Avoiding/Affraid of NCOES?

SSG Zachery Mitchell — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 03:00:34 -0400

I have seen it quite a few times where you have an NCO, or Soldier for that matter, afraid to attend WLC/ALC (haven't seen it with SLC). How many others out there have seen the same thing? Why are so many soldiers/NCO's afraid to attend NCOES?

I know my experience in WLC and ALC were very enjoyable and very educational. I learned a lot of good information, I met a lot of other great people to expand/share my knowledge with, and I had a lot of fun all the way around. I just don't get it. Thoughts?

Response by SSG Christopher Settembrino made Mar 12 at 2014 9:41 AM

SSG Christopher Settembrino — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 09:41:07 -0400

I don't think I've ever seen this happen.  I don't understand why anyone would not want to go.  It's your chance to learn things you may not know about being a leader and being able to share your experiences with other NCO's so that everone can learn and grow from each other.  I know when I attended BNCOC back in 2008 it was a very enjoyable experience for me.

Response by SSG Roderick Smith made Mar 12 at 2014 9:41 AM

SSG Roderick Smith — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 09:41:25 -0400

As far as WLC is concerned, I know that many Soldiers that didn't want to attend didn't want to get promoted. They saw going to WLC as a sign that they were ready to be an NCO. Either that, or they are on a "I'm getting out and I don't need it" kick. With ALC, I have no ides why NCOs wouldn't want to attend. I'm with you SSG Mitchell. I had a blast, learned a lot, and did a bunch of networking. I guess its the same thing for NCOs. They don't want to get promoted, so they don't attend.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 11:28 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 11:28:30 -0400

Most SM's that I've seen not want to go were either getting out or procrastinating. If you're going to stay in, I have no idea why someone wouldn't want to go either. All that you're doing is setting you're self up for failure and possibly hindering your career progression. While I personally don't think I learned a whole lot in ALC, some of my peers learned a great deal, and it was a good time to boot.<br>

Response by 1SG Shane Hansen made Mar 12 at 2014 11:50 AM

1SG Shane Hansen — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 11:50:55 -0400

My experience is actually reversed of yours.  Most of my soldiers are chomping at the bit to go to WLC and/or ALC.  I actually have SFC's that are procrastinating on going to SLC!  They provide multiple excuses from "family time is more important to me right now" to "we just got back from NTC/JRTC and I am not ready".  It's very frustrating.  

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 8:58 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 08:58:08 -0400

It may just be those around you. All too often negative bias seeps in when those around speak negatively about a certain school or training opportunity.

Aside from that, many NCOs are not comfortable being uncomfortable. There is no growth in staying stagnant. Use your positive experieinces to mentor those young NCOs and provide the benefits of the course.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 9:15 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 09:15:46 -0400

SSG Mitchell,<div><br></div><div>The issue isn't avoiding the School itself it is Leaders allowing substandard NCOs to continue to push it off. There is no right time for anything that is why you have to be ready for anything all the time. </div><div><br></div><div>I hope I made sense and din't lose anyone. </div><div><br></div><div>Just my thoughts.</div><div><br></div><div>V/r</div><div><br></div><div>1SG Haro</div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 1:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:02:08 -0400

They are scared they will fail the APFT or weight control. And then I've seen them not wanna miss out on unit events/training

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 7:58 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 07:58:54 -0400

SSG Mitchell,

I think most just fear failing the course. Sadly, most soldiers are not held to the Army standards in their units. Leaders think they are helping a soldier when they let them slide on a tape or take a few seconds off a run. Realistically, you are just setting them up for failure when it comes to NCOES. Schools have the same standards as the Army, they just enforce it.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2019 11:34 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 23:34:48 -0400

Definitely for their own knowledge that they would fail either the APFT or Height and Weight. At least they are smart enough to know they do not want that on their record. However that shouldn't ever be the worry.