Family and WOBC

Although this is an important career milestone, if it applies, take time to make sure your family is good. This is an issue in every class and can make your experience at TBS horrible.

Newborns- Some of you will have newborns while at TBS. First, this is congrats, I went through it as well, and it should be handled delicately. The first thing you need to do is inform your SPC of potential dates when you check-in. This could be done through student leadership or in person. But the more they know, the better they can prepare for that date.

There are several options for you, well at least there were in the past COVID does make things a little more complicated. It will be easier to communicate with your family if you are in garrison. Depending on location, you may be able to go home and see your baby; yes, leave is-was allowed during WOBC, and yes, you can make up any event at TBS.

If you are in the field (PEX, FEX. Etc), provide your family with the duty’s and Chaplain’s numbers. If you are allowed to take your phone to the field, cell service in the area is horrible -more on that later- you can also give them your SPC’s number. Communication is key. Also, manage your family’s expectations and let them know that it may be challenging to attend the birth.

You will have weekends off unless you failed or missed an event. They usually make up those events on a Saturday morning.

Wi-Fi may be your only way to communicate with your family in the barracks. The signal sucks in almost every room. Internet costs about $50 a month for three devices. You can share the costs with your roommates.