What do you learn at BLC?

What Do You Learn at BLC?

The Basic Leader Course (BLC) is a month-long course that trains specialists and corporals in the fundamentals of leadership. It is the first course of study in the US Army noncommissioned officer Professional Development System (NCOPDS).

Purpose

BLC aims to prepare sergeants, promotable specialists, and corporals to lead team-level size units and develop their leadership abilities.

Scope

BLC focuses on developing the following skills and competencies:

Key Facts

  1. Purpose:
    • BLC aims to prepare sergeants, promotable specialists, and corporals to lead team-level size units and develop their leadership abilities.
  2. Scope:
    • BLC focuses on developing the following skills and competencies:
      • Leading by example and modeling characteristics of the Army Profession.
      • Using the Leadership Requirements Model and being critical thinkers and problem-solvers.
      • Effective communication for leading, supervising, counseling, coaching, mentoring, and team-building.
      • Applying the Army’s training principles for risk management and individual training.
      • Practicing mission command and using troop leading procedures at the team-level.
  3. Course Structure:
    • BLC follows the Army Experiential Learning Model (ELM) methodology, emphasizing experiential learning and small collaborative group settings.
    • The course is 22 academic days long, consisting of 169 academic hours.
    • Lessons incorporate critical and creative thinking activities to enhance learning.
    • Facilitators assess learners’ leadership abilities through discussions and interactions.
  4. Curriculum:
    • The BLC curriculum covers leadership skills, training skills, and war-fighting skills.
    • Soldiers are evaluated through various assessments, including physical readiness training, drill and ceremony squad drill, informative essay, conduct individual training, public speaking presentation, and compare and contrast essay.
    • Distinguished Honor Graduate and Honor Graduate titles are awarded to soldiers with the highest GPAs.
    • BLC is non-specific to the soldier’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
  • Leading by example and modeling characteristics of the Army Profession.
  • Using the Leadership Requirements Model and being critical thinkers and problem-solvers.
  • Effective communication for leading, supervising, counseling, coaching, mentoring, and team-building.
  • Applying the Army’s training principles for risk management and individual training.
  • Practicing mission command and using troop leading procedures at the team-level.

Course Structure

BLC follows the Army Experiential Learning Model (ELM) methodology, emphasizing experiential learning and small collaborative group settings. The course is 22 academic days long, consisting of 169 academic hours. Lessons incorporate critical and creative thinking activities to enhance learning. Facilitators assess learners’ leadership abilities through discussions and interactions.

Curriculum

The BLC curriculum covers leadership skills, training skills, and war-fighting skills. Soldiers are evaluated through various assessments, including physical readiness training, drill and ceremony squad drill, informative essay, conduct individual training, public speaking presentation, and compare and contrast essay. Distinguished Honor Graduate and Honor Graduate titles are awarded to soldiers with the highest GPAs. BLC is non-specific to the soldier’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

References

FAQs

What is the purpose of BLC?

BLC aims to prepare sergeants, promotable specialists, and corporals to lead team-level size units and develop their leadership abilities.

What skills and competencies are developed at BLC?

BLC focuses on developing the following skills and competencies:

    • Leading by example and modeling characteristics of the Army Profession.
    • Using the Leadership Requirements Model and being critical thinkers and problem-solvers.
    • Effective communication for leading, supervising, counseling, coaching, mentoring, and team-building.
    • Applying the Army’s training principles for risk management and individual training.
    • Practicing mission command and using troop leading procedures at the team-level.

What is the course structure of BLC?

BLC follows the Army Experiential Learning Model (ELM) methodology, emphasizing experiential learning and small collaborative group settings. The course is 22 academic days long, consisting of 169 academic hours. Lessons incorporate critical and creative thinking activities to enhance learning. Facilitators assess learners’ leadership abilities through discussions and interactions.

What is covered in the BLC curriculum?

The BLC curriculum covers leadership skills, training skills, and war-fighting skills. Soldiers are evaluated through various assessments, including physical readiness training, drill and ceremony squad drill, informative essay, conduct individual training, public speaking presentation, and compare and contrast essay. Distinguished Honor Graduate and Honor Graduate titles are awarded to soldiers with the highest GPAs. BLC is non-specific to the soldier’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

Is BLC difficult?

The difficulty of BLC varies depending on the individual soldier’s prior experience and knowledge. However, the course is designed to be challenging and to push soldiers to develop their leadership abilities.

What are the benefits of completing BLC?

Completing BLC provides soldiers with the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective leaders in the Army. It also opens up opportunities for promotion and further professional development.

What are the prerequisites for attending BLC?

To attend BLC, soldiers must be a sergeant, promotable specialist, or corporal. They must also have a passing score on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and be recommended by their commander.

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