Can I attend ALC without having BLC?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 15:16:54 -0500

I was promoted to E-5 while a member of the Air NG. When I went AD Army I was allowed to keep my E-5. At the time you didn't need WLS/BLC to pin/retain E-5. I got out in 2012, took a 7 year break and got into the Army Guard last September. When I got back in the Guard I was able to retain E-5. I do have to reclass before I can do anything in my new unit. After I complete the reclass do I have to attend BLC before I can attend ALC or can I simply complete DLC2 and attend ALC?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2020 3:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 15:46:43 -0500

It depends on what HRC determined when you reentered. If you were given constructive credit for BLC then no. If you were not, then yes. For instance, I have an E5 from the Navy who had to do DLC1 then BLC then DLC 2 then ALC before he can get promoted

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 2 at 2020 3:52 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 15:52:20 -0500

The real question is do you want to go to ALC without first learning the material in BLC?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 2 at 2020 4:08 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 16:08:19 -0500

You need to go to BLC. BLC is the where you're introduced to the fundamentals of being an Army NCO. With your ANG time, you don't even know how to be a Soldier, much less an NCO. Don't attempt to skip learning opportunities.

We have enough Zebra's in the ranks. We don't need another one.

(Zebra: Useless animal wearing stripes)

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Mar 2 at 2020 5:43 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 17:43:57 -0500

Why would you want to go to ALC prior to attending BLC. Even if they would let you do so, you do it for you and you do it for those you will lead. You don’t want any of those who will follow you skipping/avoiding schools, so you don’t skip schools.

Always look forward. I know a lot of folks who really struggled to get picked up for SFC. One little glitch on your records can mean not making that list. Not attending a course at the NCOA will not be seen as a small glitch, but a gaping hole.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2020 8:27 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 20:27:23 -0500

You have to complete BLC, then DLC2 and then ALC. you can’t skip NCO schools.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2020 9:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 21:35:19 -0500

So what you are asking is whether or not you have to go to the Basic Leaders Course so that you can get promoted to E6 without first knowing how to be an NCO in the first place? Sounds to me like you so just go with the wind and learn the Army first before trying to get promoted. I've met way too many E6's in similar situations as yours that don't even know how to be a soldier, yet alone, a SSG.

Response by CSM Danny S. made Mar 3 at 2020 8:56 AM

CSM Danny S. — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 08:56:49 -0500

The real question is how is the state carrying you? If they have you as already completing BLC then they will not send you back to BLC. Additionally for ALC you will need some kind of 1059 or document that says you have completed BLC/WLC/PLDC or an equivalent. You should talk to your S1 and figure out a way forward.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2020 9:01 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 09:01:07 -0500

My Fiance came out of the Marine Corps as a Corporal. He did thier NCO schooling and what nots. Came to the Army - Kept his rank but still had to complete BLC before he can go to ALC.