Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC)

Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC)

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      The United States Army's Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC) is a progressive training program designed for newly commissioned officers—primarily Second Lieutenants. Its purpose is to transition candidates and cadets into confident, combat-effective leaders who are prepared to lead small units and perform their branch-specific wartime duties.

      The Phases of BOLC

      Phase Description Where It Happens
      BOLC A The pre-commissioning phase where candidates learn basic military leadership, customs, and foundational tactics. West Point (USMA), ROTC programs, or Officer Candidate School (OCS). Direct Commission officers attend a 4- to 6-week Direct Commission Course (DCC) instead.
      BOLC B Previously known as the Officer Basic Course (OBC). This phase combines basic soldiering skills with intense, branch-specific technical and tactical training. At branch-specific Centers of Excellence across the country (e.g., Infantry at Fort Moore, Aviation at Fort Novosel, Artillery at Fort Sill).

      Core Curriculum & Requirements

      While BOLC B heavily focuses on the specific job an officer will do (e.g., an Engineer officer learning bridging and demolition, or a Logistics officer learning supply chains), all Army officers are trained in foundational combat skills. Regardless of their branch, officers must successfully pass and demonstrate proficiency in several core areas:

      • Small Unit Tactics: A major shift from the legacy OBC model is that all officers now receive baseline infantry and combat tactics training.
      • Field Training Exercises (FTX): Extended, multi-day operations in realistic combat scenarios.
      • Land Navigation: Passing both day and night dismounted land navigation courses.
      • Weapons Qualification: Achieving proficiency on their assigned weapon (typically the M4 Carbine).
      • Physical Fitness: Passing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and completing forced foot marches (ruck marches) under time constraints.

      Ultimately, BOLC bridges the gap between earning a commission and arriving at a first unit as a capable, trusted Platoon Leader or Staff Officer.