How do you become a SGL?

2018-11-08T14:54:34-05:00

I'm interested in becoming an SGL at Fort Lee. What is the best route that I can take to make this happen? I have stellar NCOERs and looking for ways to standout from my peers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2018 2:57 PM

2018-11-08T14:57:25-05:00

You'll usually have to wait until you're a SSG. NCOES and AIT are usually run by the same people. Once you're a SSG with a year of KD time you can volunteer to become an instructor. You might instruct at AIT or ALC, or even both. Each school house has slightly different policies.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2018 3:08 PM

2018-11-08T15:08:00-05:00

You will most likely need documented squad leader time as well, especially for BLC or ALC SGL positions.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Nov 8 at 2018 3:09 PM

2018-11-08T15:09:39-05:00

I would recommend you talk to your branch manager or the SGLs at the NCO academy that you are trying to get into.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Nov 8 at 2018 4:09 PM

2018-11-08T16:09:47-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Well, I suppose it depends in several things:
1. Where are you currently located
2. Do you prefer highway or scenery
3. Will you be driving, flying or ride sharing

I am so sorry, sometimes I am just a smart a$$. I just read Lt Col Charlie Browns thread on misprinted or errant church bulletins.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2018 7:00 PM

2018-11-08T19:00:22-05:00

You will need to attend Army Basic Instructor Course (ABIC) and the. SGL course. That would be one of the first steps.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2018 7:55 AM

2018-11-09T07:55:19-05:00

If you are promotable, you may be able to get into an instructor unit playing a support role and they will typically send you to the ABIC/SGL courses.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2018 7:56 AM

2018-11-09T07:56:55-05:00

In my experience, after I returned from a deployment where I was promoted to Staff Sergeant, I knew that I want to become an SGL. I reached out to my branch manager expressing my interest in being assigned to the now Cyber Center of Excellence NCO Academy. He returned my email a few days later and I was on assignment. This was only the first step, as once I got to the Academy I had to then interview with the Commadant and Deputy Commadant before I was granted the honor of becoming an SGL.

After serving as an SGL and Senior SGL, I interviewed to become the S3 NCOIC, and this is where some of the other comments blend in. Alongside the Commadant we overhauled the SGL selection process, enabling Soldiers to remotely apply via email for the first phase of the process. Next was a phone interview, and if you passed both we would work with HRC to get you on assignment. Once at the Academy you would receive training and have to pass a SGL Certification Board to be able to instruct as an SGL.

Long post, to say that most NCO Acadamies have different SGL processes - if you know exactly where you want to go I would recommend reaching out to your Branch Manager and the Commadant and Deputy Commadant of that Academy, as well as any SGLs you may know there.

Good luck and keep leading the way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2018 4:20 PM

2018-12-05T16:20:35-05:00

Volunteer for time at your BLC. Easiest way to jump into this. At Fort Drum, I volunteered twice for the tasking when it came down from Division, and got it the second time. Now, most of the SGLs were 11B30s, so filling that slot was a tough one for a 15W30. It was one of the toughest assignments I have had, but extremely rewarding especially when you see your own students succeed in the Army. Kudos for wanting to try for this.