YAVORIV, Ukraine- Soldiers from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment out of the Tennessee Army National Guard successfully completed the Basic Leader Couse, here, Feb. 8.
BLC is a three-week long introductory course, which teaches young soldiers and junior noncommissioned officers the basics in leadership skills, critical thinking and working with their peers.
“BLC is the first stage of the STEP program, and instead of focusing on MOS specific tasks, it covers the general knowledge of being an NCO,” stated Staff Sgt. Joshua Paul, a BLC instructor from 7th Army Training Command.
Instructors from the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy, who are stationed in Grafenwöhr, Germany, traveled to Ukraine to teach this course.
“BLC covers anything from attributes and competencies to the leadership requirements model to developing critical thinking through different essays and conducting squad drills, physical training, and all the skills a Soldier would need to thrive as a sergeant,” said Paul.
This is the fourth year the Yavoriv Combat Training Center has hosted BLC, and this class had 47 Soldiers graduate, 11 promoted to the rank of sergeant, and eight distinguished graduates.
“Completing BLC for me means that I can move on to the next level in my career and develop a leadership style that is going to be well-rounded and help those soldiers below me,” stated Cpl. Brii Gallman, one of the distinguished graduates.
Soldiers from the 278th ACR are currently deployed to Ukraine in support of further developing the Yavoriv Combat Training Center.