have no idea), I can't really think of anything you can't bring. I took my own laptop and a printer and yes, I did use them a few times. When we had base privileges I was glad I had my own laptop.

It took almost a year from the time I started my package (with no waivers - not a one) until I got to COT, and it took about nine months for me to be accepted (from package start to notification). I waited four months after the package was submitted to get accepted.

Keep 'em coming and I'll answer what I can.

[jentrump29]

First of all...Congrats!!!! You made it!!!! We've missed your very informative posts! :)

I'm curious about the physical part. Were you getting up 5 days a week and running miles and miles? What was a typical hour of fitness?

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

Congrats on finishing COT

[hopeful_army_NP]

Congratulations!!! I have appreciated and enjoyed your past post. I wish you success and happiness in all your journeys ahead. I will be in San An in March for OBLC maybe I will see you.

[athena55, BSN, RN]

:w00t::balloons::flowersfo:clpty:Congratulations to you! Yipee!!!

athena/Camp Victory, Iraq

[firefiter61]

Congratulations, it seems like yesterday that I was reading that you were going to COT; however, I'm sure it didn't feel that way to you. The question that I have for you and any new nurses, is which base did you get on your dream sheet? 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. Thanks.

[rghbsn, BSN, RN]

Congratulations! I'll find out soon if I'll be in 10-02 or 10-03. Hope to run across you at some point in our careers! Good luck, enjoy Texas!

[USAFhopeful]

Congratulations!!! Like the post above - I too feel like it was only yesterday that you had posted you had commissioned and were going to COT. This is a stupid question but - can you take OTC meds with you like cough / cold medicine? Even something like immodium? lol? What are classes like? Were you exhausted? Did you have to do a lot of public speaking? What is your first day like? Are they helpful with helping you purchase uniforms etc? I know my questions are silly - but just curious! Thank you and again congrats! Enjoy TX!

[nursy2008]

Congratulations on your successful graduation from COT:yeah:

[DrCOVID, DNP]

Congratulations on graduation Carolinapooh! May we all have successful careers!

Just one question: what did those do who couldn't afford the uniforms? I remember reading that you can get a military credit card or take advanced payment?