My OBLC experiences

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I am currently at OBLC (Officer Basic Leader Course) in Ft. Sam Houston. I will try to give a brief overview so future students can have an idea and hopefully be prepared.

I am not in the ANC (Army Nurse Corp), I am a Clinical Laboratory Officer in the MSC (Medical Service Corp). I am a licensed practical nurse and am working on my BSN.

Our class started on April 9th, 2007. This 1st week was mainly administrative type tasks, like ID cards, filling out travel vouchers, submitting dependent information, brief dental exam, immunizations, etc. We did have lectures and workshops on things like military leadership, writing skills, etc. too.

Even though the OBLC website showed a class size of about 230, our class is only about 135 soldiers.

Thoughts from week 1:

1) Many of us are prior service. Learn from the prior enlisted Army soldiers! Incredibly helpful. My prior service was Navy so some basics like military courtesies and military bearing I knew, but the Army does do many things differently. Be patient and listen. They will teach you.

2) I have noticed that a few soldiers who are straight from civilian life have had some issues with being on time for formation. Trust me, you do not want to be late!! You are not in college anymore!! This is the military. Be early!! You do not want the huge negative attention you will receive not to mention the anger of your fellow soldiers that have to be there earlier and earlier because some can't make it on time.

3) Bring all of the documents listed on the OBLC website. Makes life easier for you. Don't forget shot records. You can't prove it, you get stuck again!

4) You definitely should get at least 1 set of ACU's (Army Combat Uniform) prior to arrival. We wore PT outfit 1st day and ACU's after that. A few did not have ACU's and wore PT gear the 2nd day. You don't want to stick out like a sore thumb. There are mail order sources if you are not near a post. Don't forget ACU name tags. I ordered mine through U.S. Cavalry and am very pleased with them.

5) Do NOT fall asleep in class!! It is hot, humid and sometimes you have been up since 0330 or so. Again, you do not want this negative attention on yourself. Only water is allowed in the auditoriums and classrooms, so I bring Vivarin and take if I need. Also, standing up and moving to the back is acceptable and not a negative on you.

6) If at all possible bring a laptop or desktop computer. It will make your life easier. Bring a printer if you can. I was one of only a few that had a printer in their room so many people were coming to me to print stuff.

Thoughts from week 2:

1) Sadly we are still having issues with some people being tardy. The unfortunate consequence of this is all of us will now have to be in formation 3 times a day for accountability. This takes away from our already sporifice free time during the week. I realize this will seem strange to non prior service. In the military you are a team and even if only a few do not conform, frequently there will be consequences for the whole unit.

2) PFT (Physical Fitness Test): Oh boy, this was unpleasant for many. You would be wise to heed their advice to be in shape when you arrive here. Approximately 1/3 of my class did not pass the PFT. The test consists of push ups, sit ups, and a 2 mile run. If you fail any part, you fail it all. Most people had problems on the run. Now, usually when you fail a PFT, you are "flagged". This basically means you are ineligible for positive actions including promotion. The PFT is taken quite seriously. For those who failed, they do morning PT 5 days a week. The rest do PT 3 days a week. At the end of the course, there will be another PFT test for those who failed the 1st one. You can download an Excel spreadsheet from here which will show you what your minimums are for your gender and age:

http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/187medbn/alpha/

I have been told direct commissions "off the street" are a special category and have 180 days to pass, but they really strive to have everyone pass before leaving OBLC.

3) This week has kicked into high gear with PowerPoint presentations. They jokingly call it "Death by PowerPoint". Some of it is interesting, other subjects quite dry. Not being able to drink coffee in there is absolutely brutal for many of us, including me. Oh well. Don't forget, standing up in the back of the class is OK if you can't stay awake.

4) A little item I did not know before this. Apparently in the Army (not sure of other services), 2nd lieutenants do not salute 1st lieutenants. I do get a salute from a 2nd lieutenant occasionally, but rarely.

5) There are a lot of E-1 through E-4's here. Here is a website showing the rank insignia: http://www.military-quotes.com/ranks/army-rank-insignia.htm

Many are just out of BCT (Basic Combat Training). Some, for whatever reason, walk by without saluting. At first myself and my classmates were unsure how we were supposed to handle this situation. Our cadre (our instructors and leadership) instructed us that we DO NOT have the authority to "smoke" them (Make them do push ups, etc.). But, they told us that if we do not correct the problem, then we are part of the problem. So, now if it happens, we get their attention and ask them if they forgot to do something. Most at this point come to attention, apologize and salute. You don't have to be an ass to help them. They get enough of that from their drill sergeants!

Thoughts from week 3:

1) The long PowerPoint days continue. We each had to give a short PowerPoint presentation. This is another time you will be happy if you have a personal computer. Also very nice to have PowerPoint installed and if you have no clue how to use PowerPoint, at least learn the basics before you get here.

2) PT continues 5 days a week for those who did not pass initially. Just another reminder that reporting here in decent physical condition will make life easier on you.

3) We are going to the field the next 3 weeks for FTX's (field training exercises). We do come back to FSH (Fort Sam Houston) on the weekends.

4) Tardiness issue has improved drastically. Thankfully, people are getting the idea now.

Thoughts from week 4:

1) Had our first FTX (Field Training Exercise). For those prior service Army/Marines, I'm sure it is a cakewalk, but for those of us who have never done this, it was a bear. Most days about 12-13 hours from reveille till your free for the day. Thursday was about 17 hours.

A rough list of tasks: M-16 & M-9(9mm) training/qualification, CBRN(Chemical,biological,radiological, nuclear) training, land navigation, 3 mile ruck march, basic tactical formations, and a practice medevac casualty exercise on Friday.

2) Gas, gas, gas! Part of your CBRN training is enduring the infamous CS Gas chamber. Look, it sucks, but everybody has to do it and you will survive. Not one of us died! You also get to put that wonderfully hot chemical protective suit and mask on in the sweltering Texas heat until your instructor tells you all clear. Fun day, heh.

3) Land navigation. You will learn how to use a compass and map to plot and navigate. There is a daytime and night time land navigation exercise.You will also be taught a basic GPS handheld and will also have a mounted land navigation exercise in a vehicle.

4) You will learn how to field strip a M16A2 rifle down and reassemble it with a complete function check within 4 minutes. Many of you will be able to do this blindfolded! I never would have believed it but I witnessed it. Unfortunately I couldn't quite get the 4 minutes blindfolded, but I felt I did quite well considering I had never even touched this weapon prior to OBLC. You will also learn how to disassemble and reassemble the 9mm, which is easier.

5) Some items to consider that may not be on your packing list:

Benadryl (if you need help sleeping)

ibufrofen (or whatever your preferred painkiller is)

moleskin plus (many people developed blisters)

luggage tags or similar for your duffel bag (they all look the same)

small knife/multi-purpose tool (always useful in the field)

sunscreen (this is Texas!)

bug repellent (these mosquitoes can be vicious) chiggers too; also recommend a small container of repellent you can carry with you.

hand sanitizer

earplugs (up to 38 people per tent, some snore!, alarms beeping, storms; I like the silicone type)

wet wipes (at this time there are no showers)

electric razor

ziploc bags (to keep stuff dry)

plenty of socks as many times they will get soaked from trekking through wet fields or if it is raining

small pillow (I got a compressible Thermarest from REI)

bed cushion (Those cots are rock hard, at least for me. I bought a roll able, self-inflating bed roll from the PX)

hyrdrocortisone/Benadryl creme (for those inevitable bug bites)

Gatorade/Propel, etc. to flavor that nasty tasting drinking water. Many brands come in little tubes that work well in a canteen.

Small notebook (you can buy waterproof ones at the clothing sales PX)

Extra sets of ACU's (they will get wet/filthy/smelly. Consider though, it is difficult to get them completely clean again so they will unlikely be "perfect" ACU's anymore.)

Thoughts from week 5:

1) This week was group oriented type tasks versus individual tasks last week. We did things like LRC (Leader Reaction Course), MOUT (Military Operations Urban Terrain) which was 4 person teams clearing buildings and urban warfare training, 2 days of convoy ops training, and retesting for those who did not pass night and/or day land navigation last week.

2) This week still had some long days but seemed to be a slower tempo and less traveling around via the deuce and a halfs.

Thoughts from week 6:

1) The op tempo seemed higher than week 5, but still less intense than week 4. This week was the grand finale AMEDD FTX. Monday was just movement to the FOB and some CLS (Combat lifesaver) classes. Tuesday through Thursday were the exercises. There were three groups which each day rotated through the 3 main areas. We also had the BOLC (Basic Officer Leader Course) group with us this week.

2) The mornings were more training sessions, then the exercise was in the afternoon followed by the evaluation/discussion.

3) I was lucky to be picked as a "casualty" a few times. This is a good experience as you get to see the whole process from a 1st hand perspective. Volunteer for this if is offered to you.

4) Friday we did a 5 mile road march and then toured a scaled down CSH (Combat Support Hospital).

Thoughts from week 7:

1) Last week!! The tempo was definitely more relaxed this week. Still doing PT. Another PT test was administered for those that did not pass initially.

2) More classes on subjects like OER (Officer Evaluation Reports), NCOER (Non-Commissioned Officer Reports), writing awards, etc.

Officership type material.

3) Next week we enter our AOC specific tracks.

4) Graduation ceremony was fairly quick and easy. Family members were allowed. Our uniform was ACU's.

Well, it's done for me now. Hopefully this information will make future OBLC students transition into the Army a bit smoother.

1LT Joseph L Cheser

I had a friend in Ranger school was 47....

he didn't make it.. but he got to Florida and is a good example of how determination can overcome ...."oldness"

:)

OK another question for any of you out there who joined later in life...

Where you a runner before or after the decision? Where you even athletic?

Just curious especially since I still cant figure out how the Air Force can use the words "fun" and "run" in the same sentence....

Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.
OK another question for any of you out there who joined later in life...

Where you a runner before or after the decision? Where you even athletic?

Just curious especially since I still cant figure out how the Air Force can use the words "fun" and "run" in the same sentence....

Hi,

Yep, I am "definitely late in life :)".....

I was a runner, prior to joining. But not a "sit-up/push person".....so, it has been an adjustment. I like distance running, so I have had to re-configure---- to speed-up a 2 mile segment, i.e....doing weekly sprints & track running.

If you have the "pocket physical training guide-army"---it makes the weekly routine easier..... progressing you along a 3 month goal for APFTs.

Honestly, my running really sped-up after I lost 10 lbs. I was really surprised weight made such a difference. Not that it is easy at this age to lose weight !!---I cut out bread, ice cream & chocolate.

Good Luck

cindy,

p.s. I find running completely unbearable without music......

JD,

I agree with Cindy. One thing that I can recommend to you is to look at running websites as they offer a lot of beneficial information. Also, make sure you do sprinting as it will help to lessen your time. Be sure to work on your hamstrings as many studies have shown that having stronger hamstrings prevent ACL injuries, plus it helps to make your legs stronger, which can also decrease your time. For me, I am used to running up hills so the track shall be interesting. I know that I should be able to make the time for that event. I enjoy running as I can think about the days troubles and work them out by the time I am finished, I have never ran to music, so at least that is something that I will not have to adjust to. The good part about the running exercise is that there will be others there to help with motivation :twocents:.

Push-ups were not my thing, but I can proudly say that I am able to do between 17-20 in less than a minute, but cannot do any more than that. Sit-ups used to be easy, but they are not so easy as the most difficult time that I have is remembering to keep my hands behind my head. Right now I am at 38 sit ups in less than 40 seconds, but I have been having trouble getting past 38 :uhoh21: . I am going to work with my recruiter this weekend as perhaps I am making it harder than it should be. Heck, I can do 100+ crunches in 2 minutes, but sit-ups are another story.

Hopefully I will be able to continue to pass these events when I test, as I have been doing them for weeks now

Cindy,

Just found out that my nephew made Rangers :yeah:

JD,

I have talked to someone who told me that she was 51 when she went to OBLC. She said that she had a difficult time, but that everyone was very nice and helped me when she felt like giving up.

Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

Hi GTaphd,

Congratulations to your nephew---whew..... impressive.

I totally agree with your tips and it sounds like you are READ--Y, for your AFPT.....Hooah!!! I guess I will see you there, but I will be a little later (RC) :)

One last recommendation for the "older athelete". Take it easy on the sprints. It is the fastest way to get an injury. I think the books I have read say...... once a week 30sec:60sec reps. (Galloway writes for older runners)

good luck to all !

cindy

Thanks Cindy! I just found out and told my sister that I was very proud of him.

I agree that you need to limit sprinting. I have read where you want to do 30 seconds of sprinting and then run for 60 seconds. Remember to keep your breathing under control. You will be surprised at what you will do when you are there with others.

Although, if you are coming to OBLC in October, I would recommend simply cutting back and not running for distance, but for time. You do not have much time left at this point. See what it feels like to run the 400 in 7 minutes and then try for 6. It will show you how you can speed up your running to get the time in. Go to a local school and run their track to see how it feels. Also, be sure to look at your required time. As for me, as long as I am able to finish within the time frame, I am not going to focus on the min/maxs as I will never score 90 in each event.

I hope that I am ready for my AFPT, yes I will see you there! I am still waiting on orders and leave in two weeks and 1 day (12 Oct).

I will throw out that the APFT is of high important prior to joining the army and within the school house.

However, I tend to believe that within units the emphasis is on 'passing' the APFT. It's an even that occurs every year (at minimum) and will be one of many numerous events... you will go through daily PT and the APFT will be 'just another thing'. So yes it's a daunty thing right now ... but as long as you can pass in the future it will not be nearly as weighted in life as it seems now. Especially within a unit that accepts such a wide ranging of ages and is not combat-centric. That being said - do your best and most of all keep your body functional and don't break it!

Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

Hi,

Yes I agree the APFT is worrisome now, but after the first one, I will probably not "use a log" when preparing for them next time.

My unit APFT is next weekend, and they are requesting we aim for 240 or higher.....hum, that will be interesting to watch :)

My saving grace is running & my age. Once I bought a Casio watch.... I realized I could knock-out 2 miles for 100. So now it is my standard, of course it's unnecessary...but I am alittle over the top with "personal bests."

your ocd,

OTD2 :)

...that being said I'm OCD as well ;)

I say that...but to me it DOES matter ;) I wanted to share to peeps that it's not always a huge deal as long as you meet that minimum threshold... at a personal level I feel it's always good to 'grow through struggle' :) I've got several 299 but never broken the 300 due to my run time... i've been 1sec over on several occasions - argghhh!

Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

Ouchhh,

1 second. Life is unfair...... I bet you made and they "hit the stopwatch too slow" :)

Yikes....

cb

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