Is it embarrassing to go to BSEP class as a E7 and try to raise your GT score with a bunch of privates just to go warrant?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 02:45:05 -0400

I think it may be too late to do BSEP as an E7

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 2:45 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 02:45:56 -0400

Absolutely not. It’s never wrong to improve yourself.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 3:52 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 03:52:20 -0400

Absolutely not. I just came out of a BSEP class IOT go Warrant. My embarrassment lies only within the cost of my own mediocrity. Those privates are not going to have a decision in whether or not I succeed or fail as a NCO/WO. So why place such weight/value/or whatever in the opinions of people that are in the same class as me?! Are they not in there to improve their shortcomings as well? Take it from someone who witnessed everyone from a PVT to a SFC in the class struggle and succeed, it'll be too late when that individual says its too late.

Response by WO1(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 5:46 AM

WO1(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 05:46:49 -0400

No, if anything it is admirable showing you want to improve your knowledge and willingness to succeed. My wife used to teach BSEP, and she would get that question with every class. Take the class and make yourself a better person for it. Don’t let your pride hold you back.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 6 at 2018 6:59 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 06:59:08 -0400

You she be proud of your decision and furthermore share with your Sokdier what you have learned. Take the time to raise your GT as early as possible, you never know when it will come into play. Thank you for your service and congrats.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 7:09 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 07:09:14 -0400

It's never too late to improve yourself. Everyone has shortcomings. If BSEP helps that E-7 progress higher, then where is that wrong?

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Aug 6 at 2018 7:17 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 07:17:31 -0400

Never be embarrassed to improve yourself.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 7:52 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 07:52:59 -0400

Everyone is at BSEP for the same thing, to improve yourself. It doesn't matter what grade you are, improving yourself is always a positive. My hats of to anyone going to BSEP to make themselves a better individual.

Response by 1SG Timothy Trewin made Aug 6 at 2018 8:14 AM

1SG Timothy Trewin — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 08:14:31 -0400

Absolutely not. It shows that you are trying to better yourself. It's one thing to preach to your subordinates to do it, but when they see you put your money where your mouth is they tend to realize it is not all talk.

Response by CSM Eric Olsen made Aug 6 at 2018 8:29 AM

CSM Eric Olsen — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 08:29:06 -0400

There are only two ways that thiss could be embarrassing for him or her: either they are doing it before allowing their subordinates to better themselves, or they are too prideful to do it and as a result cannot reclassify or do other developmental opportunities that require a certain score.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Aug 6 at 2018 8:33 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 08:33:47 -0400

Take advantage of this educational opportunity because it can only help You in the long run.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 8:38 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 08:38:29 -0400

Umm...hell no. Do what you got to do SFC!!!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 6 at 2018 9:08 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 09:08:22 -0400

Which is more important- educating yourself, raising your score in hopes of advancement, or worrying about how it look?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 9:22 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 09:22:26 -0400

What's worse, sitting in there with those privates for a short amount of time or living the rest of your life knowing you were too embarrassed to go after what you wanted? I wouldn't let that class stop you.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 6 at 2018 9:34 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 09:34:08 -0400

No... Why?

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 6 at 2018 10:09 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:09:03 -0400

no brother you do what's right for you because no one else is going to you get to your goal. We are all people who have goals and needs. if you really think privates are going talk smack then you have a problem and should not be E7 cause you made. Maybe you earn their respect because they might fear your rank.

Response by SFC Jorge Diaz Caro made Aug 6 at 2018 10:12 AM

SFC Jorge Diaz Caro — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:12:52 -0400

Man go for it its embarassing not to go if anything ypur are setting a good example for soldiers to better them self . I took it August 2017 got my GT from 92 to 131 i recomend the Fort Irwin course and my wife also got 131 since i went wore soldiers had been motivated to go and with good results. Dont be embarrased to set the exanple for upcoming leaders even if it takes going back to basics .

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Aug 6 at 2018 10:27 AM

CW4 Angel C. — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:27:22 -0400

Are you the E7?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 10:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:39:43 -0400

Never be embarrassed about trying to better yourself for any reason. I went in 2016 as a SSG, it was terrible. I literally couldn't remember how to do long division, and had to ask the instructor for one on one time so I could get it down again. Do what you need to do to get your score up, and meet the goals that you set. I went in just trying to get over 110 from a 101 and ended up with a 125 on GT.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Aug 6 at 2018 11:06 AM

MSG David Johnson — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:06:09 -0400

To be honest I couldn't remember what BSEP stood for so I looked it up.
https://www.army.mil/article/3068/bsep_helps_soldiers_advance_careers

It actually states one of things it's for is to help for thos who may want to go WO.

3 decades ago when I was getting ready to go to 12B BNCOC we had to take a math test. There were 40 questions broken down into 8 lines of 5 questions. You could miss a question on each line and pass but you couldn't miss 2 questions on the same line. I missed 2 questions on the same line, I was pissed, but my PSG & squad leader insisted I go through BSEP before I could test again. 12B BNCOC was math intensive due to demolition calculations, I was able to test out of BSEP after the first couple days. I didn't have a problem being in the class, I just didn't want to spend the time in the class I didn't need.
But from seeing Soldiers and NCO's struggle with simple math and English I wholeheartedly support anyone going to Any class that helps advance their own knowledge.

Seeing that you're a SGT asking about a SFC, I'm wondering about your motivations? Not saying there's anything wrong, just curious.

BSEP Helps Soldiers Advance Careers

Do you know your score' The answer to that question can be important when referring to your credit, but it is just as important for Soldiers looking to advance their careers.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 6 at 2018 11:09 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:09:56 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member are you asking for yourself or a friend LOL? Absolutely not. at 53, I am still plodding through college. There is something that you want to do, and there is a wall that has to be climbed to get there. Imagine a world where none of us went on to do what we dreamed of because someone put a barrier in front of us and we just said oh well.
Go for it (or tell that other E7 to go for it)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 11:31 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:31:39 -0400

I went as an E7, not to drop a packet, but to better myself and raise my scores, totally worth it and those privates respected me for it during the class.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 6 at 2018 12:56 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 12:56:03 -0400

It's actually a lot more common than you realize. Your looking at this through an Army lens so you feel it is degrading. I had to take my high school math courses over again when I started at University of Wisconsin. It's not that I was stupid it was because I either had bad teachers in High School or my brain was a grade or two behind in development. Either way if you do ever go to college and end up having to take a 090 course, they are usually packed with students and lots of people older than you in the same boat. So not necessarily a Private vs SFC thing. My math grades in High School: C's and D's. Math scores in college after taking the remedial courses........nothing less than an A. I didn't get any smarter in the Army, so either the remedial courses or my brain could accept the material better being older. A lot of people say "college isn't for me" based on their High School experience.........big mistake. You really need to try it after age 21-22 and see how you fare (taking the appropriate courses first).

Response by SSG Eric Trace made Aug 6 at 2018 1:31 PM

SSG Eric Trace — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 13:31:59 -0400

No, you go ahead and do what you have to do and if they have any sense they will look up to you for striving to better yourself. As my Mentor used to say, “pride cometh before the fall, never let your Rank make you think you are better than others, when you are not.”

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Aug 6 at 2018 2:51 PM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 14:51:24 -0400

If that is what it take to achieve your goals, buckle down and ignore all else. It amounts to wasted distractions.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Aug 6 at 2018 3:26 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 15:26:15 -0400

I can't see why it would be embarrassing. The school exists to help develop the skills so that people can achieve their goals. Remember that on day one you're told that the army gives you what you put into it. Seeking to improve your abilities should never be frowned upon. The only thing that would make a person stupid would be to not use the tools available out of embarrassment.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 6 at 2018 4:45 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 16:45:30 -0400

No but you can sign up at the local community college and take some basic courses. Spend the $35.00 for the ASVAB book that gets you tests so you can practice till you do better, or go to the base library and sign the same book out for free, and lastly many communities offer adult education courses, that are not college courses, so you could improve that way.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 6 at 2018 5:34 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 17:34:16 -0400

I’d be interested in why/how you came up with the thought of it being too late. “Know yourself and seek self improvement”....if this is true (which it is), at what point is it too late to better yourself when making yourself better usually has a direct and immediate impact on your Soldiers who might think it’s too late for themselves, but see a beacon of hope from you?

What was your decision process to come to this conclusion?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 9:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 21:42:06 -0400

As a NCO and especially a leader to your own soldiers, I believe learning and bettering oneself are limitless. There no shame of improving yourself. Everyone got a weakness. Identify it and continue to focus on developing as you take a step at a time.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 4:35 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 16:35:36 -0400

Why would it be? The end goal would be the same. If you get selected and go to WOCS there’s a chance those privates will be your “leadership” (even with a 5-wk course) then graduate and be your peers. I had to go to the 7-week course as SSG...Div Drill Sergeant of the Year...close to 10 years in with about 15 now WOs that that had all of 3 months in the Army and didn’t feel embarrassed or higher because at the end of the day the dot is what I went there for, didn’t matter.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 10:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 10:48:17 -0400

I'm not sure why you would be embarrassed to attend BSEP. I think that your rank is immaterial to the fact that you want to improve yourself. In my view, that is true leadership and sets an example for your subordinates to seek self-improvement too. This is in line with the Army values. I applaud you for seeking any and all opportunities to make yourself better for you and the Army.

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Aug 26 at 2018 3:28 PM

CPT Jeff Robinette — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 15:28:06 -0400

It is never ever too late or too embarrassing better your level of education.

Response by SSG Robert Ball made Aug 26 at 2018 11:34 PM

SSG Robert Ball — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 23:34:36 -0400

No.way.you are trying to better yourself screw what everyone else thinks

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2018 5:21 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 17:21:38 -0400

It is your personal and professional development. No matter the reason why you are there as an E7, you are there to ensure your career continues upward! Glad to read you are going to improve your skills to ensure success!! HOOAH!
(EDIT) Plus, why not consider what an amazing role model you are by demonstrating professional development to junior enlisted! You are not coasting through, you are taking charge to achieve your goals!! another HOOAH moment!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 10:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 22:30:17 -0400

When does self improvement stop? Does the leadership within the chain and over years failed the Soldier? We have to take a better approach at things and not just what we see.

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Sep 9 at 2018 3:58 PM

SFC Jerry Humphries — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 15:58:10 -0400

No, I actually used it prior to retiring to prep for College classes. Saved me money instead of paying for prep classes the college gave.

Response by SCPO Don Baker made Sep 10 at 2018 2:53 PM

SCPO Don Baker — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 14:53:12 -0400

I don't know what BSEP is, but it's never to late for education. If someone is giving you crap for it, you're senior enough to assign that individual to shitter cleaning duty.

Response by SFC Carlos Cruz made Sep 13 at 2018 8:10 PM

SFC Carlos Cruz — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 20:10:19 -0400

It ignorance if you don’t take this opportunity to improve yourself as a senior NCO. You are a mentor to other therefore is the right thing to keep improving your career. Airborne

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2018 12:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 00:26:11 -0400

Why would it be. You would send a Soldier if the needed a higher score for reclassification wouldn’t you.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Oct 7 at 2018 11:02 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 23:02:56 -0400

No it’s not and nothing wrong with trying to improve and trying to set an example for your soldiers to follow Hooah

Response by MSG John Craig made Oct 12 at 2018 10:34 AM

MSG John Craig — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 10:34:14 -0400

Never too late for self improvement...if only for self confidence!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2018 9:18 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 09:18:34 -0400

If you haven’t already, eventually you will have to tell one of your troops to take his ass down to BSEP or, one of your troops will ask about going to BSEP. Either way, you can show them the ropes because you’ve been there.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Oct 18 at 2018 4:26 PM

MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 16:26:02 -0400

Any tools available to prepare you for any of the steps ahead in your career should be taken advantage of. Just think of how many vets/retirees from the mid 20s and older are in English 101 with 18 year olds.

Response by CW4 Tim Leival made Oct 19 at 2018 8:45 PM

CW4 Tim Leival — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 20:45:06 -0400

I reclassified from 180A to 351M a few years back. When I got to Ft. Huachuca, I was faced with the prospect of having to take the entire 35M AIT in order to qualify in the new MOS. That’s 22 weeks in a class of E3s and E4s. At the time I was a 50 year old CW3. When I balked at the idea, a very wise WO reminded me that if I was unwilling to do subsume my ego and do what I need to master my chosen profession, perhaps I should not be a WO. If your embarrassment is an obstacle to becoming the best you can be, you mind is kicking your ass and it’s time to retire.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Oct 21 at 2018 9:51 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 21:51:29 -0400

No. You do what you have to do.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 22 at 2018 7:23 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 19:23:59 -0400

They're just Privates. Not even real Soldiers yet. Their opinions are meaningless. They know nothing of you or the Army. You do you.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2018 6:10 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 06:10:28 -0400

I’m doing BSEP as a SSG as soon as I get back from this deployment.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2018 2:54 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 14:54:10 -0500

I'm not in the Army (obviously) and I don't know the requirements of the course but I do have a question. How bad do you want it? If you want to be a Mustang and you need to do some work to make sure you have the best chance of getting accepted to the illustrious Mustang ranks then GET IT DONE! Don't ever assume the answer is no without asking the question. Make them tell you no. Several times. And when you get in the course, do the work, put in the time, and excel because that is what Mustangs do.

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Nov 9 at 2018 11:44 PM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 23:44:21 -0500

In addition to my earlier comment SSG Johnson. GO FOR IT!!!! You will never regret becoming a Warrant Officer. Being a Warrant was the impitus for me serving more than 30 years. U loved every minute of it.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Nov 15 at 2018 11:51 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 23:51:20 -0500

If it is, you better take a hard look at yourself. Something is lacking confidence or character wise.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Dec 30 at 2018 12:37 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 12:37:09 -0500

Simple answer, no, improving oneself is good at any time in life or career!

Response by COL George Antochy made Jan 2 at 2019 3:08 AM

COL George Antochy — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 03:08:52 -0500

Today's downsized military is very competitive and every Service Member should ensure that they continue to grow professionally, which also means academically. A person should never be embarrassed for bettering themselves. If that is an issue there are many alternatives especially on the Web to help raise one's GT scores. But by attending class, and being a serious student, think of the real message that you are sending to those 'Privates'. Hopefully they get that message and also take the classes serious. Back in the 80's we used to send Soldier's to BSEP, and many just used it as a means of getting out of work. Hopefully the times have changed.

Response by SGT Walter Lester made Jan 2 at 2019 11:43 AM

SGT Walter Lester — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 11:43:06 -0500

Education is nothing to be embarrassed about. You are trying to improve yourself, not your class mates. It's not competition, it's your education and and advancement. Go for it, you will be glad you did.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 10:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 10:13:20 -0500

I am about to do the same! Did the course help you succeed in raising your score?

Response by CW2 Fred Baker made Jan 17 at 2019 5:42 PM

CW2 Fred Baker — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 17:42:21 -0500

One should never be embarrassed to increase knowledge. Especially for such a lofty goal.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2019 8:33 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 08:33:05 -0500

Try being verbally berated AS a warrant officer for refusing to go to BSEP..... being told your high GT score, Masters degree, two Bachelor's degrees, and six associate degrees did not matter.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2019 8:53 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 08:53:47 -0500

Your thought process is all wrong. I thought the same thing when I went. Swallow your pride and put whats most important in front of you. The soldiers will actually eespect you more for wanting to improve yourself, even if you think it's too late in the game to improve your score.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Mar 2 at 2019 11:26 AM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 11:26:31 -0500

Do what you can to better yourself. Heck at 65 I'm considering college again.

Response by MSG John Craig made Mar 2 at 2019 12:41 PM

MSG John Craig — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 12:41:14 -0500

I did it! Raised my score! Never to late if you want to show initiative!

Response by TSgt James Potter made Mar 2 at 2019 4:08 PM

TSgt James Potter — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 16:08:15 -0500

Never give up!