Why such a long wait for ALC Common Core?

2013-11-13T22:21:16-05:00

I am an SGT promotable. I have already had ALC resident phase for my MOS. I have been trying for some time to get a Common Core slot and I figured it should be fairly simple since it is online. My S-1 submitted a 4187 to attempt to get a slot and in response I received an email stating that there are too many SSGs and SFCs that have not had it and that is why there is a backlog. I know many SGTs that are having the same issues. I'm just curious as to what your thoughts are on this subject. Should the army emplement more classes to meet the high demand?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 13 at 2013 11:17 PM

2013-11-13T23:17:23-05:00

I do not know the merit of getting ALC CC but I have it as a non promotable SGT with two years left in the army. If I don't make SSG by then, I am out of here.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 1:29 AM

2013-11-14T01:29:34-05:00

SGT Boger, you are correct that this is a problem for alot SGTs. The reason that it is becoming an issue is because it was waived during the lets promote everyone phase of the wars on terror. Now that we are down sizing it is a requirement to get promoted to E7. So the prioity is E7s that have yet to do it, E6(P), E6, E5(P). I know that it is not right and sucks. ALC was the points that I needed to get my E6. I had maxed out everything else I possibly could. I think it should be based on other things. How can you be competitive if the things you need to get ahead are not availible. I would suggest going out on a limb and emailing the Common Core POC. That is how i got my CC. i emailed him he emailed me back and asked some info and I was enrolled. No 4187, no BN involvement. Just a thought that couldnt hurt.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 8:20 PM

2013-11-14T20:20:42-05:00

I don't know if any of you know this, but ALC CC costs the government three times as much as it cost for a resident course. It is appx $15000 and its just over $5000 for a resident course for a single soldier. So... keep that in mind.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Nov 15 at 2013 6:53 PM

2013-11-15T18:53:49-05:00

The issue you state is Army-wide.

The crux of the issue is that if you review current MILPERs/ALARACTs, ALC and ALC-CC are requirements for consideration to SFC.

With that being said, the Army is prioritizing those folks that "have to have it now" - SSGs, then all others.

Also, 4187s requesting ALC-CC and calls/inquiries to HRC wrt ALC/ALC-CC are no longer considered.

Hope that explains why you may feel stymied in your attempts to get what you feel you need.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 4:58 PM

2013-11-18T16:58:37-05:00

All I know is that I took my course two years ago thru 3RD Battalion, 166th Regiment (NCOA)
Bldg. 8-80
Fort Indiantown Gap online. My Training NCO at the time loaded me in and somewhere in the packet there was the cost information.

Response by SSG Mark McKinnon made Mar 7 at 2014 9:47 AM

2014-03-07T09:47:27-05:00

I had the same issue.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2014 10:00 PM

2014-03-08T22:00:10-05:00

The simple solution is separate the points for CC and Phase 2. 30 Points for CC and up to 65 for Phase 2. This will solve the problem for SGTs who have completed Ph. 2 but not CC, who cant make cutoff because they can't get the points for ALC.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2014 9:51 PM

2014-03-09T21:51:58-04:00

I contact SFC Kopp on a regular basis. I always get back that when my promotion date hits the MSL then I will receive a slot. that is unless I get promoted first to SSG. then I can get a slot

Response by SSG Zachery Mitchell made Mar 9 at 2014 10:33 PM

2014-03-09T22:33:38-04:00

It took me 18 months after completing resident course before even getting a seat for common core. Its a long, frustrating wait, especially when you don't earn the promotion points until you're complete with common core. I emailed my branch manager for assistance about the 15 month mark after resident course and he was finally able to assist me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 3:44 PM

2014-04-01T15:44:25-04:00

I am in the same boat as a lot of the other people who have posted. I am an E-5 (P) who just finished ALC Residency as DHG and I am waiting on Common Core now. I cannot get the 112 Points I direly need to make SSG without this, and unfortunately there are still SFC's and SSG's that take priority on this.

I tried to submit a 4187 but my BDE said "we are not doing it. You will get ALC CC when you get it."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 7:52 PM

2015-02-20T19:52:11-05:00

I do not understand how doing a course online, on your own time, costs more for the military than us going somewhere in person?!? I just want to be able to continue with my career and there are a lot of POS SSGs that are ruining it for us upcomers. They do not care about anything and are just wasting space and money staying in the military, kick them out I say!!