Looking for Info on 2012 Reserve BOLC Experience!!!

Scottlin · May 26, 2012

Stephyfoxx,

Unfortunately I injured my shoulder after this thread was started and have been forced to push back my BOLC date until at least November. :mad:

But, the good thing is that I'll be able to hear about more peoples' experiences (should they find this thread and post) before I go. I can answer some of your questions though.

I heard that you need a laptop and printer (small one that's portable)...but I don't think they're such "must have" items anymore for reservists. This stems from the fact that we're not even allowed to get a slot in Phase II until we've completed Phase I through the online courses from ATTRS. That took care of most of the classwork that was typically done in BOLC and required the use of laptops/printers.

I know that the Army typically gives you a full day of travel and will pay the expenses. However, if you're staying in a hotel or somewhere more than what is required to actually get you from your home to the school...I'm afraid you'll likely have to pay out of pocket for that expense. But, you can check with those closer to your home or in your unit to find out the details...as I'm just making an educated guess.

I don't believe soldiers receive BAH while in school...but I could be wrong. It's been a very long time since I've been in myself (only got back in a few months ago after a decade of being a civilian). Again, I would check with your unit/recruiter/army contact.

You WILL get a small reimbursement for your uniform...but it's only a few hundred bucks. It's nowhere near enough to actually pay the full costs that will be required for even two sets. I spent over $1000 just getting two ACU uniforms, boots, undershirt/PT uniform, etc. I didn't even go all out. I just got what was minimally required. 2 ACUs, 2 warm-weather PT tops/bottoms, 1 cold-weather PT set, 2 ACU caps, 1 pair of boots, several sets of undershirts and socks. I did go out and get me a gortex set...but that was really my only "splurge" when getting these things. I bought some of my stuff online and some of it in the PX. It's just one of those things...it sucks, but it is what it is. I would definitely try to get some things in advance. If only to get used to wearing it and knowing what it should look like. I also had my stuff sewn on (which is now acceptable via Army Regulations)...and I've been the envy of many officers who have yet to get their velcro (hook & loop) items removed. They're a huge pain in the butt. I never have to worry about if my uniform will have a name tape or my badges on it. They're always there and in the right spot.

Finally, I've been attending drills since January, and I only commissioned in December. However, until you've actually completed BOLC, you're not elligible to go to annual training (AT). It's as if you're a private E-1 and haven't gone to basic training yet...you wouldn't know what you're doing...so why would the Army waste money on you to go to AT? The same goes for a new officer who hasn't gone to BOLC. BOLC counts as your AT requirement...period. But the money comes out of two separate accounts and you're elligible to go to both...if you so choose. But BOLC does count as your active duty time for that fiscal year requirement. Personally, I would go to both if given the opportunity. It's a great way to learn your unit personnel and get to know your new home. So, go to BOLc first, then AT. It's extra money...never a bad thing.

I hope this helps. Now if I can just get some more input from people about my original post, I'll be good. :banghead:

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · May 29, 2012

Just FYI, the PT test is vital nowadays to passing BOLC. Do not take it lightly! Used to be, if you didn't pass the PT test or make height/weight, they'd tell your duty station and get things worked out after you PCS'd. Not a big deal.

They changed that about a year ago in 2011 when I was there. I had a friend who couldn't pass the APFT to save her life. She was held behind until she could pass and the event gets put on her record. She'll have difficulty promoting because of it. You gotta come at it from the angle of a military that's aiming to cut 50,000 soldiers alone by 2014. It's gonna get ugly.

NickG, MSN, APRN · May 30, 2012

Just FYI, the PT test is vital nowadays to passing BOLC. Do not take it lightly! Used to be, if you didn't pass the PT test or make height/weight, they'd tell your duty station and get things worked out after you PCS'd. Not a big deal.
They changed that about a year ago in 2011 when I was there. I had a friend who couldn't pass the APFT to save her life. She was held behind until she could pass and the event gets put on her record. She'll have difficulty promoting because of it. You gotta come at it from the angle of a military that's aiming to cut 50,000 soldiers alone by 2014. It's gonna get ugly.

I am in the exact same boat as the OP in this case. Prior service looking to see how much time I will have to take advantage of the surrounding area when I am in Ft. Sam. It would be great to hear from some people who could give us some pointers on how it is being run as of late.

*On a side note, I do not get the whole "PASS the APFT thing". I am worried about trying to break 400 on the extended scale, not simply passing the damn thing. The minimums are laughable at best. Even the maximums are what I would consider a minimum for anyone who is remotely physically fit. 13:00 for 2mi??? That is 6:30miles for a mere 2 miles, not exactly flying. When you consider that the high school standard for the 2mi is 10:00min it's not hard to see that the standards are pretty low, all things considering. Pushup's, situp's...you should be able to go from none to max in a month of daily pushups and situps. How it is people know for months that they must meet a standard and are still unable to do it is beyond me. And no, I am not the exception here. I do not have a single friend who is either still active or out completely who can't muster up a 300 pt score on any given day. Thinking about being fit won't get you fit, you need to make it part of your daily routine. If you are a soldier it is your duty to remain fit to fight at all times. I realize I am preaching to a bunch of adults here, but some of the comments on just "trying to make it through" and "praying I can pass" should not even be conversation. If you are worried about passing get off the internet and get on your running shoes RIGHT NOW and start running. Rant over.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · May 30, 2012

Need4Speed305:

Get used to "trying to make it through" and "praying I can pass". By and large, these aren't prior enlisted line soldiers you're dealing with in the AMEDD.

Scottlin · May 30, 2012

Need4Speed305:
Get used to "trying to make it through" and "praying I can pass". By and large, these aren't prior enlisted line soldiers you're dealing with in the AMEDD.

That's true. I was shocked to see that SEVERAL of the Majors/Captains/Lieutenants in my reserve unit could not even perform or execute standard drill and ceremony maneuvers (even simple commands like "file from the left" and "side-step". I know more from JROTC in high school than many of the officers do regarding D&C. In addition, many of the officers are unable to pass their PT tests. It's ridiculous. One captain hasn't passed a PT test in 5 years. (Now likely to get passed over again for promotion).

At first I was shocked. Being prior service from a combat unit...I was appalled. After having been in the unit for a while, I can understand (albeit not agree) with why the focus isn't on PT and D&C. These nurses/physicians/specialists in the medical field are commissioned for their skill set...not their physical abilities. If I get gunshot wounds, I couldn't care less if the physician can run 2miles in 13mins...just help me survive!

Although that's not what this thread was about, I thought I'd put my 2-cents in. I think that every single soldier should meet the minimum standards or risk being discharged. However, I also see that beggars can't be choosers. It's difficult to get such specialty medical personnel to interrupt the high-paying civilian positions for the military. In the civilian world I could get paid, in one day, the equivalant of almost a week's worth of Army pay.

I didn't return to the Army for money (actually, the loan repayment was very influential). I did it for a higher purpose. But many would argue that money makes the world go 'round...and it's hard to argue against that in these difficult economic times.

Anyway, if ANYONE else has experience with Reserve BOLC experience in 2012...PLEASE post your experience and perhaps some details.

Thanks!

chudder · May 31, 2012

Need4Speed305:

You will have some time to enjoy San Antonio. Reservist nurses did the "short course" and were pretty much here for the FTX and then track phase. During the nurse track phase you will have time in the evenings and on the weekends.

Your APFT rant was amusing. I encourage you to find a way to channel your emotion into some sort of constructive action to help those who are new to the Army or aren't as high speed as you. We had several prior service in our BOLC who enjoyed ridiculing the pathetic and laughable AMEDD standards. Life sucked when they were in leadership roles not because they were holding us to a higher standard or showing us what the "Real Army" was about, but because their leadership style was ultimately about themselves rather than their soldiers. It's hooah hooah showboating. Much preferred was the prior service who chose to mentor new (and sometimes flabby and slow) soldiers so they could meet their goals and better understand Army expectations.

If you near 400, you will get the award for highest PT score. I think our male and female winners were around 340. You WILL be the exception in AMEDD BOLC. Make peace with it now.

No reservists even took a record APFT while here, though. They took diagnostics only.

edit: spelling

Editorial Team / Moderator · May 31, 2012

I encourage you to find a way to channel your emotion into some sort of constructive action to help those who are new to the Army or aren't as high speed as you.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is leadership. :) I don't just want to pass my PT test, and I work hard to improve my PT scores despite the fact that my score really doesn't count, as an officer ... just whether or not I pass. It matters to me, but I'm not going to beat myself up for not scoring 300+. I worked hard to become a proficient runner the year before I commissioned, and I'm happy with where I am. At nearly 40 and 59" in height, a 20 minute two-mile is great for me! Help your battle buddies succeed ... if you belittle them for lack of fitness, they certainly won't learn to love PT!

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · May 31, 2012

Amen to Lunah and chudder!

My PT test has drastically improved since BOLC. Part of it was because I was rooming with the highest scoring female soldier in the battalion, who was very humble about her abilities and more than willing to help others, including me. The other part of it was because I had several friends who were prior enlisted and made it their goal to help me improve on all areas of the APFT.

Because of them, I not only passed, but I was able to run with a reservist and helped improve her score at BOLC a few weeks later. Long-term, I continue to make strides in my APFT scores. Their encouragement and support is still motivation for me today. If you think I don't hear their voices in the back of my head when it starts to suck, think again!

softenny · Jun 5, 2012

I have a question. I am in the Graduate entry program to become a Psychiatric Mental Health NP and I have a degree in Psychology. I am currently in the Reserves as an E4 and I'm thinking about direct commissioning. My school however at the end of the first year and a half confer an ADN not a BSN and the recruiter I spoke with said I can only commission to be a nurse if I will be getting a BSN and told me the only AOC I will qualify for will be 70B and I have to wait 3 months because the slots are filled up. My question is, is that really the only AOC I can get? I just don't want to be a specialist or E5 for the next two years, any advice?

softenny · Jun 5, 2012

I have a question. I am in the Graduate entry program to become a Psychiatric Mental Health NP and I have a degree in Psychology. I am currently in the Reserves as an E4 and I'm thinking about direct commissioning. My school however at the end of the first year and a half confer an ADN not a BSN and the recruiter I spoke with said I can only commission to be a nurse if I will be getting a BSN and told me the only AOC I will qualify for will be 70B and I have to wait 3 months because the slots are filled up. My question is, is that really the only AOC I can get? I just don't want to be a specialist or E5 for the next two years, any advice?

chudder · Jun 6, 2012

AFAIK you need your BSN to commission. Why not wait until your Psych NP is complete and direct commission as a 66HM8?

kuwona · Jun 10, 2012

I have started drilling as a direct commission (73B), but am being told I CANNOT go to Annual Training before I attend BOLC. My Phase II won't be for almost a year. I fear skipping Annual Training could jeapordize my loan repayment status for the year. Stephyfoxx -it sounds like you can advise me. Did you attend AT prior to BOLC? Anyone else know the answer to this?

5. Anyone else already attending drills before BOLC? I'm scheduled to attend Annual Training a couple weeks before BOLC and have been told conflicting things about that. Some say that BOLC counts toward the AT requirement and others say it doesn't. Just looking for the straight answer.