There are two different tracks for C-130 follow-on training. I am staying at Columbus for T-1 training (Beech jet). Here's a link with some info:
http://www.af.mil/news/factsheets/T_1A_Jayhawk.html
The other option is to leave after the initial six months of UPT (T-37 or T-6 portion) for Corpus Christi (Navy), where you fly the T-44, which is like a King-air:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/t-44.htm
To be honest, I really don't know how they decide which way you go. I have several friends who are Guard in the C-130 who are going to Corpus, while several others are staying here for T-1s. I think it really depends on the way your home unit wants to do things.
As for the actual C-130 training, training takes place primarily at Little
Rock, Arkansas. As of this writing, Dobbins AFB near Atlanta is rumored to be
spooling up to take all the Guard/Reserve C-130H training.
1. Can we bring laptops? Yes. In fact, I would ensure you bring one. They have computers there, but they are very slow and not always functional. Bring a printer and some extra cartridges as well.
2. Do you have Internet access? No. I didn't check my email once.
3. How do they do PT? I've heard it's not organized and you're pretty much on your own. Are there any formation runs? You are very much on your own. There are a couple runs that are done as a group, but not really in formation. The PT is pretty lax.
4. Do women do exactly the same training as men? Their times may vary slightly during PT events, but everything else is the same.
5. Do you ever leave the base? There are a couple organized events where you will leave the base as a group, and you will be given priveleges towards the end of training as well. They may also allow an occasional trip to Walmart for supplies.
6. Is there training every day or do you have a day off on Sunday? Sundays were always off days, and Saturdays were usually half days. You'll probably wind up studying or cleaning, but it's more or less your time.
7. Do they yell and scream at you the entire time? Most of that is accomplished in the first couple weeks. Depending on your individual instructor, however, they may or may not lighten up as the program goes on. Ours didn't, so it was pretty serious the whole time.
8. Do you need all the items they tell you to bring? Are they inspected? There were a few things that were never used, but that may depend on the time of year and your preferences as a wing. I was there when it was warming up, so we put all our jacket liners in storage or peoples' cars. We also never used robes, and 'pyjamas' were kind of a hassle because everyone came with a different type. Everything you keep is inspected, however, so keep it to a minimum (ie if they say you need only one uniform on display and you have three, find a way to always have only one on display... the dry cleaners worked well).
9. Is there an honor grad award? There were several different awards. There were awards for physical fitness, academic performance, and overall performance.
10. Any other words? I think your questions covered most of what I would say. Be open minded and keep your sights focused on your goals after you leave AMS so you don't get caught up in the negative while you're there. Play nice with others.
11. Did you have any fun or did you hate the entire training? Basically, what did you think?
I didn't have much fun. I'm kind of shy by nature, and I was selected for a lot of leadership positions in which I had to make decisions all the time (which is, of course, the point of the program). I was uncomfortable, and the people in my flight didn't all share the same views on how things should go, so there was a lot of tension. Other flights seemed to be having more fun. I'm not sure if it was the people in my flight, or our instructor. There were flashes when it was fun though, and I met some great people. You'll definitely take some good experiences away from there. It really comes down to an individual experience.