Does BLC Have Land NAV? An In-Depth Look at Land Navigation in the Basic Leader Course
The short answer is: it depends. Land navigation (Land NAV) is not always a guaranteed component of the Basic Leader Course (BLC). While it was reintroduced as a pilot program in the spring of 2022, it’s not yet a consistent graduation requirement at all BLC schools. The Army tested out bringing back land navigation to BLC in the spring of 2022. The article confirms that passing land nav hasn’t been a graduation requirement for BLC during the pilot programs, but it will become a graduation requirement once extended to all BLC schools, including on National Guard and Reserve posts. Therefore, whether you’ll face the challenges of map reading, compass skills, and terrain association depends on the specific BLC location and its current curriculum. Keep reading to learn more about BLC, including other things to expect from the course.
The Evolution of Land Navigation in BLC
For a period, land navigation skills were removed from the core curriculum of BLC. The focus shifted towards other leadership competencies and skills deemed more immediately relevant to the contemporary operating environment. However, there’s been a growing recognition of the fundamental importance of land navigation. Despite technological advancements like GPS, the ability to navigate without relying on electronic devices remains crucial in situations where technology fails or is unavailable.
The reintroduction of land NAV as a pilot program in 2022 underscores this renewed emphasis. The high failure rate (roughly 50% of 900 soldiers) during the pilot program highlights the challenges faced by soldiers who may not have sufficient training or recent experience in land navigation. This prompted the Army to recognize this gap and aim to address it by integrating land NAV more consistently into BLC.
Once land navigation is extended to all BLC locations, it will ensure that all newly promoted non-commissioned officers (NCOs) possess the necessary skills. This inclusion will strengthen the Army’s overall readiness and ability to operate effectively in diverse environments. This also emphasizes the Army’s continuous improvement of the BLC to better prepare future leaders.
Preparing for Land Navigation at BLC
If land navigation is part of your BLC curriculum, thorough preparation is essential. Here are some tips:
- Brush Up on the Basics: Familiarize yourself with map reading, compass usage, and terrain association. Several online resources and military field manuals can provide a solid foundation.
- Practice Regularly: Practice with a map and compass in varying terrains. This hands-on experience will build confidence and improve your skills.
- Utilize Technology Wisely: While you shouldn’t rely solely on GPS, use it to supplement your training and verify your land navigation skills. Compare your plotted routes with GPS tracks to identify areas for improvement.
- Seek Guidance: Talk to experienced NCOs or soldiers who have successfully completed land navigation training. Their insights and tips can be invaluable.
- Physical Fitness: Land navigation can be physically demanding, especially in challenging terrain. Ensure you’re in good physical condition to navigate efficiently and effectively.
- Understand Risk Management: Prioritize safety during land navigation exercises. Be aware of environmental hazards and take appropriate precautions.
Beyond Land Navigation: What to Expect from BLC
Even if land navigation isn’t part of your BLC curriculum, the course will cover many other critical leadership topics. These include:
- Leadership Principles: Learn and apply fundamental leadership principles such as leading by example, communication, and delegation.
- NCO Duties and Responsibilities: Understand the roles and responsibilities of an NCO, including counseling, mentorship, and training.
- Performance-Oriented Training: Develop skills in planning, conducting, and evaluating performance-oriented training exercises.
- Critical and Creative Thinking: Engage in activities that promote critical and creative thinking to solve complex problems.
- Communication Skills: Enhance your communication skills through presentations, briefings, and interpersonal interactions.
- Army Values: Reinforce the importance of Army values such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
The Importance of BLC in Your Military Career
BLC is a crucial step in the Noncommissioned Officer Education System and is required for promotion from specialist to sergeant. It provides you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to lead and train soldiers effectively. Successful completion of BLC will not only advance your career but also equip you to become a more competent and respected leader.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about BLC
1. Do you stay in the barracks during BLC?
Yes, all students reside in the academy barracks during BLC, at no cost to the unit or soldier.
2. What does Army BLC consist of?
BLC trains soldiers in basic leadership skills, NCO duties, responsibilities and authority, and how to conduct performance-oriented training. The Basic Leader Course (BLC) is the first step in the Noncomissioned Officer Education System.
3. Is BLC hard?
Yes, BLC is a tough and demanding course that teaches training, leadership, and warfighting skills to junior leaders.
4. Do you get a ribbon after BLC?
Yes, the first award of the NCO Professional Development Ribbon is issued upon completion of BLC.
5. Is BLC worth promotion points?
BLC is no longer worth promotion points unless the soldier receives commandants or distinguished honor grad.
6. Can you fail BLC?
Yes, soldiers who meet academic course requirements but fail to meet the ACFT and/or height and weight standards will be dismissed from the course.
7. Do you need BLC to get promoted to SGT?
Yes, BLC is required for promotion from specialist to sergeant.
8. Do you need dress uniform for BLC?
Soldiers must arrive to BLC with their dress uniform properly fitted, clean, pressed, and presentable, with all awards, decorations, badges, and name plates affixed.
9. What can I bring to BLC?
You should bring essential items such as your ID card, ID tags, APFU, and personal hygiene items. A complete packing list will be provided by your unit or the BLC school.
10. Can you go to BLC pregnant?
Soldiers who are pregnant prior to the course may not attend BLC until medically cleared. A Soldier who is diagnosed as pregnant while attending BLC may continue, provided written documentation from the doctor stating she can participate in all course physical requirements.
11. Do you get an award for BLC Army?
Yes, awards such as Distinguished Honor Graduate, Honor Graduate, Distinguished Leadership, the Commandant’s List, Superior Academic Achievement, and Iron Soldier are awarded to deserving students.
12. What happens if you get dropped from BLC?
Soldiers dismissed from BLC for academic deficiency may apply to reenter and be re-scheduled for the course when both the unit commander and the learner or Soldier determine that they are prepared to complete the course.
13. Can you go to BLC with a profile?
Soldiers must arrive at the course with a copy of their current profile and memorandum signed by their commander stating the profile has been continuous and is a result of injuries sustained due to an operational deployment.
14. Can I make E5 without BLC?
No, you must have completed BLC to be promoted to Sergeant (E5).
15. How long is BLC active duty?
BLC is a month-long intensive course. The BLC is a 22-academic day course consisting of 169 academic hours.
In conclusion, whether you’ll encounter land navigation at BLC depends on the specific location and curriculum. Regardless, focus on developing strong leadership skills, physical fitness, and a commitment to the Army values to succeed in BLC and throughout your military career.