I have an outstanding record. How do I get my 1SG to send me to BLC?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2016 14:06:30 -0400

I am a 19D with 32 months TIG/ 32 months TIS as a specialist. I won the draper armor leadership training award in OSUT, won the soldier of the month board while my unit was at NTC. I have attended unit armorers course, resiliency training assistant course, bus driver school and stryker school, have maxed out my correspondence course hrs, have a four year bachelors degree, score 38+ on weapons qual, and a 240 on my pt test. I finished SSD1 the weekend I arrived at my duty station from OSUT two years ago. My last five first line supervisors recommended I go to the E5 Board and also BLC, as well as 2 Platoon leaders and 2 Platoon sergeants.
My window for reenlistment came up recently, and I decided that I wanted to reclass to 35L (which is a SMAPP program MOS). I was told that I needed BLC before submitting my reclassification packet. When my current 1SG was told this, he stated that he "wanted to see more out of me" and did not elaborate on the subject. I am never late, know my job better than some NCOs in my troop, and have never been a recipient of negative action. Has anyone ever encountered something like this? How exactly can I improve when I already work my ass off? Could this be due to the fact that I serve as the troop armorer?

Response by CPL Randy Bautista made May 12 at 2016 2:21 PM

CPL Randy Bautista — Thu, 12 May 2016 14:21:01 -0400

Well boss there is always two sides to a story what I can tell you is have an open door discussion with him if that doesn't work take it hire. Your at that windo where it's do or die so make the move you need to do before you don't have moves available

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 2:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2016 14:22:59 -0400

Did you talk to the 79S that represents your unit?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 2:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2016 14:30:57 -0400

Talk to your schools nco and see where you are at on the oml

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 2:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2016 14:57:05 -0400

If he wants more.. ask him to formally counsel you on what more is. Also ask to see the OML from schools and see where you stand on it.

Response by SFC Richard Giles made May 12 at 2016 3:37 PM

SFC Richard Giles — Thu, 12 May 2016 15:37:26 -0400

SPC Ian A. first of all I would like for you to understand that I'm from the "old school' way of thinking, so here is my answer to you...... You mentioned all the things you did well on, from PT score, the range, maxing out your correspondence courses, etc. but the one thing you failed to mention was your leadership skills, sure you did all those things required of you and beyond which shows initiative on your part, but how are you when it comes to leading Soldiers? Does your monthly counseling's reflect that? If you have Soldiers in your charge, how are they doing on their PT test, the range, are they signing up for additional duty courses? Are your Soldiers following your example? If all of this and more is happening and it's not being reflected in your counseling's then your FLL needs to be counseled because they are not doing you justice.
It's outstanding that you've accomplished all that have. And I commend you on your accomplishments. But if your leadership qualities beyond what you have accomplished are not being annotated then maybe you need to look no further then your FLL.
Maybe that's what you 1SG was saying when he said he needed to see more from you, LEADEARSHIP.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 4:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2016 16:07:36 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member perhaps you should consider OFficer Candidate School (OCS)? You already have a degree and sound like a self-starter. You just need to develop some leadership skills.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 7:16 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2016 19:16:52 -0400

SPC Andrew-

Based upon your statement, I feel I can assume a few potential reasons for this: your APFT score (240), potential for leadership (this is hard to quantify- not all strong performers are capable leaders) and the possibility of physical profiles (REAR-D). I say this based upon experience with Soldiers in my 19-year career (and without any direct knowledge of your personal situation), so please don't take my assessment in a negative fashion. I can tell you that, although it does occur, personal bias against an individual is rare and there must be something that you're not seeing in the big picture.
I would recommend discussing this with your PSG. Ask them for constructive feedback on where you might be lacking, and take their advice to heart and make changes. If their answer is "I have no idea", then they've either failed you, or they should go to bat for you with the 1SG. If he points out something that you and your PSG missed, chalk it up to his experience and again, make the changes. If he has no reason... There you go. You'll either go to the board or go to IG. I hope that helps...

Response by CW2 Christopher Esparza made May 12 at 2016 8:32 PM

CW2 Christopher Esparza — Thu, 12 May 2016 20:32:23 -0400

Looking at what your saying here I think you may just be wasting your time. Your up for reenlistment but have you considered OCS?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 11:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2016 23:57:01 -0400

Seek assistance from your training room. Find out when the next BLC is and type up your own DA form 4187 requesting to go to the school. Take an APFT within 30 days that's passing. Attach that DA form 705 to the packet. Fill out a pre execution. Checklist, TRADOC Form 350-18-2-R-E. Attach that to your packet. Your CO is the one who will see and sign your packet. Show them that you are willing to do the work. Your next classes start in July and August. As far as being recommended for promotion what is circled is a recommendation from higher leaders. The approving authority of the AAA is the company commander. So if you are in disagreeance with your chain of command utilize the open door policy with your 1SG and CO as to why they do not want to see you advance. Find them that a promotion isn't solely for those who deserve it but is also a tool utilized to help develop leaders

Response by SSG Dennis Grossmann made May 13 at 2016 9:34 AM

SSG Dennis Grossmann — Fri, 13 May 2016 09:34:30 -0400

Go Warrant

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 12:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 May 2016 12:55:57 -0400

If you do choose 35L, you will want to work out more. Fort Huachuca is 4,500 feet above sealevel. Its gets everyone who comes here thinking they run like a deer. On the plus side, when you leave your scores should go up when you get to your next duty station.

Also, don't stop with SSD-1, do SSD-2 and -3. Start volunteering for every craptastic tasking your 1SG puts out. Prove to THEM you are ready for the next level.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made May 19 at 2016 1:38 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Thu, 19 May 2016 13:38:28 -0400

Two words. Open Door. Just ask.