Starting FA BOLC this August. How difficult are the courses?

2020-02-04T11:18:12-05:00

Could someone give me some insight on how FA BOLC is ran today? Which subjects were the most difficult parts? Is there anything that I could do to prepare in these next couple of months?
Thank you!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2020 11:20 AM

2020-02-04T11:20:56-05:00

While I've never attended a BOLC, it's best to remember that the courses are meant for you to pass and and taught by knowledgeable and experienced NCOs, and that the curriculum is a tried and true process that has successfully passed people much less smart than yourself.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2020 1:54 PM

2020-02-04T13:54:12-05:00

I went to FA BOLC back in 2011. When I went through the most “challenging” not really hard, was the gunnery. I’m not sure how it is now but manual gunnery is challenging. Just find a good study group, study and you will be fine. It’s really not that bad.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 4 at 2020 8:09 PM

2020-02-04T20:09:32-05:00

Went I went to Armor basic officer course, we focused on technical and tactical skills to include gunnery and a short field problem. We had a heavy emphasis on simulators.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2020 3:19 PM

2020-05-17T15:19:00-04:00

Manual Gunnery. You'll find out why. FABOLC is the hardest BOLC and had/has the highest failure rate of any officer initial PME. Flight school has more, but that's not BOLC. While I some might tell you to prepare honestly jus toay attention in class, bring what you're supposed to bring, and do your homework instead of going to Red Dirt. The NCOs and officers will teach you what you need to know. There's also weekend academic assistance. Go if you need help. Lastly there's pre-ranger. Don't give up your grades for it. In my BOLC class they all failed out of ranger school anyways and you're there to graduate not compete for a ranger slot.

Keep in mind I went through in 2016. It might be different now.

Response by LTC Jess Capel made Feb 24 at 2021 10:48 PM

2021-02-24T22:48:09-05:00

It's no piece of cake. Stay focused and stay out of Girdlestones (at least during manual gunnery and manual meteorological calculations <if they still do that>).

Response by LTC Jess Capel made Feb 24 at 2021 10:51 PM

2021-02-24T22:51:49-05:00

It's no piece of cake unless you're the genius sort. Stay focused and stay out of Girdlestones/Fiddler's during gunnery and the manual meteorological calculations (assuming they still do that).