Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC)

The Army National Guard is taking officer training to a new level, creating tougher, smarter, more efficient leaders than ever before.

How are we doing it? BOLC. This program is a groundbreaking officer training course designed to prepare you for the rigors, responsibilities and rewards of life as an officer.

After BOLC, you'll be ready to effectively lead units in the field—from day one.

Who goes to BOLC?

The Pre-comissioning phase is the pre-officer phase. BOLC-B is for those who are already officers.

Pre-commissioning Phase

Time frame: Varies
Location: Varies

Pre-commissioning is your initial officer training program. You can complete it through:

In this phase, you’ll adopt the Army's values and traditions, and learn what it means to be an officer.

BOLC-B – Leadership and Branch Training

Time frame: 11-41 weeks
Location: TBD

In the leadership training, you’ll train primarily in a field environment, undergoing a series of drills based on today’s real-life scenarios. The focus is small-unit leadership and tactics.

Elements of Leadership Training:

Foot marches
Physical-fitness training
Combatives training
Rifle marksmanship
Nuclear, biological and chemical operations
Advanced land-navigation training
Weapons training
Practical exercises in leadership
Use of night-vision equipment
Confidence and obstacle courses that challenge you to overcome your personal fears

This phase of your training will instill more confidence than you ever imagined, and a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. After this, you’ll be ready to lead Soldiers in the field.

Branch Training

This is the branch-specific phase. You’ll learn the specialized skills, tactics techniques and doctrine of your chosen branch, and prepare for success as a future platoon leader.

For more information about BOLC, contact your local recruiter.

Have questions about Officers? Click here to learn more.