6
6
0
I'm window shopping for units right now in the reserves and all the ones I'm interested in are saying that I'll have to wait about a year before they can send me to WLC. I'm tired of the sham shield and I'd like to begin progressing into the NCO ranks. These units are short on NCOs and need capable soldiers to fill those ranks so I was wondering if I could maybe pitch that to the senior NCOs and the commander so I could get some experience before I get my stripes. I've also heard that you can be promoted to E-5 if you will attend and pass WLC within the next 180 days so if that's true would you consider that to be a better route? Thank you for the help.
P.S. I'm looking to reclass to either 37F or 38B so I understand that those two MOSs run things a little differently on a team level but to my knowledge when a NCO reclasses they still retain their rank even though they are fairly new to that MOS.
P.S. I'm looking to reclass to either 37F or 38B so I understand that those two MOSs run things a little differently on a team level but to my knowledge when a NCO reclasses they still retain their rank even though they are fairly new to that MOS.
Basic Leaders Course (BLC formerly WLC PLDC)
CPL
Promotions
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 38
12
12
0
If you're looking to 'progress through the ranks', may want to consider a more professional approach to the rank of specialist...it's only a 'sham shield' if leaders let it be.
I'm not familiar with Army Reserve promotions, but would think that you'd need to be assigned in a leadership position (usually a SGT position) to be laterally appointed to CPL.
I'm not familiar with Army Reserve promotions, but would think that you'd need to be assigned in a leadership position (usually a SGT position) to be laterally appointed to CPL.
(12)
(0)
SFC Marc Waters
I agree with you SGM. A lateral apppoint would give the Specialist the ability to "Show" and display his leadership. This can also allow the unit to reserve a spot to attend WLC once he's proven to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. After all he would be performing in that position.
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
I am not aware of the "sham shield", but if you are ready for an NCOES course and high up on the OML there should be no reason that you Chain shouldn't get you into the next available seat. There are no additional phases for any MOS's that I am aware of at the WLC level, so you shouldn't be trying to jump to a different unit for rank unless your unit is E-5 heavy! I went from E-4 to E-6 in less than 26 months in the same unit, but beware I already had PLDC(LC), and went to a 13 month school(27X), then deployed to SWA and then to BNCOC within that time period. I all depends on you! If you are in a high density MOS and like it, live with it! If you want to make rank, find a Low density MOS and go to a school and maybe get a bonus to boot! Remember that you signed the contract! What you do with it is all on you!
(1)
(0)
PFC Paul Anderson
In a away I Agree Sgt,,Major but if the person is able to do the job with honor and respect to the postion why not move him or her up in rank
(1)
(0)
CPL Howard Conover
I having earned the rank of Corporal I know you need to demonstrate that you can handle leadership and operate in the leadership position. Those above you should take notice and look to promote you. You may have to approach them. Combat arms is a good way to earn promotions on a faster pace.
(0)
(0)
11
11
0
Don't get wrapped around the "stripes". Just because you wear the shield does not mean you can't lead. However, as a new arrival you still have to prove your worth. It's critical that your NCOs develop you with the tools you need to be successful as a squad/team leader. WLC does not give you those tools; it reinforces and crash courses the basics. The real experience comes from doing the job. It's a painful process to wait, but if you lead with determination vice procrastination, your leaders will see that and push you forward. You don't need stripes to lead Soldiers. You need candor, courage care and commitment. Good luck.
(11)
(0)
8
8
0
If you are promotable you can be promoted ANYTIME you make cutoff. WLC is a boost of points that most people need to make cutoff. I recommend you look into those MOSs points for E-5 and choose whatever you think is best for you with your current points.
(8)
(0)
6
6
0
In some MOS changes, you lose rank. I had to give up SSG for EOD school. The E-5 if you attend and pass WLC in the next 180 days thing, that's a lie. WLC is a unit leader progression course. It helps you with points when you're approved by the Promotion Board for consideration of the next rank, but it does not give you an automatic promotion.
I got cut off earlier by the internet going out. CPL is an MTOE position. Units are only authorized so many personnel per rank, per MOS. I was the only CPL in a unit of over 140 personnel. If you want to be a CPL, you have to be the cream of the crop. What sets you apart from the rest of the SPC's? Are you performing outside your pay grade? Are you occupying a position two pay grades above your own? As an E-4, I was filling an E-7 position as the Operation SGT.
I got cut off earlier by the internet going out. CPL is an MTOE position. Units are only authorized so many personnel per rank, per MOS. I was the only CPL in a unit of over 140 personnel. If you want to be a CPL, you have to be the cream of the crop. What sets you apart from the rest of the SPC's? Are you performing outside your pay grade? Are you occupying a position two pay grades above your own? As an E-4, I was filling an E-7 position as the Operation SGT.
(6)
(0)
5
5
0
SPC (Join to see)
I don't know how things work in the reserves, so I am not answering that part. What I am going to suggest is, since you say that you want to progress into the NCO ranks, start asking for more responsibility, ask to be a team leader if there are more Soldiers where you work, maybe do their counselings. You don't need to have corporal in your chest to start doing those things.
I don't know how things work in the reserves, so I am not answering that part. What I am going to suggest is, since you say that you want to progress into the NCO ranks, start asking for more responsibility, ask to be a team leader if there are more Soldiers where you work, maybe do their counselings. You don't need to have corporal in your chest to start doing those things.
(5)
(0)
4
4
0
WLC is for E-6 that being said it looks good to the board that your unit is confident in you being an NCO and ready for the next step. Now if you get E-6 you have up to one year to attend WLC but this only comes up if your promoted during a deployment.
(4)
(0)
SSG(P) (Join to see)
Per the revised AR 600-8-19 effective 2 Mar 2015, completion of SSD II is required to retain and obtain eligibility for E-6. Failure to have done so by 8 Jan 2015 will remove them from the integration list. They talk in violation of the space-time continuum; I know! The whole complete WLC within a year went away a while back. Refer to ALARACT 126/2014, which was distributed 15 May 2014.
(7)
(0)
Suspended Profile
An answer with references, can't get them any better than that.
SSG(P) (Join to see)
I'm a walking rolodex of useless knowledge and regulations. I have a semi-eidetic memory. I had someone from my rear S1 try to school me today when they misquoted a regulation. I slammed them back with some knowledge.
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
SGT (Join to see)
If that's what you've been doing, keep up the good work. I'll tell you what I tell my Soldiers: "if there are two things you can get out of the Army; get a security clearance and a language".
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see): For what language? and have you taken a Defense Language Proficienct Test (DLPT) for it? DLPTs produce a DA Form 330 which is as good as an APFT's DA Form 705; you will need to compete for promotion.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
I went from a PFC directly to a Cpl and never had the sham shield. So no you don't need WLC.
(3)
(0)
SSG(P) (Join to see)
PFC directly to CPL is impressive. I was a SPC for four months before I was considered for the lone CPL slot. A lot of people with two to three times more TIS than myself were really pissed off when that happened. Then again, if they'd been an E-4 with two to three times as much TIS as me, then they deserved to stay where they were for lack of initiative.
(1)
(0)
3
3
0
If you hold the rank prior to reclass you'll be fine. The priority with the two MOS that you are looking at will be DMOSQ and then NCOES. If you aren't an NCO when you join you won't be able to promote into an NCO position prior to having the MOS as its part of your promotion packet that you hold the MOS for the rank you are seeking. Of course as I've been in USACAPOC for so long I've learned that somehow the exception to the rule can always be found in our ranks.
(3)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
CPL is a lateral promotion but is not used very often in the CA/PSYOP world as your team is made up of an OFficer, two NCOs and then you. Of course they often do double slot the position you'll be filling and if your team chief believes that you should be a CPL he can work that for you. Your main focus once arriving should be getting DMOSQ as quickly as you can.
(0)
(0)
SPC (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) I've seen one or two on here so I know it is a possibility but I wasn't sure on the logistics of it. The units I'm looking at said they wouldn't be able to send me to school until the same time period so where does that put me until then?
(0)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
If you're referring to WLC you may have a problem on the Reserve side mainly bc of the backlog of SGTs that still haven't went. We received guidance that we can no longer send our SPC to WLC. This happens ever 2-3 years as they try to catch up on the backlog. However you don't need WLC to become a SGT at the moment. It's good to have before hand but not a requirement. If you are looking at a USACAPOC unit feel free to send me an email and we can talk more about the community you would be entering into.
(1)
(0)
3
3
0
Hey im the the training section of a reserve unit right now. It is very hard to get WLC slots at the moment. However WLC is not mandatory for E5. SSD is the only requirement to drop your packet for NCOES. I just got back from WLC at the end of March and go to the board soon. (AGR stand a normal uniform board. Regular reservists do a packet board). Lots of E5s in my class.
If you have ssd and the points for it you can make e5 without WLC, you will just show deficient in ITRS once you promote until you go.
If you have ssd and the points for it you can make e5 without WLC, you will just show deficient in ITRS once you promote until you go.
(3)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google