Is it worth going to Instructor School if you don't have plans on teaching at any school house?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 17:05:19 -0500

I want to be a better teacher for my soldiers, it's something that I'm really passionate about. I know that the Basic Instructor Course is geared toward adult education techniques and seems like a great course to sharpen my skills as an NCO. But, is it worth going to if I have no intention of becoming an SGL for an NCOES or a schoolhouse?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 17 at 2020 5:10 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 17:10:35 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Yes. Absolutely do attend if you are offered the opportunity.

The more experience and skills you have in presenting information to others will reflect in all of your presentations and career.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 17 at 2020 5:22 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 17:22:32 -0500

1: Never turn down a school
2: Unless its an illegal order, never say no, but do say what it will take, cost or need to say yes.
3:Never argue with the boss in public, but by all means tell him he is mistaken, wrong, misunderstanding, or a flipping moron as needed in privet
4: Few will remember how much effort you put into making a mission work, but everyone will remember your failure...what do you want to be remembered for?
5: Never turn down a school

It worked for me

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 17 at 2020 5:33 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 17:33:30 -0500

Yes, go. Good way to get a teaching/instructor gig, especially for a government contract

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jan 17 at 2020 5:56 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 17:56:31 -0500

Sure, why not? I sent many of my recruiters. Not only that but, guess who the Army’s premiere instructors are? You got it, the NCO Corps!!! So, go for it!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2020 6:49 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 18:49:10 -0500

It provides useful skills if you intend to remain in the military and seek challenging job opportunities such as Observer/Controller Trainer, S-3 NCO, etc

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 17 at 2020 9:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 21:44:41 -0500

I have seen senior NCOs hired by corporations who have specific skills.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2020 1:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 01:21:27 -0500

There are really no bad courses in the Army to take. I took the Instructor course as an E4 in the Army and though the SQI isn't on my ERB (hooray National Guard) it helped me while instructing junior Soldiers down the road. The instructor course actually lays out a very solid, science proven, practicum for teaching new subjects to new people. Every single instructor of every single school has to certify in it, and every single school follows its training model. It has reliable and proven results, so go for it

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jan 18 at 2020 10:48 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 10:48:19 -0500

Never turn down an opportunity to go to school while in the Army.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 18 at 2020 12:59 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 12:59:12 -0500

Yes! The knowledge and skills you'll acquire will be valuable leadership tools. Additionally, if you want to seek private sector employment with a company that provides training as one of its services, then the military instructor course is a plus on your resume. Especially true if the company is a DoD contractor.