Reporting to BOLC in March

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 9, 2011

If you don't pass tape or PT, you'll be held over at Ft. Sam Houston until you pass tape and your PT test. You will potentially lose your assignment choice as well. You can also eventually be chaptered out if you are unsuccessful after whatever period of time is determined. They used to let people go to their first duty stations as a PT failure, but they changed that when I was there last March. They also made us do PT almost every day, which was a change. I think they are tired of people arriving out of shape! I'm sure you'll take the time you have between now and your report date to work on your PT. :) Welcome to allnurses and the gov/mil forum!!

DWILDCAT · Dec 9, 2011

Did you have people in your class who didn't pass the tape? I;m not worried about the PT test, but... these hips of mine!!!! :uhoh3: That is another story!!!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 9, 2011

To be honest, I'm not sure, but I think everyone passed at the very end. Have you been taped before? If that's too personal, you don't have to answer; I only ask because it's not just the hips, it's the waist and neck as well.

DWILDCAT · Dec 9, 2011

I have, but it always depends on the "taper"! Some people pull tighter than others. Are they really hard...(not helping people) or pretty fair?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 9, 2011

I'm not sure -- I made weight and didn't need taping, but they did give me an extra inch of height! LOL. You can always ask for a re-tape after you get taped, too.

DWILDCAT · Dec 9, 2011

I just dont want to get there and get sent home. EPIC FAIL!!!! Maybe, i'm just overthinking everything!!! It is crazy, how you want something so bad, but when you get it.... DOUBT starts to creep in. I will get it together!!! Thank you for your help!!!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 9, 2011

I hear you! I failed my diagnostic PT test and then my first record PT test at BOLC. Failed for my sit-ups, which I have since improved. :) I have an Army Nursing blog on allnurses -- it's linked in my signature line, and I blogged about BOLC quite a bit.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Dec 9, 2011

SInce you still have around 4 months keep at the PT. If you belong to a gym/fitness club see if they have a fitness trainer and get with them to design a exercise program which will help with the PT test itself along with targeting the hips. With the coming draw down in the Army one of the factors they will be looking at is PT/tape failures to see who stays in. Good Luck, you have the time to make your goal.

DWILDCAT · Dec 9, 2011

You are right! I just need to stop over thinking things! I think the draw drown I have been hearing about is what also has me thinking to much!!!

rustynail · Dec 9, 2011

When I went to Basic some 8+ years ago, they made us do PT before breakfast every morning 5-times a week. In 9 weeks I lost 20 lbs. I have gained it back in 8 yrs but running before eating breakfast is probably the best way to lose extra pounds, in my humble opinion.

Also, try to drink water before eating, it fills your tummy and you won't be as hungry. If you don't like water, try non-sweet ice tea or green tea.

I will be running a half-marathon this weekend, wish me luck :)

Rusty

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 9, 2011

Good luck with your half-marathon, Rusty! Let us know how it goes.

I also run before breakfast, but being a night-shifter, that means I run right about now -- 1700. LOL. Currently I run a 1.25 miles, and do sit-ups and push-ups/squats on alternating days afterwards (using apps on my phone from Rittr Labs). I will never be a distance runner, but I can do the two miles for the APFT as well as the rest of it without hurting myself, which isn't bad for an "old woman."