First off I suggest looking through AR 623-3 to understand how the Army expects you to evaluate your NCOs. Then look up the NCOER Support forms and counseling forms (DA Form 2166-etc) to understand the metrics and qualities by which they are evaluated. This can help you to write a counseling that mirrors the actual evaluation and allows for…[Read more]

Army Reconnaissance Course. It is a month long course dedicated to reconnaissance focused on planning and tactics. First week is dismounted landnav, then there’s a week of classes, and then two weeks of platoon missions. You get a lot of platform experience on Strykers which is good because you don’t get any time on Strykers in BOLC. Much of ABOLC…[Read more]

Armor BOLC is split into three phases: Classroom OPORDs/Doctrine, Platform, and Field.

During the OPORD phase you have lots of classes going through tactics and doctrine to prepare you for your four operations orders. The platform phase is when you are physically on the Tanks and Bradleys learning about their capabilities, maintenance, and…[Read more]

Cadets,

I am currently a 2LT Platoon Leader who has struggled to maintain the habit of professional reading and personal development reading. The biggest thing I can say is figure out what works for you. Audiobooks and podcasts are amazing ways to gather knowledge without using any extra time. I listen to audiobooks while driving, exercising,…[Read more]