Can a CSM deny orders for a leadership school such as BLC or ALC just because you don't get a 70 in each PT event?

Soldiers don't want to be lead by an NCO that barely meets the standard. If the CSM stops that NCO from moving forward, he is doing that NCO and future soldiers a favor. The NCO should take the denial in stride and work on improving.

He's actually doing the troop a favor if it doesn't adversely affect the troop's future ability to attend the school. I don't know how thing are run these days but back when I was in one had PLC for non-combat arms and PNCOC/CA for combat arms MOSes. These slots were given at a fairly local level and lists were maintained by First Sergeants on a seniority/merit basis. So, if you miss a class on that basis no harm no foul, you get in better shape and maybe make the next slot. But, if you show up to that school and fail due to PT (as has already been mentioned) it can be a rock in your rucksack that can and usually will come back to haunt you. In these days of drawdowns you don't want that.

Now, if it's a DoD or DoA school that's another ball of wax. In either event, I would suggest getting out and doing some extra PT, if that's the name of the game these days, that's how you play.

As far as your CSM is concerned, even if he is wrong you may find yourself peeing in the wind if you argue. He is obviously trying to save you from failure. As an old First Sergeant once told me, "There is 'pass' - and there is 'class.'"

Just a side note; when I attended Jump School in 1981 everyone had a completed and passed Airborne PT Test in their packet yet we still lost almost 1/3 of the students who fell out for training the first day of Ground Week because we didn't meet THEIR standards. We only had to do 45 perfect pushups in 2 minutes and 45 perfect situps in two minutes. The FIRST 45 were fairly easy - it was the second and third we had to do to meet their standards that got tough...

Yes, its ultimately their decision to send you, and with money getting tighter, they can push forward those who know are going to pass. Some of these schools happen in different states, altitudes, etc. The conditions will be harsher for some to maintain, and if you're already barely passing then that is adequate reason to not send you.

Sounds like you just want life handed to you. Effort in = effort out. One of many evaluation metrics is PT. For example; A sham shield wearing soldier has had ample time (barring some injury) to achieve more than simply the bare minimum. The Army does not need E5's it needs SGTs you want to climb the ladder put forth the effort. Leading from the front means to lead at PT as well. Small group leadership positions are the most influential on soldier development in the Army. Your CSM Does not want a bare minimum leader in that position. NCOES Failure possibility aside. If you can achieve a bare minimum at your unit the odds you will fail at NCOES are enormous because you don't have your buddy counting your weak ass push ups for you.... or twirling flutter kicks or whatever the hell you all do now.

In order to be a leader, you not only need to possess the knowledge and characteristics of a leader, but you must have the physical capabilities to perform above your subordinates. There is no reason to send someone to school who does not possess the motivation to go above and beyond the minimum requirements to pass the APFT. After all, a leader is there to train, advise, assist, and motivate subordinates. The CSM is correct in not signing the letter of release for this soldier.

So I hit the Respond button and it didn't do anything the first time so I hit it again and again and then my response popped up like 3 times. So let me say I'm sorry for that. Wasn't trying to spam my response to you like that.

I have seen CSM from at least 2 units I was assigned deny a school because the soldier didn't meet his/her standards even if they were above the normal standards. The thinking behind it was that school standards were harder then the unit standards and if they got 70 at the unit that would mean in most cases they would get a lower score in school. Ive seen this happen to where the soldier only passed the APFT by one push-up or two at the unit and go to school and fail because they couldn't complete the APFT to that schools standards. It also comes down to money and unit reputation. sending a soldier to a school and that soldier failing costs the unit money they could use on a soldier that is ready for school. Then there is the rep of the unit. If a soldier fails the APFT that unit CSM will get an ear full from that school's Leadership. Again I've seen it and the Unit CSM's take it personally. so they adopt a harder standard to make sure soldiers don't fail at the school.

I have seen CSM from at least 2 units I was assigned deny a school because the soldier didn't meet his/her standards even if they were above the normal standards. The thinking behind it was that school standards were harder then the unit standards and if they got 70 at the unit that would mean in most cases they would get a lower score in school. Ive seen this happen to where the soldier only passed the APFT by one push-up or two at the unit and go to school and fail because they couldn't complete the APFT to that schools standards. It also comes down to money and unit reputation. sending a soldier to a school and that soldier failing costs the unit money they could use on a soldier that is ready for school. Then there is the rep of the unit. If a soldier fails the APFT that unit CSM will get an ear full from that school's Leadership. Again I've seen it and the Unit CSM's take it personally. so they adopt a harder standard to make sure soldiers don't fail at the school.

I have seen CSM from at least 2 units I was assigned deny a school because the soldier didn't meet his/her standards even if they were above the normal standards. The thinking behind it was that school standards were harder then the unit standards and if they got 70 at the unit that would mean in most cases they would get a lower score in school. Ive seen this happen to where the soldier only passed the APFT by one push-up or two at the unit and go to school and fail because they couldn't complete the APFT to that schools standards. It also comes down to money and unit reputation. sending a soldier to a school and that soldier failing costs the unit money they could use on a soldier that is ready for school. Then there is the rep of the unit. If a soldier fails the APFT that unit CSM will get an ear full from that school's Leadership. Again I've seen it and the Unit CSM's take it personally. so they adopt a harder standard to make sure soldiers don't fail at the school.

I have seen CSM from at least 2 units I was assigned deny a school because the soldier didn't meet his/her standards even if they were above the normal standards. The thinking behind it was that school standards were harder then the unit standards and if they got 70 at the unit that would mean in most cases they would get a lower score in school. Ive seen this happen to where the soldier only passed the APFT by one push-up or two at the unit and go to school and fail because they couldn't complete the APFT to that schools standards. It also comes down to money and unit reputation. sending a soldier to a school and that soldier failing costs the unit money they could use on a soldier that is ready for school. Then there is the rep of the unit. If a soldier fails the APFT that unit CSM will get an ear full from that school's Leadership. Again I've seen it and the Unit CSM's take it personally. so they adopt a harder standard to make sure soldiers don't fail at the school.