CLC3 Day 85: BCS3 test

We started out a bit later this morning because our instructor had an appointment, so things kicked off at about 10:00. We went over the upcoming ICOS (Individual Concept of Support) exercise a bit before breaking for lunch at the normal time.

During lunch I went swimming at the nearby YMCA -- now that my smallpox vaccine location has healed, I've taken up practicing again for the GAFPB. Although I could probably figure things out eventually, I signed up for individual lessons which start next week.

In the afternoon, we reviewed BCS3 for an hour and then took the exam. The test was challenging for me, in part, because I haven't had any staff experience to make it relevant. All things considered, though, the instructors were helpful and it was just a matter of figuring things out.

In other news, ALARACT message 031-2013 came out recently, resetting the languages that the Army will pay FLPB (foreign language proficiency bonus) for. Sadly, Korean and Chinese both are off the list entirely -- unless I can find a way to fill some major-level language coded billet, it doesn't look like I'll get paid FLPB while I'm a captain.

This is quite a bummer for me because I was really looking forward to upgrading my Korean skills in the #1 place for it: KOREA! Although I've heard even I can use tuition assitance to pay for Korean classes, it somewhat reduces my incentive to study hard. And even though it would have only been $150 a month, that still would have worked out to an extra $1800 a year.

Thumbs down, Army.

Nevertheless, the best news of the day was that my tax return came in. With it, I was able to pay off the Career Starter Loan I took out when I commissioned in December 2008. That'll free up some cash flow just in time, as we're transitioning overseas.