Distance Learning ILE; any lessons learned?

I am always curious why some folks choose the DL option. For most reservists, I've found the 2 weeks resident + 8 Battle Assemblies + 2 weeks resident to be the most rewarding, both in terms of getting something out of the course and professional networking. You wouldn't believe the amount of folks who start DL and then do the two week resident options instead after realizing what a mountain it can be. For example, for group projects the DL course requires an Officer to do every part of the group piece whereas the resident has each team member doing their role, much more like real life. I find it hard to believe that we offer it purely DL because you can't possibly recreate the learning that occurs from your peers and benefit of networking in person and getting to know more of your peers. Having said that, if you buckle down and really stick with it, you can finish the DL faster, I just think it's more painful and don't think you get as much out of it.

Yes, don't do it. 80% failure rate in DL ILE. Just do the two weeks at Fort McCoy, WI, followed by one weekend a month option for 8 months (16 days) with the same ILE instructors, followed by the two weeks again at Fort McCoy, WI and you're done. Get AT orders cut for each month's ILE weekend, and also attend your regular BA weekend. The ILE becomes your annual training.

I won't bore you with my unusual ILE/MEL4 completion story, but BLUF: stay on schedule, learn as much as you can, and get it done on time!

BRO, HOW DO I ACTUALLY DO ILE????? I went through the nutroll of having my unit enroll me and everything but I still can't figure out where to find the link to actually DO ILE.

Full disclosure, I did ILE-CC Ph1 and 2 via DL and Ph3 at Ft Dix. I then did ILE-AOC on line as well. As a former Brigade Dep Cdr and a training officer, there are two schools of thought you should consider, and both of them focus to your eval. But BLUF, promotion to O5 (in the USAR if that’s your goal), only requires ILE-CC to be completed. AOC is needed however to separate yourself from the pack. AOC is also something to do if you plan on going to O6 (not required) or SSC (required) and therefore CGSC "Complete" is needed.

Back to my two thoughts. First, if you work for COL "Smith" as your senior rater in a traditional reserve status, he'll maybe see you for those drills and AT even if your not in school. If you go to the 2wk/9mos/2wk (as I like to call) "USAR resident" course, technically called TASS battalions, then he won't see you at all for a good chunk of your rating year. (Got it, your eval may start in January and therefore it will overlap over two evals). As such, your rater and SR would be justified to say, "Captain Florez was at ILE-CC and graduated" and center box you - OR - Second, you can do it DL, and although you will have to do some serious time management, you will be drilling in your capacity and your Rater/SR will see you doing great and wonderful things each drill/AT. You can also apply what you learn in DL with your peers (as MAJ Rahman points out) and get feedback from them.

As far as lessons learned... as someone who is currently working at CGSC in the DL program, just do it as LTC Kimball points out. 18 months fly by and I already have had conversations with field grades who let it slip and they are looking for extensions. The instructors here are top notch and we'll work with you to make sure you complete on time and on target. Both the CC and the AOC program are stationed in the same building and you can get some great mentorship here as well. Hope this helps. Feel free to call if you have questions. [login to see] (w)

Build a schedule for completion, adjust it as necessary, and stick to it. Program out things like the big papers (Torch paper, GAAT scenario are the two that come immediately to mind, but it's been a few years.) Ideally, fence off a recurring time during the day where you can spend 30 minutes to an hour doing the reading, online coursework, or writing. There's a great sense of accomplishment in being able to knock down those modules one by one.

I'm curious - are you starting the program on your own or have you already been selected for it?

definitely don't do it. total waste of time.

David, I did mine through the Air Command and Staff College. Although I had to take proctored exams at the local AF Testing center, the program was self paced. I ended up knocking out about a book a month. I then had to file a Exception to policy with the Army G3/5/7 to get it approved. Not sure how they would handle it now, but the worst they can say is no right?