How rare are BLC spots in the NG during COVID?

SPC Josh Tharp — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 17:46:54 -0400

I presume that in the current COVID environment, school slots are prioritized for active duty.

I ask because once I become MOS q'ed in my new MOS after re-enlisting in the ARNG then I want to begin the process of getting into BLC.

I presume (if timelines for promotion or being released in active Army are treated the same for NG troops) that I will be close to being denied reenlistment opportunity at the end of my contract if I do not make E5 quickly.

I understand the slot system but with 8 years TIS (1 year 10 months activation, Initial Entry training and remainder of 6 years in active reserve plus two years of IRR) and 3 years 10 months TIG, I believe I will need to be fairly aggressive about BLC.

Is my assessment accurate?

Thanks for your guidance!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2020 5:51 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 17:51:15 -0400

Nowadays with COVID, you can apply for a slot for an eBLC course (emergency BLC). This is an on-line only course where your classes are conducted via Microsoft Teams. Get with your NCOs to submit your ATRRS application for one of these courses.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2020 6:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 18:24:19 -0400

SPC, you need to take control of your Army career; waiting so long has caused you to now rush to get a class for promotion. As I look at my peers, I see that many have not completed BLC and wonder why they don't promote.

I would thoroughly recommend getting with your readiness NCO and having a conversation about BLC. The short answer to your question is there are plenty of slots open if you are flexible and willing to go at the drop of a hat. If you want to become an NCO, then start now and apply yourself to show your unit you are worth sending to BLC.

Posting on Rally Point, you will get perspectives; however, nobody can tell you what your chances are except your readiness NCO or Training NCO based on your unit structure.

Constructive criticism, if used properly, will motivate you to strive to change for the good start now and prepare yourself to become a NCO worth being promoted. Take your career seriously and plan for the future. The only one that will cause you to fail is you. Making excuses as to why you have not attended BLC will only hurt your career. Take charge and earn your stripes.

Response by CSM Christopher St. Cyr made Sep 27 at 2020 7:20 PM

CSM Christopher St. Cyr — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 19:20:37 -0400

Each state receives a given allocation of seats for PME manages by a Quota Source Manager. S/he manages school seats based on some order of merit list as determined by your state. The more flexible your civilian work is improves the possibility of attending BLC because states try to fill cancellations with Soldiers who are available. Your full timers should know the process for your state. Use your NCO support channel and chain of command to communicate with them.

FYI, promotions in the Guard are based on vacancies. You can be at or near the top of a promotion list and not be promoted if a slot you are qualified to fill does not open up. I was on the top of the list for Master Sergeant for two years before a slot open for me to accept.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Nov 25 at 2020 10:11 AM

SGT Eric Davis — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 10:11:48 -0500

The national guard renenlistment is different from active duty just cause you not an E-5 after 8 years won’t stop going from reenlisting. Also MS have BLC at CAMP SHELBY they are one of two bases that are doing face to face.