If I am about to deploy with a very unit short on NCOs, can I waive BLC until I redeploy?

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 20:40:03 -0400

I just earned my promotable status and we are about to deploy under manned. I know the army can give waivers while overseas but can I waive BLC, get pinned while down range, then once I return home complete BLC?

Response by SGT Edward Wilcox made Jun 26 at 2017 8:50 PM

SGT Edward Wilcox — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 20:50:54 -0400

Under the current system, no. You have to attend BLC before you can be promoted. Honestly, I have a hard time understanding how you even got a board appearance without going to BLC first.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2017 10:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 22:49:25 -0400

No under STEP you must attend BLC to be eligible for promotion to SGT. If you want to get promoted then you must attend BLC. I would try and go before you go. There was a time when they would wave that I went to WLC with a SSG. They may change the rules but right now you must go to BLC to get promoted even in a star MOS.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Jun 26 at 2017 11:39 PM

SGM Billy Herrington — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 23:39:56 -0400

BLC is taught in Kuwait.

Look around stateside and see if if you can walk in. Many people walk in at Camp Shelby. It's an OASS school and active come there from 7th group and other units all the time.

Response by SGT Jody Trapp made Jun 27 at 2017 6:48 AM

SGT Jody Trapp — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 06:48:39 -0400

Definitely try and get BLC done. Think about your career since seats sometimes are scarce and I'm sure you can get on a deployment some time down the line if you stay in. See if you can go to school and meet your unit down range

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 10:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 10:57:47 -0400

Nope. Get it done and then you likely will deploy after you're done.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 2:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 02:39:52 -0400

As others have said, getting BLC is one of those steps of being an E5 that is more of a requirement these days. While SPCs are the vast majority of E4s in the Army, it seems that the rank of CPL occasionally is forgotten. The Marines use them quite effectively and they are just as much an NCO as a SGT. My last active duty unit was predominantly infantry, and it took me a bit to see junior enlisted go to parade rest for a CPL since the first 4 years of my Army career I didn't have them around me. You can always see if lateral promotion is an option, which will help prepare you for being a SGT.