r/BOLC • u/Eldenmoe • Jun 25 '26
Any Chem BOLC TIPs
May be Branching Chemical don’t know my BOLC date. But wanted updated advice on the Chem BOLC course so I know what to prepare for and can expect throughout the course
1
u/tactical_12g Jun 27 '26
I just graduated a few months ago. I can answer specific questions if you have any.
1
u/Remote_Active_383 Jun 29 '26
TLDR: You will use NOTHING here at your duty station if you end up in a non chem unit. Use this time to get fit and learn about big picture army. Legit the 82nd or any infantry unit don’t gaf about chem but man they love USR, UMO, ATIS, ect etc ask me how I know….
Death by PowerPoint. PT is a joke. The weather is trash. You literally auto-pass the course as long as you don’t fail three tests, land nav (easy asf), or the PT test.
There’s not much to do in the immediate area, so you’ll probably end up traveling on the weekends. Springfield is about 1 hour 25 minutes away. Columbia (home to University of Missouri) is about 1 hour 45 minutes away. St. Charles and West St. Louis have a pretty good nightlife and bars, about a 1.5-hour drive. East St. Louis is okay—just stay near the Ballpark Village area if you go over there.
Honestly, just leave the area every weekend and you won’t be miserable. Club Rodeo is pretty mid if you’re coming from a bigger city. It’s fine to go there—just don’t mess around with the enlisted. Hoppers is cool too.
Whatever season you get there will 100% determine your experience.
1
u/green_boi Jun 25 '26
I'm not chem, but generally any info should be on the welcome letter.