Lessons learned at FLETC

[Sierra]

Originally Posted by audi0xpl0de

Stupid question but are contacts allowed at FLETC? The agencies I'm applying to actually do not have uncorrected vision requirements. I was just wondering what their protocol was. Thanks!

Yes. I wore contacts and glasses there, though not at the same time. ;) Wearing $250 contacts during OC spray would have been a very bad idea. Plus, it was nice to have the glasses during PT so I didn't have to worry about losing a contact on a run.

[djdvine1]

Originally Posted by Sierra

Yes. I wore contacts and glasses there, though not at the same time. ;) Wearing $250 contacts during OC spray would have been a very bad idea. Plus, it was nice to have the glasses during PT so I didn't have to worry about losing a contact on a run.

I would love to hear some advice on how to approach getting sprayed in the face. I'm definately not looking forward to that!

[ROS]

Originally Posted by djdvine1

I would love to hear some advice on how to approach getting sprayed in the face. I'm definately not looking forward to that!

There is no real advice on how to make it a better experience. You just have to suck it up and get over it as best you can. They'll give you all the directions on how to get it cleaned off once the training is over with. As someone who's gone through the training twice (and it was equally bad each time), I can tell you there's no "easy" way through it. You just have to do it.

[1depd]

At the north west corner of building 95 there is a internet hotspot coming from the contractor's office there. If you are going to use it bring a chair, bug spray, or expect to sit on the concrete.

Firehouse subs, next to 5 guys, is pretty good, if you like warm subs.

I know it is contrary to what everyone says, but if you are injured (not sick), but can go on, see the trainers not the health unit. The trainers will wrap you and send you out to play not send you home. If you think it is something serious or you can't go on, then go to the health unit. If you go to the health unit for a minor injury you will not be able to participate in any physical activity for a couple of days. Too many missed days and you go home. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a lawyer so I do not have any standing to give you any advice. Follow my advice at your own risk. You're an adult take an adult decision and don't blame me. :D

[Stub]

Originally Posted by djdvine1

I would love to hear some advice on how to approach getting sprayed in the face. I'm definately not looking forward to that!

Approach it like Bill Clinton, don't inhale during exposure.

Keeping your pie hole shut will help too.

[UpOnBase2]

Originally Posted by djdvine1

I would love to hear some advice on how to approach getting sprayed in the face. I'm definately not looking forward to that!

OC is overrated...it's not that bad.

Actually it depends on the person, some people it's not bad and others it kills...lets hope you are in the first category.:D

FLETC is good times...would like to go back.

[djdvine1]

Originally Posted by UpOnBase2

OC is overrated...it's not that bad.

Actually it depends on the person, some people it's not bad and others it kills...lets hope you are in the first category.:D

FLETC is good times...would like to go back.

Thanks all for the advice...I'm just gonna man up and follow the hell out of the directions they give us. Actually in the Air Force (prob much worse for other services) we had to take our Chem Gear Mask off while we were getting gassed. I wonder if it's the same...

I'm looking forward to the overall FLETC experience though (minus the Red Carpet Lounge....from what I have been reading anyways)

[Sierra]

Originally Posted by djdvine1

Thanks all for the advice...I'm just gonna man up and follow the hell out of the directions they give us. Actually in the Air Force (prob much worse for other services) we had to take our Chem Gear Mask off while we were getting gassed. I wonder if it's the same...

I'm looking forward to the overall FLETC experience though (minus the Red Carpet Lounge....from what I have been reading anyways)

Gas and spray are not the same thing. You will have to go through the tear gas (CS?) chamber a few days before getting sprayed with OC. Same as military, you get to have a conversation with the instructor after removing the mask.

[ROS]

Originally Posted by Sierra

Gas and spray are not the same thing. You will have to go through the tear gas (CS?) chamber a few days before getting sprayed with OC.

Can't speak for other training programs at FLETC, but in CITP you only get OC sprayed. No gas or chem agents.

[schrute]

Same with CBP, it was just the spray.

[Sierra]

Lucky devils. ICE D (IEA school) has both.

[djdvine1]

Originally Posted by ROS

Can't speak for other training programs at FLETC, but in CITP you only get OC sprayed. No gas or chem agents.

Good News For Me!

[cajun]

Originally Posted by djdvine1

I would love to hear some advice on how to approach getting sprayed in the face. I'm definately not looking forward to that!

The effects of getting sprayed by OC vary from person to person. Throughout my LE career I have seen people cry like babies when getting sprayed, and others that looked like they were ready to drink the stuff and beg for more. If OC gets in your eyes it burns like a mother. I've been hit by it more than a few times, both in training, and accidentally while performing my duties (friggin cops have bad aim at times).

If you want to see the effects (lol) try taking some hot sauce and place a couple of drops inbetween your eyes. I personally don't think hot sauce is as intense as OC, but what you will experience (again lol) will give you an idea of what to expect. Also if you do decide on this course of action (for the love of all thats holy) have a source of water nearby, and someone to assist you if needed.

[1depd]

Originally Posted by djdvine1

Thanks all for the advice...I'm just gonna man up and follow the hell out of the directions they give us. Actually in the Air Force (prob much worse for other services) we had to take our Chem Gear Mask off while we were getting gassed. I wonder if it's the same...

The gas chamber just made me cough, gag, tear and snot. It generally stopped after about 15 minutes in clean air. OC makes you cough (a little), snot, tear and makes your face feel like it's on fire for about 30-45 minutes. If it doesn't then it won't effect you. Generally the feeling of your face is about the same as you mouth when you eat hot hot wings. I prefer gas to OC any day.

[ROS]

Man, what a breath of fresh air it is to be an advanced student at FLETC. Night and day difference. Better dorms (I'm at the Taj, which has it's own microwave, fridge, pool, couch/table, queen-sized bed, AC/heat that actually work, etc.). It's not bad at all. Plus, advanced students can drive on campus and parking in student parking during training hours. What a relief to not have to walk, bike or ride the bus everywhere. And if you want to go off campus to get lunch, you're an adult, do it (so long as you're back for class). It's almost like being somewhere other than FLETC! :D