Christ0ph
09-02-07, 12:32 PM
So if you're wondering what SOI(ITB/ West) is like I can share some info. I have about 3 weeks left, and I'm an 0311. We got 4 days off for labor day weekend so thats cool. Some pointers..
1. You get badass brandnew M16A4's with ACOG Scopes, vertical grips, full length rail system, 3 point sling, etc...
2. The flak jackets are IBA's, not that vietnam era crap you get in bootcamp
3. You hump, A LOT. In fact you run usually, we call them range runs. A couple of miles at the most, but you're pretty much running with mainpacks.
4. You get to do cool **** like shoot at night with 3rd Gen PVS14's at PEQ-2 infrared lasers.
5. Unless you go weapons after the split, forget about hot chow during the workweek
6. 8 hours of sleep is never gauranteed like in bootcamp, sometimes 4-5 hours or less. Usually 6-7 if you're lucky.
7. There is plenty of "Standby". Waiting for hours on end to do something, usually in the field.
8. Positive motivation is almost absent from the Combat Instructors. They don't treat you like **** but don't expect any "moto" at SOI. Think "4th Phase"
9. Don't do something stupid to restrict your liberty. Libo is what keeps you going during the week sometimes, because ITB gets full overnight, offbase, every weekend, all weekend...unlike MCT. I don't know what the heck there is to do in NC but SOI west has it good. LA and San Diego are 45 min north or south, plenty of partying and cash to be blown on the weekends!
Anything else, ask me
1. You get badass brandnew M16A4's with ACOG Scopes, vertical grips, full length rail system, 3 point sling, etc...
2. The flak jackets are IBA's, not that vietnam era crap you get in bootcamp
3. You hump, A LOT. In fact you run usually, we call them range runs. A couple of miles at the most, but you're pretty much running with mainpacks.
4. You get to do cool **** like shoot at night with 3rd Gen PVS14's at PEQ-2 infrared lasers.
5. Unless you go weapons after the split, forget about hot chow during the workweek
6. 8 hours of sleep is never gauranteed like in bootcamp, sometimes 4-5 hours or less. Usually 6-7 if you're lucky.
7. There is plenty of "Standby". Waiting for hours on end to do something, usually in the field.
8. Positive motivation is almost absent from the Combat Instructors. They don't treat you like **** but don't expect any "moto" at SOI. Think "4th Phase"
9. Don't do something stupid to restrict your liberty. Libo is what keeps you going during the week sometimes, because ITB gets full overnight, offbase, every weekend, all weekend...unlike MCT. I don't know what the heck there is to do in NC but SOI west has it good. LA and San Diego are 45 min north or south, plenty of partying and cash to be blown on the weekends!
Anything else, ask me