Can leadership force me to attend blc when I’m getting out?

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:49:41 -0400

I’m currently about a year from my ets date. Can my leadership force me to attend blc if i don’t want to go? I’ve lost all drive to become an nco and i feel like I’d be doing more harm then good. What can they do if i say i don’t want to go?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 10:55 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:55:03 -0400

As a corporal, you are an NCO. As long as you are an NCO, you should go. If not, give up the stripes.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 8 at 2020 10:56 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:56:07 -0400

Why would you turn down an opportunity to learn leadership skills?

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jun 8 at 2020 10:57 AM

SSG Steven Borders — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:57:55 -0400

CPL Private RallyPoint Member I am not trying to keep you in by all means, but why do you not want to become an NCO? I guarantee you are going though some of the same stuff I went through when I was on active duty. I was in for 7 years active and thought I was was done. Now, here I am been a long road, lots of zigs and zags but perseverance paid off.
I doubt they would send you to BLC with a year left on your contract. But you may regret it too, as so many soldiers have gotten out just to come back in. That's why I am in the Reserves, took a little bit to get used to, but hey I love it. The best of both worlds in my mind. Kind of the perfect fit. If you ever need guidance you have plenty of NCO's here that can help guide you.

Response by SGT Lee Jamison made Jun 8 at 2020 11:00 AM

SGT Lee Jamison — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:00:02 -0400

Explain your intentions to your leadership and chain of command about not re-enlisting upon your ETS date and that it would be a waste to send you over someone else who wants to go and is not planning on getting out. Some commands may still try to send you for one reason or another and if that happens you have 2 choices...go to the school and graduate or go to the school and fail out on something simple like failing the p.t. test. If you fail out they cannot send you back to the school for a set amount of time, I cannot remember exactly how long that is. By that time though, you will be within your ETS window and they won’t send you back.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 11:01 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:01:04 -0400

Respectfully CPL Private RallyPoint Member, you're asking the wrong question here! The question you should be asking is, "how should I be preparing myself for BLC and becoming a better NCO?!" The easiest thing for anyone to do is quit, but the ones that have learned how to adapt, fight, and overcome are the ones that will triumph in life! You have what it takes to become that SGT, but no one is going to give it to you; you must earn it!! From one NCO to another, LACE UP YOUR BOOTS AND CHARLIE MIKE CPL!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 11:03 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:03:20 -0400

Refusing an ncopds is ground for bar. Which means you could be chaptered out in 6 months but you will lose the VA benefits you have earned. You signed your name and told uncle sam you would do a job, you have 1 year left. Find some motovation and dont ruin an otherwise good career because of a lack of motivation.
If anything else, BLC is padding for your resume, "Entry level management." You have to try to fail, so just do it.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 8 at 2020 11:03 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:03:38 -0400

I would recommend you execute lawful orders up until you ETS. Don't be the one playing the "I'm getting out game". It will label you and will do nothing but burn bridges with people you will need to work through when you start to out process. Plus don't waste an opportunity to better yourself because you want to eventually leave the Army.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 8 at 2020 11:09 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:09:46 -0400

Did you forget that you're a Corporal? You ARE an NCO. With that title comes a responsibility to be as educated and well trained as possible, so that you may better serve your Soldiers.
It's not about you. If doing your job is such a burden, ask for an administrative reduction back to Specialist.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 8 at 2020 11:16 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:16:57 -0400

CPL Private RallyPoint Member get that fire back in the belly and go. This is a great opportunity to learn and you may change your mind about being an NCO and a career path with the military. It's not that easy in the civilian world either and that laedership course can pay big divides on your resume. Get that Fire Back in the belly today brother! You know where it is!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 8 at 2020 11:23 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:23:43 -0400

How many years do you have in the military? Why not try to stick it out for a good retirement that you can get after 20 years.

Response by SSgt Jerry Savoie made Jun 8 at 2020 11:55 AM

SSgt Jerry Savoie — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:55:04 -0400

It will pay off to go to the school even if you don't stay in, what you learn there will help in the civilian world as a manager

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 8 at 2020 12:05 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:05:31 -0400

Nothing has changed. You are ordered to attend, you have to follow all Lawful/Direct orders. You push back at your own paril.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jun 8 at 2020 12:07 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:07:56 -0400

They tried that with me in the 1980s they are trying to retain you....that's the intent. Have a one on one with your 1SG, skip over the NCOs between. You need to compromise with the 1SG and meet him at least half way. He picked you out of the crowd as someone he believes could take on more responsibility and help with running the company. You should look at that as a compliment. Also trying to show you things are different when you are a NCO and you might like the Army better and enlist again. So what I did is tell the 1SGT I would take the job of assistant armorer (compromise) and keep my line platoon position but would rather have him delay sending me to PLDC as it was called until I decided to stay in. He was OK with that. Reason I say skip over NCOs in between is one of them is probably pushing for your promo and the 1SGT probably has no idea of your intent. Others are correct though when they say dont cop the attitude your leaving so you now on cruise control until ETS. They need to promote or move good people up to keep the Company running smoothly. If that attitude comes out your going to tick off the 1SGT....who will make it very clear your ETS date is not here yet and there is no semi retirement in the Army. So be careful how you phrase things in that meeting. Be sympathetic that they need someone to fill a NCO slot and help them out.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 12:12 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:12:08 -0400

Corporal, you are an NCO so take advantage of the opportunity offered to you. Leadership skills will be useful the rest of your life.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 12:40 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:40:17 -0400

Go to the school. Drive and motivation are often affected by your circumstances, but circumstances change all the time. You are a year out from ETS, things can change in a heartbeat and you might decide to not ETS. Go to the school.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jun 8 at 2020 12:41 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:41:06 -0400

Yes, heck you might even learn something!

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 12:49 PM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:49:26 -0400

Just go. It's a lot of fun. Call out cadences that are funny like killing the baby seal. Make some friends. And even if you are not interested in staying in, use it for your civilian career or even a résumé bullet to get a better job.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 1:28 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 13:28:51 -0400

Pro tip: Every question that starts with "can leadership force me to", the answer will most always be yes.
You're in the Army until you ETS. Your commander is expected to train his Soldiers.
BLC has a six month time in service remaining requirement, and you are CPL with more than 12 months remaining today, sitting in a SGT duty position without BLC complete, so yes, your unit is responsible for sending you to BLC.

That said, it sounds like your unit and some other E4 would be better off if you lateraled back to SPC, and someone willing to lead took that seat, that's commander's discretion, advised by the 1SG.

However, whatever you do in the private sector, you will most likely end up in charge of a few people and some point, and responsible for providing them with purpose, direction and motivation.
BLC is a place where you can learn some new perspectives and TTPs about that, from both the cadre and the other students. And its 3 weeks that you had to be doing something in the Army anyway, and odds are you've already learned everything you were going to learn sitting around your unit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 1:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 13:41:32 -0400

Just go to it! You can use it on a job resume

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 2:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:05:34 -0400

If you are enrolled and you refuse to attend you fill be a failure to report and that is punishable under UCMJ.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Jun 8 at 2020 2:15 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:15:07 -0400

Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Yes, and the consequences for you refusing would NOT be pleasant. The way I see it, you're still in during that time no matter what. If you go, you have a prime opportunity to better yourself & learn in a different environment; go somewhere you probably haven't been before; meet/learn from/teach things to new people, and hopefully get a few good stories out of it.

If all else fails, it's at least something for your future resume that a civilian might put some stock in.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 2:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:17:57 -0400

Just go. Who knows, you may change your mind in 6-8 months and decide you want to stay in.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Jun 8 at 2020 2:31 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:31:23 -0400

Check it out you may find need of it later

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 2:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:38:49 -0400

CPL Lucas the reason you are selected to go to BLC is that you are fully qualified to attend. The unit will send you to meet readiness and educational requirements established by the Army. They can not deny you from going to that school unless you are flagged. This course is the first one of many inside the Non Comissioned Officer Education system. I will recommend that you attend and do your best while at it. A full year ahead many things can change. If you are fully committed on getting out and already on the path to attend and complete your Soldier For Life requirements then the unit can assign another Soldier to take your place. However, if you haven't even registered for your SFL TAP classes in order to transition out of the Army then the unit still believes you are thinking a possible extension or reenlistment. Even if is changing your MOS which I highly advise, you can continue your service in the Military. It appears that you lost the fire inside your MOS why not give yourself the chance to serve in another MOS, stay competitive and keep up that fire burning while having fun. All of this said assuming you have been a top performer within your MOS and not flagged at this time you have a great opportunity to continue service however, if you are flagged and not a top performer go see your Soldier for Life counselor to start your transition. Either way you plan to continue please do not leave without a solid transition plan. I have seen the good and the ugly of Soldiers leaving the Army without a plan and the struggle of not knowing what to do when they get out of the service.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Jun 8 at 2020 5:47 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 17:47:38 -0400

In my opinion never turn down and leadership education school even if you are planning to get out. I highly recommend attending any training you can get that will have some effect even as a civilian should you get out or change your mind last minute. From personal experience I had. Avery bad FTA attitude due to piss poor leadership when I made SP4 back in the day. My 1SG selected me to attend PNCOC then 6 months later BNCOC. I had all the plans in the world to get out but just prior to my ETS date we had a change in leadership and mission and I decided to stay. In short don't close any doors or burn any bridges just in case things change. If you still want to get out you will at least get some good training atet can be adapted to leadership on the outside. I have seen more than one Soldier sabotage everything on their way out only to have a change of heart and be told goodbye. I would stress thinking this out long term regardless of your plans.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 7:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 19:52:11 -0400

I understand. But if you are a Corporal, then you have/had that drive within yourself to get those stripes you currently wear. Everytime I see a high speed Soldier with no more "umpppph" to give, it makes me curious as to what happened. Do not let your lack of motivation discourage you from still trying your best until the very end. Knock BLC out and continue mission. I would normally say to give up the slot to somebody you truly wants to be there. But I would count your blessings and continue to kick some ass.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2020 1:03 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 01:03:45 -0400

Time for some hard lessons mentoring.

CPL Private RallyPoint Member, you are a Corporal. You ARE an NCO. BLC gets you to be a higher ranking NCO. With that, I have to ask....Why did you accept the CPL stripes? Clearly your leadership saw potential in you IOT give you those stripes and that leadership role. Right now you say you don't have the drive. Who knows? Perhaps BLC will reignite that fire. Besides, it's good training. It's good knowledge. AND.....you can take that training and knowledge and pass it on to the other young Soldiers that are up and coming and will look to you for that information come their turn. Personally, I say give it a go.

That being said....now for the other side of the coin that is probably going to hurt your feelings.

You are a Soldier and an NCO. Pull up your panties and start acting like it. Muscle up, buttercup. If you feel that going to BLC and becoming a SGT will do more harm than good, then you don't deserve to be a CPL and need to tell your 1SG and CDR that you don't deserve those stripes nor the honor of leading Soldiers and to get the sham shield back. You have Soldiers that depend on you and your leadership. If you really feel that becoming a SGT will do more harm than good....then get the f*ck out of that leadership position and stop impersonating an NCO. Then, once you turn in your CPL stripes, you need to apologize to your Soldiers for failing them.

Response by CPL Earl Kochis made Jun 9 at 2020 1:27 AM

CPL Earl Kochis — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 01:27:07 -0400

If you don’t want to go relinquish the stripes!!! A blc course is a great resume builder!! Also you are keeping another soldier from getting a leadership position that they deserve by holding that slot on the MTOE!!

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2020 7:50 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 07:50:18 -0400

When I was younger, PLDC (as it was called then) slots were tough to get. It’s a honor to be chosen and you should go. If you separate, you will still acquire skills that you will use in the civilian world. If you don’t go, others that can’t go but want to will be resentful. If you ever leave anywhere in life, leave out of the front door.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2020 1:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:44:57 -0400

Shit or get off the pot. Go to school or get out. The army doesn’t want you if your stagnant so yes they can force you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2020 3:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 15:30:52 -0400

Even if you’re getting out in a year, you’re not out yet. And it’s good experience. Might as well get it.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Jun 9 at 2020 11:34 PM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 23:34:47 -0400

If I was you I would accept the BLC and be on record. Yes at this time you may not want to continue your military career but it would behoove you to attend. Why I say this, is because your view / situation may change in the future even if you get out then only to reenlist later in life. Oh! if you never go back in again it will help on your resume when applying for employment.

Response by SGT Justin Lamb made Jun 10 at 2020 1:12 PM

SGT Justin Lamb — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 13:12:01 -0400

Think of it this way.. if you have no intention on continuing in the military, BLC is a great thing to put on your resume. BLC is an eye opener for yourself in the path of leadership. You will learn a lot and have the opportunity to lead your peers. It really was a good time and I got a lot out of it. I wouldn’t recommend refusing to go.. “only have a year left” is terms to ruin everything you have worked for thus far. Go out with a bang and be that much better.

Response by SSG Anthony Blake made Jun 11 at 2020 5:03 AM

SSG Anthony Blake — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 05:03:15 -0400

If you've given up, and are a detriment to others' progression then your first line should be pursuing a reduction board or bar to continued service for you. If they are honest in their assessment of your potential and are recommending you for BLC then you're doing something right. It may however be STEP related, which is to say they are mandated to send you. Either way, a resume from a SGT is more impressive than a resume from a specialist. And you never know if you'll go to retention or join the ARNG or Reserve last minute. Give yourself the best opportunity for future success.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jun 11 at 2020 10:31 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:31:52 -0400

Simple answer, of course they can make you go. This may be an opportunity to find your drive. What is the worst that can happen? Just go and make the most of it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2020 11:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 11:53:24 -0400

I know it doesn't seem appealing but as mentioned plenty of times, as a CPL you should be going to refine your skills as an already NCO. If you're getting out, use it also as an opportunity to pick up some or enhance your leadership skills to prepare yourself for your life As a civilian. I actually learned more about leadership at BLC than I did ALC. Take advantage of that

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 9:37 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:37:19 -0400

Attend school, I enjoyed it. Plus you get to be away from your Unit and meet folks from other MOSs that you probably never heard of. Plus, you can get a yearbook.

Response by SFC Rob Cesternino made Jun 18 at 2020 6:52 PM

SFC Rob Cesternino — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 18:52:28 -0400

First, you are an NCO, second, this leadership course may relight the fire

Response by SGT Wajahat Mohiuddin made Jul 18 at 2020 10:02 PM

SGT Wajahat Mohiuddin — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 22:02:54 -0400

We had one soldier with a reserved slot who was about to ETS, and his CoC convinced him to not waste the reserved slot, so he went to BLC and graduated a month before his ETS date.
If you have a reserved slot then you should definitely go.

Response by SFC Charles E Hightower made Aug 2 at 2020 9:15 PM

SFC Charles E Hightower — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 21:15:46 -0400

In Old day they would Bar you from Reenlist.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 7:03 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 19:03:49 -0400

Why would you think they can't?

Response by SSG Russell Busicchia made Aug 10 at 2020 10:46 AM

SSG Russell Busicchia — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:46:42 -0400

CPL Lucas, I'd go to BLC. IF you change your mind you;ll need it. If you still get out you'll need it in civilian life. After I retired I moved up the chain quicker than my contemporaries. I found others in leadership roles emulate what I did, and wound up mentoring others. Regardless of your MOS leadership skills are always in need, even as a civilian.

Response by SGT Ron Cummings made Aug 15 at 2020 10:06 PM

SGT Ron Cummings — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 22:06:20 -0400

Coming from someone who turned down a school, got barred from re enlistment and got out to work for the airlines, my advice to you is just go to the damned school. I more than tripled my pay by getting out but the fact of the matter is that an "RE 4" code on your DD 214 is gonna need to be explained way more than you can imagine at your age.

Take that for what it's worth.

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Aug 15 at 2020 11:39 PM

SGT Justin Anderson — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 23:39:58 -0400

Yes you should. Those are college credits that do transfer to your basic education courses. It is also a MANAGEMENT school which you can put on a resume to show that you have an official management class on top of being able to already lead.

Response by SGT Ron Cummings made Aug 16 at 2020 11:17 AM

SGT Ron Cummings — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 11:17:57 -0400

I commented on this earlier, but want to clarify. If you refuse the course, you'll likely get a Bar to Re enlistment and when you get out, you will have an Honorable Discharge, but your 214 will have an RE4 seperation code, which is"did not meet Army retention standards". Future employers will interpret this however they want. You can tell them what happened, but no one will want to see your dirty laundry to prove it. If the 214 just said "decided to get out instead of going to a school", I'd say screw it. But for the hassle it will create DECADES down the road, just go to the fricken school.

Response by LTJG Sandra Smith made Aug 17 at 2020 11:45 AM

LTJG Sandra Smith — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 11:45:12 -0400

I'd go, even so; it could provide help for whatever career you choose to pursue after you detach.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Aug 22 at 2020 6:59 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 18:59:39 -0400

Byron Skinner. Never heard of this situation but I would just guess but if the individual went to his CO after talking with hid platoon leader that would likely being called to the legal affairs department you would forest see a uniformed officer who checked out the circumstances approved for a General Dischargee under Honorable conditions. Re[ported to your CO with the paperwork, he handed the officer the paper work, the officer took out what the was to go into the 201 file, and told the trooper to get his gear and cmd back to the office for transportation to the Battalion holding Company. The rest of the process was conducted with civilians, unofficially you are done with the military.