SilverRN

Well that explains why I can't PM. At least it wasn't a case of missing the "reply" button somewhere! :chuckle 66HM5 I'm south of Tucson and actually drill in Tucson. I've met some of the folks from Mesa...wonder if we've met? When I packed for school, I followed the packing list I was sent from the schoolhouse as well as one I found on here. Actually, using those two, there were not any things I didn't have but wished I did, except batteries. I took my camera and extra batteries. Left the batteries in my room when we went to camp. Of course, the batteries died on day one! Some things made life more comfortable, like the foot and body powder. Febreeze would have been nice after so many days without a shower. I discovered bug spray worked (almost) as well. Well, at least it masked the smell for me. Physically, it can be a challenge. The first week we were moving all day long, with gear. While I was in the combatives class, the PT class looked like they were doing an extended APFT. Lots of push ups, sit ups and sprinting. They also went on some longer runs. Combatives was fun, but be prepared to move your body in ways you might not be used to. Prior yoga classes might have helped me out...you want my leg to go where? As someone who can't follow an aerobics class, much less dance, I found the class to be interesting to follow some mornings. A lot of "huh?" I know some of us felt like we wouldn't make it the first week. It did take some adjusting to but for those of us who have drilled with a unit before, it wasn't too bad. You get used to lines for everything, the "hurry up and wait", and having your entire time planned for you. You also get used to not necessarily knowing what you might be doing next. We would usually find out what we were doing the next day at final formation. It is funny that by the end of the class, if there was a line, we would just get in it. Didn't need to know why, just that we needed to be in a line! Don't get too frustrated. Eat. This is NOT the time to try to diet! You'll burn it off anyway. Drink plenty of water. Try to get in decent physical condition so things are a little easier. (The first week, it would take us forever to climb in and out of trucks. By the end of it, we could load and unload in a flash) Okay, now I need to post a few more messages so I can actually reply to messages. Hope I covered the questions I got!

66HotelMike5 I would PM you except I can't seem to figure that out. Anything else in particular you're curious about?

It will be with you EVERYWHERE...cot, latrine...

jbrecon2 Inprocessing is filling out paperwork, and more paperwork. You'll also have equipment issued. We also had to provide copies of paperwork, like your orders and oath paperwork. You'll set up a file of papers, which we got back at graduation. We did all that the first day at FSH. In the field, those that did not pass the APFT had PT everyday while those that did pass had Combatives. No matter if you pass or not, you'll be doing some physical activity in the mornings. We did go to the range with the M16s and M9s. No qualifying with the M16. It was more familiarization. We did get the chance to qualify with the M9. I didn't, which was frustrating for me as I hit all the first 10 shots that didn't count! All the targets on both ranges are the pop up, timed ones. Take water. It's hot and most of the positions are in the sun. I wouldn't think you would need the winter stuff. I took it but never used it. I did wish I had the long PT pants in camp the day we got soaking wet in the rain! It really wasn't cool in the evenings but the tent could get cold with the A/C...not that I'm complaining :nuke: Also, take foot powder, boots that are broken in, and good socks! A lot of folks did end up with blisters. Moleskin helps with that. I had older boots that were broken in and really good socks, as well as powder, and I think that made a big difference. I had no problems with blisters. My boots are now "field only" since they are a mess. The one day it rained so hard, I actually dumped water out of them two times! Take care of your feet or it could be miserable. You'll have fun...just flow with it!

Hi all, I had a couple of questions sent about the length for RC. I was there 27 days, 15 in the field. We had a couple of days at FSH before heading out. Inprocessing and some classes. Make sure you have copies of your orders, oath, etc. I seemed to give away lots of copies of orders. We also had to have copies of certs for anti-terrorism and composite risk management. You'll be issued a TA-50, duffel, ruck, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc. We had 11 straight field days. Pack for that! You'll need LOTS of baby wipes to attempt to get clean. Take a lock for your duffel if you want. A camelbak is really good to have. Most of us didn't need anything for colder weather except the day it poured on us and we were soaked. We all survived without. You'll probably just sleep in your PT uniform. Pack for a long camping trip. There are no showers or methods to wash clothing so the more you can take, it seems the better. Most of us had 2-3 sets of ACUs. I took enough t-shirts, socks, etc for every day and used everything. Make sure you have bug spray and sunscreen as well as zip bags to keep things clean and dry. Somewhere on here is a packing list of "nice" things to take. I took almost everything listed (except cold weather gear) and used everything at least once (tape, 550 cord, bungee cords, etc). I was given the advice to pack "generously" and that proved to be good advice. I ended up with two checked bags that were incredibly heavy going. No extra fees from the airlines as I was traveling on orders. The tents are air conditioned which is a huge blessing, not that you spend much time in there! I had a good time and learned a lot. Try not to get frustrated with lines. It's a good time to meet those around you. The instructors/cadre were great and have tons of experience to pass on. The RC ended up in a hotel off post due to availability. Some folks brought POVs. Still had to take the bus to class, and to the camp. We didn't have much free time in San Antonio but still managed to see the River Walk and eat steak one night. MREs do tend to get old! One of our days off, we went to the AMEDD and FSH museums which were pretty cool. We had a total of three days off, which was the 4 July holiday. I don't know how the schedule goes otherwise. The first week I thought they were trying to cull the herd. It was challenging, especially so as I turned 47 while there! I wasn't the oldest though. You will take a PT test before you head to camp. For those of us who passed the PT test, we did combatives in camp. It got better in camp after the first week. Try to find the packing list on here. The official website also has packing lists. Take those things you can fit that will make your life easier in a tent with lots of other people. No cell phones or MP3 players though. Have fun with it...

Welcome and enjoy FSH. I just got back from there yesterday after graduating from the RC OBLC. Feel free to pm if you have any questions you want answered. There are some old posts here that helped me a great deal when it came to packing and getting ready for the field. Get ready for heat and humidity and enjoy it!

I was 45! Not that I could possibly be that old(er)!

I was just commissioned in the Reserves and will be 46 this year. I am pretty sure the age for Army Reserves is 47. It's not impossible. I worked with a medical recruiter out of the Phoenix area and he was very helpful.

I can't believe it is finally here. I'm actually being commissioned today a a 1LT in the Reserves. I had posted on here a while back (somehow messed up that account and had to get a new one aka SilverNessima) with all my waffling comments and I really appreciate all the feedback I got. It has certainly helped with the long wait. Now it is here and I'm so excited. :yelclap: