How should I prepare for BLC?

2016-02-26T14:17:39-05:00

I will be going to BLC (formerly WLC) in September before I leave for 68P school. I will be going to Ft Dix for 3 weeks. I thought BLC was for 4 weeks? Would there be any reason it would only be 3? How can I prepare for BLC besides the PT test? What is Ft Dix like during BLC?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 2:24 PM

2016-02-26T14:24:26-05:00

The NCO Academy on ft dix will be putting you on lock down. There is not a whole lot to do around that post anyway. I am stationed on ft Dix and went to wlc at this academy. They are good instructors. Brush up on your D&C and before you Inprocess go to range control and ask for the land nav 2 packet

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 2:26 PM

2016-02-26T14:26:22-05:00

I am not sure how FT Dix is, but I can say, practice D&C, if you don't already know how to do the following ask for help on how to write an Award, Sworn Statement and a Memorandum for Record.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 2:26 PM

2016-02-26T14:26:42-05:00

http://www.ausa.org/RESOURCES/NCO/TRAINING/CAREERADVANCEMENT/PREPARINGFORSCHOOL/Pages/PreparingforWarriorLeadercourse(WLC).aspx

This seemed fairly basic to me, I'd definitely recommend getting on to the Fort Dix NCO Academy page.

Preparing for Warrior Leader course (WLC)

This Training Tip offers recommendations on preparing for the “first” block of institutional Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Professional Development, the Warrior Leader Course (WLC). WLC trains prospective and newly appointed sergeants of the Active and Reserve Components in basic leadership skills and in noncommissioned officer duties and responsibilities.It also addresses the authority of NCOs and instructs on effectively conducting...

Response by SFC Richard Graczyk made Feb 26 at 2016 2:31 PM

2016-02-26T14:31:34-05:00

D&C and PRT procedures are something to brush up on. If you don't know now, look at AR 25-50 (preparing correspondence). Also FM 25.26 (Map Reading). Good luck and don't overthink it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 2:33 PM

2016-02-26T14:33:06-05:00

Just graduated from BLC ay Fort Dix in January,only thing that is a big set back for a lot of soldiers is the P.T test once your past that you'll be fine. Classes are long and sometimes dull but it's up to you as the student to be engaged and stay active,it's suppose to change to 4 weeks but for me it was 3,it's a rushed course because there throwing so much information at you at once but don't feel over whelmed,take it one day at a times and stay on your toes ,it's to easy.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-02-26T15:07:43-05:00

Formally PLDC, lol. I was a PLDC SGL before and during the change to WLC and the most common issues I witnessed with the NCO hopefuls was the inability to pay attention to detail. This was the biggest issue. There were other issues as well such as sub standard land navigation skills, improper APFT push-up technique, poor studying habits and bad referencing techniques. Also, every cycle, another common issue across the board was the amount of time it took for the class to gel and become an effective and cohesive team. Figure out the teamwork aspect and pay attention to detail, you should be ok. You shouldn't be attending BLC if you don't already possess the basic skills of a NCO.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 3:24 PM

2016-02-26T15:24:10-05:00

What mos is 68P again?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 3:50 PM

2016-02-26T15:50:39-05:00

Pretty much everyone nailed it. Learn the NCO Creed if you don't know it already, brush up on Land Nav, PRT, and D&C. Also remember to use your command voice when you're leading D&C and PRT, I went to to it when it was PLDC years ago down in Ft. Bragg, but I'm pretty sure that's one of the things they look for when grading. Good luck!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 4:06 PM

2016-02-26T16:06:21-05:00

Learn to actively take notes. And if yu do not understand something, ASK! Be prepared to give classes.

Response by SGT Jacob Yuhas made Feb 26 at 2016 4:27 PM

2016-02-26T16:27:39-05:00

This was my response to a very similar thread. I'll paste it here.

I recently just finished WLC at Fort Dix, NJ last year and I can say this, do study! Along with studying, you want to network with as much people as possible. Get to know your platoon and study with them. The SGLs gave our student PLT Sergeants a key to the classroom. We were allowed to stay as late as we wanted to get homework done, study and practice.

If you don't get classroom access after hours then get together with your PLT and go over what was presented that day in the barracks.

One thing I do suggest you get down right away is the NCO Creed.

Bring your ASUs and make sure they are up to date in terms of awards and rank. If you get selected as the DTG you will be wearing it when you get interviewed. You will take a full class on how to measure your awards, unit crests etc.. while you are there. I never got a formal class on how to prep my ASUs in IET so it was awesome to finally sit down with someone and get proper instruction.

As for PT, yes. Get ready. Your PT score will be converted to a GPA scale of 1-100. I scored a 260 or something and got a 89% I believe. It was enough to make commandants list with the rest of my test scores.

As for studying, if you pay attention in class there will be a lot less studying for you to do during your off-time. Your day begins at 0430 and ends at 1700 so there is plenty of time for you to study. You will get a lot of handouts and have full access to the slides, pdfs and other documentation on the school laptops so there is little need to take notes during lectures, unless you prefer to do so.

Also note: Not all tests are academic. You will have Land Nav and how you do as a squad leader out in the sticks. The SGLs will ensure you have a lot of time to get practice on tactical movements and land navigation. You spend the whole third week doing so.

A lot of people freak out at land nav but there will be a day of maps/azimuths in class, a day of practice and a day of testing. The lecture will take half a day along with plotting points and using a protractor. Practicing will be done with your SGL and a group in the morning. Then later in the day they will send you off in teams of 2-3. On testing day you are on your own. You must find 3 points, but your last one will be relatively near the start point. We got lucky and had the test day cancelled due to snow.

Response by SSG John Caples made Feb 26 at 2016 4:27 PM

2016-02-26T16:27:49-05:00

Be prepared for anything , and pay attention to the instructor's they are not there to waist time, for you or anyone else. Map reading is essential, if you do not know ,it's best you find someone that does know. Any FM or AM that you need they will have , if you have a permenant profile bring copy of that, pack every thing they tell, and any thing that will make your stay in a military cott comfortable. (common sense). Get a hair cut , get zip lock bags to put your stuff in your ruck. We had to Pt time in our Class A's after coming off of thanksgiving pass and it was late into the night before they got done with us ( someone showed up drunk was the reason for the pt session at the but crack of dawn ) Any way enjoy your self and good luck-No one is more professional than I

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 4:30 PM

2016-02-26T16:30:47-05:00

Be prepared to be a leader. Land navigation and map reading are vital skills that we rarely use, due to technology, but they could save your life one day.

Response by SGT Mike Zimnicki made Feb 26 at 2016 4:54 PM

2016-02-26T16:54:15-05:00

Land nav!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 5:10 PM

2016-02-26T17:10:29-05:00

Do not sweat it. Students are all set up to excel. It is an environment that is learner centric and as long as you put in 110%, you will come out with a 1059. Practice the techniques of PRT, proper form during APFT ( I graded some APFTs for the 256 CSH, so I saw the average "standard"), and also some land nav. Know how to research pdf (CTRL F) and you will be the honor grad. I was a SGL at Ft McCoy and worked up to being the Course Manager for my last few years there. If you want specifics of what to expect or to share some stories, email me. [login to see]

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 5:29 PM

2016-02-26T17:29:30-05:00

It looks like you got a lot of the fight advice. All I will add, is remember that someone is always watching so do the right thing. Bring your motivation and be the first to volunteer, pick up a broom, or straighten up the classrooms when you are finished.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Feb 26 at 2016 5:37 PM

2016-02-26T17:37:38-05:00

10% or so fail the APFT and are sent home for that. Pass that and you're good. If you study and apply yourself you can get among the best on your 1059 which will put you ahead of peers when it comes promotion time.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Feb 26 at 2016 6:53 PM

2016-02-26T18:53:50-05:00

Ask your supervisor (and up the chain) to help you understand the intricacies of all different forms of counseling.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 8:40 PM

2016-02-26T20:40:36-05:00

I graduated BLC at FT Stewart, GA this past December and the only Recommendation that I would give you is to pay attention to detail. Never assume and always get clarification if you don't understand. You are given the tools to succeed and do well at BLC. As long as you pay attention you will do well and your 1059 will reflect such. Good luck!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 9:28 PM

2016-02-26T21:28:19-05:00

Just go in there with a motivated mindset and be physically fit. As long as you are familiar with the basics, then everything else such as D N' C will fall into place and you will be just fine. Know the NCO creed. Remain motivated most importantly.

Response by SSG Jesse Cheadle made Feb 26 at 2016 10:44 PM

2016-02-26T22:44:49-05:00

Commit the NCO creed and Soldiers Creed to memory. Do not go on profile. Other than that, I have no clue what Ft. Dix is like. Go with an open and hungry mind. Do not engage in any risky behaviors and keep a low profile. I dont know how they teach BLC these days but schools are not designed for the Soldier to fail. Learn everything you can. Be a leader and not a follower.

Response by SPC Brian Bay made Feb 27 at 2016 1:55 AM

2016-02-27T01:55:13-05:00

Hi Kendra, I went through the NCO Academy back when it was PLDC (2004) at Ft. Lewis (now JBLM). First things first, take a deep breath and relax...it's just another school...lol. You'll learn more or less how to source information rather than commit it to memory and regurgitate it back up. Think of it like Basic, only you get paid a little more and you don't need to be the 'Grey man" or "tree in the forest" but you still get to do the tried and true "hurry up and wait" game while going through the motions.

Lookup the term "Servant Leadership" and take that idea to heart for the sake of your personal leadership style and model it after that.

Ask your command if you can get a rental car authorized with your TDY orders. If you can get there a day or two early, find out where they do the land-nav course, go out there and walk around. Find a known 100M distance, walk it 3-5 times and get a pace count (count one number for each left foot or right foot so you're not counting every single individual step) so you will have that down. Get a compass, if magnetic North points to magnetic North and the same goes for all other directions (close the compass and put it away....it works fine). On the actual Land Nav test (it's probably pass/fail only...time shouldn't count) find all your points, identify your return location then find a place to hide out and get some alone time (be sure to set a watch alarm that'll give you about 5-10 minutes before your time limit is up) and then beat feet back to the start point. This way you'll avoid the "hey you" details/police calls and other bullshit.

Get an updated packing list, make sure you have it all. Other than that relax, you'll be fine. It's only as hard as you make it. Send me a message and let me know how it went.

-Brian

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 5:31 AM

2016-02-27T05:31:32-05:00

I'm at BLC now, the best way to prepare is to bring your military bearing. Conduct yourself like a NCO at all times, no complacency after/before class; SGL's (Small group leaders/instructors) are always watching. We march by the cadre billings on the way to DFAC and they have been in their building staring making sure we are doing the right thing, when 'noone' is looking..(because now we march ourselves).. integrity. We are being evaluated for our skills as future leaders in leadership positions. Demonstrate your bearing and the rest can be learned in class.
Try to prepare yourself by learning how to write a memorandum, award DA FORM 638, and Sworn statement. if you don't have verbal confidence, practice because you will have to conduct training on a warrior skill, and give a oral presentation.
Go there knowing the NCO creed/ army song / army creed / division song.
Know how to conduct PRT (per FM 7-22)

Come with your uniforms serviceable and EVERYTHING on your packing list. to the T.
Come with your ASU's pressed, clean, and awards ON. Shoes polished and serviceable.
Boot cleaning kit comes in handy aswell.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Response by SSG Dan Willmont made Feb 27 at 2016 5:52 AM

2016-02-27T05:52:06-05:00

The area where I have seen most people fail is Land Navigation. Honestly, the Land Navigation is not difficult, but it is a skill that people neglect and are too stubborn to ask for help. Just make sure to be a member of a team, work on D&C, and know PRT. It's not too difficult, but over confidence leads to people not passing.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Feb 27 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-02-27T11:09:13-05:00

Know AR670-1 Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, FM3-21.5 (FM22-5) Drill and ceremonies, First aid, FM 3-25.26 MAP READING AND LAND NAVIGATION, plenty of guts and heart and your best side for leadership and ready to make hard decisions as a leader and doing the hard thing when its the right thing to do. you will do well just remember to think out side and around the box and don't over think a challenge because the hardest challenges have the easiest answers when your doing the FTX. a lot of it will be research.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 7:39 PM

2016-02-27T19:39:08-05:00

Go with an open mind & drop everything you think you have learned

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 9:48 PM

2016-02-27T21:48:50-05:00

Be prepared to relearn everything and be able to take constructive criticism. Also, ask plenty of questions for things you don't know or understand.

Response by SSG Lucas Velez made Feb 28 at 2016 11:10 AM

2016-02-28T11:10:33-05:00

I think when I went to PLDC it was only 2wks long

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2016 11:36 AM

2016-02-28T11:36:11-05:00

BLC is 22 working days, and to be quite honest there is really nothing to prepare for. While I have not attended the Fort Dix course, they are all generally the same. I just graduated BLC at the beginning of Feb and the best advice I can offer is just ensure that you have all of the required items on the packing list and ensure that you can pass a very strict PT test. Any thing else you might need to know or learn will all be taught and practiced before you are tested on it. It is really tough to fail the course.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2016 1:48 PM

2016-02-28T13:48:09-05:00

PRT, D&C, And Ctrl-F..... Be comfortable speaking in front of people, do the right thing, and just remember you are there to become a leader (or better leader), not socialize and make friends.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 9:56 AM

2016-02-29T09:56:54-05:00

I went to PLDC years ago. The biggest headaches that I saw people having was with land navigation and leading formations. If you have those skills down, you will succeed.

And confidence. Confidence without arrogance will serve you well.

Response by SSG Anthony Jennings made Feb 29 at 2016 12:28 PM

2016-02-29T12:28:27-05:00

Forget everything you know, it'll make it easier. Learn how to look up stuff in ARs and FMs by Tables of Contents and Glossaries. Be open minded and willing to learn whats being thought. Primary mistake is going there and thinking the way you learned it was the right way. Most time you learn it the units way which, in some cases, is unit based SOP. Brush up on the Common soldier tasks, D&C and Land Nav, the big 2

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 1:46 PM

2016-02-29T13:46:25-05:00

Make sure you know the NCO Creed by heart.
Drill and Ceremony, PRT, and Land Navigation are the most important. Good luck!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 4:06 PM

2016-03-15T16:06:11-04:00

I graduated from BLC last October. Drill and Ceremony, land NAV, public speaking, Troop Leading procedures, PRT. as long as you pay attention to details you will pass the course with top honors.

Response by 1LT A. Uribe made Apr 5 at 2016 9:14 AM

2016-04-05T09:14:40-04:00

Brush up on common core.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2017 7:36 AM

2017-10-09T07:36:54-04:00

The B stands for Basic, The SGL's will not test you on anything that they don't teach you first. Make sure you have everything on the packing list, and take notes during classes and you should be fine.