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

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 13:07:22 -0500

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

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 13:48:01 -0500

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

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 17:11:48 -0500

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

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 22:20:39 -0500

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

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 11:59:33 -0500

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2024 10:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:43:57 -0500

I’d say renting a car for weekends might be your best bet, especially if your main plan is to drive up to DC to visit family. Keeping a car the whole time could get expensive, and if you’re mostly on base, you probably won’t need it every day.

As for making life easier at QM BOLC, staying organized and on top of the schedule is key. I’ve heard that having a solid routine really helps, especially since things can change depending on the instructors. As for housing and base life, it can be pretty basic, so having a few comforts from home is a good idea.

If you ever need a rental for occasional trips, check out https://realcar.miami/ services. They offer options for when you need a car but don’t want the hassle of full-time rentals, definitely useful if you’re just looking to get out of town on weekends.

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