Housing during BOLC

Infantry BOLC is a PCS move. His best bet is to find a classmate to room with. They can split the cost and he can save more of his housing allowance.
 
I'm not sure why I though this thread was about agbolc, but if he's going to infantry BOLC its a PCS move so he'll get BAH and I suggest looking into Independence place. I lived there while my DH was going to ABOLC and its almost all IBOLC/ABOLC guys. They have 2-4 bedroom apts but they rent by the room so even if he has friends to live with he will only be responsible for the lease on his room. They also have a roommate program so if he doesn't have anyone to live with but wants the cheaper rent of a 4 bedroom place, they'll match him up with other people. A lot of the guys in IBOLC seem to do this because honestly he'll be out in the field for almost all of BOLC and just coming back on weekends so its best for them to get a cheap place and pocket a bunch of BAH. Its also pre-furnished and about 15 mins from base. However if he is reserve or guard they get put up in Olsen Hall (on base BOQ) so he wouldn't have to worry about figuring out housing if that's the case. Either way a car is a must in columbus unless he wants to be spending a lot of money on taxis for 6 months.
 
I'm not sure why I though this thread was about agbolc, but if he's going to infantry BOLC its a PCS move so he'll get BAH and I suggest looking into Independence place. I lived there while my DH was going to ABOLC and its almost all IBOLC/ABOLC guys. They have 2-4 bedroom apts but they rent by the room so even if he has friends to live with he will only be responsible for the lease on his room. They also have a roommate program so if he doesn't have anyone to live with but wants the cheaper rent of a 4 bedroom place, they'll match him up with other people. A lot of the guys in IBOLC seem to do this because honestly he'll be out in the field for almost all of BOLC and just coming back on weekends so its best for them to get a cheap place and pocket a bunch of BAH. Its also pre-furnished and about 15 mins from base. However if he is reserve or guard they get put up in Olsen Hall (on base BOQ) so he wouldn't have to worry about figuring out housing if that's the case. Either way a car is a must in columbus unless he wants to be spending a lot of money on taxis for 6 months.

Very helpful, thank you.
 
I'm not sure why I though this thread was about agbolc, but if he's going to infantry BOLC its a PCS move so he'll get BAH and I suggest looking into Independence place. I lived there while my DH was going to ABOLC and its almost all IBOLC/ABOLC guys. They have 2-4 bedroom apts but they rent by the room so even if he has friends to live with he will only be responsible for the lease on his room. They also have a roommate program so if he doesn't have anyone to live with but wants the cheaper rent of a 4 bedroom place, they'll match him up with other people. A lot of the guys in IBOLC seem to do this because honestly he'll be out in the field for almost all of BOLC and just coming back on weekends so its best for them to get a cheap place and pocket a bunch of BAH. Its also pre-furnished and about 15 mins from base. However if he is reserve or guard they get put up in Olsen Hall (on base BOQ) so he wouldn't have to worry about figuring out housing if that's the case. Either way a car is a must in columbus unless he wants to be spending a lot of money on taxis for 6 months.

This is really good advice and pretty much exactly how DS felt on IBOLC. IBOLC is 16 weeks. Some who have not done Airborne (three weeks)do that before Ranger School. Ranger School is 61 days but can be much longer for some with one, two or three recycles. Factor in holidays, time between start and restart dates and some can spend a lot of time there(7 to 12 months).
A car at Benning is essential. It is a big base and a long way to most things. Sometimes you want to get away from it all and go out with friends. It is a small Army and many friends will pass through Benning while you are there. You also need to supply yourself with certain gear and replace broken and lost items with a trip to Ranger Joes(Officers pay for most of their equipment). You also may just want to go to the mall.
DS and most of his friends took an extra class after Ranger School. It is inexpensive for the Army for you to take these classes while you are at Benning. It will be real expensive for them to fly you back and put you up later. It may be unlikely in these times to have that opportunity again. Take advantage of everything while you there. Although I remember DS saying do you really want to take Pathfinders School after Ranger School? DS at that time did not want to go back to the woods!
 
thank you all for the information, it's extremely helpful.

Any recommendations on what to bring and what not to bring?
 
DS wound up being at Benning for 11 1/2 months and that was without recycling ranger school. He rented at Independence Place and having his car there was a necessity. He attended 2 specialty schools (mortars leader course and RSLC) after ranger school as well as holiday leave time. He wanted pathfinder school, but was told that he will attend that in Italy.
 
thank you all for the information, it's extremely helpful.

Any recommendations on what to bring and what not to bring?

Alcohol

But really most of the BOLC classes party a lot when they aren't sitting in class or in the field. It's not like basic or LDAC, at the end of the day (with exception to FTX) you go home. Just bring whatever you think you would need for 6ish months at least.

I can tell you with equal numbers of males and females, AMEDD BOLC was just one big party. I am sure the others (maybe not combat arms because of the lack of gender representation) were similar.
 
thank you all for the information, it's extremely helpful.

Any recommendations on what to bring and what not to bring?

1) Bring yourself to IBOLC in the best shape of your life. This probably is the most important thing.
2) Car-Really need it.
3) Click on Reporting on below link. I think third paragraph provides some detail. Keep in mind there are huge Ranger Joes and similiar stores right off the base along with the PX on the base where you can pretty much get anything you need.

http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/ibolc/

4) Your school ROTC should provide the best details.

Best Wishes
 
1) Bring yourself to IBOLC in the best shape of your life. This probably is the most important thing.
2) Car-Really need it.
3) Click on Reporting on below link. I think third paragraph provides some detail. Keep in mind there are huge Ranger Joes and similiar stores right off the base along with the PX on the base where you can pretty much get anything you need.

http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/ibolc/

4) Your school ROTC should provide the best details.

Best Wishes

thanks, I'll pass along the information to my son.
 
Norwich Dad, don't forget Commando Depot for supplies as well. My Son lived off base in Cougar Village with 2 West Point Grads that were going through IBOLC and Ranger School. Cougar Village is okay I guess... a lot of BOLC guys, some students and some locals.
 
My DS son finished IBOLC in December and is in Ranger School now. He lives on base in an apartment splitting the cost with his WP roommate. Most of his friends live on base, as it very convenient. As others have said, a car is most definitley needed regardless of where you live. The only ones without cars were the foreign soldiers and their classmates helped them out with transportation. As far as Ft. Jackson, you still need a car at AGBOLC. The base is large and is seperated from the city. Bus transportation is not that good though it does run to and from the fort.
 
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