How much down time is there during MI BOLC?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 09:09:18 -0400

I’m currently a graduate student taking online classes for the upcoming semester, and I’m also scheduled to go to MIBOLC. So my question is, will it be possible to continue taking my online classes while in BOLC?
Will I have enough down time?
And how intense is MIBOLC? (Academically)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 11:13 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:13:38 -0400

I've not been to an MI BOLC or other MI Professional Development School. Trained as a Field Artillery Officer for OBC and CCC- I'd say that you'll probably not have time in BOLC to due online classes along with your military coursework.

In FA OBC, we had 2-3 hours of homework each night that included reading and problems that we had to turn in the next day. Your only free time will probably be on the weekends, where you might be able to take a knee and relax, play golf, etc. I wouldn't chance it... if you were an Adjutant General (AG) officer- you might get away with it. MI would probably be fairly technical with other Intel planning/study required for your classes- I would imagine.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 11:23 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:23:58 -0400

I always tell my subordinates that professional development is key for them to be a lifelong learner; and make thier opportunity to take classes to develop themselves a priority in the workplace.

Taking that into account ( for you may not have Leaders like this) it is a good rule of thumb to take at least one class every semester/Quarter/Session to work towards your next degree (AA/BS/MA/Prof Cert/PhD) from the time you get into the military until you retire...the second time.

When you are In courses like Ranger school-you will not take these classes of course; but a class like BOLC etc you should try one class and if it’s easy take two but not more. When you are in assignments that give you flexibility then try teonthen maybe three but not more.

You will find you make it to your next degree faster than your peers and achieve professional goals so much faster

If you stop learning and taking classes, it is always so hard to start again and be in right mind tonexcel!

Get er Dun!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 11:30 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:30:15 -0400

MI BOLC is not very academically intense. That's not to say there won't be studying involved, but there's also LOTS of down-time. Enough time for people to do stupid stuff and get themselves into trouble if you know what I mean.

But to answer your question, you should probably consider that you'll be going out into the field at some point in your training and that may cause you to miss some deadlines with your online classes. You'll also want to study for the BOLC exams, and you may not want to split your time too much. If you were to take any online classes while attending MI BOLC, I wouldn't take any more than one, and make sure it's not too rigorous. HOWEVER, you could probably do more than one -- IF you don't want to have any time to socialize or do anything other than study.

Word of advice: Use your down time there in MI BOLC to make friends with your fellow classmates. They'll be great resources for you later on. Also, rather than worrying about your online courses, take your free time and explore the area. Go to Tucson and Phoenix. Hike the mountains. Eat the great Mexican food.

I understand that our military commitments can set us back in other places in life. But look at it as an opportunity for growth as an MI officer. Focus on knowing your craft and you'll be glad you did. Don't fragment yourself too much. And don't be in too much of a hurry to live your life. Grad school will be there when you're done with BOLC. You're getting paid to be there. Enjoy it and get the most out of it you can. You'll thank yourself later.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 12:12 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 12:12:23 -0400

You can do both. It was pretty easy, even the West Point kids made it. Hahaha. JK. Seriously, you shouldn't have an issue taking online classes in addition.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Aug 1 at 2018 4:58 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 16:58:26 -0400

When you get that figured out you pass the course - It's "Military Intelligence"BOLC.
When you find out 'where' the down time is located in your unit they then send you
away Temporary Duty (TDY) to the Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course.