Army Leadership Training

Army leadership training is a program designed to develop and enhance the leadership skills of soldiers in the Army. The program focuses on developing leadership skills essential to effective military leadership, such as communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. Army leadership training typically includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training exercises.

The Army Leadership Training program is open to soldiers at all levels of the military hierarchy, from enlisted personnel to officers. The program’s goal is to create a cadre of competent and confident leaders who can lead their troops effectively and accomplish the mission of the Army.

Army Leadership Training Purpose

ALMS Army offers a variety of leadership training courses for soldiers at all levels of the military hierarchy. Some of the key courses include:

  1. Basic Leadership Course (BLC): This four-week course is designed to teach junior enlisted soldiers the basics of leadership, communication, and teamwork.
  2. Advanced Leadership Course (ALC): This four-week course for mid-level enlisted soldiers is designed to teach leadership skills, problem-solving, and decision-making.
  3. Senior Leader Course (SLC): This is a four-week course for senior enlisted soldiers and junior officers, designed to develop leadership skills and critical thinking.
  4. Officer Candidate School (OCS): This is a 12-week course designed to train officer candidates in leadership, communication, and decision-making.
  5. Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS): This is a six-week course designed to train warrant officer candidates in leadership and technical skills.
  6. Captain’s Career Course (CCC): This is a four-month course for captains designed to develop leadership skills and prepare them for battalion command.
  7. Command and General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC): This is a 10-month course for majors designed to develop strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills.

These courses are designed to provide soldiers with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and motivate their troops effectively and to prepare them for increased levels of responsibility and leadership in the Army.

What is Basic Leadership Course (BLC)

What is Basic Leadership Course (BLC)?

The Basic Leadership Course (BLC) is a four-week course offered by the U.S. Army to junior enlisted soldiers who are in the rank of specialist or corporal. The course is designed to provide soldiers with the basic knowledge and skills needed to become effective leaders at the team and squad levels.

During the course, soldiers learn about leadership principles, tactics, communication, and decision-making. They also learn how to develop and maintain positive relationships with their peers and subordinates and resolve conflicts within their team or squad.

The BLC curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training exercises, such as small unit tactics and leadership simulations. The course is typically conducted at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA) on a military installation and is led by experienced NCOs who have completed the Advanced Leaders Course (ALC).

Upon completion of the BLC, soldiers will have a better understanding of their role as leaders in the Army and will be prepared to take on increased responsibilities and leadership positions in their units.

Advanced Leadership Course (ALC)

Advanced Leadership Course (ALC)

The Advanced Leadership Course (ALC) is a U.S. Army professional development course for Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) who rank as sergeant first class or above. It is the second of the three levels of the NCO Education System (NCOES) and is designed to prepare NCOs for leadership roles at the platoon, company, and battalion levels.

The course focuses on developing NCOs’ leadership, management, and problem-solving skills. It covers topics such as communication, team building, counseling, and ethics. NCOs learn how to plan and execute missions, conduct staff duties, and lead and manage soldiers.

The ALC is a three-week course that includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises. It is typically held at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA) on a military installation and is taught by experienced NCOs who have completed the Senior Leaders Course (SLC).

Upon completion of the ALC, NCOs will have the skills and knowledge to lead and manage soldiers in a variety of situations effectively. They will be better equipped to handle the challenges and responsibilities of leadership positions and will be prepared to take on more senior roles in their units.

Senior Leader Course (SLC)

Senior Leader Course (SLC)

The Senior Leader Course (SLC) is a U.S. Army professional development course for Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) who rank as sergeant first class or above. It is the third and final level of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) and is designed to prepare NCOs for leadership roles at the battalion and brigade levels.

The course focuses on developing NCOs’ leadership, management, and problem-solving skills. It covers topics such as communication, team building, counseling, ethics, and strategic planning. NCOs learn how to plan and execute complex missions, conduct staff duties, and lead and manage soldiers at the battalion and brigade levels.

The SLC is a four-week course that includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises. It is typically held at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA) on a military installation and is taught by experienced NCOs who have completed the Advanced Leaders Course (ALC).

Upon completing the SLC, NCOs will have the skills and knowledge to lead and manage soldiers in complex and challenging situations effectively. They will be better equipped to handle the challenges and responsibilities of leadership positions at the battalion and brigade levels and will be prepared to take on more senior roles in their units.

Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a training program for individuals who want to become officers in the U.S. Army. The program is designed to prepare candidates for commissioned officers’ responsibilities and provide them with the leadership, technical, and tactical skills necessary for success.

OCS is a rigorous and challenging program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Candidates are trained in areas such as leadership, military tactics, marksmanship, physical fitness, and communication. They also receive training in specialized areas depending on their chosen branch, such as engineering, logistics, or military intelligence.

OCS is open to enlisted soldiers and civilians meeting the eligibility requirements. Enlisted soldiers must have completed Basic Combat Training and have a minimum of two years of service. Civilians must have a bachelor’s degree or higher, be between the ages of 18 and 32, and meet other eligibility criteria.

The length of the OCS program varies depending on the candidate’s prior military experience and training. The program is typically 12 weeks for enlisted soldiers, while it can be up to 14 weeks long for civilians.

Upon completion of the OCS program, candidates are commissioned as second lieutenants and are assigned to a unit based on their chosen branch. They are expected to be leaders and decision-makers responsible for the safety and well-being of the soldiers under their command.

OCS is a challenging but rewarding program that prepares individuals for the unique challenges and responsibilities of being an officer in the U.S. Army.

Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)

Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)

Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) is a training program designed for enlisted personnel or civilians wanting to become U.S. Army, warrant officers. The program is designed to prepare candidates for the responsibilities of being a warrant officer, which includes technical expertise, leadership, and management skills.

WOCS is a rigorous and challenging course that requires candidates to demonstrate physical fitness, leadership potential, and technical proficiency. The program includes classroom instruction, physical fitness training, and field exercises. It also covers topics such as military leadership, communication, and technical skills related to the candidate’s area of expertise.

The duration of the WOCS program varies depending on the candidate’s military occupational specialty (MOS). The program can range from six to twelve weeks in length. Upon completion of the program, candidates are commissioned as warrant officers and are eligible to serve in a variety of technical and leadership positions within the U.S. Army.

Captain's Career Course (CCC)

Captain’s Career Course (CCC)

The Captain’s Career Course (CCC) is a professional development program designed for U.S. Army officers who have been promoted to the rank of captain. The program is designed to prepare officers for leadership positions at the company and battalion level.

The CCC is a combination of classroom instruction, field exercises, and leadership training. The program covers various topics, such as military leadership, tactics, and strategy. The course also includes hands-on training in marksmanship, small unit tactics, and battlefield medicine.

The duration of the CCC program varies depending on the officer’s military occupational specialty (MOS). The program can range from several weeks to several months in length. Upon completion of the program, officers are better equipped to lead soldiers in combat and non-combat situations. They are also better prepared for the next stage of their military career, whether that be serving in a staff position or assuming command of a company or battalion.

Command and General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC)

Command and General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC)

The Command and General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC) is a graduate-level program designed to develop leadership and critical thinking skills for mid-career Army officers. The program is intended to prepare officers for higher-level staff and command positions within the Army.

The CGSOC program includes academic and practical training, including classroom instruction, case studies, simulations, and field exercises. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including military history, leadership, tactics, strategy, logistics, and resource management.

The CGSOC program is conducted at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The course is typically a year-long but can be completed on a part-time basis over two years.

Upon completion of the CGSOC program, officers are eligible for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel and are prepared for higher-level staff and command positions within the Army. They are also eligible to receive a graduate-level degree from an accredited civilian institution, as the academic community recognizes the program.