Classes
Keep in mind that all of these classes move
at a snail's pace. All of these classes (just like all army courses)
are dumbed-down to cater to the lowest common denominator (ie someone with
an IQ of 20). In other words, a helper monkey could pass all of these
classes without any trouble.
Common Core
During the Common Core block of
classes, you will go over the same old subjects that you covered in your
pre-commissioning courses. You will go over everything from the
structure of our armed forces, to OERs, to basic tactics. You should
have seen ALL of this stuff before and you need not pay attention again.
(Pay Attention? NO)
Schoolhouse of Information
Technology (Cobb Hall)
Your time at SIT will be divided up into 4 blocks: A++, N++, Windows
2000, and webpage design. This is the most relaxed portion of OBC, so
enjoy your time here.
You will start off with the A++ portion, which takes you back to the very
basic building blocks of a computer (this is a CPU, this is a monitor, etc.)
to teach you how a computer works. If you are reading this webpage,
then you probably have more than enough experience to pass this portion.
If you are worried about passing the test (the quizzes you take every
morning use the same questions as the test), then simply open up the CD at
the back of your book. Go through each practice test (these questions
are the same questions on the real test). If you have any sort of
memory, you should be able to ace this test. Try to beat my mark of
finishing all 105 questions in under 4 minutes.
(Pay Attention? NO)
The N++ class involves networking (both the hardware and the actual
networking process). This block is a little more advanced
(conceptually) and students who have not had any networking experience may
struggle a little bit with this section.
(Pay Attention? YES--if you don't have networking
experience)
The Windows 2000 class teaches you how to install an operating system,
format and set up a desktop system, and use Microsoft Outlook. If you
have EVER set up your own computer system, you will not need to pay
attention during this block. The test for this block consists of
wiping your hard drive, installing Windows 2000, installing Outlook, and
sending a few emails/set up a few appointments. Basically, the test is
a repeat of your classroom exercises without any references.
(Pay Attention? NO--unless you are computer
illiterate)
The web design class is extremely easy and extremely slow paced.
If you have never made a webpage before, do not worry. You will have
to use a little bit of HTML to begin the course. But halfway through
your exercises, your instruction should let you use Microsoft FrontPage.
Either way, SIT does not ask you to make a super webpage. You can
perform all necessary tasks by coding in HTML. The "test" for this
block is a group project--you must create a webpage IAW classroom guidance.
HERE is an example of what you will have to
do.
(Pay Attention? NO--just complete the in-class
exercises)
MSE/DGM
This section is billed as the hardest part of SOBC. While this may
be true, that isn't saying much. The MSE/DGM section deals with the
meat of what it is to be in the signal corps--the MSE system. Almost
all Signal tactical units employ this system, which consists of a network of
radio-connected stations on the battlefield. Take a look at the
handout you get on the first day of this class. This handout is one of
the most useful part of this course, because it illustrates the different
network components of the MSE system and how they link together.
The instructors will make a big deal about the MSE test, but like all army
tests, only true morons will fail. The test is an open note test, so
make sure you bring the proper references on test day. The key to this
section is printing out the powerpoint slides before each class. (See
our Signal Tips section for this). Take notes on these printouts and
make sure you arrange your plethora of notes before the test. If you
have all your notes and know how to reference a particular item in these
notes, you don't even have to study.
Download these files to help you along the way:
MSE Study Guide 1
MSE Study Guide 2
MSE Study Guide 3
MSE Quiz 1
MSE Quiz 2
MSE Equipment Chart
(Pay Attention? YES--but only enough to follow along and take a few minor
notes. The teachers usually indicate questions that will be on the
test)
S6
The S6 section is yet another easy section that has been drawn out (that
seems to be the common theme of all OBCs). The S6 portion attempts to
teach you the basic parts of being an S6. Basically, you will learn
how to setup and use different radios. All this information will come
to use in the Signal OBC S6 track.
(Pay Attention? YES--not because the test is hard, but because you cannot
use your notes on the test. You do not have to take notes or study,
you simply have to stay awake and pay attention in class. The
instructor will stomp his foot when there is something important.
There will also be a test review, make sure you pay attention because all
the answers to the test are given out during this review)
Logistics/Supply
The logistics/supply section is very short, and uneventful. Do not
study. Do not take notes. Do not pay attention. Just bring
your notes and books to the test and you will pass. The test is on a
computer and if you fail, you are a loser.
(Pay Attention? NO--just bring your notes and books
to the test)
MapEx/FTX
The MapEx and FTX are the last two events of OBC (along with
Signal Stakes). For more
information, visit our MapEx and
FTX pages.
Book Report
During OBC, you will have to read a book from a prescribed reading list, and
write a short book report (Yes, this is a flashback from the 3rd Grade).
The main focus on this book report are the leadership lessons illustrated by
the book's characters. You do not even have to read the whole book,
just find a few leadership situations and write about how you have learned
from these situations. The instructor grading this report will focus
on your English skills, since this is a gauge of your writing ability.
Briefings
During OBC, you will have to give a briefing to the class on a military
topic such as a unit (try choosing the unit you are going to) or a figure (a
former Chief of Signal, etc). You may also choose to do a topic on an
aspect of the Army community, such as AER, ACS, or even UCMJ. There
will be minimum and maximum time limits set on this breifing, so make sure
you practice beforehand. Each instructor who grades these briefings
will look for something different in your briefing, so you must cater to
their preferences (if you know them already). These briefings aren't a
big deal, except they take a lot of time to go through a whole class's
briefings. So all that extra time you have where you could leave will
be spent listening to briefings..
PT
PT at OBC is a joke. If you struggle, then you should resign your
commission. The class runs (in formation) are at an agonizingly slow
10-12 minute/mile pace. PT usually consists of ability group runs 2x a
week, a class run on Friday, and muscle failure on the other two days.
Everyone in class must run a day of PT. For information on the PT
Officer job, visit our Signal OBC Positions
page.
Travel Southeast
Travel
Hawaii
