Is 10mo or 15wk ILE (CGSOC) worth it for a Reservist? Picked up by the board but am 1/3 through DL. Can boards tell if you attend 15wk vs DL?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 12:53:57 -0400

I am 1/3 of the way through the DL version of CGSOC (combination of DL and TASS) and was also picked up by the board for the resident course. Is it worth it to drop DL and start over with resident? I can do either the 15wk or 10mo. 10mo would probably be hard for me with Leavenworth BAH, but 15wk is TDY. Would the 15wk be worth it? Folks say the 10mo is a discriminator, but what about the 15 week?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2016 12:59 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 12:59:59 -0400

If I could swing it, I would do the 10 mO because it gets you fully credentialed with AOC or whatever it is called now. It is also a great opportunity to pick up a master's while there. The 15 wk means you still have to get PH 4 DL to complete AOC. By getting everything done, you can focus on true descriminators like AJPME, DSC or other additional training opportunities it's all about timing, finances and what your ultimate goals are.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2016 1:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 13:08:38 -0400

I thought the 15 week course was incredibly valuable and frankly don't think the DL course will be as valuable. The small group daily discussions were where the course succeeded.
I think your only serious question is which course do you accept.

Response by MAJ Mike Chritton made Oct 27 at 2016 1:27 PM

MAJ Mike Chritton — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 13:27:17 -0400

I did the distance learning for CGSC. I got much more out of the classroom approach of CAS3. My personal bias is being in a group class is generally "more better" than self study. My 2 cents.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2016 10:41 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 22:41:12 -0400

Appreciate the advice. I think I'll do either the 15 week or 10 month, just need to see if I can work the 10 month w/ the family since they probably wouldn't be able to move for the year and the Leavenworth BAH wouldn't cover my mortgage in Colorado plus a place for me to stay for 10 mos at Leavenworth. Wish they would let me do it TDY, but HRC says that's a no go, even for a Reservist. I hate to pass up any good opportunity...

Response by LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr made Oct 28 at 2016 2:09 AM

LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 02:09:50 -0400

I am in agreement I did the distant learning course for CGSOC and if I had the opportunity I would have done the resident course - total completion and an additional Master's degree. Remember you can never have too much education.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Oct 28 at 2016 8:58 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 20:58:43 -0400

I would highly recommend the resident course, if at all possible - especially as it usually isn't for a reservists. To answer your question about whether the board will know or not, you will have a 1059 that will list the length of the course. If you attend the 10 month course, there will also be a 10 month gap in your OERs (at least if they are done to standard....).

Yes, the board will know. Given that they board for the school, with the "top" being offered the 10 month version, I would take it if offered.

Having done the DL version (for both ILE and AOWC/AOC) and taught the RC 2-10-2 version, I highly recommend that you do the DL only if you cannot do another modality.

Response by LTC Kathleen Maddox made Nov 1 at 2016 8:56 AM

LTC Kathleen Maddox — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 08:56:09 -0400

As a a Reserve Officer I completed the 15 month course conducted by the 95th, 10 BN. I felt it was very well done and completely qualified me for promotion to LTC. The resident course would be great too but for me it was not compatible with my CIV Nursing position. I do not know much about the DL course but I feel the group discussion and interactions were most beneficial .

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Nov 3 at 2016 2:01 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 14:01:52 -0400

I thought that if you had completed Phase I you were no longer eligible to attend in residence.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2016 12:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 12:43:50 -0500

The relationships and combined arms integration experienced at the resident course are easily the greatest benefit. Getting another block checked or another degree is secondary. That period of time truly allows you to sharpen your knives and deliberately focus.

Response by MAJ Steve Warnerski made Jun 22 at 2022 6:40 PM

MAJ Steve Warnerski — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 18:40:31 -0400

IMHO, the full-blown Resident course is TRULY a discriminator - for ACTIVE DUTY. For USAR & NG, I'm clueless...but 15 week version makes sense financially.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2022 8:56 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 08:56:03 -0400

I completed the DL for both ILE and AOC. If I had been offered the 10-month or 15-week versions, I would likely have taken either of them. All the discussion here about the relationships and value of in-person training are great. However, getting one or both of these courses knocked out quickly is the most obvious benefit for anyone lucky enough to be selected for either of these options.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 21 at 2022 10:27 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:27:38 -0400

Go to the resident course. I’m guessing you’ll get full pay and allowances for the 10 month course. If your civilian job will allow that much military leave, it’s the best training opportunity. Yes it can be a discriminator for future promotions and assignments