Have you ever been a "walk on" to a military school?

2016-02-05T07:01:29-05:00

For ALC phase 2 and SLC phase 2, I had soldiers who showed up for the school without orders, hoping to fill a vacant seat. If you have done this I am curious of the process of getting your unit to give you orders for the school.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 7:15 AM

2016-02-05T07:15:45-05:00

I've seen that happen all the time when it pertains to BLC. They'll have an alternate list for those who don't show up on the first day. Or it'll be because they did not fill the entire class through ATTRS so they start reading off the alternate list

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Feb 5 at 2016 7:26 AM

2016-02-05T07:26:25-05:00

I walked on to SLC for MED folks, I was a SSG (P) and convinced my unit to fund the tdy to send me to Ft Sam, that was in 2010 I think...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-02-05T07:51:04-05:00

I have seen Soldiers did "walk ons" when I went to PLDC and BNCOC. The chance to get a seat for SLC as a "walk on" will be a lot slimmer (depends on the MOS, I think) because it is easily filled up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 9:15 AM

2016-02-05T09:15:47-05:00

When I went to BLC this past november, I was a walk on. All I did was go to my schools nco and ask to go. He told me the reserved slots were already filled but I could try a walk on packet. He set me up and I went. I got in because a lot of E-5s didn't show up for processing.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 9:29 AM

2016-02-05T09:29:53-05:00

I have done it for ABIC, SGI 12 B MOS-T and Mobilization Planners and Developers Course. I believe the only reason I was able to succeed was due to leadership support. I was on MOB orders at FLW and all of these courses were offered at our installation. I used the fact that it wasn't going to cost the unit a penny to my advantage. There were zero TDY costs. I contacted the school POC prior to showing up and had my training NCO keep and eye on ATTRS to see how full the class was. I showed up on the class report day and crossed my fingers that there was an open seat. (I got shot down the first time for ABIC the class was full) The operations NCO at aid school then slotted me into one of the open seats.
I imagine the orders process for someone not currently on orders would be much different. The Soldier trying to "walk on" to a school is going to have to convince leadership that there is a very good chance he or she will actually get a seat. In a time where training budgets are minimal the Soldier is going to have to fight an up hill battle. (I wouldn't approve it for one of my troops) It could easily turn into a waste of time and money if the Soldier doesn't get a seat. If we are talking about NCOES the answer would be definitely NOT. Considering the prerequisites (i.e. Height/weight, APFT, packing lists, sponsorship etc.) It is a gamble I probably would not be willing to take unless it was my very top super trooper (max APFT, zero chance of tape, honor grad from last NCOES).

Response by 1SG David Niles made Feb 5 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-02-05T09:55:56-05:00

I was a walk on for air assault, after pt test those that failed went home I got to stay, unit gave me orders for class if I did not get in they would have recended the orders

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 11:32 AM

2016-02-05T11:32:49-05:00

As a reservist, you might not have much of a choice. I keep getting told that there's no funding for NCOES so I may just pay for everything myself and get the orders to attend.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 5 at 2016 12:27 PM

2016-02-05T12:27:25-05:00

Sounds like a great idea!!. The Corps doesnt have as many formal Schools so there aren't opportunities like this. I have heard of Marines stationed in Albany being able to get slots in Jump School at Ft Benning because of last minute openings.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 1:39 PM

2016-02-05T13:39:25-05:00

Yes. Don't make a habit of it and don't be pissy if they send you packing

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 5:36 PM

2016-02-05T17:36:27-05:00

Yup. FRIES/SPIES Master. Lot of fun. No one ever tried. Always said we wouldn't be able to. First shot, got in no issue. This was a post school at Campbell though. Just needed the form for the school and a pre execution checklist.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 5 at 2016 5:40 PM

2016-02-05T17:40:36-05:00

I never did, but I have heard of walk-ons at Airborne when I was stationed at Benning. All of them, however, were permanent party soldiers who had the blessing of their chain of command.

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Feb 6 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-02-06T11:28:48-05:00

No, Yes and Yes,
No, I have never been a walk-on to a military School or course.
Yes, I have personal knowledge of walk on to a military School or course.
And Yes, as a Airborne Bn Schools NCO in a prior life, about 3 life times ago, I always took extra soldiers to the sign in, to the chagrin of other Schools NCO. During a 6 month period I filled on average 155% of my assigned school slots, as attested to by my NCOER for that time period. When another unit had a short fall, I / we were there to p/u the slack.
I managed slot from everything from a resident 5 day CLS, Combat Life Savers, PLDC / BNCOES, traveling MTT courses and non-resident courses like Sniper and Ranger schools and ANCOES. If a 1SG was willing to release soldiers I would put their butts in a chair, because the Chair don't Care.
When I when to SERE school at Ft Bragg, I saw soldiers will to get their packets together and show up w/o a slot knowing they didn't have a slot and be willing to go back to their units to get orders brought to them once they got a slot. I had heard that Air Assault Schools at Ft Campbell and Camp Gruber, Ok, or Airborne at Ft Benning, all operated on average at 85-90% capacitive. There is always room for JOM, Just One Moe, Joe or (Jane).
HtH
Tim

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-02-29T10:57:45-05:00

I was a walk on for the NCO Academy. I discussed it with my unit first. Many seats go unfilled because of no-shows and fitness issues. It is sad to see them unused since it is difficult to get Guard/Reserve slots. They will take a qualified individual that is prepared for last minute openings. Speak with your unit first. They don't like surprises.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Mar 7 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-03-07T11:05:14-05:00

I walked onto the FA Master Gunner course. Even graduated as the DHG. I am currently a Senior SGL here at ALC 13B, Ft. Sill. I would suggest that the Soldier should continuously hit up the School NCO and ATTRS. We have had walk ons, but they all came from Fort Sill.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-03-07T11:09:06-05:00

Yes. But there was chatter beforehand between my schools guy and the schoolhouse. The schoolhouse said if they sent me I would be accepted. Otherwise it is risky especially if it is not on the same post and even worse if you are reserve or guard and not sure if they will take you.