I realize these initial DCC posts have begun as a stream of consciousness with a ton of information, but I’m trying to cover all random loose ends that may not fit into other posts.  Understand that DCC cadre will visit C-Ville towards the end of your time there, and will give you a briefing on many things, along with being there to answer any random questions you may have.

MORE BASICS:

            A big pointer I want to make is that, while this is training at a real Army post doing actual soldiering tasks 99% of the time, you’re not treated like a private going through basic training.  Absent you doing something stupid that puts the safety of others in jeopardy, there will not be anyone flying in to yell at you. 

You will not get smoked (i.e. made to do push-ups and other strenuous physical activities for failure to do any number of things).  So far, there have been no barracks inspections where cadre come through to make sure your locker is organized just so and your bed is made with hospital corners.

Additionally, while you’ll undergo many evaluated training situations here (APFT, rifle qualification, land navigation course, etc), your failure to do something to standard won’t derail your career.  It stays local, and you need not worry about having wrecked everything for yourself if you do something like fail height/weight. 

Understand that you’ll be going through some difficult training, which most soldiers get to spend tons more time training on that you will.  You’ll be force fed instruction and then be put to a standard, and from what I’ve seen so far, everyone can meet those various standards, no matter what your experience level is.

Another big pointer is about attitude.  For many with prior experience, none of the training here will be remotely new.  The environment is one of constantly changing orders, inexperienced classmates in charge, and other factors that can absolutely lead to frustration and anger-but only if you let it.  I want to stress the act of taking a DEEP BREATH anytime you feel yourself winding up to go bezerk.  It’s going to happen, but you can control it and keep your attitude positive.  Doing so will make life better for yourself and your classmates.

The other thing to keep in mind is to prevent yourself from rolling your eyes at a lot of the training, just because you’ve done it before.  I’ve done every task here in one form or another since 2003, and (as you’ll find out in upcoming posts), I’ve learned a ton so far, and have discovered that I’m rusty as hell on many things.

Ok, so back to more practical tips.  There is free laundry available on the first floor of the barracks, but forget about it.  There are four small machines down there, one of which is always broken.  The first Sunday we were here (after a full week), there was a line down the hallway for use of the machines. 

Instead, go to the post laundry facility (which is where I’m typing from now).  It’s about 5 or so minutes away past the Airborne School, close to the library and Mini Mall.  It’s huge, has a ton of machines, and is pretty nice.  It also has arcade games for whatever that’s worth (so you can get your Area 51 on while your dirty stuff gets clean).  It isn’t free, but it’s pretty cheap, and the cost is worth not waiting around in the disgusting, broken room in the barracks.

PT is fairly sporadic here (through the first half of the course).  Fortunately, the barracks are an even mile from the biggest and newest gym on post.  It’s extremely nice.  It’s got a full lap pool, tons of free weights, a smoothie bar, etc.  It’s also situated next to the PT track, which makes it convenient if you want to workout indoors, but prefer running outdoors.  It does get crowded, but it’s a massive facility, so it spreads out.

All of the cadre (at least the current crew) are really laid back.  All are infantrymen with combat experience, and just about all of them go out of their way to help, particularly when it comes to helping you pick up the training.  Similar to OBC, those that will be in charge of you on a day-to-day basis are all enlisted.  Gone are the days of 850 lieutenant colonels and major tromping around.

Class leadership will change upon arrival, and will rotate regularly.  Each person must have at least one evaluated leadership position, ranging from team leader all the way up to class leader.  Each rotation lasts a week.  Each platoon (you’ll be redivided into platoons by last name, which means they should generally stay the same) will have a leadership notebook, which will lay out all rotations, except for class and platoon leaders, as well as for patrol week.

Unlike C-Ville, the only positions are team leader (3 per squad), squad leader (3 per platoon), platoon leader, and class leader.  No XO, no platoon sergeant, no S-1, no S-4.  Don’t expect the rotations to be like LDAC, or some other OBC, if you’ve been to one.  Cadre are not all over the leadership (with the possible exception of the class leader), and do not hang close taking notes constantly). 

The criteria to get a ‘satisfactory’ (which is what is needed to pass that portion of the course) are very basic, and primarily revolve around keeping constant accountability and not missing formation times-very easy stuff.  Similarly, don’t strut in expecting to wow the pants off someone to get an excellent.  For one, it’s irrelevant, and for two, the cadre aren’t hovering near you to observe enough things to make a rating like that possible.  So all you former ROTC high fliers: cool your jets, or risk pissing your entire element off.

I’ll expand on some of what I’ve mentioned in future posts, and will also mention other pointers along the way.  For now, let’s jump in and get down to what’s been going on the last 3 weeks…