lpgovard-
Congradulations! Congradulations on all who are attending...especially those in Army! Go Army!
I am (soon to be) 21 female coming in with a B.S Biology from PLU in Tacoma, WA (right by Ft. Lewis (Madigan)/McChord/Bremerton).
You asked how to physially prepare for OBC. I highly recommend (from advice from LTC Professor of Military Science) that you physically prepare for OBC. From my perspective, I can tell you (as many officers recommend) that your PT ability may very well influence how you are viewed as a leader. Not as much with AMEDD as other branches, but if you lead from the front, you will recieve respect from your soldiers. As an officer, you cannot fall out of a run or fail a PT test. I would recommend aiming to achieve as near 300 (all events maxed) as possible.
Work on running, push-ups and situps. If you are 21 female, you have to run 18:40 something for two miles and 15:50 for males, However, I recommend trying to aim for the max of 15:36 (or 13 min for males) for 2 miles. Work your way up to running four miles comfortably. I suggest running minimum of four times per week.
The situp and pushup test wil test your muscle endurance--ability to do as many pushups /situps as possible in two minutes. Do a set of pushups/situps every night. This way, when you get to OBC, you will not have to worry about PT and can instead focus on learning Army medicine and officership stuff.
I know as doctors, the Army won't be stressing PT as much. However, I look see exemplary PT as a means of leading by example. Also, as a physician, preventive medicine will be a vital component to health. Exercise is part of preventive health care---and by doing well in PT, you will be modeling this to your troops and your patients. This year in ROTC, we have had several retired officers come speak to our cadets--each one of them highly recommend to do well in PT. Prepare to lead. Lead the way. I admit I am a little I have a little bios in that I am a long-distance runner. (Anyone up for running Marine Corps Marathon or Marathon in the Parks?) However, nothing can substitue for the respect that the troops will give you as you lead from the front in physical fitness.
From what I have heard from other AMEDD officers, Ft. Sam atmosphere will not be that intense, but is incredibly laid back. Take this opportunity to learn as much as possible. Become a squared-away officer who soldiers will be glad to follow. Find someone knowledgeable (prior-service/ROTC ) who will teach you proper ways to wear the uniform, saluting, Army etiquette, drill and ceremony etc. Even though we will not be company commanders or platoon leaders, we will still be looked to as role-models.
Feel free to PM or email (checked much more often) if you have any questions. Otherwise, I will see you at OBC. I am looking forward to the honor of serving with you all!
Go Army! Thank you to all for serving our country in these trying and troubling times.
~Melinda
