Is it worth spending the money to rent a car the whole time I am at QM BOLC?

2019-01-28T13:07:22-05:00

Hello everyone, heading to QM BOLC in Feb 2019. I'm wondering what everyone's opinion would be on if it is worth spending the money to rent a car the whole time I'm there, or maybe only the weekends? I have family in DC so I plan to drive up often as I'm able.

I'd also love any advice on what will make my life easier at QM BOLC, or what to expect. I was at Ft Lee as an enlisted soldier, so I have a very basic familiarity with the base, and what to expect at school. I understand it changes every class and with the instructors etc. I'm hoping to prepare myself as much as possible to be successful, and would love to hear more about the current situation as far as living conditions, school expectations, or anything else.

Thanks in advance!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 1:48 PM

2019-01-28T13:48:01-05:00

I'd recommend bringing your own car. If you don't have one, you can always get a ride with one of your classmates. The tests are pretty easy, but people in my class have failed a test or two before so if you're unsure of any of the material, it would behoove you to study. You'll stay in the hotel right next to ALU. Bring pots and pans if you want to make use of the kitchen in your room. Invest in a personal wifi hotspot and a printer. Internet is spotty in the hotel at times and the hotel computer lab printers may not work when you need them to. Download all of the class slides and handouts from Blackboard onto your computer.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 5:11 PM

2019-01-28T17:11:48-05:00

How long is the school? How good is the public transportation? Since you are near DC you might be able to get away with public transport. Having a car at those things are great but generally someone in your unit can/will give you a ride.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 10:20 PM

2019-01-28T22:20:39-05:00

Talk to your training NCO. Sometimes there is someone else from your state. I encourage at least the weekends to do some professional development seeing historical locations in the area. Since everything is pretty much walking distance they don’t authorize cars in DTS much anymore.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2019 11:59 AM

2019-02-04T11:59:33-05:00

You may want to take that cross country drive and bring your own vehicle if that is an option. I brought my own vehicle with me when I attended OD BOLC and LogCCC. Having your own vehicle gives you more options during the week. Fort Lee was just starting the construction of the new hotel while I attended BOLC, so the housing on base was limited. I ended up living in Petersburg (BOLC) and Chester (CCC). While at BOLC, I car-pooled with three other LTs. Parking is always an issue at ALU. If bringing your vehicle is not an option, I would suggest renting a car for the first week or few weeks until you meet your classmate and can potentially arrange to ride with someone. If the hotel next to ALU is full, you'll probably want to get a furnished apartment off base.

Your days in class will vary. Some days, you will be working late, while other days will be over in the early afternoon (or earlier). Make sure that you have a reliable computer. If you haven't left for Fort Lee already, see if you are able to get other schools scheduled for when you are at Fort Lee. You still may have the opportunity to attend schools after graduation, but it is easier if you're already scheduled.