Unlock your leadership potential with the Army Warrior Leader Course. Discover 7 actionable strategies to excel in this challenging program, covering key areas such as communication, decision-making, and team building. Elevate your skills in warrior leader training, Small Unit Leadership, and tactical operations to achieve success and rise through the ranks.
The Army Warrior Leader Course (AWLC) is a challenging and rigorous training program designed to develop the leadership skills of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the US Army. The course is a critical component of the Army's Non-Commissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) and is required for all NCOs who want to advance to the rank of sergeant and above. To excel at the AWLC, NCOs must demonstrate a strong understanding of leadership principles, tactical skills, and Army values.
In this article, we will provide seven ways to excel at the AWLC, including preparing physically and mentally, understanding the course curriculum, developing leadership skills, and demonstrating Army values.
1. Prepare Physically and Mentally
The AWLC is a demanding course that requires NCOs to be in top physical condition. To excel, NCOs must prepare themselves physically and mentally for the challenges they will face during the course. This includes building their endurance, strength, and agility through regular exercise and physical training. Additionally, NCOs must prepare themselves mentally by developing a strong mindset and learning how to manage stress and pressure.
To prepare physically, NCOs can start by developing a regular exercise routine that includes cardio, strength training, and agility drills. They can also practice obstacle course training and ruck marching to build their endurance. To prepare mentally, NCOs can practice stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and positive self-talk.
Develop a Study Plan
In addition to physical preparation, NCOs must also prepare themselves academically for the AWLC. This includes developing a study plan that covers all the material they will be tested on during the course. NCOs can start by reviewing the course curriculum and identifying areas where they need to focus their studying. They can then develop a study schedule that allows them to review and practice all the material before the course starts.
2. Understand the Course Curriculum
The AWLC curriculum is designed to teach NCOs the leadership skills and knowledge they need to succeed as squad leaders and platoon sergeants. The course covers a wide range of topics, including leadership principles, tactics, and Army values. To excel, NCOs must have a strong understanding of the course curriculum and be able to apply the concepts they learn to real-world situations.
Some of the key topics covered in the AWLC include:
- Leadership principles and values
- Tactical operations and planning
- Map reading and navigation
- First aid and combat lifesaving
- Army values and ethics
Focus on Key Topics
To excel, NCOs should focus on the key topics that are covered in the course. They should review and practice the material until they feel confident in their knowledge and skills. NCOs can also use online resources and study guides to help them prepare for the course.
3. Develop Leadership Skills
The AWLC is designed to develop the leadership skills of NCOs, and to excel, NCOs must demonstrate a strong understanding of leadership principles and values. This includes being able to lead by example, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions.
Some of the key leadership skills that NCOs should focus on developing include:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Leadership by example and setting the tone
- Building and maintaining trust and cohesion
Practice Leadership Skills
To develop leadership skills, NCOs should practice leading by example, communicating effectively, and making sound decisions. They can do this by taking on leadership roles in their units, volunteering for additional responsibilities, and seeking feedback from their peers and superiors.
4. Demonstrate Army Values
The AWLC places a strong emphasis on Army values, and to excel, NCOs must demonstrate a strong understanding of these values. The Army values are:
- Loyalty
- Duty
- Respect
- Selfless service
- Honor
- Integrity
- Personal courage
To demonstrate Army values, NCOs should focus on living by these values in their daily lives. They should be loyal to their units and fellow soldiers, fulfill their duties to the best of their ability, and treat others with respect and dignity.
Live by the Army Values
To live by the Army values, NCOs should strive to embody these values in their daily lives. They should be honest and trustworthy, respectful and courteous, and willing to make sacrifices for the good of the team.
5. Build Relationships and Network
The AWLC provides NCOs with the opportunity to build relationships and network with other NCOs and officers. To excel, NCOs should take advantage of this opportunity by building strong relationships with their peers and superiors.
Some of the ways NCOs can build relationships and network include:
- Volunteering for additional responsibilities and taking on leadership roles
- Participating in unit activities and events
- Seeking feedback and mentorship from peers and superiors
- Being approachable and open to others
Be Approachable and Open
To build relationships and network, NCOs should be approachable and open to others. They should be willing to listen and learn from others, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
6. Stay Motivated and Focused
The AWLC is a challenging and demanding course, and to excel, NCOs must stay motivated and focused. This includes setting goals and priorities, staying organized, and managing stress and pressure.
Some of the ways NCOs can stay motivated and focused include:
- Setting clear goals and priorities
- Creating a study schedule and sticking to it
- Taking breaks and managing stress and pressure
- Seeking support and encouragement from peers and mentors
Create a Study Schedule
To stay motivated and focused, NCOs should create a study schedule and stick to it. This includes setting aside dedicated time for studying and reviewing material, and taking breaks to rest and recharge.
7. Seek Feedback and Mentorship
Finally, to excel at the AWLC, NCOs should seek feedback and mentorship from their peers and superiors. This includes asking for feedback on their performance, seeking guidance and advice from mentors, and being open to constructive criticism.
Some of the ways NCOs can seek feedback and mentorship include:
- Asking for feedback from peers and superiors
- Seeking guidance and advice from mentors
- Being open to constructive criticism and feedback
- Using feedback to improve performance and make adjustments
Use Feedback to Improve
To use feedback to improve, NCOs should be open to constructive criticism and feedback. They should use this feedback to identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments to their performance and behavior.
Army Warrior Leader Course Image Gallery
By following these seven ways to excel at the AWLC, NCOs can develop the leadership skills and knowledge they need to succeed as squad leaders and platoon sergeants. Remember to stay motivated and focused, seek feedback and mentorship, and demonstrate Army values in all aspects of your life.