Too much time to think...

[lifeafter40]

I understand that a lot of things can be wavered during the commissioning process but, I was just wondering if anyone can give me an idea what kinds of things they look for during the background check for security clearance, and what sort of things would keep someone from being able to be commissioned in to the Army... I have decided the path I want to follow, now I guess I am just fretting over things that might stand in my way.

S

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hello lifeafter40:

Lets see: I would recommend you bring: plenty of baby wipes for when you are out at Camp Bullis. No showers to speak of and it is generally understood that you will not be washing your hair in the general sinks so I would also suggest you bring some baby powder (especially for us women who have longer hair. Cuts back on some of the grease that can accumulate r/t not being able to take a shower and wash said hair!)

if you need to rest your head on something other than your rolled up ACU jacket bring a small pillow.

Bring those light-calorie powders that one can put in your water bottle. Crystal Lite, Propel. Speaking for myself I do not like plain ol' water and this helped me.....especially when you guys will be there in August and y'all don't want to be a Heat Casualty. You need to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate plus maybe you can trade some of your flavored powders for something yummy (like M&Ms that are in specific MREs)

A smaller flashlight for when you have energy to read after lights out while in the FOB at Camp Bullis

Make sure you bring plenty of those wonderful OD Army socks, you don't want to get blisters on top of everything else

That spray you can use on furniture, the rug, Fabreeze? BRING IT because goddess knows after that first week of no showers you will want to spray it on yourself and everyone that walks by you

Bring a leather-man if you can. Will come in handy especially when it comes to opening up those blasted MREs. I didn't have a leather-man but I did have my trusty knife. Whichever floats your boat...Just make sure if you do bring in either leather-man or knife, it gets packed in your luggage/duffel bag (not your carry-on) so that it will not be taken away from you during airport security checks:nono:

If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last you while you are at Fort Sam and at Camp Bullis.

I would also suggest, if you can get your hands on one, a copy of the Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks: Warrior Skills Level 1 (October 2006). You will be given a copy while at OBLC but it might help you to understand what tasks and skill sets you will be learning/doing while at OBLC. Check out www.us.army.mil AKO or go to the Training and Doctrine Digital Library at www.train.army.mil

I brought along my computer. There should be printers available no matter where you eventually end up (at Fort Sam billeting or at the motel) but that is a personal decision to make. Of course the computer will stay behind when you guys are at Camp Bullis

Bring along some bug spray in case the 'skeeters are biting. Make sure you and your battle buddy inspect each other especially when you spend time out in the field doing Land/Nav or putting together the CSH for ticks.

For the Women: in you will be in your cycle especially while at the FOB think about obtaining some of those lady partsl condoms or whatever your GYN or girlfriend can suggest. It will make your life so much easier.

Anyone else have any suggestions?

HAVE FUN!

athena

[lifeafter40]

Thanks for the suggestions, Athena! I remember baby wipes being a must from 30 days at NTC!! I will definitely look up the current Common tasks manual, I think they called it a "smart book" in Basic years ago.

I have a long time yet before I will be attending OBLC, I am especially interested in any materials I can read to increase my knowledge base before I get there (I just Downloaded a PDF copy of FM 6-22, Army Leadership manual) anyone have other suggestion?

information junkie here:typing

S