What can I expect from a virtual BLC?

2021-05-11T01:26:48-04:00

So, I actually got a SGT to see that I'm promotable and is willing to help me get a spot into BLC. So my questions are:
1. Has anybody recently done it virtual? I'm just wondering what to expect since I'm currently taking college classes too.
2. How does the process work? Like I know a packet has to be submitted for me but how long does that actually take? Just really wondering since my leadership lacks when it comes to speed and efficiency.
3. How were the parts that are usually done in person conducted?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2021 1:53 AM

2021-05-11T01:53:42-04:00

To answer your questions:

1) If you did vBLC, you would literally be on Microsoft Teams all day every day for the length of the course. If you are taking college courses, this is going to be very difficult for you. You're going to need to flip a coin.
2) The process works in the manner in which your unit Training NCO/ATRRS Operator submits a Seat Request in ATRRS for you for vBLC (even resident BLC). How ever long the process takes...that's up in the air and depends on where you fall in the Priority Levels.
3) One of my former Soldiers, for the stuff like D&C and PRT, his Cadre did not have them do that. They went unassessed. However, I've known other Soldiers that stated their Cadre had them do the movements via Microsoft Teams. So, that will depend on the Cadre.

Now, being that you are at Hood, looking in ATRRS, there are no vBLC courses offered at Hood for this FY. Only Resident. While ATRRS does not list the vBLC right away when you search the course catalog for Basic Leader Course, you can find it (if offered) at locations once you click on the Course Number hyperlink.

So, you have some choices to make along with speaking with your Leadership. Resident or vBLC offered from another post. BLC or college. I'm not saying both college and BLC can't be done at the same time, only that it is extremely difficult and taxing.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2021 2:15 AM

2021-05-11T02:15:40-04:00

The vBLC was due to covid and a lot of places are going back to in person learning, check with your schools NCO. You need to be ready to be graded on leading squad PRT and D&C.
It probably isnt your leadership holding up a BLC packet. The OML for BLC is based off your points, the more points the sooner you are slotted (pending a few exceptions).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2021 2:18 AM

2021-05-11T02:18:57-04:00

Are you in the Regular Army? Because if you're active duty your SGT has nothing to do with your class date and AD personnel are doing BLC in person now.

BLC class dates are assigned based on local policy and your promotion points. You'll be assigned a class date when you have enough promotion points. Your NCOs have nothing to do with it an cannot request a class date for you.

Ance you have an ATRRS class seat you will need to see your school's NCO for the packet for your class.

As opposed to saying how much your leadership sucks, you should actually find out what you need to do to get promoted. It's not your leaders job to manage your career. The fact that you believe your BLC class date has anything to do with your NCO tells me that you are misinformed about the process. Go sit down with your Schools NCO and find out what it takes to get to BLC at your location

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2021 3:41 AM

2021-05-11T03:41:06-04:00

I got in as a walk on when I went. I just had our schools guy make a packet and I showed up the first day accountability. Got in no problem. You can always try that too if you're trying to get in asap. I didn't have a lot of points so I wasn't coming up for hard slot so I just went for it myself. Doesn't hurt to try.

Response by SFC Matthew Conkling made May 11 at 2021 4:43 PM

2021-05-11T16:43:31-04:00

I was a S3 Brigade Schools/Training NCO . You have been miss informed by someone. I’m not going to drop a huge dime but every bit of schools info can be checked on ATARS system. Your Company training NCO can get all the information to include class date and requirements that you need to meet. Always seek additional information that deals with your specific schooling information from someone who knows the system if your getting misinformation. Also you will have to talk to your Ed center to deal with your college classes. Usually you can adjust your classes to fit your needs. Good luck with your training to become a NCO!

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made May 12 at 2021 1:33 PM

2021-05-12T13:33:56-04:00

Probably sad and weak.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2021 8:02 PM

2021-05-31T20:02:12-04:00

I graduated in April. It is not bad. I was in a class with 50% days IE virtual one day and in person the next. You do not miss out on the important classes that are essentially a necessity to be taught in person IE PT and the ACFT. It was all around a fantastic course and I learned a lot in terms of not only taking care of my soldiers but what to do when things go south for any reason. I highly recommend coming to the NCOA with a willingness to learn and accept.