What should I expect during Signal BOLC?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 18:32:36 -0500

Do you get any Certs after completing Signal BOLC? and how hard is the BOLC curriculum?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 8:16 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 20:16:58 -0500

Although it has been 15 years since I went through I will give some basic information as I am sure the specifics have changed. You will get the common core block (training, property, conduct, basic electronics, etc), then specific signal training computers and Army communications platforms. Hope this helps.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2018 12:36 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:36:08 -0500

That depends if you complete your Skillport prep online. Expect to be tested promptly. I believe their will be only time for you to test for either NET + or SEC +.
You should request it as early as possible and prepare now. Expect your TACs to act as your Ranking Officers, Evaluators and mentors. Expect them to be busy so respect their time and your TAC NCOs time. A lot of high profile ranking personnel visit (SMA, Chief of Staff, Senators and Generals) so do be prepared to meet them and be professional, you never know what you can network yourself into. PT is everyday. Prepare for the 12 mile ruck and your FTX that comes up in the end to initiate you as a Signal Officer. Read a book from the Army Chief of Staffs reading list. Be early, prompt and prepared. I recommend for duties you do Volunteer Officer, S6, PT Officer, or Academic Officer. If you're leadership and admin savy then being S-Shops or leadership will be your alley. Curriculum is not hard but it is fast.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2018 11:04 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 23:04:53 -0500

They could have changed some stuff around, but do not expect to get industry certs for SEC+ or NET+. John Acido may have just went recently and they changed some stuff up. If so, take advantage of that, but I went in ‘17 and they were not offering them. You are not going to graduate BOLC knowing the everything there is to know about signal due to very extensive nature of it, but I recommend that if you know the type of unit you are going to, contact your sponsor and ask what your unit’s bread and butter equipment is. Once you figure that out, try to reinforce your knowledge behind those pieces of equipment. What you do need to leave BOLC with is a good GPA, PT Score, leadership skills and positive rapport with your classmates. I have reached out to at least one of mine while on a support mission and was able to get a spare part to replace a part that went bad mid-mission so my team was able to accomplish the mission....Lifesaver. Have fun, and enjoy it.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2018 8:05 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 08:05:46 -0500

I went through in the same class as John Acido. I can second everything he said about SBOLC. I was the S4 rep for my group and highly suggest volunteering for a staff position. I gained experience that my other classmates did not and it has helped me once I got to my unit. It’s definitely keeps you busy and you will stay late a lot, but you will learn briefing and admin skills you may not have had before.