Should Active Duty Soldiers attend a WLC led by the National Guard?

2015-02-25T09:32:51-05:00

My current duty station, Fort Huachuca, does not have its own WLC, so Soldiers are sent TDY. In the past, Soldiers were sent to the NCOA at Fort Bliss. I was sent there TDY in August 2013. Shortly after I returned, however, Fort Huachuca Soldiers requiring WLC began going to an NCOA run by the New Mexico National Guard in Santa Fe, and continue to do so. Not wanting to be disrespectful to our NG brethren, is it appropriate for NG NCOs to train AD Soldiers to be leaders? Opinions, please.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 9:42 AM

2015-02-25T09:42:52-05:00

I don't see an issue with it. They do in my State. They even have Active Duty, regular army, work in the chow hall at the NCNG Academy. You will see active duty attend other schools there too. Recently Bragg opened up it's own NCOA so I am not sure how much longer that will do that. The National Guard also runs Ranger Training and Assessment Course at Fort Benning. It currently has the highest success rate out of any Pre-Ranger Program in the Army. All of the cadre there are National Guard. They also have a Air Assault and Pathfinder Team that will travel to your location and set up the course there. Also National Guard soldiers.

If they are all held to the same standard, in which they are, why would it matter. Should the National Guard have any issues with sending a Guardsmen to any of the AD schools?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-02-25T09:46:48-05:00

A lot of the Soldiers in training battalions have been trainers for years. Like, 10+ years. While this can be a liability (they may have been out of the fight, if they were ever in it), it can also be a huge benefit. They weren't DA selected to be a trainer or instructor; they chose the job. They have been doing it for so long that it's second nature. They love what they do because, in the Guard and USAR there is a lot of flexibility with regard to where you go and what you do.

So, I get the hesitation, but I would wager that the training is just as good with instructors and trainers who are just as good if not better and more passionate.

Lastly, if TRADOC certifies it, then it's just as good as the RA course in their eyes.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 9:47 AM

2015-02-25T09:47:11-05:00

I wouldn't see an issue. Perhaps the NG instructors are full-time NG members, not just the "weekend warrior" stereotype? It's one Army, right? I know the NG & ANG here train active, reserve, & NG soldiers/airmen.

If you're concerned, ask one of the other members who went to the school in question & get their opinion on it. I suspect they are teaching the same curriculum.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 9:47 AM

2015-02-25T09:47:21-05:00

In all honesty, as long as the NG instructors are teaching to standard, then it should not matter. A leader is a leader, regardless of NG, RC, AC components.