BOLC wk 1/2

Well, I am into my second week of my BOLC (Basic Officer's Leadership Course) at Fort Sam Houston, TX. BOLC is a 6 week 'gentleman's course' (just complete everything and you pass just fine) that trains new 2LT/CPTs to the ways of the Army and how to be an AMEDD officer. On my end coming out of ROTC at Kansas State, the course is easy and mostly review- been trying to help out new officers learn the customs and courtesies of the army, drill and ceremony, and whatever else I can help ease the confusion to those completely new. It has been a neat experience to get to network with fellow Army dentists, doctors, and veterinarians, as well as students like me heading back to school. The first 3 weeks of the course is classroom (lots of death by powerpoint, yet important information to refresh on) and an APFT (physical training test), following by 3 weeks out in the field training (FTX, or field training exercise) on land navigation, CBRNE (gas chamber simulation training; develops trust in our equipment and what to do in an emergency), weapons familiarization, small squad tactics, running a field hospital, and other soldiering skills. It's going to be hot- I'm definitely not used to 100+ degree weather like this down here in Texas. Today we got to meet the head of the Dental Corps, General Tempel- quite possibly the most humble and kind man I have ever met. He took the time to individually shake each and every one of our hands and meet us, and there were 150+ dental officers in the room- I am humbled to have gotten to meet him- striving to be the awesome leader and role model that he is!