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I have seen many SPC's promoted to SGT without any WLC and they seem vastly under prepared for leadership. Do you think that WLC should be attended before a SPC is eligible to make SGT?
Posted in these groups: 
Promotions
Army
Promotions Army
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 24
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As a soldier who went to WLC as a SGT, I say yes!
I also say get rid of SP4, and replace it with CPL.
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CPT (Join to see)
I remember that when I was in AIT for reclass, there was talk that Big Army was going to bring back the SPC paygrade from E-4 to E-8.
I think this may have some weight to it. Not in as much that it is being considered by Big Army, but that it could be a useful tool. Those that wish to further their careers in leadership could pursue the NCO channel, where those who are very technically capable but not strong leaders could still promote within the Specialist paygrades. This would not be as prevelant or even feasible within some branches, such as Infantry. However, this could be immensely valuable in more technical branches such as Signal, Engineer, AG, etc. This would almost parallel WO ranks in a manner with a more MOS-specific focus.
I am not saying it is a perfect idea, but I can see some value to it. Conversely speaking, the Army did away with SPC paygrades for a reason. Maybe there is some wisdom to that.
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SSG (Join to see)
The vast majority of my WLC class was SGT. For some units, especially on the guard and reserve side, it can be difficult to get funding to send people to leadership schools. If the E-4 is eligible for promotion then why wait until the unit can afford to send them to school before promoting them. It's always going to be at commander's discretion anyways.
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MSG Martin C.
SSG Owen it's not hard to get WLC seats there is courses all over the US to include National Guard and reserve centers. When I was working as a PSG I had a Soldier so driven and determined to make points that he attended the course at Steward because the one at Bragg was booked 6 months out. Here in the DC area we have FT Drum, FT Bragg and the National Guard training center in Pensilvania and yes it sucks to drive the TMP for 4-6 hrs but that's our duty to get those Soldiers to school. As far as CPL rank should only be given to those that already are school trained but points are out of reach
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SSG (Join to see)
I definitely Agree with SFC Cardenas. I went to one at Fort Indiantown Gap PA, just because I was so sick of not getting a slot....
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Based on my experience with WLC, I don't think so. I don't know what it was like for others but I learned nothing exceptional from WLC. It was a good experience but I already knew most of the curriculum.
I should add however that I went when it was only two weeks so maybe that's why.
I should add however that I went when it was only two weeks so maybe that's why.
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SSG Philip Cotton
SGT Woods,
I hear you there. I've heard the same thing. I know it has been changed to a roughly 1 month course now. Time will tell if the course makes any difference in producing better qualified SGT's.
I hear you there. I've heard the same thing. I know it has been changed to a roughly 1 month course now. Time will tell if the course makes any difference in producing better qualified SGT's.
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CPT (Join to see)
I think that SGT Woods' comment demonstrates something here. It shows that those who are developed properly should not find anything new at WLC, but others who are not developed should be able to find value in WLC to help them garner at least some of the development that they were missing.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
That's true sir, good point. That's why I don't think WLC shouldnt be required for promotion; it's best left up to the leadership to decide if their Soldier is qualified to be an NCO.
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SSG Steven Borders
I am getting ready to go report to WLC. So I will let you all know how it is for me when I get back.
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