Posted on Aug 1, 2018
2LT All Source Intelligence
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I’m currently a graduate student taking online classes for the upcoming semester, and I’m also scheduled to go to MIBOLC. So my question is, will it be possible to continue taking my online classes while in BOLC?
Will I have enough down time?
And how intense is MIBOLC? (Academically)
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Responses: 5
1LT G2 Operations Officer
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You can do both. It was pretty easy, even the West Point kids made it. Hahaha. JK. Seriously, you shouldn't have an issue taking online classes in addition.
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LTC Field Artillery Officer
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I'm glad you all had it easy. At Fort Sill in the Basic Course, we still had to practice doing manual gunnery, calculating muzzle velocity and meteorology for firing solutions. One problem could take 20-30 minutes to complete. With a computer, you could do it in 1 minute- but they still wanted us to do it the old way with tables & slide rules!
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CPT Lawrence Cable
CPT Lawrence Cable
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I can say a lot of things about Infantry Office Basic Course, easy and down time would not be in the mix. Down time was for important things, like eating and sleeping. The only down time I had was during the Christmas break when I decided to not take leave since my parents were coming down.
When I branch transferred to the Engineers, it was as hard academically as the Infantry was physically, not saying that there wasn't enough to learn as an Infantry Officer either. Bridging and Power Distribution are butt kickers.
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1LT All Source Intelligence
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What were some of the tasks expected to complete during Military Intelligence BOLC sir. I leave in January to attend BOLC. Thank you sir!
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1LT All Source Intelligence
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MI BOLC is not very academically intense. That's not to say there won't be studying involved, but there's also LOTS of down-time. Enough time for people to do stupid stuff and get themselves into trouble if you know what I mean.

But to answer your question, you should probably consider that you'll be going out into the field at some point in your training and that may cause you to miss some deadlines with your online classes. You'll also want to study for the BOLC exams, and you may not want to split your time too much. If you were to take any online classes while attending MI BOLC, I wouldn't take any more than one, and make sure it's not too rigorous. HOWEVER, you could probably do more than one -- IF you don't want to have any time to socialize or do anything other than study.

Word of advice: Use your down time there in MI BOLC to make friends with your fellow classmates. They'll be great resources for you later on. Also, rather than worrying about your online courses, take your free time and explore the area. Go to Tucson and Phoenix. Hike the mountains. Eat the great Mexican food.

I understand that our military commitments can set us back in other places in life. But look at it as an opportunity for growth as an MI officer. Focus on knowing your craft and you'll be glad you did. Don't fragment yourself too much. And don't be in too much of a hurry to live your life. Grad school will be there when you're done with BOLC. You're getting paid to be there. Enjoy it and get the most out of it you can. You'll thank yourself later.
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2LT All Source Intelligence
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Thanks! Your response was swift detailed, and very informative. However, I have one last question. How long is the FTX?
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1LT All Source Intelligence
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When I was there about a year ago, the FTX was only three days long. I think I heard that they were going to change that though.
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LTC Board Of Directors Chairman
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I always tell my subordinates that professional development is key for them to be a lifelong learner; and make thier opportunity to take classes to develop themselves a priority in the workplace.

Taking that into account ( for you may not have Leaders like this) it is a good rule of thumb to take at least one class every semester/Quarter/Session to work towards your next degree (AA/BS/MA/Prof Cert/PhD) from the time you get into the military until you retire...the second time.

When you are In courses like Ranger school-you will not take these classes of course; but a class like BOLC etc you should try one class and if it’s easy take two but not more. When you are in assignments that give you flexibility then try teonthen maybe three but not more.

You will find you make it to your next degree faster than your peers and achieve professional goals so much faster

If you stop learning and taking classes, it is always so hard to start again and be in right mind tonexcel!

Get er Dun!
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2LT All Source Intelligence
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Thanks for your swift response sir! I've always been an advocate for professional development.
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