Should I request deferment for ALC due to being selected to attend WOCS in September Board?

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 06:30:46 -0400

Hey all, quick question:

I was just selected to attend WOCS in the September Warrant Officer Selection Board. Upon checking my email today, I just got ATRRS hard-slotted for ALC with a report date of a little over a month from now. My question is, should I look at this as an opportunity to gain some more NCO leadership knowledge and experience that I could utilize as a WO or should I attempt to put in a DA 4187 to have my slot canceled in order to afford another Soldier trying to progress his/her career as an NCO the chance to attend?

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 6:38 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 06:38:09 -0400

I use to think it would be better for people attending WOCS to give up these slots and promotions. I have learned that it’s not guaranteed you will make it, so it’s better to have that completed in case that happens.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 6:38 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 06:38:29 -0400

Congrats on the selection, I was selected as well. Personally I would attend ALC, there’s always a possibility WOCS or Flight school might not work out. You don’t want to be behind if that happens. On the plus side you’ll learn from ALC even if you don’t need it in the end. Again congrats and good luck!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 8:39 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 08:39:30 -0400

I went to BLC two months before WOCS. Just go.

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Sep 29 at 2020 8:47 AM

SGT Russell Wickham — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 08:47:14 -0400

It's admirable that you would consider others ahead of yourself. However, the more you know, the more effective you can be, so by all means, take advantage of the training. Leadership training is not only useful in the military, but also in any civilian career you happen to have after the military.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 9:00 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 09:00:50 -0400

You'll likely learn more at ALC than you will at WOCS. Go to ALC. You're still a 68K until you pin on the dot....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 9:45 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 09:45:30 -0400

Go to ALC. It won't hurt you.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 9:57 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 09:57:37 -0400

Think long and hard before turning down PME as your COC may not appreciate it. You still have to live in your current unit before your school date.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 29 at 2020 11:11 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 11:11:21 -0400

Go to both, you may not make it through WOCS (Injury, academics )in which case you are back on the waiting list for NCOES.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 4:26 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 16:26:06 -0400

100% attend ALC and congratulations on your selection to WOCS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 6:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 18:17:50 -0400

The view of HRC is that you are not guaranteed to pass WOCS so you will go to ALC. Plus, you can still promote between now and when you graduate. In fact, you can promote up until the day you are appointed WO1.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 30 at 2020 3:28 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 15:28:13 -0400

The Tribe has spoken: Never, never turn down a pedigree bean. Besides what any leadership massaging can do for you, it's also a great opportunity to see the spectrum of what's around you NCO wise. It'll give you more insight into the broader community and where they are, and more importantly, are not. Observe what seems to be sticking overall and what's fluff. I've been out for some time but am sure there's "leadership du jour" stuff that someone paid a consultant for, and since they sponsored it, just won't let go. However with all these come and go monikers, quadrants, pie sections, etc., just remember one thing. Good leaders have a brain, heart, soul, and spine. Then ask yourself, what am I doing to make these four things better? Classwork is useless if you don't do something to move yourself forward.

BTW, congrats on the WO thing. Don't be upset if we Navy types call you "Guns" after your graduate. There's a history thing to that and it's a compliment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2021 9:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 21:08:45 -0400

Yes