The BLC essay is often the most challenging component of the Basic Leadership Course. It's your opportunity to demonstrate not just your writing skills, but your understanding of leadership principles and military knowledge. Here are five proven strategies to help you excel.

Strategy 1: Understand the Prompt Completely

Before you start writing, make sure you understand exactly what the essay prompt is asking. Identify the key words and requirements. Military writing is about precision and clarity - make sure your response directly addresses the question.

Key Steps:

  • Read the prompt multiple times: Don't rush through the instructions
  • Identify action words: Look for words like "analyze," "compare," "evaluate," or "explain"
  • Highlight key requirements: Note specific elements that must be included
  • Understand the context: Consider the military situation or scenario presented

💡 Pro Tip

If you're unsure about any part of the prompt, ask for clarification from your instructor. It's better to ask questions upfront than to write an essay that misses the mark.

Strategy 2: Use the Army Writing Style

Follow the Army's standard writing format: clear, concise, and direct. Use active voice, avoid jargon, and structure your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Remember the Army's writing principles: accuracy, brevity, and clarity.

Army Writing Principles:

  • Accuracy: Ensure all facts and information are correct
  • Brevity: Be concise and to the point
  • Clarity: Write in plain language that's easy to understand
  • Active Voice: Use active voice instead of passive voice
  • Proper Format: Follow standard military correspondence format

Structure Your Essay:

  • Introduction: State your main argument or thesis clearly
  • Body Paragraphs: Present supporting evidence and examples
  • Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis

Strategy 3: Incorporate Real Examples

Use specific examples from your military experience to support your points. Whether it's a leadership challenge you've faced, a training exercise you've participated in, or a mission you've supported, real examples make your essay more compelling and authentic.

Types of Examples to Include:

  • Leadership Situations: Times when you led a team or took initiative
  • Problem-Solving: How you overcame challenges or obstacles
  • Training Experiences: Lessons learned from military training
  • Mission Support: Your role in supporting unit missions
  • Mentorship: Times you helped or were helped by others

Making Examples Effective:

  • Be specific about what happened, when, and where
  • Explain your role and actions clearly
  • Describe the outcome and what you learned
  • Connect the example to the essay prompt

Strategy 4: Demonstrate Leadership Knowledge

Show that you understand Army leadership principles. Reference the Army Leadership Requirements Model, discuss the importance of character and competence, and explain how you would apply these principles in practice.

Key Leadership Concepts to Include:

  • Army Leadership Requirements Model: Character, presence, intellect, and leads
  • Leadership Attributes: Character, presence, and intellect
  • Leadership Competencies: Leads, develops, and achieves
  • Army Values: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage
  • Mission Command: Understanding and applying mission command principles

How to Demonstrate Knowledge:

  • Reference specific leadership principles by name
  • Explain how these principles apply to military situations
  • Show understanding of the relationship between different concepts
  • Discuss how you would apply these principles in future leadership roles

Strategy 5: Proofread and Revise

Allocate time to review and revise your essay. Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Ensure your ideas flow logically and that you've addressed all aspects of the prompt. A well-polished essay demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Revision Checklist:

  • Content: Does the essay fully address the prompt?
  • Structure: Is the essay well-organized and logical?
  • Examples: Are the examples relevant and well-explained?
  • Grammar: Are there any spelling or grammatical errors?
  • Clarity: Is the writing clear and easy to understand?
  • Length: Does the essay meet length requirements?

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Using passive voice instead of active voice
  • Including irrelevant information or examples
  • Failing to address all parts of the prompt
  • Poor organization or unclear structure
  • Grammatical errors or typos
  • Going over or under the required length

💡 Pro Tip

Practice writing essays on common BLC topics before the course. This will help you develop your writing skills and confidence. Consider topics like leadership challenges, teamwork, and military values.

Additional Tips for Success

Time Management:

  • Allocate time for planning, writing, and revision
  • Don't spend too much time on any one section
  • Leave time at the end for a final review

Research and Preparation:

  • Review Army leadership doctrine before writing
  • Think about relevant examples from your experience
  • Practice writing on similar topics

Seek Feedback:

  • Ask peers or mentors to review your practice essays
  • Use writing centers or tutoring services if available
  • Learn from feedback on previous writing assignments

Conclusion

Mastering the BLC essay requires understanding the prompt, using proper Army writing style, incorporating real examples, demonstrating leadership knowledge, and thorough revision. By following these five strategies, you'll be well-prepared to write compelling essays that showcase your leadership potential and military knowledge. Remember, the essay is not just a writing exercise - it's an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of leadership principles and your readiness for increased responsibility.