How should I mitigate an inevitable scheduling conflict?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 02:14:02 -0500

I have made plans to take leave in Feb. to go to a conference friends that I haven’t seen since college. This is also gonna be my first time taking leave in 18 months.

I also learned that I just jumped to #1 on the BLC OML. Right now it looks like I might be scheduled for BLC it will be in Feb.

I reached out to my NCOIC to see how to best navigate this situation. Because I don’t want to turn down BLC but at the same time desperately want to take leave as my friends and I have been planning this for a while. After explaining the situation to my NCOIC I was told that they was an easy thing to fix I will cancel my planned leave and go to BLC.

I know I can decline to go, which will kick me to the bottom of the OML (I don’t want to do that).

Should I talk to the Training Room NCOIC to see what can be done? Or if possible to go at a later time. I’m not opposed to letting someone lower on the OML go so the slot isn’t wasted but I really want and need this time off.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2019 2:50 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 02:50:40 -0500

Yes, I would talk to the Training NCO, It could be as simple as swapping your class with the next guy on the list.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 6 at 2019 6:24 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 06:24:45 -0500

OML is order of Merit List. Being the "most meritorious" does NOT equal MUST go.
As has been stated, each unit does things differently. But just because you are at the top does not mean you HAVE to go. Way back when in 19 *mumble mumble* when I went to PLDC (what is now BLC) I went on one day's notice bexause the guy at the top of the list taped over, and the seven guys between him and me were already on leave/pass/in another school/ on detail/etc. and I was the one the could get a hold of. If you don't go in "your" slot, someone else will. The unit and the Army will keep running.
Talk to schools (if you don't have direct access, grab your NCO who DOES have access - probably PSG or Company Ops) and see if you can get in in January. Or work a swap with someone on the March list. This is a "too easy" routine thing for a BN schools NCO. The only real impediment is the possibility of specific guidance from BN of BDE CSM which prevents this, or requires CSM approval. Even then, sending this up the NCO support channel can STILL make it happen. But it is better to start NOW.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Dec 6 at 2019 8:25 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 08:25:42 -0500

I would take it higher up the chain. But be careful --a lot of times this looks like a motivation thing to higher ups. It's a little unfair I know, but your NCOIC/Commander?etc. may see you as immature/not ready for promotion if you put your friends above your career. That might create a stigma for you. But then again, in 5 years it ain't going to matter when you went to BLC, but you will remember the time with your friends for the rest of your life. I would choose friends.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Dec 6 at 2019 9:08 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 09:08:59 -0500

Never, EVER, pass up an Army school.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2019 12:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 12:57:48 -0500

You can't actually "decline" an NCOES. It's not like a reenlistment where you get a choice. You are scheduled for a mandatory school. It takes a legitimate reason to cancel it and that cancelation has to come from the commander (I believe O6 authority). If you miss it or fail that NCOES it requires approval from the first General (Division Commander) in your chain of command to get another class date. This OML is managed levels above your company or battalion and letting you move your class date is out of their hands.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2019 1:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 13:58:25 -0500

So at this point, nothing is scheduled. You don't have a DA31 processed and approved. You also don't have an actual class date. You're just at the top of the OML.

If you haven't put in a DA31 yet, do that. If you're just at the top of the OML, talk to your NCO and leadership and schools. Nothing is even scheduled.

If I was you, I'd want to just get BLC done and over with. But if you don't go, someone else will go. But then it may be longer before you get the chance to go again.

Priorities - what are yours? Conference or BLC?

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 6 at 2019 2:36 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 14:36:19 -0500

Attending BLC sooner will advance your military career more quickly. Hanging out with your friends will allow you to hang out with your friends. Do you plan on making a career out of the military? If so, go to BLC sooner rather than later.