OBLC

Well since the first of August, I have been in San Antonio, Texas for OBLC (Officer Basic Leadership Course). This course is designed to introduce new officers (me) on what it takes to be an officer in military. The course is broken into 2 parts: general and track. The general portion was 7 weeks long and the veterinary track is 5 weeks plus 3 days. The general portion has soliders from all walks of life: prior service, direct commission, HPSP and all walks of duties: nurses, doctors, PA's, 70 bravo's, veterinarians, denstists, ect. It has been interesting. During the general course, we have classroom time and field training (ftx). During the class work, we learned basic drill and ceremony, army procedures, duties and customs.

The FTX's were the most entertaining. Normally the class spends 5 days in the field and comes back to base for the weekend. Well because labor day fell in the middle of our FTX, we had to spend 11 days straight in the field then back to base for 4 days then back into the field for 4 days. Keep in mind that there are no showers while in the field and the bathrooms consist of port-a-potties. So your thinking that can't be that bad, well having 507 people using about 30 port-a-potties in Texas summer is not pleasent. I also have a new appreciation for baby wipes.

While in the field we did all sorts of tasks and drills, most of which are representation of what enlisted soldiers do while at boot. Some of those drills were firing the M16, M9, MOUNT training (kicking in doors and shooting people) and plenty of medical related drills. Yeah there was long days and longers nights but the best part is I got to be friends with the best platoon, "freaken 5th"!!!

(sorry tried to add more pics but my computer is hating me today)