What all should I brush up on for ALC in Ft.Benning? Also, what are the schedule and the living situation like?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:30:36 -0500

Anyone been through recently? What all should I brush up on? Schedule? Living situation? I.e can we cook in the barracks and proximity to the gym? Thanks in Advance.

Also, fully aware it’s a school not a vacation but so I don’t lose my mind, anything to do in the area to blow some steam?

Response by SFC James Cameron made Feb 9 at 2020 2:44 PM

SFC James Cameron — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:44:23 -0500

Last guys I sent through were almost 3 years ago. Marching manual and PRT were big things for them. There is quite a bit to do in the Columbus/Phenix city area it just depends on what your tastes are.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2020 2:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:45:52 -0500

Actually study the material you're given. I've had two very capable, very knowledgeable, NCOs go and fail the admin portion because they just assumed they knew the material because they're awesome infantrymen. One guy failed because he didn't know how to adjust for windage on iron sights. So, don't be cocky

Response by CSM Eric Olsen made Feb 9 at 2020 3:19 PM

CSM Eric Olsen — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 15:19:16 -0500

Okay, don't ask Dr. Google but instead goto the ACTnow "Communities" page to find expectations and requirements. It was greatly revamped: We are now shooting the new .40 course of fire (no more iron sights), and we no longer specifically assess students on marching and PRT, but NOT knowing will affect your overall leadership grade. Sadly our #1 & 2 reasons for dismissals are APFT and HT/WT fails, and about 1/3 fail dismounted land nav for their first run. The academics require reading BEFORE learning in the classroom, because class discussion-facilitated by the cadre is THE BEST way to learn. We are the institution and you will go home more knowledgeable.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2020 4:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 16:32:43 -0500

The rooms are enough to live in, don't bother trying to cook in them except microwaveable stuff. Schedule is pretty relaxed. PT, them 1500-1700 release times. Just study the material from class and work in study groups, it's honestly all pretty straight forward. Phenix City/Columbus has a lot to do. Atlanta is 45 minutes north (although technically not authorized, so, travel at your own risk). Gym is right down the street, short job without a car, or you can carpool with classmates if they have one unless you bring your own. 2 to a room, maybe a mini fridge, a microwave, closets, and a nice black moldy bathroom lol. All in all, it's not a terrible experience.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 9 at 2020 8:15 PM

TSgt Melissa Post — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 20:15:35 -0500

There are some nice shooting ranges in the area, the infantry museum is there and also a civil war museum. I know not many find those last two invigorating but the infantry museum is freakin awesome. And I’m not even Army!! Lol

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 10:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 10:45:23 -0500

Brush up on your MOS as far as ADMIN side. ALC SLC are both MOS specific and deal with Administrative and Management side of the Army. You'll do great things SGT. Keep soldiers first. Mission always frame of mind understand that your advancement is for the bigger picture for soldiers.
Stepping into a SSG position is becoming a part of the hammer and stepping away from the anvil you become management to where you have a voice for your soldiers that can be heard. learning how to project that voice is where you have to navigate strange waters in the COC above you. Good Luck in your school and the future.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Feb 11 at 2020 11:09 PM

SSG George Holtje — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 23:09:07 -0500

If it’s anything like BNCOC, remember to use your dominant hand to hold your beer. There’s never enough parking at the gym so just walk from the barracks. Push to Talk is on the steering yoke in the BFV simulator. MGator tracks will lead to your points on Ysouth.