My name is Freddy Garcia, koopstroops membername on PHSChat and a graduate of PHS Officer Basic Course Class #28. I am a former Navy enlistedman, turned Navy commissioned officer, turned PHS commissioned officer! So far, I am very happy with my transition into the PHS!

I recently completed my Officer Basic Course (OBC) in Landsdowne, VA. I had already been in the PHS system for a few months before one day I received an email saying I was slotted to go to OBC from 5DEC-18DEC2009. Upon arrival to Washington, D.C. there were many questions.

I arrived at the airport and did not have the slightest clue where the Shuttle to the National Conference Center (NCC) was at. I waited an hour before I decided to just catch a taxi to NCC in Landsdowne, VA (I charged this fee on my government credit card). Once there, I checked into the conference center and received a memo that I was to meet in class in a couple of hours.

In class, they divided us up into groups. We would end up being in these groups (squads) for the first week. The first 3 days, we were in black slacks and a white shirt (NO UNIFORMS). This allows those who did not have uniforms to order them from the Navy Exchange dealers who visited with us the first day. Throughout the 3 days, we started learning the PHS mission, uniform regulations, Public Health Structure, drilling, etc.

On day 4 we finally had to wear our uniforms (Khaki). On this day, we were pinned by an Admiral. This formalized the welcome into the PHS service! Training continued for the next couple of days until the weekend came around. On the weekend, they gave us liberty to go out and do the "sightseeing," so long as we were in a "buddy system." This meant you must have one other person from training with you at all times.

The following week started with more group exercise training, this time away from your squad. This would eventually set up the stage for the final day before graduation where we would be placed in a mock disaster training exercise. This mock exercise is conducted the day before graduation between 0300-0500. On graduation, we received our training certificate, training ribbon, and PHS challenge coin. Family is invited and after the ceremony, you can meet with liasions from your agency to discuss any matters or ask any questions.

Important points learned from training:

1. We were told that after our class, the required uniforms were going to change to Khaki uniform and BDU's
2. If you have a laptop, bring it to the training
3. Use your military ID to avoid baggage fee's at airport, you are active duy!If you are at the airport and you get lost, visit the United Services Organization (USO) kiosk/center for assistance and free snacks, coffee, wifi, relaxation! Be nice to these people, they are very nice volunteers!
4. During training, time is limited. Get as much sleep as possible
5. Starbucks coffee is available 24/7 at NCC for free! Utilize it!
6. The NCC layout where u are staying is very confusing. Carry a map with you
7. You have the option of doing a physical fitness test on second week. You can do this test without recording the results if you choose.
8. On the weekend of liberty, try to make a visit to Naval Hospital Bethesda where there is a Navy Exchange at. Here you can purchase the rest of your uniforms/components and other nifty items! Leave enough time to sightsee the national mall though if you have never done so!
9. Group exercises in second week are a lot of fun, practice your break dancing moves!
10. The NCC center has a bar in it "Black Olive," which features a mini cafe in the rear and all essentials @ bar
11. The gift shop is very expensive
12. There is a shopping center a couple miles away from NCC with restaurants, CVS, grocery store, Starbucks, barber shop!
13. Lastly, start your PHS networking with the people you meet at OBC. Great experiences and friends are made at this short training.