14 Oct OBLC Date

Specialties Government

Published

Hi,

I just wanted to let you know that our Army AKO addresses have important information for us to review prior to attending OBLC. I hope to see you in October!

Specializes in Emergency RN, CEN.

GetnPhd,

I am also (hopefully) attending the January OBLC RC class. Please give us a play by play as to the happenings during OBLC. I know this has been covered in previous posts but each perspective is different and I would greatly appreciate your input and experiences to give me a better idea of what to expect.

The welcome letter posted on the OBLC site states that Dress Blues are not needed. Did you get this info also and then found out different when you arrived?

What are the first three days like?

Thank you much,

66HM5

For everyone else seeking info check this out:

http://armynurselife.blogspot.com/2006/12/obc-week-10-grand-finale.html

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Hello,

The first three days did not go according to schedule and what they will send you as far as schedule wise in your welcome email is subject to change..and will change. This is due to the high number of individuals who are coming in as well as those presenters' schedules.

We were supposed to get our CAC card and physicals but have not and a few other things have been pushed.

Day 1 we simply checked in and then went to the two man rooms

Day 2 (the first real day) We had to arrive in the winter PTU, even though some of us did not have it. We then went through long lines that housed things like HT/WT, meal cards, allergies, and one where you dropped off all of your required paperwork. We had filled out forms as a group on this first day. After this you were required to go back and change into your ACU. I had 15 minutes to get from the bldg to my bldg (which is a 30 minute commute via feet [each direction]). So some of us were late. We then did more paperwork, had lunch, and then more paperwork. After the paperwork was completed we then did formation for about 1-2 hours. Here we were expected to do right turns, parade rest, etc. If you are not ROTC, prior service, or have any one who can help you with this before you arrive, it can be unnerving. Oh, did I mention that we did it in the rain? My feet were horribly messed up. We then left, my room mate and I walked back to our bldg. There was no opportunity for dinner that night for us. We had to arrive at the field at 0445 for formation and accountability reasons. The AFPT was administered. After this we got about a 60 minute break from which we had to arrive back at the bldg and complete more paperwork. We were told that we would be going for CAC cards, getting IDs, etc. This did not occur. We were able to go to lunch and when we came back we had formation. We then proceeded into the building for more lectures. At the end of the lectures and paperwork we had another formation. For those in nurse track we had to stay while the rest got to go to clothing and sales and see the different vendors. We did not get to go. We eventually made it to clothing and sales but found out that they did not have the skirt size for women, unless you wear a size 20 skirt. So we are going to order from Marlow White as we need the uniforms to arrive asap as we must have it altered and be in it properly.

Day 3 we were told to arrive at the field by 0500 (which means 0450) for formation and accountability. We then were told that we should not have been there until 0530. After that we were released and told to change into our ACUs and that formation would be at 0830. We then had power points talking about rank, customs, courtesies, and other similar topics. We got to meet a LTC who was very interesting. We then broke for lunch. We did not have formation after lunch for whatever reason. We then had power points that talked about combative training and battle mind readiness. We were told to go to the back of the room if we were tired as it would not be disrespectful. Many did it as it has been a tiring couple of days. I warn you that if you fall asleep you will be reprimanded as it has occurred multiplied times over the past three days. We then had question and answer opportunity for questions to be addressed as well as for the schedule to be given. The museum tour was broken down into platoons and women were told that next Sat they would have their well woman check up. We do not know about any of the other items that we were supposed to do. Another thing is that we were given homework for those in nurse corp that are due on Monday, several things. We also have to complete an anti-terrorism class and provide our class adviser with the certificate on Monday. For those that have to do 5-day PT they will not be doing combatives and will have to pick it up on the unit.

The last class had 500 students, we only have 295. Everyone is still getting used to saluting their seniors. We have 1 MAJ and 3 LTC, several CPTs, and the rest are 2 LTs.

I hope I answered your questions, as each class is different.

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That is great info GetnPhD... thank you!!!

Would you recommend we show up with our own laptops and printers? Both my wife and I will be there and we only have one laptop :( Would prefer not to have to buy a second (uniform costs for two are already killing us).

Thanks again and good luck.

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i have to admit that even though we have only been here a few days, it has been enlightening, nerve wrenching, and anxiety provoking all rolled up together. for those of us that are not rotc or prior service, it is a lot to take in when we are trying as best as we can. i know that i have had a difficult time but when i reflect to why i am here..not for loan repayment (which is nice) but for my soldiers, my country..heck, i would die for my soldiers and country if need be. i have told myself to keep thinking that whenever the time gets difficult, and that is what i will do as failure is not an option. i am not a person who fails and have to remind myself of the challenging times that i have when i took care of a dead infant, child who died from a gun shot wound, or wounded soldier or veteran. i got through those difficult times without any problems, so i can get through this too. i guess it is somewhat of a culture shock but i hope to be able to make dramatic improvement as i want to learn all that i can.

one thing that i would recommend to future classes is to have a back-up buddy. i took pity on my room mate and now am without one as she has moved onto a gentleman with a car. so, if i can recommend one thing to make life a little more manageable, it is to get that back-up second, or perhaps third, battle buddy.

good luck to all of you future officers!

hooah!!:caduceus::usarm:

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Where are your orders for after OBLC GetnPhD?

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GetNPhD,

It can be very intense at the beginning, especially not being prior. I cried to my husband when I was at COT (air force officer training), and that was only 4 wks and now I can say it was easy. Now I can laugh about it...but I know I will be crying again when I go to OBLC in January. Air Force and Army are two different beasts. Anyway, most training gets easier as you go on...the philosophy being...break you down then build you up. And you will meet others who will not abandon you for a guy.

I wish you luck, you are a trooper or should I say soldier...:up:

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I am going to Ft. Gordon for a few weeks and then scheduled to receive 66b training.

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Thanks airforce,

It has been quite an adjustment and having talked to those who transferred from Air force to Army, it is still an adjustment. I guess we have to remember why we are doing this and keep that in mind. We are strong individuals who represent qualities that are needed, otherwise we would never had made it this far.

I hope to laugh at the end. Honestly, I am looking forward to the FTXs as that will be something that most of us will not know and can all learn together.

Good luck!

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

Hey Getna,

HooaH!!! Good work.... on your first few days!!

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience..... it really helps.

I am not looking forward to the 7 mile walks between bldgs!!!

See you in a few weeks....by that time you will be a "toughened solider, and I will be a weak, limp biscuit....:)"

cindy

p.s. Can we bring you anything? A "fourth set of boots, perhaps?"

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Thanks Older,

One thing that I caution is that there is limited supplies here. I still have to get a PT shirt and pants and I guess I should buy another pair of boots, thanks for the suggestion. I will be happy to show you around when you get here. Send me a PM as I check every day and I will provide you with my number so that we can meet up.

Yes, I did survive the first week days but they were tough. I will post move next week so that you know that to expect when you get here! BTW, were we supposed to bring zip lock bags? I heard someone saying that we had to put our stuff in them? Any of you that have went before me ...if you know the answer please let us know!

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I went to C4 training at Camp Bullis...the plastic bags are to protect your gear from the wet and organize things. Be prepared for no showers, so bring wipes. Also, take cards or a game everyone plays, the tents are co-ed and there are lots of you, also a book or anything for entertainment. (If its the same as C4) Another pair of boots is good, especially if its raining out. Also, waterproof them. Good luck...:)

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