Attending BOLC as a 1LT (Any suggestions?)

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 23:36:25 -0400

I will be attending AGBOLC as a 1LT any suggestions? I'm an ECP grad and was wondering there are any advantages or disadvantages for going as a 1LT.

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made May 21 at 2015 1:31 AM

LTC Gavin Heater — Thu, 21 May 2015 01:31:25 -0400

You will probably get some leadership opportunities in your small group and in your class at large. Do well in them and your Academic Efficiency Report will reflect it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 6:48 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 06:48:51 -0400

I was an ECP grad who also attended BOLC as a 1LT. I was one of three 1LTs there (and the most senior at that).

First, realize that at BOLC *everybody* will be given leadership opportunities, and be rotated through them. You being senior in rank will mean exactly squat at the course. You also will likely receive no preferential treatment in which leadership spots you get, so don't expect to automatically be class leader.

Second, seek out positions of responsibility other than simply the leadership. Chances are the class will have members assigned to "staff" roles in order to assist the instructors, and those may not even change (as long as one isn't fired) during the course. Volunteer for one in line with your skills, and bust your @ss to do it well. Volunteering may be as simple as being the first person to ask a question on the first day, but if you're prepared you can angle it in critical ways*.

Third, be organized. Show the more junior personnel how to ensure that tasks are well-tracked and well-coordinated, and show them what proper follow-through looks like. This will not only make the class easier for everyone, but you're teaching a skill crucial to management and as surprising as it sounds many young Officers have not had that lesson.

Fourth, if you have a chance to be a sponsor for a foreign officer, which sometimes happens, I encourage you to volunteer; it's a great learning activity.

Fifth, no matter what happens in the course, set aside time for two things: getting training from your peers on skills you need more work with, and training your peers on skills they need help with. Make it obvious to everyone that you want to collaborate, but don't be pushy. Trust me; the more you network and help each other, the more the instructors will notice.

*= Often, the first person to pipe up with a personnel question gets tagged as class S1, the first person with a computer account question as class S6, and so on. If you want those spots, consider letting the instructor know, but also consider deliberately asking the "gotcha" question in order to get tagged. Be prepared in advance for this; if you want the class S1 slot, try setting up a Google Docs spreadsheet for tracking data, such as addresses/room# while at class and dependent status. If you want the S6 slot, find out what documents are needed for computer accounts and try collecting them from your peers in advance of the class so you can hand off a "packet" to the instructor. There are, unfortunately, very rarely any other class staff positions than those two.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 9:52 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 09:52:16 -0400

Sir, here is something to bear in mind about going to BOLC as a 1LT. My XO went to her BOLC and in her class, she had many a 1LT, some CPT's and even a Full Bird Colonel. Dont worry about walking in with your silver bar.

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 21 at 2015 10:24 AM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 21 May 2015 10:24:08 -0400

Go and be a leader by setting the best example through academic excellence and physical fitness

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 21 at 2015 3:18 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Thu, 21 May 2015 15:18:12 -0400

Advantage = more pay. Disadvantage = your a 1LT

Response by LTC John Wilson made May 21 at 2015 8:10 PM

LTC John Wilson — Thu, 21 May 2015 20:10:51 -0400

Respond to the academics and the interaction with fellow officers and reflect on the highest standards possible. You look good, your efficiency report looks good and best of all you feel good for doing the best you could.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2020 11:18 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 11:18:01 -0500

Get ready to be a class leader haha.