AUTOMATIC Selections for WLC and other NCOES courses
In the not so distant past WLC (PLDC) was a course where the unit leaders could decide based on a Soldiers demonstrated performance potential via the OML (created by the 1SG and PSGs). Only Soldiers who had demonstrated a desire, and possessed the capability to lead would go. Now this meant that if there were Slots available after the newly promoted SGTs got their slots, that the best of the best SPCs would be considered, and if a PFC was out preforming a SPC he/she may be selected to attend WLC. While I do realize that now its almost impossible for some to get promoted with out the points they receive from WLC, but why are we sending Soldiers who have no desire to be an NCO, lacks general military knowledge and discipline, and even APFT Failures.
Is this just a USAEUR thing? Why should some higher headquarters who has never even met a Soldier be able to say its time for this Soldier to be a Leader?
I am currently experiencing this situation for myself, I have been told that the unit No Longer controls the OML, that it is now created and tracked at the TSC command, that is 3 echelons above the company. This Soldier has not distinguished himself, Could not answer basic MOS questions during a mock board, and told me to my face that he did not want to be an NCO. But I was told there is nothing to be done. He's going and that's all there is to it.
How much money does it cost to send a Soldier TDY for 3 weeks? How much money is spent on the Course by the unit? How much money is spent on the Course materials? We are wasting time and money to train a Soldier who has no intentions of ever being anything but mediocre at best.
RP Community Your Thoughts?
NCOES
Money
Promotions
You must exercise your responsibility as a junior NCO to train, mold, and develop this Soldier into the motivated WLC candidate that will face the challenge of the NCOES and complete the school. Challenge him and give him the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership during training events (PRT, drill & ceremonies, prime time training g and ectc,). It is the responsibility of every Non Commissioned Officer to develop our subordinates. This situation is not rare or unique whatsoever. It is simply a small hurdle which provides you an opportunity to hone your own leadership skills. Has he completed Structured Self Development level 1 yet?
I have a question for you. Is this same Soldier integrated onto the promotion standing list, if so is he as an automatic integration?
Here's a link to the 7th Army WLC homepage which specifically addresses candidate preparation, you can navigate directly to the schoolhouse SOP from there:
http://www.eur.army.mil/jmtc/Organization/NCO_Academy/NCOA_docs/Preparing%20for%20the%20Warrior%20Leader%20Course.docx
CSM Uhlig, I understand everything your saying and I agree with all of it. However I feel that the Unit should have that say if a Soldier is ready to hit that gateway.
I take what I do as a SSG very seriously, and I take pride in the fact that every Soldier I have recommended to attend WLC has returned to the unit with honors. 6 Commandants list and 1 DHG in 3 years, at the 7th Army NCO Academy. They all busted their butts to prove that they were ready to be NCOs. I'm not saying that you need to graduate with honors to deserve promotion. But you should strive for that from moment you walk in to that school house.
As for SSD 1, we enroll the Soldiers into the SSD1 Course the first week they are in the unit, and we monitor their progress. If they a slacking we give them a polite nudge in the direction of a computer.
Yes the Soldier in Question has completed SSD1.
No the Soldier is not on the integrated promotion standing list.
CSM to provide more information so you do not think that I am trying to shirk my responsibilities as a leader to develop this Soldier. I received this Soldier three weeks ago, and he came to me with without a counseling packet (presumed misplaced) and his previous NCOs are no longer in the unit. He was told prior to me taking over as his Squad Leader that he was going to WLC, and to the company board to prepare for a promotion board. (not because anyone saw any potential in him, but merely because entered into his secondary zone. Since I have put him out front, he's lead PRT at least twice a week since. The issue is his Military bearing, MOS proficiency, and general military knowledge. For example "I've never heard of CRM", " I don't know what a Map is", "I have Never heard of the Acronym P.E.L.C.R.N", He's a Medic By the way, He flat out argues with NCOs, and acts as if he is superior to his fellow Soldiers. I have put him out front, given him advise, Taught a class on how to appear before a Board(which he ignored), Gave mock board (when asked why do you want to be an NCO "I don't want to be an NCO"),hes lied to me, and Just this morning he failed a diagnostic APFT. Now since I have had him that has all gone to paper. I have given him every opportunity that I could to succeed. I have made numerous requests to have him removed from the course, which starts Monday because he is not ready. I'm being told that the unit has no say in who goes and cannot pull a soldier from a course short of flagging them. Which if he fails to meet the course standards, or gets disrespectful with an SGL will happen.
I get that previous leaders have failed this young man, am I to continue to do the same by sending him when he is not ready? Yes because my hands are tied. But there are other Soldiers in UASEUR that could and are willing to take his spot. If he fails that money is wasted, if he barely passes and takes nothing away from the course, that money is wasted. It is the opinion you this NCO that money will be wasted sending this Soldier to WLC at this time.
If the unit still controlled the OML, All I would need is a Drop memo stating the reason(s) that he will not be attending the course. Then Later down the road when he is ready for that gateway he could go then. CSM I am very passionate about the NCO Corps and developing Soldiers in to Professional NCOs. Everyone should be given a chance, but not everyone is cut out for the job.
Thank you for taking your time to respond to my post.
It's not just your unit. I had hard charging PFCs and even PV2s that are willing and ready to go. I also had SPCs that have no potential to really become good leaders, yet they are told they're going. WLC is an E-1 to E-4 school. I went as an E-5 and got almost nothing out of it. When I went to ALC as a SSG however, my skillset grew 1000%. I was immediately able to implement my new skills as a Section Leader...
I know there's a backlog of guys in certain ranks that "have to go", but I think it's crap. Everything should be performance and motivation based. I've seen it on a PFCs face when he knows he out performs this SPC every day, yet can't get a WLC slot. Sucks that I can't give him a reason that makes sense as to why he isn't going.
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