He did it

I got a call about 6:30. He passed his PFT. He has met all requirements to become a United States Army Officer! What a good feeling! I gotta get though this week and I can celebrate with my husband.

BOLC II Cancelled

AKO had reservations that BOLC II was canceled. Dh doesn't report until March. Now, I am curious if he has to snowbird or can he work with his unit here until that time. But hey, I am getting somewhere with all this information.

Edit: I forgot to mention that they have added a few weeks on to BOLC B with the cancellation of BOLC II.

OCS is now BOLC A and their branch training is BOLC B.

Soooo Today is the big day for College Op's

Today is job assignments. I really dont know much about the process since dh is prior service. I believe the more points you have the more likely you will get your top picks. Good luck to all the college op's

Also, The history test was today. This test was big time. People were fearing this test. Well Dh passed. He said the test was a beast.

They are now on a 4 day pass for the holiday then Tuesday headed for the field. I am not sure if they will be in the field all day and night or coming home in the evenign. I just know once these 3 weeks are over, we are over that hump. I cant believe that I have 39 more days until I get to see my dh again. How cool is that!!!!!

Leading into week 3

I just got off the phone with Mike. Here's a lil update. Next week will be really busy. He said not to be disappointed if I don't get to speak to him much. They have a lot of land navigational stuff to do. The Constitution essay is due this week. A timed Agility run is tomorrow.


I think I already told you that yesterday was the last day for mass punishment. Everyone is responsible for themselves. Ummmm, he also stated that this class will be the last BOLC II class in Sill. I dont know what that means for any other post but just a heads up.

Cant think of too much else at the moment.

For the first time ever I left my phone in the house to walk the dog and take out the trash. Well guess what. He called 5 times. When I finally called backed it was awesome to hear the excitement in his voice. The man still has the hots for me. Isnt life grand. After 3 kids and 80 lbs, the man still gets excited to hear my voice. he he he he he....

My Army Moving Style

Since Mike has been in the Army the only move I am familiar with is a DITY move

Do-it-Yourself move.

Reason why, I make money doing my moves myself. This move has a great monetary incentive. The government will pay the member 95% of what it would cost them to move you professionaly up to a certain weight allowance. If it cost you less than the allowance to move you, you keep the rest. As long as the move doesnt stress me out, I think I will always make DITY moves. It is more comforting to me. I move my stuff. I take the special and extra care of my stuff. MONEY MONEY MONEY.

While utilizing the DITY program, you may use your own vehicle, or a borrowed or rental vehicle. You are entitled to travel allowances, per diem and mileage through the government. You also receive $25,000 insurance coverage. An advance monetary allowance for your move can be paid under certain circumstances.


There are four types of DITY moves.

• Rental Equipment - You rent a truck or trailer, and receive an advance operating allowance based on mileage authorized and estimated weight of shipment. There is no advance on separation orders. You are responsible for packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking the shipment. Storage at destination is at your expense, with reimbursement.
  
• You Load/They Drive - You pack and load a commercial moving van/truck, the commercial moving company drives to destination, and you unload and unpack the van/truck. The commercial firm must provide you with an ICC number or State/Federal Regulation numbers. You must request the company to provide weight tickets.
  
• Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) DITY - No advance operating allowance on a POV DITY is authorized. You may use your own or a borrowed vehicle. If you are borrowing the vehicle, you must have written permission from the vehicle owner for all POV DITY moves. Current vehicle registration is also required. The POV must be a "cargo" type vehicle, not a vehicle that is designed for passenger transport. For more information, see the complete POV manual (available in Adobe Acrobat format).
  
• Move in Connection With a Government-Arranged Mobile Home Shipment - Household goods that can be authorized for shipment at government expense but must be removed from a mobile home to satisfy safety requirement can be moved under the DITY program. Such items can include heavy appliances and furniture, air conditioners, awnings, etc.

The DITY Move Procedure When you apply and carry out a DITY move, be sure to follow the steps below. Part One: Pre-Move Arrangements Step 1: Apply for the DITY move Step 2: Decide on your type of move Step 3: Arrange for rental equipment and moving services Step 4: Confirm your insurance coverage Part Two: Move and Settlement Step 5: Pick up your operating allowance Step 6: Calculate your property weight Step 7: Keep receipts of all moving expenses Step 8: Make your move, submit your claim settlement

OfficerFamilies.com

Heard here this one? If you are in the Army and do know something, who do you ask?

Your spouse.

It's true. A spouse will know so much more about the army sometimes than the soldier. Reason why, we tend to find a great support systems. If you are looking for knowledgeable people to help you through this journey, go to www.officerfamilies.com

accommodation info.

This is a great rate for grad week. If you plan on staying for the week.

As an alternative, Uchee Creek Army Campground and Marina has a number of pet-friendly accommodations and is conveniently located a few miles from main post. Not to forget they also have kitchenettes. Graduation isn't until November and someone I know that rooms are filling up here.

http://uchee.benningmwr.com/index.php?pg=photos

Rates

Cabins

	E5 & Below		E6 & Above
	Daily	Weekly	Daily	Weekly
Small (sleeps 4)	$43	$258	$54	$324
Medium (sleeps 4)	$48	$288	$59	$354
Large (sleeps 6)	$54	$324	$66	$396
Lake Chalets (sleeps 8)	$78	$468	$93	$558
Park Homes (sleeps 4)	$50	$300	$60	$360

Note: Cabins include linens. There is a two (2) night stay minimum, seven (7) night maximum. A minimum $50 cleaning fee is applied if necessary and a $100+ fee is applied for non pet cabins with pets.

Campers

	E5 & Below			E6 & Above
	Daily	Weekly	Monthly	Daily	Weekly	Monthly
Sportsman 22'	$35	$210	$540	$38	$300	$570
Coachman 25'	$40	$240	$625	$43	$258	N/A
Coachman 30'	$45	$270	$700	$49	$294	$725

Note: A $50 cleaning fee is applied if needed. No pets are allowed in the campers.

RV Area

	E5 & Below			E6 & Above
	Daily	Weekly	Monthly	Daily	Weekly	Monthly
Complete Hook-Up	$18	$108	$432	$19	$114	$456
Tent Area	$8	$48	N/A	$9	$54	N/A

Note: Includes cable TV and phone service.

Cancellation Policy

To receive a full refund cancellations must be made fourteen (14) days prior to arrival.

Additional Items

Grill Cleaning Deposit	$25
Smoker/Cooker	$35
Generator (Daily)	$25
Generator (Weekly)	$100
Propane Lantern or Stove	$3
Storage Locker (monthly)	$25
Folding Cots	$2
Sports Equipment Package	$20
Football/Soccer/Basketball (each)	$2
Volleyball Set	$5
Softball Kit	$5
Bicycle (24 hours)	$10
Horseshoes	$5
Tent-to-go	$10

General Information & Policies

• Check-In and Check-Out - Check in hours are from 3pm -6pm at the Front Desk in the Country Store. Upon check-in please inventory the items in your cabin (pots, pans, etc). Check out is at 11am at the Front Desk of the Country Store. If checking out before or after store hours, contact the front desk and put the key in the drop box located next to the front door of the Country Store. There is a fee for late check-outs.
• Campsites and RV Sites - Campsites are rented on a first come first serve basis. You can make reservations for a specific type of site but not for a specific site. Homesteading is prohibited. This does not apply to approved long-term sites. A camper is responsible for his/her site. Storage must be in or under RVs. This includes rental units. Campers will keep all personal equipment within the boundaries of their campsite. Storage for other vehicles, household goods and furniture is located on Main Post at FMWR Outdoor Recreation, 706-545-7978. Regulations regarding length of stay are outlined in USAIC Regulation 215-2.
• Pets - Pets are allowed in Cabins 1, 2, 17, 21 and 40 and Park Homes 80 and 81. You must keep your pet on a 6-foot leash when not inside privately owned campers. There is a $25 non-refundable pet fee along with a $5 per day charge for pets. It is your responsibility to clean up after your pet and please do not leave your pet unattended outside of any camper or cabins. Pets are not allowed in rental campers.
• Housekeeping Services - Daily linen and towel exchange is available. Call the Country Store and make arrangements.
• Maintenance - For maintenance help please call the Country Store during 9am - 6pm. If you need assistance after store hours, call sites 301 or 302.
• Mail and Packages - Mail can be delivered to you through UPS. For long-term stays, please make arrangements with the Post Office. A Post Office is located on post, as well as off of Highway 165 next to Rainbow Foods. Please do not have your mail delivered to the Uchee Creek address.
• Faxing - A fax machine is available in the Country Store for your use free of charge.
• Quiet Hours - It is requested that guests keep radios, TVs and conversations at a low level from 10pm - 8am.

Main Lodging accommodations

Features

• Newly renovated rooms
• Internet access
• Cable TV
• Continental breakfast
• Guest laundry
• Kitchens and kitchenettes
• Microwave ovens
• Irons & ironing boards

Policies and Reservation Information

• Room rates range from $36 to $75 per night and may accommodate single and double guest rooms. A fee of $5 is assessed for each additional guest. Check-in times are 2 - 6 pm. unless reservation is guaranteed with a credit card for late arrival. After 6 pm. vacant rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check-out time is 11 am and continental breakfast provided.
• There are a limited number of pet-friendly rooms available. Contact us for current vacancy information. As an alternative, Uchee Creek Army Campground and Marina has a number of pet-friendly accommodations and is conveniently located a few miles from main post.
• Soldiers traveling on official orders (PCS/TDY) have priority and may make reservations in advance. Travelers who are not on official orders may make reservations 30 days in advance on a space available basis.
• Requests for reservations and further assistance can be made by telephone at (706) 689-0067 ext. 2800 or 2538 or by visiting us in person at Olson Hall, building 399 on post. (Need a map?)
• When making your reservations, please inform the reservation clerk if you have special needs such as cribs, etc.

Airport Shuttle Service

Groome Transportation provides shuttle transportation between Fort Benning and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, making 36 round-trips seven days a week. Shuttle drop off points include various points around post, including Olson Hall. For more information on shuttle service and where to purchase tickets click here or visit Groome Transportation's website.

Hours & Contact Information

Address	Building 399, Gillespie Street
Phone	(706) 689-0067 ext. 2800/2538
Hours	Personnel available by phone from 8am - 4:30pm. Website reservation inquiries are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Got a quick text

Got a quick text saying that they couldnt take because of the call for fire test tomorrow. I wish them ALL luck!!!

Lockdown.

The rumor mill has it that the guys have gotten in trouble and are on lock down. This means no contact until.....well whenever. So no updates. Sorry!!

More Money and update

Ok, this is officially my post of complaining.

Preparing Mike to go to OCS, we spent A LOT of money and I am not talking a two hundred dollars. Much Much More. I actually lost count once I hit about 400. We thought about getting the new dress blues. Mike said no he is going to have the rank removed off of what he had and wear that. That thing is like 500 bucks.

Now, I find out that the dues are 270. It's actually better than some classes I seen. I have seen some at 350. The dues cover the graduation week activities which believe me I understand that but its burning my pockets. They pay in two installments. Then I have to find a dress, hotel, car maintenance, and whatever to keep my rugrats happy on our ride down. Cant forget groceries once I am there....and gas

Today was the obstacle course. I didn't get a call today which means they are exhausted.

Yesterday they had a mini test. Mike said he passed but the test he is worried about is Friday. He has been reading his assigned book and thinking about the paper(all his has had time to do is think about it). He said that its going to kick his butt because once they are done training for the day ,its late and not much time to do anything. He thinks that his weekends are going to full of studying. Which isn't a bad thing. Then again my weeks and weekends are full of Mommy stuff, my school, and being a taxi. No pity here

Cant think of too much else that's going on right now. Every time I ask for details on upcoming events or important info, he is clueless.

I will try to keep you updated as much as I can but my calls have been about 10 minutes. I ask as much as I can to keep ya posted.

The 1st PT test

Here an update:

Sad to say but 10 ppl had to be recycled. Some were sick. Some just didn't make it on the PT test.

The guys were able to meet the battalion commanders, Sargent Majors, etc today. The had E.E.O training. They also received their black ascots. That seem to be pretty exciting.

They didn't get to go to finance and do the rest of their processing because today main focus was on the PT test.

Tomorrow they will attempt to finish processing, get their equipment from CIF and do more platoon training time.

Thursday is the Water Survival test. Michael is was a lil nervous because he is not a swimming. He barely does the doggy paddle. As long as you attempt it, you can move on.

There were still talks of BOLC II but you already have my opinion on that.

No real word on the long weekend. There is a training calendar but it is subject to change at any moment.

Thanks for reading!!!!

Ohhhhh forgot to mention his PT scores.

His over all score was a 230 I think. Shoot I didnt write that one down.

15.23 on the 2 mile run. He was a lil disappointed because he wanted to take a minute off of that.
75 Sits one short of Max. He said he almost had it but collapsed.
62 push ups.

Not bad for an old man!!

He said not bad for initial PT test. Tomorrow is the first day of morning PT.

Before you can go to chow, you have to do a push up for every week you been in training or something like that. They use to have to do pull ups but they had a hygiene issue with people not washing their hands.

Until next time......