Basic Leadership Course (BLC) Overview
The Basic Leadership Course (BLC) is the first level of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES). This course develops leadership skills and prepares Soldiers for promotion to Sergeant (E-5). BLC focuses on developing competent and confident leaders who can lead small teams and serve as the backbone of the Army.
📊 Course Details
- Duration: 22 days (residential) or 8 weeks (distributed learning)
- Prerequisites: E-4 promotable to E-5
- Location: Various Army installations
- Focus: Leadership development and NCO responsibilities
- Graduation: Not Required for promotion to Sergeant (Soldiers get 150 promotion points before making Sergeant)
- Credits: 3 semester hours of college credit
🎯 Course Objectives
- Leadership Skills (40%)
- Military Training (25%)
- Physical Fitness (15%)
- Communication (10%)
- Army Values (10%)
NCO Creed
No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of Soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind — accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my Soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!
Watch: Basic Leadership Course (BLC) Walkthrough Guide
Get an overview of the BLC course structure, requirements, and what to expect during your training.
Video Credit: This BLC walkthrough guide was created by Roger Sarnt. We thank Roger Sarnt for his valuable contribution to military education and leadership development. This video is embedded with permission and proper attribution.
Disclaimer: This video is provided for educational purposes as part of Apex Warrior Academy's BLC preparation resources. The content and opinions expressed in the video are those of the original creator, Roger Sarnt, and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Army or Apex Warrior Academy.
📚 Study Resources
📖 Course Materials
Download official BLC course materials and study guides for comprehensive preparation.
📋 Rubrics & Standards
Access official rubrics and evaluation standards for BLC assessments.
⚔️ Interactive Flashcards
Use these interactive flashcards to memorize key BLC concepts, leadership principles, and military knowledge. Click on a card to flip it and reveal the answer.
📝 Practice Tests
Test your knowledge with multiple-choice quizzes covering BLC course material and leadership concepts.
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🎖️ Leadership Development
Army Leadership Model
BE - Character:
- Army Values
- Warrior Ethos
- Empathy
- Discipline
- Mental and physical fitness
KNOW - Competence:
- Technical and tactical expertise
- Interpersonal skills
- Conceptual skills
- Cultural awareness
DO - Action:
- Influencing
- Operating
- Improving
- Building
NCO Responsibilities
Primary Duties:
- Train and develop subordinates
- Maintain discipline and standards
- Execute the mission
- Welfare of Soldiers
- Professional development
Leadership Styles:
- Directing
- Delegating
- Supporting
- Coaching
Communication Skills:
- Active listening
- Clear and concise messaging
- Non-verbal communication
- Feedback and counseling
Military Training
Physical Training:
- Army Physical Fitness Test (AFT)
- Combat fitness training
- Endurance and strength building
- Nutrition and wellness
Drill and Ceremonies:
- Squad drill movements
- Formation commands
- Military bearing
- Ceremonial procedures
Tactical Training:
- Land navigation
- Combat tactics
- Weapons training
- Field exercises
💪 Physical Readiness Training (PRT)
Preparation Drills (PRT):
- Bend and Reach
- Rear Lunge
- High Jumper
- Rower
- Squat Bender
- Windmill
- Forward Lunge
- Prone Row
- Bent Leg Body Twist
- Push-up
Conditioning Drills 1:
- Power Jump
- V-Up
- Mountain Climbers
- Leg-Tuck and Twist
- Single-Leg Push-Up
Conditioning Drills 2:
- Turn and Lunge
- Supine Bicycle
- Half Jack
- Swimmer
- 8-Count T Push-Up
Military Movement Drills:
Military Movement Drill 1:
- Verticals
- Laterals
- Shuttle Sprints
Military Movement Drill 2:
- Power Skips
- Crossovers
- Crouch Runs
Recovery Drills:
- Overhead Arm Pull
- Rear Lunge
- Extend and Flex
- Thigh Stretch
- Single-Leg Over
Memory Aids (Mnemonics):
Preparation Drills: "Be Right Here Real Soon, We Found Private Behind Popeyes" - Bend and Reach, Rear Lunge, High Jumper, Rower, Squat Bender, Windmill, Forward Lunge, Prone Row, Bent Leg Body Twist, Push-up
Conditioning 1: "PT Very Motivated Little Soldiers" - Power Jump, V-Up, Mountain Climbers, Leg-Tuck, Single-Leg Push-Up
Conditioning 2: "This Sessions Has Some 8-Counts" - Turn and Lunge, Supine Bicycle, Half Jack, Swimmer, 8-Count T Push-Up
Military Movement Drill 1: "Very Little Sleep" - Verticals, Laterals, Shuttle Sprints
Military Movement Drill 2: "Practice Customs Courtesies" - Power Skips, Crossovers, Crouch Runs
Recovery: "Only Rangers Eat This Stuff" - Overhead Arm Pull, Rear Lunge, Extend and Flex, Thigh Stretch, Single-Leg Over
📋 Course Requirements & Standards
Academic Standards
- Maintain 70% or higher on all written exams
- Complete all required assignments
- Participate actively in classroom discussions
- Demonstrate understanding of course material
- Submit all required paperwork on time
Physical Standards
- Pass Army Physical Fitness Test (AFT)
- Meet height and weight standards
- Maintain military bearing and appearance
- Participate in all physical training sessions
- Demonstrate physical endurance and strength
Leadership Standards
- Demonstrate Army Values in all actions
- Lead by example and maintain standards
- Communicate effectively with peers and subordinates
- Show initiative and problem-solving skills
- Display professional military bearing
💡 BLC Success Tips
📋 Before BLC
- Review Army leadership publications
- Practice physical fitness training
- Study the NCO Creed thoroughly
- Prepare your uniform and equipment
- Get adequate rest and nutrition
- Mentally prepare for the challenge
🎯 During BLC
- Stay focused and maintain discipline
- Participate actively in all activities
- Help and support your classmates
- Take detailed notes during instruction
- Ask questions when you need clarification
- Maintain a positive attitude
🔍 After BLC
- Apply what you learned in your unit
- Continue developing leadership skills
- Mentor junior Soldiers
- Stay current with Army policies
- Prepare for Advanced Leader Course (ALC)
- Maintain high standards of performance
📖 Additional Resources
📋 PRT Rubrics
Download Physical Readiness Training evaluation rubrics.
🎯 Study References
- Army Doctrine Publication 6-22 (Army Leadership)
- Field Manual 7-22 (Physical Readiness Training)
- Army Regulation 670-1 (Wear and Appearance)
- Drill and Ceremonies Manual (TC 3-21.5)
- Land Navigation Manual (FM 3-25.26)
- Army Values and Warrior Ethos