Day 1 began with a 0430 wake up and a 0515 PT formation to go over PRT. The focus on PRT was correct execution, as leaders would leave BOLC and lead their respective Soldiers through the various exercises. As such, the majority of PRT was not catered towards actual physical fitness, it was towards execution. In order to maintain good physical health, Soldiers would need to engage in personal PT outside of instruction time.
Following PT, Soldiers met in their Platoon classrooms and met their Platoon cadre. We had six cadre assigned to our platoon, two being commissioned officers, and four being retired NCOs. I can say that the knowledge the cadre brought to BOLC is unparalleled, and their guidance influence my actions today.
Our Platoon was made up of mostly Health Services Officers, or 70B’s. We had also had a few Nurses and Physicians Assistants. I was the lone Social Worker (1/4) in the entire Battalion. This is indicative of the Regular Army as each brigade has a max of 2 Behavioral Health Officers.
After lunch, we received instruction on Army Doctrine and Army Communication. We then received guidance on our first homework assignment.
Day 2 we received instruction on Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs), Resilience Training, and Leadership Development and Counseling.
Day 3 we had PT in the morning, classes on Administration, Mortuary Affairs, Communication, Space Operations, and a pre-inspection on the ASU.
Day 4 was further discussion on Communication, Army Health Assessments, and the OER System. MLK was the following Monday, offering us a four-day weekend. We received a safety brief and were cut lose until the following Tuesday.