preparation for OBLC

athena55, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2009

Sending out mega cyber: ice cubes, ice cold beer/pepsi (if you don't drink, ha ha), nice soft slippers and a cool shower q2h.

Too bad the 'puters aren't virtual!

Thinking of you. Remember: "Army Nurses: First we shoot you, then we stitch you up"

athena

Staczse7 · Jul 3, 2009

{{ edie }}
Sending out mega cyber: ice cubes, ice cold beer/pepsi (if you don't drink, ha ha), nice soft slippers and a cool shower q2h.
Too bad the 'puters aren't virtual!
Thinking of you. Remember: "Army Nurses: First we shoot you, then we stitch you up"
athena

HOOAH!!!!!!!!!

pattyrn376 · Jul 3, 2009

glad I get to go in the winter

hopeful_army_NP · Jul 7, 2009

This is great, thank you

olderthandirt2 · Jul 7, 2009

I totally agree. I live in San Antonio now (ArmyCRNA school).

It is hotter than heck. I run in 102 degree weather everyother day. If you are not acclimmated.....you will suffer. Start working-out in the hottest part of the day (where ever you live).

Your AFPT will be at 0500, so it will be around 80 degrees + humidity. Don't show-up here "out of shape".....not only will you flag the D-AFPT, but you will suffer the entire OBLC (and this is supposed to be fun!).

A kid--enlisted (21yrs) just passed-away during morning PT last week. Probably a sick-ticker, but who knows......

My dad dropped dead on a "Handball court" at 49......supply did not meet demand.......enough said. Be cog. of the heat....know your limits.

enjoy!

c.

p.s. I see you guys walking near my classroom everyday......smile :)

Staczse7 · Jul 11, 2009

Hi

So we are entering our last week here for OBLC- short course. It is still hot, the demands are greater both physically and mentally. While this course is not anywhere near what enlisted's go through for their basic training it has been tough in spots. People have passed out from the heat, dehydration.... have had serious blisters on their feet and other physical issues. I cannot emphasize enough being in good shape and have a good pair of well-fitting boots.

We have ridden on the back of convoy trucks, learned how to identify some ied's, have had numerous powerpoint lessons. The cadre have been supportive, even going so far as getting ice for the water buffalo (again no running water at the FOB). The food is less than desireable but compared to what some other people get to eat in our world it is tolerable.

This coming week we are going to learn what its like to be a medic on the front line.

(I have posted pics on facebook..... you can request to be a friend to me and I will let you in.... just put AN in the message)

name: Edie Cardwell

Iworecords, RN · Jul 11, 2009

Hooah!!!!!!!!!!!!

OBC -- what memories. Your post shows how things have changed lololololol Way back when, I attended OBC at the Quad (don't even know if it still stands) -- marched in pumps (high heels) -- ate lunch at "The Pit" (now that place had character) -- was housed in a Q overlooking the old hospital (and watched as they brought LBJ in for emergency treatment after an MI) -- and spent 1 -- yes 1 -- glorious day at Camp Bullis lolololol Expectations for ANC Officers have changed.

As for blisters -- bunion pads with a small piece of moleskin cut to fit into the adhesive center (adhesive to adhesive) works well and is less irritating than the duct tape. The raised area of the bunion pad takes the pressure off the blister and the softness of the moleskin is gentle to the skin . Double socks also help until the boots are well broken in. Having 2 pairs of boots also helps since pressure points are different with each boot.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heat injury is essential for anyone going out into the field or participating in athletics. Treating heat cramps is much easier than treating heat exhaustion -- and we all know that exhaustion can convert to heat stroke rapidly. Also the person suffering from a heat injury does not always recognize what is going on -- so having a buddy who is knowledgeable can mean the difference between life and death. Instant ice tea mix or other flavors -- brought to the field in zip lock bags -- can make the water from a water buffalo more palatable. I have seen people refuse to drink because of the taste and then keel over.

While out in the field -- it is better to hang your boots from the tent post or over the end of your cot -- with a sock sealing the neck. It helps keep the creepy crawlers from taking up residence. Always shake your boots before you put your feet in them.

Never eat in your cot or in your tent!!! Especially at Bullis!!! Crumbs draw the armadillos which can lead to a sleepless night when they go bump in the night under your cot lololololol Any snacks -- left over MRE's -- etc -- should be stored in zip lock bags and hung in a net bag high up off the ground so not to draw critters.

When packing to go out to Bullis utilize large zip lock bags for socks, t-shirts, and underwear. Roll everything -- pack the bag -- partially seal it -- sit on it -- and finish the seal as you are sitting on it. It forces out the air and you can fit things easier in your duffle. It also works for rucks.

A flannel lined table cloth -- yes a table cloth lolololol -- placed on your cot -- flannel side up -- can make sleeping more comfortable in the winter. Where summers at Bullis are hot -- the winters can be bone chilling at night. Your body heat will transfer thru your sleeping bag to your cot -- the cold coming up from the ground will condense your body heat on your cot. A damp sleeping bag is no fun. For those who are a tad hesitant to put their bare feet on the ground in the morning -- an old bath mat works. It doesn't take up much room in your duffle because you line the sides with it. Speaking of your duffle -- always use a large black garbage bag in it. If it rains -- yes it does rain in Texas lolololol -- the stuff in your duffle does not get wet.

Don't know if they are still introducing you to DEPMEDS out at Bullis and teaching you to raise a temper -- or having you raise your sleeping tent -- but I would pack a pair of black leather work gloves just in case. If it is on your equipment list -- don't forget them!! I know it sounds strange if you are going to OBC in the summer -- but they are on the list for a reason. The tent ropes can be rough on your hands and if you are working around tempers the gloves can save your finger.

Enjoy OBC and everything it leads to.

athena55, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

Iworecords:

THANK YOU for the information, much of it still pertinent today!

Ahh, the dreaded Temper! No, when I went to OBC we didn't have to deal with any of that, but when I was at Fort McCoy ugh....Put 'em up and take 'em down....all in the same 24 hour period....

Again, thank you and Welcome to All Nurses.

HOOAH!

athena

Staczse7 · Jul 12, 2009

we havent needed to put up any tents............ no mention of such either.... but I have black gloves in my bag just in case. PX sells a pair for about 7 bucks

Iworecords, RN · Jul 12, 2009

Better safe than sorry In the late 80's (pre Just Cause) heard horror stories from the LT's fresh out of OBC on how they were shipped out to Bullis -- spent a long hot day out in the woods -- and then had to raise GP Mediums to sleep that night.

olderthandirt2 · Jul 13, 2009

Better safe than sorry In the late 80's (pre Just Cause) heard horror stories from the LT's fresh out of OBC on how they were shipped out to Bullis -- spent a long hot day out in the woods -- and then had to raise GP Mediums to sleep that night.

In their "pumps"......?

:)