BOLC Class 10-105 Week 1

BOLC is finally here! I feel like I have been waiting for this training forever! As always these things are bittersweet. You know you need to do them to get to the next level, but it's hard to be away from home. Luckily there isn't much down time to think about all the things you miss.

The first day was scary, I will admit. My Google Maps directions were a little off on post and I spent all kinds of time driving around post to find where to in-process. Nerve wracking to say the least, and of course I wasn't about to stop and ask someone where to go. You know you can't spell lost without "LT." Once I finally found the building I walked in only to see a former Wheaton College grad sitting there filling out paper work. That was a true God-send. It was such a relief to see a familiar face to get the ball rolling. God has really been faithful in this process so far. I know there were a lot of people praying for the training, and He has heard them. Following in-processing we were free to leave post and head over to our housing at the Holiday Inn. Now not every military training allows their trainees to lodge in a hotel, but lucky for us, post accommodations were full. That night we formed out in the parking lot in two groups. One group was for prior service and the other for ROTC and direct commissions. The prior service were divided up quickly and released for the night. Meanwhile the rest of us stayed in formation for another 2 hours to practice drill and ceremony. Our overall group is 347 soldiers. Half of them are prior service that have done military programs like physicians assistant to recieved there commission, green to gold programs, or ROTC. The other half is ROTC and direct commissions. Of that half, about half are ROTC and half direct commission. It's hard to stick to the standard for customs and courtesies when there is such a large chunk of the group not abiding by them at all. The ironic part is, is that they typically outrank all the rest of us. Doctors come in as Captains, PA's are 1LTs, and the rest of us are 2LTs. We do have 1 MAJ, but I'm not sure their Area of Concentration (AOC).

There wasn't much time to get to know your roommate that night because formation was at 0400. I couldn't ask for a better roommate. She is a direct commission from Georgia. While she's worried about the soldiering aspect of training, she's got the nursing in the bag. I feel the reverse. So far I've been able to help her out a little bit here and there and make sure she is squared away for the day. Hopefully she can help me when we get to the Trauma Nurse Certification Course. 0300 the alarm went off and there was no turning back. Officer training is somewhat interesting. Your day is pack with briefings non-stop. If you fall asleep you are called out in front of everyone. You are expected to get up and stand in the back if you are tired. Some people still haven't caught on that this is expected and encouraged. We form up to march as a class to the DFAC (Chow Hall) to eat and immediately drip with sweat when we step outside. It's been just shy of 100 degrees since Eric and I came down last week. I'll admit I'm concerned about getting acclimated before the PT test. I take my test 28 JULY, so I guess we shall see. The AMEDD (Army Medical Department) is so diverse. Our class has every medical specialty you can think of. Everyone has a different background, a different reason for being there, and a unique career path ahead. My team leader is a gentleman who was enlisted for 18 years and last held the position of 1SGT (E-8). Let's just say, most enlisted won't make it to that high of rank on their side. He loves the Army and he wanted to return the favor by offering more time and serving in a different capacity where he could help more people. Cool.

Much to my relief, it has been incredibly easy to make friends. Everyone is pretty friendly and willing to help any one around them. Of course this is only the beginning. People can still fake it at this point. I guess we'll see what things look like in a few more weeks. :)

This morning we formed up again at 0400, meaning we got up at 0300. We finally made it back to the hotel at 1900. It has been a LONG HOT day. We received briefing after briefing all day long. You wouldn't think that would be exhausting, but when you have been up since 0300. EVERYTHING is exhausting. We were able to meet our Nurse Liaison instructor who will be in charge of us for the final two week of AOC specific training. She is a young, no nonsense, energetic Major who makes you excited to be a part of the elite Army Nurse Corps. I'm looking forward to our time with her. In fact she's working on trying to release us three days early at the end of training. Let's just say that a lot of brownie points with us. Hopefully it works out.

Overall I'm doing well. Trying to stay hydrated and stay caught up on sleep. It will be easy to let both slip as things pick up. I guess they have A LOT of heat casualties in each class. Of course most of them are alcohol related. For being leaders, it's amazing how dumb people can be. Lucky for me I've got a great roommate that I won't have to worry about and I've made some great acquaintances already. God has really watched over this time so far. I pray for His continued protection as my time here continues. I appreciate all the support and prayers that I have received from family, church family, and friends. I really don't know how people make it through life without Christ and the support of the body. I'm hoping I get the opportunity to be a witness to a battle buddy while I'm here. God works in mysterious ways. I pray that my light shines during this time and even if a word is never spoken that people see the love of Jesus.

Well, time is ticking away and 0400 is creeping slowly closer....goodnight all.