What am I going to learn at Advanced Camp/CLC that I won't learn at BOLC after I commission?

2017-04-11T15:08:14-04:00

Tons of briefings, playing in the woods for 8-10 days getting poison sumac and ticks without showering, sleep deprevation. Do we do that at BOLC too? I'm not complaining. I like playing in the woods. :)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2017 3:15 PM

2017-04-11T15:15:00-04:00

Here is one lesson: USE YOUR DEET, WEAR THE UNIFORM PROPERLY!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2017 3:17 PM

2017-04-11T15:17:37-04:00

Here's some advice as you start your career: you're going to do lots of things in the Army that won't make sense to you at the time. Trust that there is a purpose to your training. Often I've not learned the true value in training until many years later. I agree that people do perform better with purpose and direction, but again, you'll not always get that guidance/understanding in the Army. Just make sure that your subordinates do get that purpose and direction. Also, never voice your concerns about the inadequacy or low quality training when subordinates are around or could even have a small possibility to hear you.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2017 10:08 PM

2017-04-11T22:08:02-04:00

You will have tons of briefings and mandated training throughout your entire military career.
I don't recall "playing in the woods", but we did have to do land navigation. Each branch is different. BOLC is the general overview of your branch. CCC is all book work (at least for logistics) you will get taught a higher level strategic perspective in your branch.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 12 at 2017 12:26 AM

2017-04-12T00:26:23-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member As a professional Army Officer, your mission should be to learn as much as you can. That is your job. Your Soldiers deserver that. Never approach things from the how can I take the easy road... That is not what we expect from Army Officers. But, to answer your question...
- Pre-Commissioning is focused on Individual and Collective Soldier and Leadership Skills. Advanced Camp/CLC, Cadet Field Training (CFT), and OCS are all Pre-Commissioning Training requirements (USMA, ROTC, and OCS all use the same tasks and battle drills) that you need to know to be a Soldier and a Leader. AC/CLC focuses on small unit leadership, whereas basic camp focuses on individual Soldier skills. You need all these basic, branch immaterial skills before you get your post-commissioning course(s).
- Post-Commissioning Course(s), are focused on your branch speciality (MP, EN, IN, etc), and other training you need for your specific unit and assignment (Abn, AA, Ranger, IMPOC, Sapper, Scout Platoon Leader's Course, etc)...
http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/courses-and-colleges/curriculum/cadet-leadership-course.html

Cadet Leadership Course

The ROTC Cadet Leadership Course is a five week summer program which trains Army ROTC cadets to become great leaders. Learn more today.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 1:40 AM

2017-04-12T01:40:38-04:00

It's OK, and in fact desireable to learn certain tasks at camp and then have them reinforced at the basic course so you get better at them. some tasks take repetition before you get good at them. Apparently in your case, for example, how to identify poison sumac. ;)

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Apr 12 at 2017 12:35 PM

2017-04-12T12:35:29-04:00

Having supported Advanced Camp at Fort Lewis on numerous occasions, I can tell you it is about as close to Basic Training as an ROTC cadet can get. Its mostly all the core Soldier tasks that is taught in basic training. BOLC (OBC) is more leadership, administration, and applying the training you have already received, before you go on to lead a platoon.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 5:30 PM

2017-04-13T17:30:37-04:00

Having been through BCT and BOLC for medical officers...... well, enough said.