One of common themes to emails I received was how to prepare for BOLCII “experience”. From gathering current intel from other LTs at BOLCII Ft Benning and Ft Sill each BN, Co and PLT does things drastically different. You are right, it should not be but it is. In D Co CQ room there was a binder of a high level cmdrs presentation given when BOLCII was still in its pilot phase. It contained a number of AAR comments that were identical to the ones our PLT gave at the final BN AAR now almost two years later. What does that tell you? The Army monolith is slow to change but keep in mind at the same time the units concerned were tasked to run 1000 LTs thru a month in a new program during war time with very little support resources.
A common complaint was “too much time between training iterations” and a “waste of time for IOBC” Maybe it is my perspective of a few more years but for goodness sake used the time you are given even read a professional development book. I know from working with my unit what it is like to have 18-20 hr days with no weekends off. The Army takes and the Army gives –Understand and use it wisely. I still think there is significant value interfacing the Combat, CS and CSS LTs together from different commissioning sources and learning to work together.
But there is a valid point here. In my lowly opinion as a 2LT, BOLCII does not need to be 7 weeks. 5 weeks would be about right IF the programs were resourced properly. For the BOLCII experience to be uniform there needs to be spot checks from the BDE and BN levels at the PLT.
Examples of differences:
PT. Our PLT Mentor placed a high emphasis on PT every day, garrison or at the FOB with the exception of road march days. Moreover, it was “real” PT, no shamming. Other PLTs only did PT until the APFT and quit. Our PLT APFT average was about 273. We had about 10 LTs score 500 or above on the Iron Voyager APFT contest.
Meetings. Other PLTs constantly held “meetings” (I think they were professional development orientated, or maybe just cadre on a soap box) we would walk by and they would be in there for hours it seemed, with all the LTs looked as excited to be there as in a dentist office waiting for a root canal. Our PLT Mentor did believe in these, We had two professional meeting which were very intellectually engaging and that was it.
You could tell the PLT cadre that a “death grip” on their PLTs. Those PLT were the ones that did not display any enthusiasm or initiative, took forever at the arms room and lost sensitive items.
I heard of one PLT Mentor would keep his PLT will 2000+ on Fridays and then individually interview every single LT about their plans for the weekend and deny approve them even with in the 150 mi radius. Another PLT Mentor was a total shammer and got caught sleeping in a car during qualification.
Our PLT Mentor set the tone right away, he was very professional and down to earth. He expected us show responsibility take initiative and then let the PLT student leadership take care of business. Given, a requirements for that plan to work and be successful, is the personality, maturity and experience of the PLT members. If your PLT has a bunch of shammers and scum bags then the cadre will have to be a lot more involved.
PLT Cadre: I believe it is requirement to have several deployments to serve as a cadre and it is regarded as time for the CPT/E7/E6 to spend time with family before another tour. Some cadre will pencil in the training and others will go above and WAY beyond. We were fortunate and for the exception of one, all of our cadre genuinely wanted to prepare us and yet keep it done to earth.
FOB Missions. Our PLT ran 2 missions a day plus PT, other PLTs only ran 1 mission a day with no PT. Who got more sleep? Who got better experience?
I came during the hottest cycle possible for GA (Aug-Sep) and during a record heat wave, which accounts for the high number of LTs going to the hospital in an ambulance. Any other cycle should not experience this degree element of stress but you do need to be in shape. As a baseline, shoot for a 250 APFT with a decent run time and you should be fine. Be smart stay hydrated and used Gatorade /electrolyte replacement in your camel-bak and eat something every meal even though you may not feel like it.
PLT Demographics:
-41 with 1 international
-5 Females
-65% West Point (high % due to graduation timing) 4 LTS were OCS including me, the rest ROTC.
-About 12 IOBC, a few Armor, the rest CS and CSS.
From talking with a current LT a Ft Sill, his PLT has few West Pointers, 50% Female and the majority CS and CSS.
West Pointers: As a general rule a very sharp and physically fit bunch. They have an enviable tight bond after spending 4 years together. They had a few prior service graduates but for the most point had limited experience in the “real Army” Typical age 22. Lots of Airborne, Air Assault, and even SCUBA qualified.
ROTC: Hit or miss depending on the school. Some very high speed and mature LTs and some LTs that should have not been commissioned. Limited practical Army experience with the exception of prior service “Green to Gold” types. Age from 20 (yes 20!) to mid 30’s. Lots of Airborne qualified.
OCS (Federal, NG State and Accelerated): I am biased here since I am OCS, but I think OCS brought the best mix of experience of time inside/out the Army, the only group to go thru Basic Combat Training and a deep appreciation of earning our gold bar. The OCS commissioning source definitely stands above the sources with the level of physical, mental stress received (smokings!) and attention to detail taught during training. Age 28-32.
Note on social activities: Generally, you will have weekends off. You will need to prepare for the next week training (laundry, packing, reading/writing assignments due etc) but for the most part it is for you to rest and refit.
Columbus does have some rough areas so used some common sense and do the buddy team thing and know where you are going (i.e. Victory drive has an average of 3 people killed each weekend.) The historic riverfront is a project in progress and is very nice and is also the location of the better local drinking establishments/clubs. Anything further out and you run into the cougar type establishments. Be advised there can be a lot of testosterone flowing around with all the Ranger regiment and Airborne graduates, do not put yourself in a situation where you get in a confrontation and an enlisted/NCO strikes you because that will have serious career repercussions for them for striking an officer -even off duty. The MPs have an arrangement with the Columbus police and routinely patrol the historic area. Plenty of cabs run to and from base, it will cost you about $5 each.
Exit 7 has the Peachtree mall with a number of name brands and hotels. Exit 10 has a large modern strip with all the major chain restaurants and shopping outlets. The other exits have one or two points of interest but those are the main two exits.
P.S. I am going to try and fill in some of the missing days as I have time so check back.
24 September 2007
BOLCII: Final thoughts on BOLCII…
20 September 2007
BOLCII Day 33: Graduation
0500 wake up, quick hygiene, take the rest of my stuff do to the car stand by for room inspection by SFC Kerr. There is definitely a difference with the ROTC rooms, as they had not dusted their wall lockers, shelves and desks. Hand over my key and time to collect linen.
Here is an example of classic Army way; we collect all the sheets blanks and pillow covers in bundle of 25, haul them down stairs and then find out they need to be individually turned in so we un-bundled everything, and bag one pillow case with blanket and 2 sheets call the PLT down and send the PLT there on their merry way.
NOTE: There was no contingency to have BOLCII LTs stay over post gradation in the barracks as all the cadre take advantage of the downtime before the next cycle. So plan to leave Ft Benning on graduation day if at possible for your BOLCIII. Otherwise, you will have to stay in a hotel or try to borrow a room from a IOBC LT.
At 0730 it very evident the chow long line is too long so a number of us POV to the on post Burger King and down some high quality food and reflect on the past 7 weeks and what the future holds for all of us. 0820 we head to the bld 4 for rehearsals. The parking lot is getting full because there is a Basic Training graduation on the front grounds and the Infantry conference is happing this week in bld 4.
Only the honor graduates have assigned seating the rest is a free for all in the front center section. At this point I hand out the “coveted” ACU BOLCII tab I had arranged a source for 3rd PLT to wear under left pocket flap (if you need a qty of these send me an email.) Rehearsal are quick and we are released to explorer the infantry conference, there is definitely a lot of cool gear on display by the vendors. Everything from the latest high speed uniforms, personal equipment, weapons and munitions, to robots and IED resistant trucks.
Back to Marshall Auditorium, a video presentation of pictures from our training (a number of my pictures show up, which is cool) prayer from the chaplain, a few good words from the guest speaker about what our 
PLT will expect from us, and the 2 honor graduates from each PLT go across the stage. We recite the Soldier’s creed, sing the first refrain of the Army song and we are pronounced “graduates of BOLCII.” The graduation is anti-climatic. However, honestly there really is no way they could run all 480 of us cross the stage in a timely manner. We each take away with the satisfaction of what we have put into of the program and the life long friendships we have made.
The only issue I have is wife traveled 4 hours from Augusta with sons and by the time she arrived, the MPs would not allow her to park in at the Infantry center and kept directing to her to the “next” entrance where she would be told that entrance was closed as well. Long story short, she missed the graduation. She was very unhappy about it and so am I.
POV back the Co area we collect our dental records from the previous day and then are called outside to a formation the cadre because the common areas are not clean enough, after threats of continued formations our PSG take over and assign details to get it knocked out. 30 mins later it must have meet with satisfaction as we are released to sign and copy our DA31s and receive our diplomas. I give the cadre each a BOLCII tab and they are suitably impressed. CPT McGinty even places it above his Ranger tab(!)
Off to SBOLC for me!
19 September 2007
BOLCII Day 32: Out process III
0545 at Peden field. We form up and move out for our C and D Co’s 4 mile run. The pace was about 8:45. CPT McGinty kept changing the distance between us and the lead PLT so it was almost like a fartlek run at times. The cooler temperature change is noticeable as I am barely sweating by the time we come back to Peden field.
Chow and change in to ACUs. Draw weapons and clean, clean. After touching up the few minor spots SSG Dunfee had found yesterday I take my weapon down to for another inspection, but I take a few cleaning supplies just in case. SGG Dunfee finds (or they appear, I’m not sure which!) a few more minor things, no sweat, I correct them on the spot, wait one person in line and SSG Dunfee finds a few more things! Don’t get me wrong I have nothing against a high standard and expect them of other myself but I find moving targets frustrating. -This plan is not working so I take my m4 upstairs to wait the process out.
After some quality time with a tooth brush, dental pick and CLP while watching Shooter DVD on my laptop I decided lunch time might make a good opportunity target time so down I go and this time I am a go for turn in. I spend the rest of the afternoon working on making the PLT movie with XPs movie maker. LT James is kind enough to not assign any details to me so I can stay focused.
CPT McGinity calls for 4th squad to received our end of cycle counseling. Counseling is individual and very informal. My rating is about the middle of the pack which considering the high percentage of tight knit West Pointers in the squad is pretty good. CPT Mcginty expresses his appreciation for my “senior age” (ha!) and maturity in helping maintain balance in the squad.
A detail was sent to the Ammo Supply Point (ASP) to count, inventory and restock all the unexpended and unused ammo from our training and apparent it was the worst experience of all BOLCII for them! No food, no water and very over bearing DA civilians for 8 hours with multiple redundant verifications of the ammo. They have all promised when they get to their units, there will be organized spend-ex’s but NO unexpended ammo, ever!
We were released at a reasonable time. LT Grams and Boudro and I headed to chow for a snack so we could start packing and still be hungry for the PLT party at the IOBC LTs house. We packed an hour and a half or so and headed over. When I arrived, “power hour” had already been in progress.
I hung out for had some good food, received my official Red Sands employee tee shirt (our PLTs new security, stability operations company) I stayed an hour and half and headed back to pack and clean my room which would end up taking till 0100 by the time I got done talking with everyone and carrying out all my stuff and sweeping and mopping,. I had to wake my roommate up as he was planning to wait until morning to mop, that was a no-go in my book!
18 September 2007
BOLCII Day 31: Out process II
Downstairs at 0540 at the squad office for ice sheets. The “chill” in the air at 70 degrees is definitely noticeable.
LT Sadoun leads PT, we have an ab and lower body work out with flutter kicks, multiple variations of crunches and partner resisted sit ups and ability group sprints. Off to chow and a little down time till weapons draw at 0830. 4th PLT PL tried to bully their way into taking our place. LT James our PL for the week stood fast and we had our draw done in 2 mins! LT Kwia gave a brief on Liberia’s army. It was very fascinating and little known how US involvement in the past several years has literally turned there country around from civil war to a relativity stable country. LT Kwia is one of a very few officers being trained by the US to lead their new army.
SSG Dunfee gave us the download on the DA31 for BOLCIII and what he was expecting for weapons turn-in. BOLCII is requiring us to claim graduation day as our first day of leave –not cool!
I then worked on a detail cleaning up the squad room for the next cycle, what a mess! I received my leadership counseling from SFC Kerr for my PSG duties last week. It was very informal working thur each of the Army values and how they related to my responsibilities. Basically SFC Kerr was looking for me to relate a particular scenario I faced and how I dealt with. The rating scale is 1-4 with 4 being above average. I scored about 50% 4’s and 50% 3’s so I good to go at this station.
My unit had given me a job list of about 120 pre-mob tasks that need to be complete be for deploying next year, I took the list to SFC Kerr and he was able to mark off about 75% which will be a HUGE time saver!
I took my M4 down to SFC Dunfee for a the first run thru, I somehow hoped for a first time go but that illusion was quickly shattered. A few minor cosmetic things to touch up and I should be good to go. The armoror in OCS doesn’t even measure up to this standards! –Not a bad thing ether.
Bottom line is the cadre want the downtime between the next startup so they will make sure the LTs take care of everything possible.
I help LT James make a run to Little Caesars for a load of “Hot and Nows” for the PLT so we can keep them cleaning weapons instead of breaking for chow in the defac. “LT Ninja” has to be given a 30 min counseling lesson by LT Seitz about not order other LTs around and talking with his moth full of pizza drinking straight from the Pepsi 2-little bottle!
We completed turn-for the day and were released at a reasonable time. LT Grams and I headed to Commandos surplus to pick up 41 BOLCII tabs for graduation and a hair cut (Note: the haircut place next to Commandos is the best in town!) We then headed to Texas Roadhouse at exit 10 to meet up with a dozen other LTs for some good steak and good times.
Tomorrow AM is the BN run with 2 Co’s of 6 PLTs each in formation, this will be fun! I still have to catch up on last week blog, crate the picture CD and pack all my stuff tomorrow –ah!
17 September 2007
BOLCII Day 30: Outprocess I
Sunday night I got back from Augusta about 8pm and dumped all my stuff out. I had taken advantage of LT Deriks’ laundry service this weekend for $10 a load and cleaning CIF/turn-in so I didn’t have to worry about getting back earlier and going to the on post laundry CIF machines.
I also had to complete a peer eval for the squad which was difficult for me. You rank them 1-10 or what ever then explain why you picked the top tree and bottom three. My last chopice was very clear but the others were not, I felt like I blue falcon’d the other two last place LTs.
I went thru and organized all my platoon issue for turn-in Monday; MOLLE vest, canteen and, mag pouches, blank adapter, mags, IBA, IBA plates, elbow and knee pads and reference books.
I dumped my two duffels of CIF out and went thru double checking I still had everything, that took awhile. I am so glad I have home unit issue gear!
0600 PT, we divided the PLT into three teams for soccer, football and ultimate Frisbee. Boy was this a nice break and still a good workout!
After chow we waited on other PLTs for our weapons draw and then brought them up to the 3rd floor for cleaning. LTs broke out the radios and we went to work. Over the weekend I bought a can of foam shaving cream and had had my M4 looking like new in no time (trick I learned from Basic Training) just wet down the m4 with water then spray and brush the shaving cream everywhere, it lifts the oil and carbon right off. All the other LTs immediately became interested in this time saving technique and in no time, my can was depleted with promises of “I’ll buy you another one!”
About 1130 LT James decided to turn weapons back in for CIF return, he had chow and load a bus up for the short trip. It was actually fairly painless, LT James put in front of the line because I am working a PLT picture CD and once they found my paperwork I dumped my gear in a shopping cart and went down the line handed stuff back. The civilians where very reasonable, the one ting I was missing; a strap for a 2Qt they did not ding me on.
We walked back to the barracks as soon as each of us was done. I ran our PLTs pictures over to C Co as they are making a BN picture CD
By the way the IOBC guys did not have CIF turn in. They will keep their gear thru the end of IOBC course. They got to put on PTs for the day and clean crew served weapons. What fun –NOT!
By that time it was 1700, we fell out for for formation and after a few words form CPT McGinty, where released.
I went downtown to a coffee house with a few other LTs and knocked out a bunch of paperwork work for SBOLC.
14 September 2007
BOLCII Day 29: Last missions
LT Corina weighs in with 240B before rolling out.
More tonight, I promise!
12 September 2007
BOLCII Day 28
04 September 2007
BOLCII Day 22: Land Nav and back at the FOB
Note: Day 21 was Labor day. C Co got a 3 day weekend.
0345 formation (yawn) we had packed our rucks, duffels for the FOB the night before s well as an assault pack for the land nav course. Loaded the bus and eat MREs on the way. I brought some nutribars to snack on as I knew I would not be hungry enough to eat the main course that early. Also Gatorade in the camel-bak. We were all nervous given the problems we all had on the practice course.
We did our land nav on Yakee South (practice was on Yakee North) in total about (12) 1000m grid squares.
It took a little long to get rolling this time, you could recheck your pace count and double check your compass. The company formed up and the cadre issued maps (color and 100% better then the B&W photo copies we received for practice!) Each LT was issued a score card with their name on it with different point and in different order to prevent cheating. No talking allowed but red lights OK (remember your head lamp LED!) Each PLT received a different start time and we immediate spread out on the ground in front of the cadre shack to take advantage of the utility lighting. I was one on the last in PLT to finish plotting at about 25 mins. I plotted everything and then rechecked everything. As I did not had a warm fuzzy from last time. Based on my point I chose to angle of attack verses dead reckoning. I plotted pace count from major intersection and trails and distance in for the first (6) and decided I would adjust fire on my last two based on METTC. I struck out at a fast range walk passing most of the LTs on the road. I could already see a number of them stopped on the road re-plotting –don’t do this! Take the extra time at the start point. I had some trouble finding my first one which is never a good sign but finally after double checking the map I went back on the trail to the main road and re paced counted and still… nothing! My frustration level was rising, I looked up and on a small hill there and it was! (these point are not reflective) Off to the next one, My pace count did not match the map or the trails, I rechecked everything, found what I thought was the trail and aging… nothing in the area! I looked to the right and 100m I could just make a point out. The course is not self correcting (no stamped grids) but others have “written” grids on them. The grid written on this one said it was about 200m South of the one I needed, so I headed off North, I then ran into a major terrain feature that did not match up but did tell me the point was the one I wanted regards less of what some one had written –Lessoned learned here and through out the course, trust your skills and equipment, not what people have written on the posts or you will fail.
I am now at the FOB and need to hit the rack for live fire ops tomorrow. I will fill in the rest and catch up on a couple of days later. Long story short I managed to get 8 of 8 points correct with 10 minutes to spare. We had about 8 fail from the PLT who will need to pass as it is a graduation requirement.
03 September 2007
BOLCII Day 19 & 20: 24 Hr MOUT Ops
Off to showers and chow then on the bus with full battle rattle plus (2) MREs off to Mckenny MOUT site for more shooting house training. This one has the full town with houses, buildings, church, jail etc. SSG Vega and SSG Butler ran concurrent training in two different buildings with squad size with two fire teams and Opposing Force (OPFOR) so we could put into use what we had learned the previous day. Great training! But like many things at BOLCII you will get what you put into it. If you want to lay around and nap you can find a way. If you want to learn important 
stuff that could save your and your Soldiers lives you need to take initiative and make en effort to be in the middle of the action.On a “can you believe this!?” note, LT “Ninja” (fake name to protect his identity) fired a blank off in-between training to “see if his M4 would fire –wrong answer! We jumped all over him for it.
MRE about 1200, more training then about 1700 we ran a quick PLT mission to assault the big blue building. I was on the squad providing security. The PL and PSG did not have much time to organize but it went off reasonable well.
1800-2000 Time for a tasty MRE and a few minute of rack time where ever you could find it. 2000 we formed up in the town square and CPT Mcginty told us we would be conducting Simunitions training by squad. The cadre issued us (12) simunition upper receivers/barrels and (2) mags each for us to swap out and put on our M4s.
NOTE: One note of concern is the cadre did not issue us the special Simunitions helmets. Whether they forgot or they were not available I do not know but the IOBC guys who had been running Simunitions missions in the same town all day looked at us like we were crazy! If you bring your make sure your bring your clear pro-glasses, gloves, if you bring your own IBA, bring your neck, and groin protection even if they don’t put it out. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIvfUoTUZGE and you will see how much these rounds can hurt if you get shot in the “wrong” place! I improvised some groin protection by using a carbineer on the front of my belt with a small pack and tied a doubled up ACU handkerchief around my face in case I took a face shot so it would not leave a bloody welt.
There was a massive cluster as a rain front rolled in while 1st SQD ran their mission. We had to secure everyone’s gear including their sensitive items, move them to one building them move them to another building, hours were lost as LTs tried to find their stuff. Lesson learned INSIST to the cadre NCOs to secure your gear inside a building.
LT “Ninja” struck again buy refusing to die while OPFOR and continuing to fire Simunitions point blank and trying to take head shots. One LT finally drop kicked him and that was the end of that.
It was 2330 by the time 4th squad got called up, LT Miles stayed our squad leader and was given 20 mins to plan with the squad. The OPFOR was also given 20 mins to plan. We talked and LT Wismann was chosen lead A tm and I was chosen for B tm. We agreed which team would lead and go left/right etc. We did not have our PVS-14 night vision so we agreed to enter each room using a brief burst of white light (I suggest buy/bring a high output LED converted AA maglite) to disorientate the OPFOR. We test fired our simunition M4 as their had been problems with them jamming up on the first round. We also conducted some brief rehearsals.
Time hack was called and we immediately went tactical and stacked up outside the building door, A tm went in first right and we went left clearing the first floor. A tm went up the stairs and saw an obstacle outside the 2nd floor door on the right, suspecting a trap LT Wismann wisely closed the door and we conferred a minute, he suggested A tm go thru the left door as we and breached and thru assaulted the right door. A tm immediately took fire and lost (3) of their (4) members, we blew thru the left door, I kicked the obstacle out of the way and we immediately went to work clearing the hallway and rooms, I called for a high/low on almost all the situations, it took more time but my team was the only team in the PLT to neutralize all OPFOR and bring all my team members out alive. There was a point of confusion when the SQD Ldr told me all OPFOR had been neutralized and we could stop clearing. We had one more room to go and I made a command call to clear it anyway which was a good thing as there was an unexpected EPW to deal with. We then had an After Action Review (ARR)
The PLT was formed up to coordinate the next mission. The PLT would move and setup a patrol base from 0100-0400 and setup off for the PLT night mission.
CPT Mcginty called for OPFOR volunteers and I was not going to miss this opportunity so I yanked LT James out of the squad and made a bee line for the rally point. There was (6) OPFOR and CPT Mcginty gave us some basic requirements and left the execution totally up to us. We went around and setup the building the way we wanted; including moved a refrigerator to block the main stair well and turning all lights out as teh PLT was to all have PVS-14s on. We setup our PVS-14s (except for mine which some loser LT had broken!) We then racked out for a few hours in the same room with all sorts of creepy-crawlers on the floor in our sweat drenched uniforms.
An hour or so into it I heard one of the metal pipes we had leaded against the doors as an early warning device crash and hit the floor. I open one eye and watched to see what would happen, I saw some of the IOBC guys dart thru the door and look at us with their PVS-14. Thankfully, they did not disturb us although I could hear them continue to run ops in the area. 0330 we were up, made final adjustments and found a hiding place.
After a few minutes I got bored and decided to have some fun. I poked my head out one of the West windows and saw 2nd squad on the roof of the jail below me providing support by fire. I figured it wouldn’t be right for me to fire at them since I was “dead” but I decided a “ghost” could throw empty shell casings. I darted between the six windows, pitching casings on the guys below causing mass confusion as I made myself visible and darted away. 2nd squad was unable to confirm if the 3rd floor where I was had been cleared as 4th squad was now gone so they kept yelling the challenge word then firing off a few rounds. It was all I could do to keep from rolling on the floor laughing.
Lessons Learned: PCC/PCI on all PVS-14s during the day and have extra batteries. PLT needs to move tactically to assault. Do not let the grenade simulator derail the plan. Have PLT SGT setup a CCP right away.
Another squad finally came up to move me to the CCP where I was searched and waited for end-ex. CPT Mcginty lead the AAR then about 0630 we loaded buses for the FOB. I made a bee line for the showers and chow then packed all my gear and racked out with the rest of the PLT till 1100. We slept like the dead.
We had one LT showed the sign of heat stress by puking his guts out and shallow breathing/heat rate. On of the LTs kept an eye on him all night checking his vitals every hour and he eventually recovered without a trip to the hospital.
Those of us who had to complete SRM and those competing in MOUT loaded a bus, waited for an hour, loaded anther bus and finally moved out Booker range, We knocked out firing SRM and stood by to clean the range (3rd PLT cleans again!) we stood byand waited, cleaned the shooting house after the MOUT teams, attmpted to load a bus but were told 3rd was last in the order of march, ah well. We finally got back to the barracks (home sweet, home!) took our gear up to our rooms, cleaned weapons, had chow and waited to be released. The 1SG "actual" (real 1SG) decided to do a spot check on our weapons and happened to pick one that did not meet the standard (!) so I was appointed OIC to quickly mobilized a team to perform a level 1 re-clean. We knocked them out while the cadre breathed down our neck, as they needed to turn in a Co-wide weapons count.
29 August 2007
BOLCII Day 18: Shooting house
Off to showers and uniform for the day then to chow, as we get in line it becomes very apparent that food service ran had out of food, not cool considering there was half of 3rd yet to go through. We made due with some odds and ends.
After loaded 40 rounds blanks it was on the bus at 0820 for Booker range. The army has some very nice shooting houses setup there included live fire with overhead view, a three story sim-munition concrete house complete with plywood door and windows for breaching and trap doors between the floors. There is also a plywood city called “The wild, wild west.” They also have a complex underground tunnel training system that the IOBC guys will get to do.
First off the cadre demonstrated clearing a glass house (just engineer tape on the ground) then SSG Butler and SSG Vega took 3rd and part of 2nd off to the shade while 1st and the rest of 2nd baked in the sun for practice (did I mention our cadre is the best?) with 4-man stacks to clear a corner and middle wall door rooms. It was great training, learning how to “flow” into a situation, never stopping and trust your teammates to do their part and interchanging roles from situation to situation.
It was then time for a tasty MRE and then some time at “the wild, wild west” w/SSG Butler showing how to cross a liner danger area in a Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUNT) environment then off to see actual footage or a 4-man Ranger team clearing the same live shooting house we would be working. –It would take months of working together as a team to achieve their level of flow but it was cool to watch. It was then off to the 3-story house for stair clearing and finally we got our turn at the live round shooting house (just dry fire for us today) and we pretty much worked on 
our own in 4 person teams, that was a lot of fun practicing.Oh yeah the other highlight of the day was they decided to pump out the latrine at the range today for about 4 hours the whole range was covered in a heavy pungent odor of well… you can guess!
Back in the FOB it was rest and refit for tomorrow enjoy another MRE while C Co got hot chow (yeah, they get TWO hot meals a day and D Co only gets one!) and read a few academic papers for an upcoming discussion. http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2007/05/2752865 and http://nationaljournal.com/njcover2.htm
It will be a long couple of days with a night mission so I am going to wrap this up.
28 August 2007
BOLCII Day: 17 FOB II
PT was great with a 4-mile run down the road off the FOB (Ok so maybe you wouldn’t do that in Iraq) the pace was pretty high so all of us were sweating buckets by the time we were done there were a few LTs who had trouble hanging. It was then some quick P/Us sets starting at 10 and counting down with a buddy.
It was off to the showers which was an adventure in itself, imagine a large tent with no lights or windows with double rows of plastic shower down the middle and sinks on the outside… All designed perfectly for someone about 4’ 2” At the least the middle tent had hot water, I understand the other male shower tents did not fair so well. And yes, please check the sign in front of the tent BEFORE you go in, no sign = male. Sign = female. My good battle buddy who shall remain nameless to protect his identity apparently went in the femail shower and was fully engaged in his shower before he realized that he was the only male in the tent!
After changing into ACUs in the shower tent (Note:for the FOB bring a large heavy duty zip lock “grab bag” for each day consisting of your uniform, socks tee-shirt, underwear ect. It makes life much eaiser)
We enjoyed our one hot meal of the day and then it was off to a class w/SSG Butler on our upcoming room clearing training. We moved out for the motor pool area for some reflexive dry fire training w/SSG Bulter and SSG Dunfee. After a delicious MRE for lunch (not!) we had a little downtime in our tent then our cadre decided to steal 5th PLTs bus and give us a bonus of a guided “bus tour” of the upcoming land nav test site for next Mon at 0300. We got to see the alligator lake and were told there are no points in it contrary to a number of LTs who seem to think so every year.Back to the tent then we knock out some our peer lead classes and then got called for our first live fore reflexive fore range. We arrived early and had to wait awhile, did a dry fore run thru and then it decided to thunderstorm just as the last iteration with me in it was preparing to walk on and live fire. Ah well.
Tasty MRE for supper then personal hygine time and figuring out creative way to hang 240 sets of wet uniforms. Our student COC had to do a poggy bait (snack food) check of everyone’s lockers, that stuff is a no-go here because of the ants. The word is Thursday we will day ops then night ops from 1700-0500 that should be interesting.
I am writing this in the dark as everyone got sick of the two large flood lights left on in the tent last night so they killed all the lights, so what happens as soon as they do? Some LT crashes in to a footlocker and falls on the floor! The whole tent cracked up. ‘Just can’t win!
27 August 2007
BOLCII Day 16: FOB
Up late last night packing… ‘Should have been a simple exercise but if anything it was to simple, by the time everybody figured out to add things like personal hygiene kit it was pushing 2300. We brought one “A” bag (duffle) full of personal gear plus all the goodies such as IBA, MOLLE, Kevlar
First formation was 0550 with all our gear in the Co area, loaded our rucks and duffles in an LMTV (thankfully 1, per platoon so there will be minimal confusion!) then we were told to report at 0745 for weapons draw.
No one had arranged to have the DEFAC open early for breakfast (not till 0700) so we had to decide to go back to bed and miss out on chow (the line would be to long) or just kill time in front of the line, since most of us would only see a hot meal once a day for awhile we decided to stick it out.
After chow I head back to the barracks for a quick 10 minute combat nap in Grams room (I had sprayed ant killer in my room just prior to leaving, a Ft Benning problem) and them it was time to load the buses for a 15 min ride out to our Forward Operating Base (FOB) destiny… we rolled thru a maze of barred wire barriers and debarked and took our gear to a company size semi-rigid tent, 3rd was first in so we got to chose our corner filled with grey metal bunk beds and one metal foot locker each. We are now officially “FOB-its”
NOTE: Electrical outlets a premium out here and power strips are not allowed so try a score a bunk with electrical.
SFC Kerr gave us an orientation then we had some time to stow our gear, rack out for a few minutes then it was time gear up and to head to US Weapons range. Well sort of that is, we get out that in full battle rattle just in time to see another PLT take our bus! well, a after a healthy MRE, a few more minutes of organizing stuff and it was finally our turn.
240B, M2 (50 cal) Mrk 19 and M203 then it was off to the firing line. For me since I am not an 11B, it was pretty cool to get behind and fire some of these crew served weapon systems that make the ground shake.One of the LTs didn’t hold the M203 right and took a CCO right in the chin when he fired, so it was of with him and LT Grams for some stitches at the TMC.
It was clean up detail again because the PLT running the range
did not properly plan enough help, we even haul their trash back for them in our bus, how pathetic is that!Back at the FOB, SSG Butler spent some more time with Short Range Marksmanship (SRM) drill for reflexive fire tomorrow, he really is a great trainer! It sound like tomorrow will be a fun filled day.
I have spent the rest of the evening along with most of the PLT re-doing our paperwork for leave request for the upcoming Labor Day holiday. NOTE: If you are in leadership it would be a good thing to have a completed sample DA31 ahead of time for your PLT. Trying to re-do stuff at the FOB is painful at best
I debated weather to bring my laptop out here but at least tonight it has been a life saver as there are only 10 PCs in the DEFAC “tent” for 480 LTs to use after hours. I have full signal strength with Verizon.
A note on the FOB, there is a tent for everything, a tent for changing (yes, one for males and one for females!) a tent for showers, a tent to eat in, a tent for thr TOC, a tent for the cadre and a tents for briefing our upcoming missions. Porta-jons are the latrine of choice and there is a buffalo for a water point.
24 August 2007
BOLCII Day: 15 Qualify Cont
Lessons Learned: #1 bring a 3/32 allen wrench with you and tighten down your CCO after zero-ing and tighten every day. #2 My rifle was out of my control while it was used during night fire so my CCO could have gotten knocked. #3 Given that I have always qualified first time with iron sights (not expert by any means!) I should have gone back to the zero range after failing the first time. Although zeroing is not fun it would have eliminated a lot of unnecessary rounds down range and frustration.
NOTE: I receive an email question about if you should bring prescription glasses. All LTs are required to wear eye protection on ranges, and during the use of simmunitions As part of CIF you will be issued a set of ballistic "pro-glasses" with clear and smoke lens to wear at the ranges. They actually look fairly high speed and are very functional. As part of vision processing make sure you ask for a set of glasses inserts and you will be good to go, no need to spend your $$ on this one however our PLT cadre is allowing us to wear Wiley X etc (that have an NSN) so bring them if you have them.
After that it was back to the Co area where we were welcomed like long lost children (ok, maybe not quite!) then cleaned weapons. We moved out for US weapons familiarization at the PT field under the shelter. We got thru the M203 and AK47 but a thunderstorm rolled in so the cadre sent us packing. I did get to see a small black bear running along side the PT field. We had weapons turn in, cleaned up the common areas and our rooms, had our motivation speech from the D Co Cmdr, found out we placed 3 out of 6 for APFT at 273 point average (no one failed from 3rd PLT which is great!) Then our safety speech from the student 1SG and were released about 1800 for the weekend.At some point I need to elaborative on what you can expect for weekend outings in Columbus.
23 August 2007
BOLCII Day 13: Zero cont and night fire
At 0500 it was pointless to go to bed with a 0525 wake up for a 0550 formation so I worked on my blog for a while.
Weapons draw was painful again as we waited for another platoon. Not only did they make us 20 minutes late, we completed our entire draw while the they finished up thir paperwork. A few heated words were exchanged from our leadership to a few a dear-in-the-headlights LTs from the other platoon and we moved on.
It was then marching back to Roosevelt Range for more zeroing. The heat here would prove to be a record breaker with it reaching 115 on the ranges, D Co had two separate incidences requiring an LT ambulance transport to the hospital this afternoon. Keep in mind these are healthy active young officers who have proven there physical stamina going down as heat casualties. -This heat is nothing to mess with, you must drink water!
NOTE: I have been adding packets “Replenish” a Gatorade like powder with electrolytes to my camel-bak and canteens. It has saved me on more then a few occasions!
We had a jimmy-dean for breakfast with a self-heating can of beef chicken stew. It was actually pretty good for a jimmy-dean, the key point is you have to open the top before starting the heater. LT Kwia (one of our international LTs from Liberia) accidentally ripped the tab off his stew can after starting the heater, it became very evident from the loud noises of distress coming from the can that in a few minutes it was going to explode covering 40 LTs with beef stew, LT Seitz, saved the day and took one for the team by using my gerber tool to stab a hole in the top of the can, thereby releasing the pressure and scalding his hand in the process with stew.
NOTE: Cell phone service/. In many parts of the country, cellular service providers have competition, at Ft Benning that is definitely not the case! If you want to be able to make receive calls, you need to have Verizon. If you are assigned to A or B Co’s your experience may be different as their barracks are ½ mi from C and D Co’s but I can tell you there are a lot of frustrated LTs who have Sprint or AT&T etc. They have no coverage inside the barrack and low to no signal on the ranges.
I have Verizon and I have had very good coverage. In fact I would go so far as to suggest going the thru the pain filled act of changing service providers if you want to have good coverage while you are here for BOLCII/IOBC. Walking out to the parking lot to make or receives call is not fun in this heat!
I also have the wireless data card from Verizon that I purchased at the Peach Tree mall (I-185 exit 7A) at 59.99 month unlimited is it pricy for me but so far I have been happy with the speed and the fact I can expect coverage in most parts of the country. I enable ICS on my laptop and share the connection with my room mate with a old linksys hub I brought fir just such an opportunity.
Ft Benning has allowed a private company to provide WiFi base wide, it is $45.00 a month. I have heard mixed reviews from the LTs who have purchased it.
We setup the range, including stapling target to the slithouses and placing them, putting up engineer tape to control traffic and manning the ammo point. It was nice to be doing this in the cool of the day and watch the sun come up.
LT Meredith Walton and I drew gate guard. We had the best job of all sitting under a shade tree directing foot traffic to the range and watching for VIPs. Soon enough we rotating unto the range supervising the other LTs still zeroing and making everybody obeyed the tower and nobody did anything stupid.
You could tell the difference today with our PLT running the show, iterations were much more concise and we kept things moving right along (Hint, for zero alibi shooters, just them finish THEN go onto the next iterations.)
We then bused over the “known distance qualification range” For those of you that went to basic it is the highly computerized range that records where your rounds went for each target to assist you with where to aim mass.
It proved to be so hot ad taking the PLTs in front us so long because of the water/rest breaks that the Co Cmdr called an “adjust-ex” and had us get back on the bus to the zero range which was just finishing up and to an alternate qualification event with paper target at the 25 m distance but small enough to simulate the normal distances. Our PLT came together quickly and made the new mission happen with very little guidance form the cadre, this is what I like to see and be a part of!
We got back about 1700 and had till 1950 to rest up for the night. For night fire (familiarization only, non-qualifying event) we were issued of PVS-14s (night vision monocles) for our Kevlars and PEQs (Laser designators for our M4s) and
NOTE: If you are the only person in the PLT to have an ACH helmet like I do, just use your gerber tool to bend the tabs on the mounting strap of the PVS-14 to go over the front edge of the helmet. It works just fine. Also make sure you install the strap PRIOR to formation to go to the night range even if they don’t tell you to. It will save you many frantic minutes.
The range was actually pretty cool, the 50, 75, and 100 m target were used with IR light in the 50s. You don’t look thru the CCO, just shot from the kneeling position and walk the laser right into the center mass while looking thru the PVS-14 and fire a 20-round clip.
After we got back we had to wait like an hour outside because some PLT in the D Co had an accountability issue with some gear. We all just wanted to shower and go to bed. It would be close to midnight before that happened. We are all exhausted.
NOTE: When you are marching somewhere in the middle of the night DO NOT call cadence, the D Co PLT in front of insisted on being all hooah and singing at the top of there lung as we passed barracks of sleeping Soldiers. Remember that were share a CO are with the 75th Rangers… I thought for sure they would come piling out the doors to pummel us for interrupting their sleep!
22 August 2007
21 August 2007
BOLCII Day 12: Zero range
0520 Formation for APFT. We do the p/u and s/u event in the PT field across the barracks, it is by squads with cadre from a different PLT grading us so there no issues. The p/u were graded to a very high standard. My grader had me stop after 10 and restart at the next iteration. –A number of other LTs in our squad had the same experience in our PLT. Situps were good to go and then we route stepped to the 1-mile track for the run. I actually like this track way better then going around 8 times on a ¼ mile! I ended up with a 14:26 which is one of my better 2-mile times. I hope everyone passed.
Back in the CO area it is off to draw weapons (leaving then in the day room w/weapons guards) change uniform then chow then grab all our gear (IBA w/SAPI plates, MOLLE vest, Kevlar, knee and elbow pads) and meet in the day room for our officer professional development mentioned in yesterdays post which resulted in some really good discussion about our roles and responsibilities as officers in 4th generation warfare.
We were just about to start giving our classes when we received word it was time to go out to the range. We baked in the heat for about 20 minutes while everything got untangled then cadre had us march down to the zero range (.75 mile) We were all soaked in sweat by the time we arrived. After a some confusion, the PLT set down in front of the porta-jons under a shade tree and commenced eating MREs and waiting for our turn at the range. The range is student lead, I believe it was 2nd PLT running it it. We were instructed we needed to fire at least (2) 3 shot groups with 5 inside to zero and that we would be going up in buddy teams, one firer and one coach/water/ammo LT.
It was extremely hot on the range, I don’t know the eact temp but it was above 100 and the shooting position have no shade. Nate when up first for firing. About 45 min into the firing a LT when down from the heat so they called a “pause-ex” and took everyone off the range for 30 minutes while the ambulance came and took the LT away. It tough to describe it was so incredibly hot, laying on the ground with a 35 lbs IBA vest it was like the ground was sucking the life right out of us.
This is also the slowest range I have ever been on, especially since they allowed albi shooters. I mean come on! Just save it and shoot in the next iteration instead of one LT holding up 50 lanes while the tower has take 10 minutes to go through the whole procedure so they can fire one shot! Its not like it is qualifying day.
Nate and I finally zeroed with about 20 shots each, The CCO (Close Combat Optic) sight definitely take some getting used to! I think part of it was we only had 2 sand bags and we really needed 3 to have a proper support position. My first shot would be off as my M4 seated it self and the next two shots would be right on.
The range closed at 1700, we were all total wore out. It was 4-man buddy teams back to the barracks. One LT was dehydrated and started walking all over the place on the way back. The carde sent a truck for him and we have to keep an eye on him tonight.
I run to Ranger Joe’s to pick up a few things with LT Holliman, take care of laundry and hit the rack about 2200 for my CQ shift 0400-0500
20 August 2007
BOLCII DAY 11: Practice land nav & BRM dry fire
0310 wake up considering I got to bed about 2300 that was tough. Packing list is simple, ranger pack, wet weather top, safety vest, camel-bak, MOLLE vest w/1 QTs, eye protection, compass, protractor etc. I add bug spray and a few extra pens, pencils and protractors. We draw a happy meal (MRE) and load the bus for the trip out to the range.
We eat our MRE on the bus (One D Co PLTs had to report 0250 to eat there MRE on the ground prior to loading the bus, DON’T do that to your Soldiers!) I eat the breakfast of champions: wheat bread with jalapeno cheese, pound cake, and M&Ms and save the rest for later.
After about 20 min we arrive, go to the bleachers for a safety/orientation brief (A too little brief on the wildlife for my taste given all the stories of large spiders, boars, snakes etc!) and then verify our compasses is correct and verify our pace count. Then we are issued maps and a score card. The maps are terrible B&W copies, usable but just barely.
NOTE: you will be issues a compass as part of your PLT TA-50. I brought mine just because.
NOTE: Buy a INOVA 24/7 LED Multi-function Flashlight Emergency kit with the head band feature. It was indispensable for working the map/ walking with both hands free to see and defend myself from the creatures of the night!
NOTE: Buy a Ranger Joe’s protractor. The GOV issues ones can lead you astay if they are not cut right.
My battle buddy for this practice is LT Christina Castellano, we plot out points, chose a course of action to navigate to the first point and decide if angles of attack will be a better option give the terrine we find. We had a terrible time finding the first point. We are still not sure what happened because it was only about 500 m out. Anyway we spent an hour and half of better on it (you are given 5 hours, from 0500-1000 to find 5 of 7 points for the practice course, but not required to graduate) and finally walked to a road intersection and repotted back and found it right away.
It was light then and decided angles of attack was going to be the best option and head back to the road to the other points. Like most land nav maps, there are roads and trails not on the map and the ones on the map are not necessarily where the are shown or make have moved so use caution. We had a high level of frustration at several point but where able to figure things out with the help of other LTs on the course.
The course is “self correcting” to the extend that there are some old grid coordinates written on the post (Standard land nav white/orange triangle with numbers and a punch tool) In total I think we walked about 8,000 m using angle of attack. We got 5 points and headed to our 6th to add a margin of error (furthest 2 point) but by the time we got there we only had time for one attack and did not find it on the first try so we headed in. We end have one point bad at turn in which was a bummer but considering half the PLT did not pass.
NOTE: If you come in too early they will have you go back out to continue practicing.
Back in the bleachers it was time to wait for all of our tardy D Co LTs with the last being a cadre “save” from 3rd PLT. Back in bus to the Co area. Throw gear in the rooms and grap some quick chow. Draw weapons and conduct aiming/positioning/dry fire exercise for the rest of the afternoon in the PT field and Co Area. We wore our IBAs (w/SAPI plates) and kevlars and it was hot!! We all ended up soaked with sweat and dirty.
NOTE: Before I go any further allow me to go on a rant about student leadership and the arms room. Each BOLC II LT is issued an arms card, where as every other PLT has their LTs carry their own card (yes you can only image what that leads too! Being an LT makes you no less immune to loosing stuff then a PVT)
Our PLT armor, is an experienced prior service NCO keeps the cards and places/removes them from the weapons rack. In addition, everyday that you draw, you have to sign for your weapon on a master inventory list …But what if the only thing that changes on the sheet is the date? I’ll let you figure it out. And what if you have enough LTs to pass the weapon from the gate to the rack? –Simple but effective. We on the arms room detail get our entire PLT thru the arms room in under 5 minutes while every other D Co PLT take 20 minutes or more. Incidentally, I am permanently on the arms room detail with Nate, and Andrew, and it is a great job.
Weapons turn and change into PTs for weigh-in. I ended up good to go. We receive our APFT bring from the cadre for the next day and then off to chow. Our PLT mentor issues some homework to read and be ready to disuse tomorrow. http://www.commentarymagazine.com/cm/main/viewArticle.html?id=10856 and http://billroggio.com/archives/2007/08/task_force_warhorse.php
Tonight I need to finish my 20-30 power point class on 9-line so I can be ready to present anytime this week.
17 August 2007
16 August 2007
BOLCII Day 9: Last of Combatives
0300-0400 CQ duty with LT James. CQ basically entails sitting at the desk by the front door with a radio (which you sign for) and phone in case someone needs to contact the Co in the middle of the night. There is a BOLCII NCO on duty who will rack out in the day room in case something comes up. There is a PC at the CQ desk with an electronic log that every CQ LT signs. There is also a list of tasks to be done. In my case is was sweeping the out stair entrances to both building. I split it with LT James and we had it knocked out in no time. You can also use this time to do laundry. I took my set of BDU paints, cut a small section of thread at the bottom of the knee guard fabric, inserted the knee pads for the ACUs and sewed it back up. This would prove to make a HUGE difference later in the day. I wish I had done it sooner! My knees and everyone else’s have been taking a beating and are bloody and raw in places.
0600 PT: The student COC talked the cadre and let up sleep in a little because of our efforts of combatives. PT was good with circuit training; lunges, partner resisted P/Us, leg spreaders, bear crawls, mountain climbers, up and downs, and log pick up.
We started out with a refresher on all the all the positions, moves, chokes and then 2 min PLT bouts of 1 of 1 selected by the cadre. Rest for 10 min and then 1 min bout to finish up. I did not tap out in ether event but I did not come out the winner either based on number of successful positions achieved. Bottom line is I did not do as well as I had hoped but I feel much more confidant in a close quarters hand to hand combat then I did before. I will be posting some video footage here as soon as I can figure out how to do it thru Blogger or YouTube.
NOTE: Do not tense your body during combative, just going from one move to the next relaxing in-between of your will get totally exhausted like I did in 60-120 seconds.
NOTE: Make sure your mouth guard of fitted prior coming down here. I could not get the water hot enough in the latrine to form it and ended up having to go with out which came very close to costing my some chipped teeth in the first bout.
NOTE: Be very careful with combatives, another LT from may unit came thru a few class back and messed up his shoulder so bad he got sent home for surgery has not yet been back yet and may not be able to. It is it some cool violent stuff you will learn but don’t let it take you out of the game and cost your commission due to a medical discharge.
It was back to the barrack for shower (fifthly beyond belief!!) There was not a single dry spot on my BDUs. I must have sweat and draw close to 2 gallons during that 3 hours in the hot GA sun. Then off to lunch, a 15 min combat nap (take them when every you can!) then off to class We have DAGR/Pluger, Land Nav refresher (very basic and to the point) a land nav quiz and then a class on dealing with the media. The PLT mentor for 4th stood up towards the end of the POI and talked about how it really is over there and that was very helpful.
We were released about 1630, new student COC was selected, class assignment given out ( have to prepare a 20-30min on the 9-line by Tues) change into civvies for dinner at the defac then off to the post PX for some stuff to treat my infected cuts from combatives on my hands and knees.
0550 PT tomorrow at the 1-mile track. 2 mile run the 1-mile buddy carry –this should be interesting!!
14 August 2007
BOLCII Day 8: 5 mile and O-call
5 mile ruck march: As far as the packing list it was pretty basic with the total = 20% of your body weight. Last week I went to Walmart and bought a $10 scale so I would know how much my ruck weighed. This worked out good as several other squads used it as well. No IBA and Kevlar was carried in the ruck. We did wear the MOLLE vest w/ (2) 1 quarts and (2) ammo pouches. We stepped out about 0530 and had one 10 minute break at the half way point. I was a front road guard and spent some time talking with SSG Bulter, the cadre NCO on point. He has a lot of knowledge to share from his deployments and seems like a very high speed, cool NCO. He mentioned his interest in putting in an OCS packet and the fact that they would make him go thru BOLCII (!) By the time we were done, we were all dripping wet from the heat.
NOTE: Over the past couple of years I have been experimenting with socks, trying to find the right kind for my feet and combat boots. I think I may have finally found it: http://www.covertthreads.com/ Their “sand” boot sock for everyday use and the “infiltrator” for ruck marches. I have been wearing them everyday in the heat of GA and have been extremely impressed with their performance. Grated I have been doing a number of practice ruck marches prior to BOLCII to get in shape after OCS but unlike many of my fellow LTs, I did not have a single hot spot after the 5 miler with the infiltrator socks.
After chow and shower it was off to a second day of combatives, with more drills
We continued on drill 1 and 2 and practiced “shrimping” I spent an hour or so sparing with LT Lee, besides the fact she is a Korean Princess, she has a black belt in jujutsu with 18 years of experience and quite soundly whipped me every time! I have some video and will try and post when I have a chance
The heat is intense… the cadre gives up breaks every so ofter but it is all wearing on us. I had some leg cramps that took me out of action for a awhile.
After show and lunch it was off to freedom hall again for OPORD II, a few of the LTs read of their OPORDS form last night and wear critique by the cadre. After that we had a class radio class, first of basic radio procedures, prowords, who to talk ect then they brought some of the new SINCGARS foxtrot models which I have had the chance to have already worked on at my unit but apparently they received a batch of bad batteries so only one unit was operation out of the four. Still very good training.
After dinner chow it was our O-call at the Ft Benning Office Club. I have heard conflicting reports on this event but basically you get whatever you put into it. If you stand off to the side and hang with your squad mates you will not get much out of it. If you take the inactive to grab a battle buddy and go talk to the O-5s, O-6 and O-7s you will learn something guaranteed. There was “supposedly” going to be representation for every branch but considering this is home of the Infantry I was not to surprised when there was only one Signal officer and that was only because they were cadre. Still I went around and solicited experiences from senior combat arms officers about when they were BN CDRs and what advice they would have for a S6 as that is my role.
The bar was open with a two beer limit and at least one BG had an open tab for the LTs in his circle.
It was pretty cool to mingle with 420+ LTs. As was said in the opening remarks, if each LT represented a future PL that came out to leaderships for some 17,000 Soldiers!
13 August 2007
BOLC Day 6: Combatives Day 1
Long day so this will be short and to the point: 0520 PT, 4 mile run ability groups 0730 shower and chow 0850 Combatives. More later but it was an intense work out! All the building were booked so we had to do outside in the PT field. Talk about hot! All of us were drenched and dirty.
We stood in a Platoon circle and counted off “1” “2” all the way around which determined of our partners. We rotated periodically so we were never with the same person. And no they do not separate so it is female to male, large build on small build etc.
Note: I highly recommend bring a set of BDUs, even if you have to go to a surplus store and buy a set and have everything sown on.
We did that up till lunch, showed, put our uniforms in the washer. Got a brief respite then off to classes at the airfield (very nice buildings!) classes were on the TLPs and intro to OPORD The cadre threw in a few movie clips to keep things interesting and we had a 25 min 4-man OPORD writing exercise We were given a 2-man OPORD writing exercise which Gedaliah and I just finished Our is about 8 pages. I’ll try and figure out to post it here. My OCS OPORDS were a big help so we didn’t have to start from scratch.
Before being dismissed, we had mail call and SFC Kerr gave us a short class on our upcoming road marches. We are supposed to have a 5 mile later this week I believe.
I received my new Michigan license plate today to I was finally able to go get a Ft Benning decal. I got there just in time Mon-Fri 0730-1750. And I found out the vehicle registration building is the new “welcome center” with the maps that I was looking for on the first day.. They don’t have anything different then the visitor building at the gate but then know where everything is.
I still have to catch up from last week/weekend an dpost pictures. Hopefully tomorrow.
10 August 2007
BOLCII Day 5: Finance/In process cont
The cadre woke us up at 0400 for a drug test. Thankfully our leadership had given us a heads up that it “might” be happening so it wasn’t a total surprise. We all stumbled out to the hallways to find the latrines taped over. The bus moved out to one of the classrooms in building #4 about 0430, the urinalysis test did not start in earnest until about 0600 so there was a lot of LTs doing the rain dance. While we were waiting, the cadre played a video of some former famous sport personality who had go down the wrong trail with alcohol and drugs and live to tell about it. After that that a video “Meth attack on Georgia” The first five LTs from each PLT got to be the designated “observers” you can only imagine how thrilled they were!
We were released when we handed in our sample to walk back to the Co area. One of the other PLT mentors had some self paced PT setup when we arrived about 0700. 35/25/15 Push ups and sit ups with ¼ mile lap in between. It was shower, chow and then to briefing in building 4. Our Co cmdr announced that some LT had stolen cash the day prior and there was a 48hr amisty or he would call the MPs and track down finger prints. It makes me upset that some idiot LT would violate the honor code of a commissioned officer and make us ALL look bad. If an officer are willing to do here just imagine what they would be willing to do in the field…
At least they didn’t take out to the parking lot and smoke us like they did in basic when cash turned up missing(!)
201 file processing. If for some reason you don’t have your file like me they will give you a blank folder as a “temp” 201 file while you are here and have you fill out SGLI and emergency contact data sheet.
More later
09 August 2007
BOLCII Day 4: In process cont
NOTE: If you are in class leadership, don’t be afraid to ask for a bus etc to move your PLT around.
Once we moved beyond that it was awesome PT! Including windshield wipers on the pull up bars, running up and down the stairs, buddy carry up the stairs of the stadium (each person about 12 times!) flutter kick s and something called the “scuba” that I was not very coordinated at and them back again to the pull up bars to start again.
Back at the Co area, it was cleaning and shower, chow time. After that was walking to the building for checking vision and dental and any CAC card type issues. And yes I was right, I need to have my dental file redone the second time this year! (can you tell by now that I am irritated about that!?) the dental imagining server crashed as I was waiting in line so it will be a return trip at some point.
NOTE: It is so hot down here I can’t imagine wearing glasses like I use to prior to LASIK. Contacts would probably work but I never wore them so I don’t know. Just do not be that one LT in the whole platoon to wear your contacts to the vision screening!
NOTE: I have LASIK and they are fine with LASIK/PRK operations. I learned that they hand PRK operations out like candy to West Pointers. They will check your eye for the how well the operation healed.
Back in the Co area it was time unload some of the heavy weapons into the basement arms room for future training. I have not shot a Mk-19 before so that should be fun!
After getting some chow it was time to move out to get my shots with Gedaliah, and LT Ming Lee. I only needed a Hep A. Thank goodness, my shots are indeed up to date in the Army computer system so I didn’t need 5 like some other LTs. Again, bring your yellow cards just in case.08 August 2007
BOLCII Day 3: CIF/In process cont
First PT on our own went pretty well. The cadre asked for volunteers to be the PLT PT leader and selected one LT who seems pretty high speed. The list is now posted for daily PT leaders who will coordinate thru the PLT PT leader.
We are doing PT with a PT plan but executed by the squads which is working out very well and is good moral team building It was circuit training in the field across the barracks with incline, decline and regular/wide/close hand pushups separated by sprints around the track.
One LT from D Co went down this morning about 0630 and had a temp of 107 when they took him away in the ambulance. Drink water, this heat is NO JOKE.
After showering, it was off to a National Guard / Reserve briefing with LT Nate Grap. No big surprises except that there only about 24 Guard/Reserve LTs here of the whole D Co. They are not able to help with my initial uniform allowance so back to my unit again (I understand that Ft Sill BOLCII takes care of processing your $400 for you)
NOTE: This seems simple but make sure the pages of your orders and amendments are stapled together so you do not look like a total moron. You will be handing copies out left and right.
NOTE: The NCO did say if you have enough time between BOLCII and BOLCIII they will help you get slots in Airborne, Air Assault, Pre-Ranger and Ranger if you unit can get order cut since there would be no travel expense.
NOTE: If you are NG/AR you are NOT eligible for the 600lbs DITY TDY move. ONLY active duty.
NOTE: #1 make sure you bring your POV!! #2 Make sure your orders have in and around mileage on them. I have 60 miles per week.
Later 4th squad as a group had our initial counseling with CPT Mcginty. Basically to sum it up he said “I will treat you professionally as my platoon leaders and I expect you to treat me professionally as your company commander, and we will have a great time training” I think this really set the tone for the rest of BOLCII for me. We signed out pre-filled statements and headed on our way.
CPT Mcginty also stated that we are officers and the weekends are ours to do with as we please (within the guidelines and any staff duty) and he would sign any reasonable pass request.
Back in the Co area we stood by for a little while then took a bus down to CIF to draw TA-50. They gave the option of any OCS who had brought their gear could stay back on other details. Even though I did bring my gear I elected to go just in case there was one piece of critical gear they gave out that I didn’t have. Contrary to CIF draw when I went to basic this one was very well organized and painless although they gave out a lot of cold weather gear and the infamous rubber over boots that no one ever wears. The hardest part was a “self administrated shake 
down” (Ha! Never in OCS!!) out in the CAT5 heat.
Back in the Co area we were instructed to go to our rooms for 30 minutes to cool down because of the work to heat ratio.
NOTE: They are still giving out ALICE gear for BOLCII so if your are lucky enough to have MOLLE gear like me definitely bring it!! (for that matter bring your own ALICE gear so it will already fit you and you won’t have to clean the CIF)
We were supposed to draw IBAs in the Co area but that never turn out so we were released. Nate, Gedaliah and I decided to was time to eat on the economy so we head out veterans drive to a little mom and pop dinner Nate had found called “Aunt Lyn’s dinner” for some good southern cooking. We then explored the historic downtown Columbus river front. Very beautiful architecture and looks like there are some very nice coffee houses. We may come back this weekend.
NOTE: Make sure if you go eat on the economy that you sign in at the chow hall so they can count the meals. The process as you enter the chow hall is you tell the lady “Regular Army, Army Reserve or National Guard” an the last 4 of your social. She will write that down and then you sign and be on your way. No chow songs, VIP guards or false motivation required! You are even allowed dessert and may look at the TV and talk with no one yelling at you to hurry up –Amazing!
07 August 2007
BOLCII Day 2: First PT/In process cont
The 75th Rangers have our PT area for a few days so we formed up outside the barracks for accountability at 0530 and marched out to another PT field for a “PT Demo” by our cadre to set the standard for they expect and will evaluate from now on. Nothing special to report, everything I have done in OCS. And if anything less formal with out a black hat screaming at me. At least that experience has paid off!
We then go for a 1-1/2 slow run at 8-9min miles. We had one person fall out less then half way. Hopefully it is just getting use to the heat and they can train with us. (Tip: do NOT call cadence by the airborne area, just keep your PLT in step) By the time we back we are all drench in a couple gallons of sweat. I am glad I wore my camelback as not everyone did. We had a “man down drill” afterwards where the cadre had a “volunteer” simulate a heat causality. The victim got frozen ice sheets in both arm pits, the groin, around the neck and then rolled up like a burrito -Ha! Also of note, as per the PSG, if we go to chow after being released for the evening, there will be no wearing of sandals without socks and no showing of cleavage!
4th SQD has latrine cleaning this morning, nothing to hard for 9 guys to knock out and we hit the showers, eat chow and get a little down time before briefings by the Co Cmdr, JAG, Dental (why do I have this feeling I will be standing in line for a whole day for the second time in 6 months because my dental records got lost!?) and Information assurance and EO/Sexual harassment briefings.
Tip: Take advantage of any time you have between hard times. Gedaliah and I found a hair cut place on the 1st floor of the Infantry Center fro Excellence and paid $7.40 each for a decent cut. I feel a lot lighter now!
Tip: Of note to the BOLCII/III infantry guys, there has been a lot of talk about them not staying in the barracks and instead in on/off post housing because they receive BAH. The word on street was to wait for one these guys when you when to sign for your room because you would then have the room to yourself as they would stage from there. That changed as of today, the infantry guys are being required to move back. The Infantry who are married and have their wife here will be allowed to not stay in the barrack after next week but it looks like the rest if them will be moving back in. They are not to happy and understandably so but the flip side is they will be more involved in everything that goes on.
We were released relativity early for the day again and after dinner chow Gedaliah and I went and found the main PX picked up some air freshener for the room and waste basket. After that we drove off post to Home Depot as Gedaliah was looking for some hardware items to repair his suit case that the airline have been intent on destroying. Some 6” x ¼” vinyl trim, gorilla duct tape and a hacksaw should do the trick. I stayed up later then intended talking to friends and family and working potential pay issues so I didn’t get to bead till midnight. 0530 will come early!
06 August 2007
BOLCII Day 1: Hurry up and wait!
Up at 0545, Out the door and Gedaliah I find 3rd PLT and fall into 4th SQD. The LT leadership is all West Pointers who have been on the ground for the past 10 days. Roll call and 3rd/4th SQDs are dismissed to chow and downtime (!) until 1000 for blood draw and a series of in-briefs after noon chow by the BN and BDE Cmdrs. Did I mention I hate needles!? Prior to the blood draw they ask for everyone’s medical records… See above post on that! Fortunately there must have been a mixed up because they gave them all back before it was evident mine is missing. My shot records must be up to date in the big magical Army computer because I only have one draw, some of the ROTC get up seven!
In-briefs were actually pretty good, motivation mixed with reality of why we are here as an junior officer corp, what to expect and have fun but not get in trouble types stuff. I did learn that there are only two branches in the Army…. Infantry and Infantry Support –Ha!
It was inspiring to see 480 LTs in one place and one time (both C and D Co’s starting up)
Back at the D Co area we had our informal in-brief with the cadre, they all seem very level headed and dedicated to teaching us things with out being unreasonably hard-core. We were releases about 1730 (!) and Gedaliah hit chow in civvies and head into town to Ranger Joes to have “2LT name” (Black thread on white) sown own our new reflective vests that we had the honor of buying earlier in the morning (orange mesh with HORIZONTAL yellow strips and two white Velcro tabs. Tip: See my post about buying from Clothing Exchange first, they charged us $7.50 and Range Joe’s wanted $14.50 for the same thing.
That’s it for now. Got to make some phone calls and hit the bed early for 0520 formation.
