Preperation for IOBC

My preparation for IOBC started when I was a cadet by having MS4's to look up to and instructors that were like minded. Outside of the normal classroom instruction and PT, I always strived to be the best in everything that I did, and again I learned this from MS4's who lead by example. So when you become an upper classman remember there MS I's and II's that are looking up to you for guidance and leadership (take it seriously). Once I received my orders I wanted to set up housing and travel and try to line up schools and plan everything to a T, but just relax. For most of the administrative work you have to wait until you are commissioned, so just get your PT up to par and study your FM's. I had a great HR secretary at my ROTC department and she helped every step of the way, if you have people like that use them, but don’t abuse them. During the course of my time as a GBR I was able to take care of all of my affairs, the only snag for me was housing. Armor Officer Basic Course has recently moved to Fort Benning, so the on post housing is overwhelmed, and the possibilities for Lt’s with dependants to receive on post housing is slim at best. Have a plan B for housing and all other arrangements for that matter. After the administrative duties were checked I started looking for packing list and suggestions for equipment to purchase for the course. The list can be extensive and expensive if you wait until you get to Benning to purchase all at once. I will get together a packing list for the course and a suggested list for things to buy prior to. The most important thing to do is be prepared mentally and physically for the course, it’s not a rigorous course, you get the weekends off so don’t stress out. I leave in less than a month and weather in Georgia will be a good change from Kansas weather in April. Until then keep driving on.