LT E.A.

(Editor's note: LT E.A. offered to speak with anyone who has more specific questions about the nuances of modern DCC/BOLC)

Bootcamp Summary (Summer 2025)

The U.S. Army DCC/BOLC is a six-week training pipeline. It is recommended to go in the summer between the first and second years of medical school, though a handful of people I met completed training after their completion of medical school. The first three weeks are spent at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, followed by three weeks at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Part 1: Direct Commissioning Course (DCC) — 3 Weeks

The Direct Commissioning Course provides foundational instruction in military life. Training covers uniform wear, professionalism, military ethics, customs and courtesies, and core leadership principles. Additional lectures include special operations, troop-leading procedures, and basic concepts of warfare.

This phase is especially important for learning how to function appropriately within a hierarchical and disciplined environment. Many of us arrive holding relatively high ranks without fully appreciating the responsibility and expectations that accompany them. The cadre are exceptionally skilled leaders and mentors, setting a strong example of professionalism and teamwork.

Arrival at Fort Sill

Upon arrival at Fort Sill, trainees are immediately taken through intake processing and assigned to barracks. Men and women are housed in the same buildings, generally separated by floor. Bedding is issued; however, I strongly recommend bringing your own clean sheets and a pillow.

The first several days are devoted to medical, dental, and vision processing. The schedule is dense, and nearly every minute of the day is accounted for.

Your Comrades

Your cohort will consist primarily of 250-300 medical and dental students from across the country. A small number of participants may already be graduates, and they are excellent resources for questions regarding rotations, residency applications, and military career planning. Our cohort also included a veterinary student, and some classes include JAG (law) students as well.

A Typical Day at DCC

Most days begin around 4-5 a.m. with physical training (PT). PT varies widely, ranging from Tai-Chi-style movement to more traditional military exercises, and is conducted outdoors regardless of weather.

After PT, buses transport us to the dining facility for breakfast, the best meal of the day at Fort Sill. We typically have 6-8 hours of lectures, followed by time allotted for studying and preparing for the Army Fitness Test (AFT), a Drill and Ceremony (D&C) exam, and an open-note written exam.

Lunch and dinner are usually eaten at the dining facility, followed by a bus ride back to the barracks. Much of the day involves standing in formation and waiting for instructions. Saturdays are generally free, and Sundays offer the option to attend religious services. Out of curiosity, I attended multiple services, including Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, and Mormon services.

On particularly busy days, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) are issued. During my three weeks at DCC, I had fireguard duty twice, which involved cleaning the entire floor’s bathrooms between 3-4 a.m. Opportunities to visit the PX are rare, so it is best to pack all toiletries and essentials in advance.

Training for the Army Fitness Test (AFT)

The AFT consists of five events: deadlifts, hand-release pushups, the sprint-drag-carry, the plank, and a two-mile run. Find training partners early and dedicate time each day to practicing, especially the event you find most challenging. Be mindful of recovery, take rest days when needed, and stay hydrated.

Gas Chamber Training

On the day of gas chamber training, do not wear lotions or contact lenses. Groups of approximately 60 trainees first enter a “cold” chamber to ensure proper mask fit. After performing basic D&C and mask-clearing procedures, you proceed into the “hot” chamber, where CS gas is actively burning.

Inside, you will form up, remove your mask, replace and clear it, sing “Happy Birthday,” and then exit. It is uncomfortable but memorable and arguably one of the most iconic training experiences at Fort Sill.

Part 2: Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) — 3 Weeks

BOLC builds upon the foundation established in DCC, emphasizing the responsibilities of commissioned officers and how to exercise authority with fairness and integrity. Some material overlaps with DCC but is expanded and contextualized specifically for medical officers.

Arrival at Fort Sam Houston

Trainees are bused from Oklahoma to Texas. Upon arrival, you check into an on-base hotel and are assigned a private room and bathroom. The first day is largely reserved for rest, followed by administrative in-processing and paperwork the next day.

Army Fitness Test (AFT)

Before the end of the first week, we completed the AFT. On test day, I minimized food intake and relied on light snacks and hydration to avoid discomfort during the run.

A Typical Day at Fort Sam

BOLC consists primarily of daily lectures and hands-on instruction. There is a final closed-note written exam that must be passed. Compared to DCC, BOLC offers significantly more autonomy and flexibility.

Meals are on your own, and expect substantial walking sometimes up to 10 miles per day. Outside of training, San Antonio offers many opportunities for exploration. The River Walk is a popular destination, with numerous bars, restaurants, and karaoke venues. During our free time, we visited botanical gardens, SeaWorld, and explored the city. On base, several military museums are also available to visit.

Camp Bullis

Approximately eight days are spent at Camp Bullis. Trainees are housed in large tents with 20–25 people per tent, sleeping on cots with issued sleeping bags. Meals primarily consist of MREs, with one hot meal per day. Water is provided and treated. Bathroom facilities consist of portable toilets, and shower access is limited often only once or twice during the entire field period.

Training at Camp Bullis includes assembling and disassembling the M4 rifle and M17 pistol, as well as live-fire qualification with the M4. While marksmanship qualification is not required to pass, successful weapon assembly and disassembly is mandatory.

You will also receive Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training, covering essential lifesaving interventions such as tourniquet application and wound management. Additionally, land navigation training teaches map reading, compass use, and terrain association. This culminates in a nighttime navigation exercise in which pairs have five hours to locate eight points within a 2.5 km × 3 km area using only a map, compass, protractor, and red light.

Final Thoughts

DCC and BOLC were among the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life. The people I met, both classmates and cadre, were exceptional, driven, and deeply committed to service. Many of the friendships formed during training continue well beyond graduation, with classmates remaining in close contact as we progress through medical training and military careers.