July 6, 2011

  • preparing for COT

    A few weeks ago, I spoke with one of the other pharmacists I'll be working with at FE Warren. Actually, I talked to both of them, but one of them in particular went into detail about COT. Up until that moment, everyone had been telling me how easy it was and how it was "nothing like basic"... but these of course were all people who had never been through it. Now I'm sure basic is even crazier, don't get me wrong, but from everything she said, and everything I've been reading... just because COT is not as crazy as basic definitely does not mean that it's going to be a walk in the park by any means. Actually, it will possibly be the most challenging 5-week period of my life so far. The girl I talked to described it as "finals week x4.5 weeks"... plus lots of yelling and physical activity. In other words, I won't be sleeping much or eating the things I like to eat, I will be miserable one moment and motivated the next. lol... and hopefully I won't cry too much, but I won't put it past me just yet.

    As far at preparing, the only thing I can really prepare myself for is the PT. I printed out the fitness assessment chart, highlighted where I am now and where I want to be before I leave for training. There are three main categories that you are tested on in the PRT (Physical Readiness Test): 1. Cardiorespiratory Endurance (aka the 1.5 mile run), 2. Body Composition (aka abdominal circumference), 3. Muscle Fitness (aka push-ups and sit-ups). For women under 30, the criteria for 100% points is as follows: </= 10:23 for the 1.5 mile run (so </= 6:55 min/mile pace), </= 29-31.5 inch abdominal circumference, >/= 47 push-ups in 1 minute, and >/= 54 sit-ups in 1 minute. Of course I don't have to get 100% to pass, but I would definitely like to be at least above 90% (that way you only get tested again in a year rather than 6 months). Here are my stats so far: 1.5 mile run in 13:40 as of June 20th (that would get me 54.2 out of 60 points), should be fine on the abdominal circumference (20 points), 21 push-ups as of June 18th (that only gives me 6 points out of 10), and 41 sit-ups as of June 9th (would get 7 out of 10 points for those) giving me a score of 87.2. Not quite where I want to be, and I have a lot of room for improvement (especially in the push-ups and run), but at least I know I can hopefully pass. I need to re-test myelf before the week is over, so we'll see if I improve at all or if I've gotten weaker in the last week... haven't been working out much :/

    I also made an appointment today at the Reserve MPS on Travis to get my ID next Friday... I hope the guy knew what he was talking about when he told me I can get on base with just my orders... he didn't sound entirely confident. So we'll see! But as long as that goes well and I actually get on base, then I'll also be able to go over to the store and get my uniforms! So exciting. I won't know how to wear them yet, and I'm sure I'll look pretty funny in them, but at least I'll start to feel a little more prepared for the journey ahead. Only other things on my list are to take my NAPLEX and MPJE still (once I finally get my test dates set... hopefully soon!) and schedule with the moving company to have all of my stuff relocated to Wyoming.

    Until next time! ~Ky