Looking for Info on 2012 Reserve BOLC Experience!!!

[Scottlin]

I am looking for information regarding the RECENT 2012 BOLC experience for Reservists.

I got my commission back in Dec '11 and have done two drills with my unit so far. I began the online coursework in early January and will be completing it very soon (this month). I spent many many many hours working on them, and learned a great deal. But now that they're done, I'm starting to look ahead to BOLC and will (hopefully) get a slot for the August '12 (Class 125) class for reservists.

I have a couple of questions for anyone who has gone during the 2012 year...and yes, I know that only one or two courses have gone through so far. Hopefully some of you that have gone through will read this post and help me out.

1. Should I drive? Normally I would, but now I'm concerned with this wasting my time...especially since I'm over 24+hrs away (straight drive) and I'll only be there for around 4 weeks.

2. Is there any down time? Enough to have a trip into the city or surrounding areas? (this will also have a bearing on my 1st question as well). If I won't really be permitted to go to these places, then I'm questioning why I would bother driving in the first place.

3. What's the typical experience like now that the didactic instruction has been moved to online correspondence? I know that we reservists are required to complete Phase I (online coursework) PRIOR to applying for a slot in Phase 2. Did this open up some free time during the weeks you were there?

Any help or experience you could provide would be extremely helpful. I'm prior service and I can handle not being allowed to go off-post...as long as I know that's what I should expect. I'd hate to drive 24+hrs one-way just to find out that I won't be permitted to leave once there. I'd rather fly if that were the case and hail a taxi for the brief needs I may have.

THANKS!

[Scottlin]

Kuwona,

I think I answered this in an earlier post in here, but I'll restate for you. You are not authorized to go to AT until AFTER you've completed Phase II of BOLC. This is because, as far as the unit/Army is concerned, you don't know enough about being an officer to be constructive at AT, so the Army doesn't want to spend money for you to go to AT if you're not a constructive member. Now, once you've gone through (and passed) BOLC, you're authorized and required to go to ATs from that point on.

It's the same as a private that wants to go to AT with their new unit. Until that private goes to basic training, they won't typically know all the ranks/drill & ceremony/weapons qual/etc...or even be required to do a PT test. So any pre-basic or pre-bolc servicemember in the reserves cannot go to AT until they've completed those initial training requirements.

Just in case you're wondering...my unit shipped off to AT yesterday and I wasn't authorized to go since I won't be able to do Phase II of BOLC until November. I'm prior service and have drilled with this unit for 6 months already. Still not authorized.

Hope that helps.

I'd still like anyone who's gone to a 2012 Phase II of BOLC to post your experience. It's the reason I started this thread. ;-)

[sa[RN]ah]

My unit my just be extremely rebellious and like to break all the rules lol

I haven't been to bolc yet either, heck i don't even have a seat! But when i said i really wanted to go to AT [which we leave saturday morning for], they didn't say no!

[Scottlin]

Lucky! :bowingpur

[Stephyfoxx]

Kuwona- I've been in the reserves since March so I don't know anything well enough to advise other just yet BUT I am scheduled to do AT before BOLC. Also, I elected to do additional duty in conjunction with my AT and have already been given orders for this. So, to answer your question it is possible because I'm doing it. I went through the Unit Administrator to do this. I'm not sure what the chain is or who actually makes the decision. would ask around! Best of luck to you!

To answer your other questions....I emailed BOLC directly and the training we receive in BOLC does NOT count toward annual training. I would do as many days as you can with your unit before BOLC. I have learned a ton, my uniforms are good to go, and I feel way more prepared. They might even surprise you with some additional help! My unit's been going over DNC (Drill and Ceremony) and some other basics that direct commission soldiers miss.

[Stephyfoxx]

Hi Kuwona,

What University or Program did you go through for Clinical Psych? I'm in the process of researching schools. I have my masters in counseling psychology and was bummed that you either have to have an MSW or doctorate in psychology. Any information would be appreciated!

[Neyerm1]

Great information!

I really love the fact that you said "behoove":up:

[Neyerm1]

Your HIV most definitely should've been done at MEPS. Your DA photo is not a mandatory thing for Reservist while you're there. However, since you'll be on an Army installation it would behoove you to get your ASU squared away while you're there and your DA photo.

Great information!

I really love the fact that you said "behoove":up:

[Scottlin]

I haven't seen any comments lately regarding the RESERVE component BOLC experience. I am still interested in learning more...since I will be heading there in November for the 4wk course.

I have heard that there is no PT test for Reserve Component officers in BOLC...is this true? (***NOTE: I know that there is definitely height/weight/PT standards for Active Duty BOLC, so please don't post here with that info!!) I heard this from one of the soldiers who attended last year and was surprised, I also noticed many of the comments by soldiers in this thread stated only a diagnostic was performed...so I'm looking for confirmation.

I would LOVE to hear any experiences/wisdom/advice from any RESERVE COMPONENT (RC) Officers who have already attended the 2nd Phase of BOLC this year.

Thank you very much!

[Spencer68H]

Hi Scottlin,

I completed the second phase of BOLC Reserve component (RC) in August of this year. As far as PT test, we all had to take one but before we started, we has to tell them if we wanted it to e diagnostic or record. RC soldiers who were interested in a leadership award had to take a record one. Other than that, it didn't matter. We did ht/wt on our first day there. Several ppl had to be taped. If they didn't pass, they were tapes again at the end of the class. Not sure what happened to the ones who didn't pass the second time around (as far as I know, everybody graduated)...

Please let me know what other questions you have.

[williams84]

I know this thread is a little old, but I didn't want to make a brand new one if the information was helpful to other reservists. I am new to the Army Reserve. I have to go to BOLC, but my unit keeps trying to sign me up for the 7.5 week active duty course, on top of me completing Phase I (which I just finished today). I got the course info for the Reserve Component and the Nurse Track after. I think they assume that is what I will be attending. Anyone else ever have this issue? I just don't want to sit in a classroom and learn the same material all over again.

Also, the class dates for the RC and the nurse track have a few days in between. If I end up doing these classes, is the hotel room my responsibility since I'm not technically enrolled in a class? Anyone have that problem?