Are there any additional items not on the packing list that you would recommend getting before EBOLC? I'm heading to Ft Leonard Wood in July.

2016-06-02T01:53:30-04:00

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Jun 2 at 2016 8:43 AM

2016-06-02T08:43:26-04:00

A few thoughts:
- The EBOLC pack list is a good start point and can be found with a simple "EBOLC Pack List" google search. ASU is required for Commandant Reception, Class Dining In/Out, and Graduation to name a few events.
- ACU/OCP is required for day to day classes.
- You will participate in three different field training exercises so will need typical field gear to support these events (hot/cold/wet weather).
- Anything you don't bring but decide you need during the course can be obtained on/off post (bug repellant, sun screen, lip balm, etc) so I would not worry too much about procuring before you arrive to FLW.
- Not on pack list is whatever civilian clothing you want for off duty (week night and week end).
- Good luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 10:27 AM

2016-06-02T10:27:24-04:00

Definitely bring "off duty" items such as cookware, etc. so you don't have to buy them there... you'll have most weekends and many nights off. It's going to be HOT and humid in the field, FTX 2 and 3 are continuous 3-day missions (little/no sleep), so plan on that the best you can.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 1:08 AM

2016-06-11T01:08:46-04:00

Having toured fabulous Fort List in the Woods a few times I'd suggest not sweating it until you start your course. Get the list, ad some house hold goods (raid your mom's cabinets for some Tupperware and a pan or two, an extra set of sheets, towels...) and then relax. Once you start the course you will likely find you've got everything you need or you may find some whiz bang thing you just have to have. Don't buy a bunch of hooah junk now, you more than likely won't (ever) need it. If you go to Sapper Leader, you won't be allowed more than the packing list (well, there are a few things you might want to slip in but that's another story)

If you want a couple of things that you should have as an engineer, I'd suggest a good pair of small binos (Steiner or better quality, you can find them on sale at Bass Pro or Cabellas) a project clip board (Lowe's), good boots (try on as many as you can and then buy the Nike"SF" boot- my feet hurt tonight from twenty years of crappy jungle boots and those damn "waffle sole" and "jeep tread" sole boots - I've had good boots for the last ten years of my career but the damage was done). Buy a camera and take lots of pictures (I have two and the year vacancies in the visual record of my life because I didn't carry my camera - I regret it now)