AUTOMATIC Selections for WLC and other NCOES courses

2014-03-20T04:24:53-04:00

In the not so distant past WLC (PLDC) was a course where the unit leaders could decide based on a Soldiers demonstrated performance potential via the OML (created by the 1SG and PSGs). Only Soldiers who had demonstrated a desire, and possessed the capability to lead would go. Now this meant that if there were Slots available after the newly promoted SGTs got their slots, that the best of the best SPCs would be considered, and if a PFC was out preforming a SPC he/she may be selected to attend WLC. While I do realize that now its almost impossible for some to get promoted with out the points they receive from WLC, but why are we sending Soldiers who have no desire to be an NCO, lacks general military knowledge and discipline, and even APFT Failures.

Is this just a USAEUR thing? Why should some higher headquarters who has never even met a Soldier be able to say its time for this Soldier to be a Leader?

I am currently experiencing this situation for myself, I have been told that the unit No Longer controls the OML, that it is now created and tracked at the TSC command, that is 3 echelons above the company. This Soldier has not distinguished himself, Could not answer basic MOS questions during a mock board, and told me to my face that he did not want to be an NCO. But I was told there is nothing to be done. He's going and that's all there is to it.

How much money does it cost to send a Soldier TDY for 3 weeks? How much money is spent on the Course by the unit? How much money is spent on the Course materials? We are wasting time and money to train a Soldier who has no intentions of ever being anything but mediocre at best.

RP Community Your Thoughts?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 4:29 AM

2014-03-20T04:29:19-04:00

My unit still does that. They have a list posted on the company board off all the SPC who are eligible to go. They are from order of the senior SPC to the most recently promoted. Based on your efforts and if you want to go or not is when they'll send you. I was like number 25 on the list of 50 something people and when I kept asking about going they finally chose me. There was some butt hurt senior SPC at the time but hey if you want something you got have a desire to want it.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 4:52 AM

2014-03-20T04:52:06-04:00

It's not just your unit. I had hard charging PFCs and even PV2s that are willing and ready to go. I also had SPCs that have no potential to really become good leaders, yet they are told they're going. WLC is an E-1 to E-4 school. I went as an E-5 and got almost nothing out of it. When I went to ALC as a SSG however, my skillset grew 1000%. I was immediately able to implement my new skills as a Section Leader...

I know there's a backlog of guys in certain ranks that "have to go", but I think it's crap. Everything should be performance and motivation based. I've seen it on a PFCs face when he knows he out performs this SPC every day, yet can't get a WLC slot. Sucks that I can't give him a reason that makes sense as to why he isn't going.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 5:02 AM

2014-03-20T05:02:54-04:00

Also, refusal to attend NCOES is grounds for a Bar to Reenlistment, which is a way for you to get him out...

Look into the separations reg. Counsel him based on his failures and lack of desire to lead and/or attend school. Initiate the bar through your CO, and follow up. You can have him out in six months tops, if not sooner for APFT failures.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 20 at 2014 6:21 AM

2014-03-20T06:21:34-04:00

This is a forcing function. It forces you, as the immediate supervisor to take action. You are forced to meet certain gateways along the way for the Soldier to attend. Additionally, as mentioned above, if the Soldier lacks drive ' motivation or is full of apathy, you have administrative tools available (at the company level) to encourage improved performance.

You must exercise your responsibility as a junior NCO to train, mold, and develop this Soldier into the motivated WLC candidate that will face the challenge of the NCOES and complete the school. Challenge him and give him the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership during training events (PRT, drill & ceremonies, prime time training g and ectc,). It is the responsibility of every Non Commissioned Officer to develop our subordinates. This situation is not rare or unique whatsoever. It is simply a small hurdle which provides you an opportunity to hone your own leadership skills. Has he completed Structured Self Development level 1 yet?

I have a question for you. Is this same Soldier integrated onto the promotion standing list, if so is he as an automatic integration?

Here's a link to the 7th Army WLC homepage which specifically addresses candidate preparation, you can navigate directly to the schoolhouse SOP from there:

http://www.eur.army.mil/jmtc/Organization/NCO_Academy/NCOA_docs/Preparing%20for%20the%20Warrior%20Leader%20Course.docx

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 1:53 PM

2014-04-30T13:53:08-04:00

SSG Blum,

I'm thankful that NGB hasn't adopted this practice. Our specialists still get rated on a point-based OML using ratings by their SSG, PSG, and 1SG, combined with points for awards, mil ed, civilian ed, APFT, weapons qual, etc. Granted our climate is different than AD, but I think the units ability to visually quantify on paper and quality control who gets sent to schools and promoted helps us save money. It's my opinion resources and opportunities are far too scarce to waste a seat.