What is pre-MOB like at Fort Hood?

2019-04-25T14:01:07-04:00

My first deployment and was wondering what tips you all have and what to expect as well as when we get to Kuwait. No I am not deploying to Kuwait. Thank you!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2019 2:06 PM

2019-04-25T14:06:59-04:00

Just stay motivated cause getting there and the first week or two are the worst parts. Manifest after manifest, details, layouts when you get there.. is just a lot in a short amount of time and can get annoying. Just keep yourself and your Soldiers motivated, it’ll go smooth and you’ll be on to doing what you were sent to do. When I was at hood and deployed it was kinda smooth compared to other places, best of luck. Stay safe.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2019 2:47 PM

2019-04-25T14:47:26-04:00

You are probably going to be set up on North Fort Hood. Not much there. Small shopette. DFAC (that doesn't tickle my PM knowledge in any good way). About a 20-30 minute bus ride from FT Hood Main (where SRP is plus the majority of your MOB tasks will take place). Barracks aren't bad. Just massive open bays with lots of bunks. I am not a fan of North Fort Hood.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2019 4:14 PM

2019-04-25T16:14:52-04:00

Just like SSG(P) Thomas Livingston said, you are likely to be at North Fort Hood. Depending on your luck, you will get either the multi-story barracks (open bay, they are newest) or the old building barracks. There is lots to do on pre-mob in terms of training. If your unit did prior required training, then it is easier. Your Command Team will be everywhere for meetings and certifying that you have indeed done the training. You guys might be able to take some time off also, but it will depend on your schedule, and if you did prior mandatory training.
Stay flexible, keep busy. Keep your troops busy. The food is not the best but it is also not the worst over there. Remember to have fun, while taking the training seriously. It is a fine line that you have to manage with your Soldiers.
When you get to Kuwait, again flexibility is key. The long flight will have people on their nerves. Keep everyone together. If that is not your final destination then you might spend from 2 to 7 days there. It all depends on logistics. Did I mention stay flexible? You are the glue to your team, they will follow your lead. Stay flexible!

Response by LTC John Mohor made Apr 25 at 2019 5:23 PM

2019-04-25T17:23:50-04:00

Just remember you’re never fully trained in hurry up and wait. Semper Gumby takes on an even larger appreciation “always flexible”. I learned early to have smaller paperback books for the downtime. It helped me make it thru extended hurry up and waits periods especially after I just kept the cell phone off after leaving US. Good Luck all the other advice covers it pretty well. Being in health care I won’t assume you thought of it but a miniature cold remedy, stomach upset over the counter stash to include cough drops etc brought with you can certainly help maintain your morale when you can’t make it to a PX if it’s in your toiletries it helps!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2019 7:04 PM

2019-04-25T19:04:14-04:00

If you driving between Fort Hood and north fort hood don’t hit any of the cows. That is there land there. Watch out for the Long Horns

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Apr 25 at 2019 7:13 PM

2019-04-25T19:13:56-04:00

What is Pre-Mob like at Ft. Hood? It is a lot of sitting on your ass, being bored to tears, punctuated with meaningless classes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2019 10:40 PM

2019-04-25T22:40:52-04:00

What type of unit are you deploying with? That affects your time at ft good as well as you may have specific things you need to validate in. Some stuff may be done at north fort hood, most of it though will involve a long drive to main post.

There is a nearby Walmart to north post, so don’t feel like you always have to get everything at the commissary at main post. Some food options near there too, but it’s pretty isolated overall.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2019 7:44 AM

2019-04-26T07:44:05-04:00

Pretty boring. Apart from what was mentioned already, there is a USO with limited hours. A gym that is ok, and track. A barber with limited hours and long lines. Chapel with services and occasional events like movie night. If you get bored of DFAC food, people ordered from some BBQ joint or pizza hut often. The policy was no POV's or leaving post while I was there, but I think there are some exemptions. I think you'll get one 4 day pass, assuming someone doesn't do something crazy and get the unit locked down. Any chance you get to go to big Fort Hood, definitely go. If you're lucky, you'll do "MWR" trips there to take advantage of the nicely sized PX, Chili's, Movies, etc. My advice is to bring a kindle or iPad or whatever, fully loaded with movies so you can pass the time.