For those who have gone to Transportation BOLC, what was your experience like? Is there anything super important I should know before going?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 23:55:58 -0500

I will be heading to Fort Lee, VA for TBOLC in early May 2018. For those of you who have already gone, what was your experience like? Is there anything super important I should know before going? Thanks!

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Dec 27 at 2017 12:38 AM

CPT Laurie H. — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 00:38:23 -0500

1. Believe them when they tell you the writing test is the hardest one.
2. Get close with your class. It's been 5 years and I still hit up my classmates for help and run into them from time to time.
3. A lot of what you learn in class won't seem relevant to you, and to be honest you'll probably never use it. But it's useful to know a little about a lot, and it will help down the line to be familiar with concepts when you land in a new job or find yourself overseas working with other loggies.
4. There are parts of TBOLC that are a little tough, but it's an easy course overall. Have fun, don't leave drunk friends in Richmond, don't leave your clothes unattended at the laundromat, don't park in the library visitor parking.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 12:32 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 12:32:57 -0500

I often tell people, that if I could do ANYTHING for a living, I would hang out with my dog. Professionally. Unfortunately, in our capitalist society, I haven't been able to work that out yet. If I had to pick #2, I tell people "Transportation BOLC". They sometimes answer, "You mean, you'd like to be Cadre at TBOLC?" I reply, "Oh no, I mean, I'd like to just be a professional TBOLC student....in perpetuity." Clearly, these ideas of mine are not showcasing my brilliant business acumen....but it should have you feel pretty confident how awesome TBOLC is. I had a few peers in Engineer and Infantry BOLC simultaneously... I'd call during my weekends off, and they'd be busy living out in the woods like the 1980s Army...and I knew I'd picked the right branch.

Obviously, this is a little tongue in cheek. Fact remains, TBOLC is a great time. Perhaps the last (or first, if you weren't a 20 year veteran when you attended like I was) good time you'll ever have in the Army.
In the end, you'll get out of it what you put in to it. My advice, don't treat the death by powerpoint covering "Big Logistics" as a bore...consider the information critical to understanding the complex machine that starts with USTRANSCOM on down. It couldn't hurt to memorize the Transportation Song before you go either. Here, use this link. You'll see these again. https://quizlet.com/13279341/transportation-corps-history-questions-flash-cards/

Transportation Corps History Questions Flashcards | Quizlet

Start studying Transportation Corps History Questions. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 5:21 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 17:21:43 -0500

Thank you for the response Sir!

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 28 at 2017 8:17 AM

SGT David T. — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 08:17:02 -0500

My experience was a bit different because I attended as a civilian intern. Your class will probably have a few as well. Just remember, they aren't Soldiers so their behavior will be a bit different. Most of the interns I went with didn't do PT or combatives as these activities were optional. Management made it very clear that if we got hurt we would not receive workman's comp. Contrary to popular belief, we do not have full medical. We have insurance with copays. Another thing to remember is that the civilians are paid hourly and are very restricted on how much overtime/comp time they can work (2 hours per day I think it was). So take that into consideration when doing the group projects off duty hours.

The civilians will also have widely varying temperaments when you interact with them. In many cases, being rude (by civilian standards) or barking orders at them will not be effective. I have seen a few different responses to this. To the being rude thing, I saw a civilian cuss out the Lieutenant along with a statement to the effect that the Lieutenant was expendable. I saw a LT try and order a civilian around and the civilian laughed at them. The standards of professionalism are a bit different so do not expect military behavior out of them even if they are veterans. I know I made it a point to walk around with my hands in my pockets when in uniform just because I could (I was in for 9 years and never allowed to do that lol). It drove many of the military folks nuts. I wasn't trying to be difficult but after living that life for a few years, it is nice to let loose.

Despite some initial friction between the military and civilian students, the experience was positive. I still talk to some of the officers I went there with. I learned a lot about how officers are trained and how to interact with them more effectively. Some of them asked us about how to become a DA civilian. So there is learning on both sides. When you go, enjoy the experience. I will echo what the others have said about learning the Transportation Crops song.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 7:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 19:41:16 -0500

Easiest course I’ve ever been to. I honestly didn’t get much out of it. TC-AIMS was the only course material I wasn’t familiar with.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 9:35 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 21:35:04 -0500

I wish I can provide all the answers to all the tests. But you will learn the hard way. Sorry. In any case, there will be ruck marches, there will be obstacle courses, and there will be plenty of examinations. Two major exams will be the UMO and Record Keeping (Supply). Then there is the Ordnance one on knowing ammunition. Overall, use common senses, make lots of friends (there will be several group assignments), and have lots of fun.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 12:51 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 12:51:30 -0500

It was a lot easier than I anticipated. Most of the week was spent thinking about what cool place I'd visit on the weekend. Have fun, make friends, study when you have to, and drink responsibly.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 10:43 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 22:43:36 -0500

I attended in 2016, TBOLC is the best! Instructors are great both civilian and military, class work is long but pay attention even if it seems like you will never use it. Network with others in other branches you will see them a lot and in the future, it will be easy to ask question to things that they might do as part of their daily job. Everything you need to learn will be there, don’t be nervous or scared you will be taught everything just remember you are a soldier first, don’t drink and drive, and don’t let that butter run down your head when you walk in the PX.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2019 8:42 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 20:42:15 -0500

Take leadership role early. Don’t wait until final months where you’ll be busy with finals.