oblc plane ticket

athena55, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2008

Hello jbrecon2:

Okay, make sure you have copies of your orders to go to OBLC (at least 8 plus all the other 8 million copies of "stuff" you were told to bring with you, ) and make a few copies of your carson wagonlit itinerary. Carry them in your ACU pocket (and it is okay to travel with your ACUs as long as you are CONUS and have travel orders) because once you get to Newark (or JFK, LaGardia) you will show them to the airline clerk. Have photo id (CAC will do nicely) and you will get your boarding pass.

The last time I went thru airport security in NY/NJ I didn't have to take my boots off...but be prepared sometimes metal for the bootlaces may make the alarm go off and then you may have to go through the whole wand thing. Do you have a direct flight? Oh, and make use of the USO that have set up operations at San Antonio. Nice place to have a cuppa, watch some telly....

Maybe you will be lucky and you will see some fellow Soldiers going to Fort Sam with you. Once you arrive at Fort Sam, pick up your luggage and maybe some of you (if traveling with others) can hire car service or a taxi cab together. MAKE SURE YOU ASK FOR A RECEIPT. Taxis and car service will do that but you gotta ask. And, ask for separate receipts, as well. Keep receipts for everything.

Once you arrive at Fort Sam Lodging go right in and stand on line and check out your room. First Come, First Serve -- unless you have firm reservations in hand. I was told that I didn't need to make a reservation ahead of time and I ended up in a hotel with about 30 others miles away from base.

If you do have a firm reservation for a room at the on-site billeting, then cool beans. Unless things have changed, there will be early am "continental style" breakfast offerings in the main lobby: Dry cereal, milk, tea, coffee, muffins, yogurt. PLUS there is a DFAC.

Gosh, you guys start in what, two weeks? HAVE FUN. You will learn a lot. Of course, with your prior service, Sir, you may be asked/involuntarily volunteered to be squad or platoon leader!

athena

jbrecon2 · Jul 25, 2008

athena,

thanks for the info!! so let me make sure i got this right....i don't get a hard ticket or e-ticket or anything? i have the itinerary they e-mailed and i show that along with ID and orders to the airline? i think i'm gonna opt out out of ACU's for the trip.....are there any advantages of traveling in uniform, i've never done so.

athena55, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2008

Hi there jbrecon2

From what I understand most airlines don't hand out the hard ticket anymore. I guess majority of people do their thing "on line", well speaking for myself that is how I travel. Everything done via the computer.

Yeah, you are already in the system via carson wagonlit.

Your itinerary form Carlson Wagonlit should have your reservation code, your flight number all that good stuff. On the back of the itinerary, if you print the whole thing out will be your personal ID code and other information (like en route or emergency assistance numbers you may need to call etc)

As for wearing the ACUs. No real benefit - for you - BUT you do put a "human face" on the uniform and on the Army. Army Proud! That is why we are allowed to wear the uniform while CONUS. Of course, always be aware Situational Awareness and all that.

Have a good time and, as always, Stay Safe.

athena

cnelson2 · Jul 25, 2008

Hi Everyone,

I'm also going to OBLC on August 2 and I found some information about the USO at the San Antonio Int'l Airport at http://www.sanantonio.gov/aviation/uso.asp

It would be great if they could coordinate getting us to Fort Sam or to meet up with other Army members.

In regards to the e-ticket, all you need is the confirmation number from your travel itinerary to print out your boarding pass. The computer for this is located near the sales agent at the airlines. If you need to check your bags, then you can get in line and have the sales agent print out your boarding pass after you give them the confirmation number at the same time.

When I called the housing office at Fort Sam, I was told our rooms are reserved already (double occupancy) and that they are not making reservations ahead of time--hopefully this is true.

Thank you Athena for all your valuable information. Can you give me a tip on a good place to live in El Paso? I will be arriving in October for RN Residency and will only have a bicycle for transportation.

Thank you, CNelson

athena55, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2008

cnelson2

Hello.

Regarding apartment hunting in the El Paso area, especially if you are going to be working at William Beaumont Army Medical Center - WBAMC and don't necessarily want to live on post. I initially wanted to live on post but no BOQ available (I think I might STILL be on their waiting list, haha)

You will be given at least two-three or more weeks to in-process and believe me that will be time put to good use as you can use the time NOT in-processing to look for an apartment/house off post. The bicycle will come in handy especially when you in lodging on post (if you can bring your bicycle with you. I waited 14 days for my household goods to arrive from NYC to El Paso but not to worry if you hadn't found suitable quarters/billeting/apartment yet....Your stuff will be kept in storage by the transportation Office 90 days with an additional 90 days tacked on if you're having troubles)

Once you get your welcome letter from the Commander at WBAMC make sure you obtain lodging at the Fort Bliss Inn. I think it is $46 USD per day but it will be worth it as you can concentrate on doing the in-processing gig plus look for suitable housing for yourself. And you will get reimbursed for the money spent on your initial lodging. I would suggest you make reservations for at least 8-10 days, you can always tack on a few more days until you find more permanent housing.

Sorry, I get long-winded!

www.housing.army.mil/

www.ahrn.com

www.rent.com

www.apartmentguide.com

www.ephomesearch.com

The second Army website, ahrn.com, is where I actually found the apartment I am currently in. The apartmentguide.com site was also very useful to me as I double checked out the apartment I was interested in

Now many people rely only on their BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing). Having said that you will find that a nice apartment will not cost you an arm and a leg. My large one bedroom apartment cost me $550 monthly plus water and basic cable is free. If you are looking for a home will cost you more and I know a few Soldiers who will pay over and above what they get from their BAH but they like having the extra space plus they have a few pets.

Check out: www.wbamc.amedd.army.mil/ will tell you loads of stuff about Beaumont.

I live in the Northeast part of El Paso. I don't have a POV so I am lucky I found such a neat apartment (right off the Alabama main gate to WBAMC). I live about 3.5 miles away from Fort Bliss but it is an easy walk or ride (going there is no problem, all downhill, it is the coming back part, hahaha)

If you will only have your bicycle then I really would highly suggest you look for a place close to Beaumont, especially if you will be working day and night shift. Do you know where you will be working? Most of the civilian contractors work 8 hours (on the day and evening shift) Us Military folk usually work 12 hours but again I can only speak for the unit There is a public bus system, a very CLEAN bus system but it doesn't run nearly as frequently as you would see in say, NYC. But it will only cost Active Military 50 cents to ride

I hope this will ease your mind a wee bit. SO much stuff will be going on in that first month or so while you in-process.

If I can be of any other assistance to you, please do not hesitate. I mean that! I won't be at WBAMC in OCT as I am TDY to Fort Lewis for three months but I should return in mid-NOV.

Hey, have a nice time at OBC. Such a great learning experience I wish I could go back!

Hooah!!

athena