Posted on Aug 19, 2015
CPT(P) Miccc Student
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In a couple weeks I will be graduating OCS. I'm headed to Armor BOLC in November. I am curious to hear what others have experienced, what to expect (family-wise), what manuals to break into, and any other info you'd be willing to share. Thank you in advance.
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CPT Battery Commander
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You're a prior NCO so you know what it is like to lead from the front. Don't hesitate to take leadership opportunities head on. Not only will you look good because of it, your peers will look up to you for it and it helps you to become a more aggressive leader. Always accept the most difficult and uncomfortable tasks. And help out the 2LTs who are new to the Army. They'll be your friend for life.
As a prior NCO this is the approach I took in OCS and in FABOLC and I did pretty well. Good luck and congrats!
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
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I've followed that method throughout OCS. I jumped out front for everything and felt like I really got the most out of the course. First in OML with a couple events left. I hope to carry that success into BOLC as well. Thank you for the advice, sir.
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CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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If any old kook tells you any combat arms BOLC is a gentle men's course, don't believe it....be prepared to put in a lot of work and full days and sometimes weekends!
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MAJ(P) G9
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It has been almost a decade since I attended, so my info is dated. I'm sure the POI has changed a bit. That being said. I recall having a substantial number of 1900 or later returns to the house after spending all day in simulators or classrooms. I also remember being downright exhausted during the field problems and the CULEX.

Study hard and apply what you learn to the problems they give you. Also, be ready to take charge and lead at 100 MPH. It is BOLC, so they want to see you lead and they know it wont be perfect. Make your recoverable mistakes there. Good Luck!
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
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Thank you sir
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MAJ(P) G9
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Any recommendations or advice for ABOLC?
MAJ Intell Officer
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Congrats on completing OCS and good luck as you transition into this new phase of your career.
Though every branch BOLC is different, be prepared to hear/learn a lot of information that may go against how you are farmiliar with doing things as a Soldier/NCO. Remember you are attending a TRADOC school - they teach regulation, not real life application. BOLC classes typically are comprised of every branch of the Army (Reserve, NG, and Active). Get to know your classmates, like any other oportunity, use it to build your contact/connection list.
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MAJ Operations Officer (S3)
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Do everything you can to get into the PLT that is taught by the Marine Instructors (pretty sure Armor, like FA and MP is joint). The Corps sends its best and brightest to Tradoc. You will work 3 times as hard as the other PLt's but be 3 times better for it.
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CPT Ahmed Faried
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Edited 9 y ago
Most of the advice here are pretty much spot on. My only contribution is to keep in mind that Armor and Infantry BOLC now do combined exercises together. So brush up a little on infantry manuever tactics and you'll shine. Unfortunately when i went through IBOLC, Armor and Infantry BOLCs didn't do that so I learned it only through books not in practice. Good luck.
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1LT Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear Officer
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BOLC is what you make it. You can sneak through like a Joe and do enough to graduate, or you can give it all your effort. It is a chance to learn, a chance to grow, and a chance to connect. You likely will bump into those that go through BOLC with you later in your career. As mentioned there will be students from all components of the Army (Active, NG, Reserve). Learn from those other components as well. I am branched Chemical and more than half of the Army's chemical mission lies in the reserve components, so there was much to be learned from both sides.
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LTC Colin Hanzlik
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I was the Course Manager at Ft. Knox when we transitioned it from AOBC to ABOLC, so I don't know how it's been bastardized since moving to Ft. Benning, but you can expect to be challenged quickly and often. Study the Armor and Recon PLT SOPs and get yourself familiar with detailed patrol and warning orders as well as OPORDs. Ask questions about anything you don't understand and remember, it's better to make a bold decision than to sit back and play it safe. You can make all the mistakes you want as long as none are the same as before: Bold and Brash not Brute Force and Ignorance! Best of luck, partner!
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SGT Armor Crew Member
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As a current ABOLC instructor I would start to read tank platoon, recon Manuel also start brushing up on your OPORDS.
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
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9 y
Thank you. I'll get in those manuals ASAP. I've had the opportunity to do 3 platoon OPORDs here at OCS, but I've been told the armor and recon OPORDs are an entirely different beasts
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SGT Armor Crew Member
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They are. Its a matter of understand your platforms capabilities and how to use them.
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LTC G. R. Thompson
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Congrats on your pending commission. If your MOS was in the Armor world, you'll be ahead of the game. To take it to a deeper level, get familiar with the Armor ATP.. (http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/atp3_20x15.pdf)
Making the transition from Enlisted to Officer will require a mind-shift that can be difficult for high-speed NCOs. You have become "the guy who gets it done" and now you need to take the role of "the guy who enables the guy who gets it done". Never forget the challenges you faced getting this far--your Soldiers will be facing those same challenges. Give them the resources and training they need to succeed and then trust the Mission Command concept that allows subordinates to exercise initiative in order to meet the mission.

I wish I had more for you on the Armor Schools specifically. Good luck and God's speed.
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
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Awesome information, sir. I'll get into that manual ASAP. Thank you
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