The Basic Officer Leadership Department (BOLD) has substantially revised the Logistics (LOG) Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) to address the evolving demands for versatile and effective logistics leaders. This article outlines the transformation of LOG BOLC, from its traditional format to its current structure and future adaptations, as it develops second lieutenant logistics officers into better combat multipliers.
Historically, BOLC focused on functional training that aligned with Quartermaster, Ordnance, and Transportation disciplines. While effective for its time, this approach now needs the integrated perspective required for modern, multifunctional logistics operations. The training was compartmentalized, and officers were not thoroughly prepared for the challenges encountered in multidomain operations (MDO).
BOLD and the Army Sustainment University have redesigned LOG BOLC to incorporate multifunctional training in response to the evolving operational environment. This began in 2018 when the program shifted from traditional single-function training to a more integrated approach. The course was then redesigned in 2022 to encompass critical elements from Quartermaster, Ordnance, and Transportation training while introducing new multifunctional tasks. The goal is for LOG BOLC students to become LOG officers as in the Logistics Captains Career Course. The updated LOG BOLC 2.0 structure incorporates academic, physical, and tactical rigor by applying a progressive, scenario-based approach to develop officers’ skills. The current training scenario, focusing on supporting an armored brigade combat team (ABCT) in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) area of responsibility (AOR), prepares officers for real-world MDO logistical challenges.
The revised LOG BOLC is structured into six integrated modules: Army Profession, Building Readiness, Mission Preparation, Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO), Mission Execution, and Logistics Profession. In the Army Profession block, newly commissioned lieutenants are introduced to foundational aspects, equipping them with essential skills for their leadership roles. This block covers many critical topics that set the stage for their professional development. They learn how to write a memorandum for record to ensure effective communication, documentation, and crucial briefing skills to prepare them to deliver clear and concise information to commanders. The block also introduces them to the fundamentals of finance and budgeting and provides an introduction to electronic warfare to enhance their awareness of modern battlefield technologies. Ethical decision making and the Army Values are emphasized to ensure they uphold the highest standards of conduct. MDO are also introduced, providing a framework to understand how the Army operates across multiple domains. Finally, legal aspects, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice, are discussed to teach them the legal boundaries they must navigate as officers.
The Building Readiness block provides comprehensive training and exposure to critical areas needed to become successful platoon leaders. Students are taught about military terms and graphics, troop-leading procedures, and the structure of operation orders (OPORDs) to enhance their planning and operational skills. They also study Field Manual (FM) 3-0, Operations, and FM 4-0, Sustainment Operations, to understand broader operational and sustainment strategies. Training covers unit readiness management, property accountability, maintenance, and the Global Combat Support System-Army system for effective logistical management. Additionally, second lieutenants are trained on the unit status report to track unit readiness.
This practical learning is reinforced through site visits to the 54th Quartermaster Battalion motor pool, where they interact with NCOs, and to the Ordnance advanced individual training schoolhouse, which provides hands-on exposure to the equipment and systems used in the force. These experiences integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications to enhance their leadership capabilities in logistics.
As part of their foundational training in Mission Preparation, we provide second lieutenants with a comprehensive introduction to the critical aspects of deploying units, conducting convoy operations, and mastering essential communication platforms. Students learn to compile and analyze logistics statuses (LOGSTATs) and prepare detailed deployment briefs to ensure mission readiness.
This training is complemented by site visits, where they participate in hands-on practical air and rail deployment exercises. Here, students learn how to develop proper load plans, secure tie-downs on rail cars, and prepare pallets for air transport. During convoy operations, students visit the Reconfigurable Vehicle Tactical Trainer, where they assume various roles, such as convoy commander, gunner, and dismounts, running through simulated missions to enhance their tactical decision making and leadership skills. This blend of classroom instruction, site visits, and simulated exercises ensures that lieutenants are well prepared to lead their units in real-world deployment scenarios.
LSCO Foundation begins with an introduction to LSCO and MDO concepts outlined in FM 3-0. The second lieutenants then receive instruction on the mission and composition/disposition of an ABCT. This provides context as the module transitions to sustaining the force through logistics and how they will integrate and synchronize with warfighters. Second lieutenants gain knowledge on tactical logistics units and equipment in the brigade support battalions and forward support companies (FSCs). They learn echelon trains and how units operate within their assigned areas. Simultaneously, they are taught distribution methods, resupply techniques, logistics release point logistics package (LOGPAC) operations, and resupply methods.
Once these foundations are set, the course progresses to teaching echelons above brigade, from division sustainment brigades (DSBs) to strategic enablers such as the Defense Logistics Agency, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and U.S. Army Materiel Command. The LSCO block then teaches students about functional companies found in DSBs, sustainment brigades, and combat sustainment support battalions. During this portion, specific field services and commodities are taught, and second lieutenants apply their knowledge by producing fuel, water, and ration consumption estimates. The LSCO module’s segment on base defense (single and cluster) covers engagement area development and site selection for each unit type and specific commodity/field services planning considerations. LSCO culminates in a classroom planning exercise where students must analyze their modified table of organization and equipment (MTOE) and LOGSTATs and then generate a LOGPAC to resupply their assigned combined arms battalion (CAB) from the ABCT.
The Mission Execution block begins with a logistics exercise (LOGEX), which immediately follows LSCO and is the planning exercise for BOLC students. This weeklong planning scenario is based on the USINDOPACOM AOR and requires students to apply lessons and concepts from all previous modules independently. The LOGEX is a crucial part of the training because it simulates a real-world scenario, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting. Students are given MTOEs for their assigned FSC and CAB. They determine the FSC’s capabilities and the CAB’s requirements during a defensive operation. The scenario builds throughout the week with daily briefs and due-outs to the cadre. These include a capabilities brief, combat trains command post (CTCP) site selection, displacement, and an occupation/establishment plan that includes base defense. From the CTCP, the students are provided with LOGSTATs from the CAB, and then a LOGPAC resupply mission is planned. The final graded OPORD brief includes all aspects they have been designing and refining throughout the week with coaching from the BOLD cadre.
In addition to Mission Preparation, students receive a solid foundation in the logistics profession through staff rides and a range of electives designed to build functional proficiency. Our previous elective courses have now shifted to job-centric learning for the typical positions that second lieutenants will encounter in their first duty station. We aim to create a second lieutenant who is better prepared for the intensity of being a distribution platoon leader, maintenance control officer, maintenance platoon leader, and supply support activity platoon leader. With these enhanced learning focuses, we are creating and structuring the programs to detail daily requirements for the second lieutenants in their positions, typical administrative paperwork, and the command and support relationships they will encounter in ABCTs. The program follows a three-day rotation with classroom instruction in the morning and site visits in the afternoon, enabling students to connect classroom instruction with on-ground experience. This shift is complemented by deliberate site visits integrated into the curriculum to enhance classroom instruction, ensuring students receive practical, job-relevant training.
BOLD will continue to adapt LOG BOLC to meet emerging threats and doctrinal changes. Future efforts will focus on integrating advanced technologies, refining training scenarios, and maintaining alignment with Army modernization goals of the Army of 2030. Efforts to modernize LOG BOLC are reflected through the introduction of virtual reality (VR), implementation of counter-small unmanned aircraft systems (C-sUAS) in tactics, a Bring Your Own Device initiative, a Decisive Action Training Environment-Indo Pacific scenario, and data analytics.
In collaboration with the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command’s Technology Development Division, BOLD is developing an immersive VR training scenario for base defense operations. Set to be implemented in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, this VR scenario will enable students to apply classroom instruction in a controlled environment. The C-sUAS in tactics module will be incorporated into the LOG BOLC program and involves a five-day field training exercise that simulates real-world attack conditions. This vital hands-on training includes practical application, evaluation, feedback, and readiness. Students apply theoretical knowledge in a simulated environment, allowing them to refine their skills and adapt to dynamic scenarios.
In conclusion, LOG BOLC aims to develop second lieutenant logistics officers as combat multipliers who can provide exceptional logistics and sustainment support in complex and diverse operational environments by incorporating multifunctional training, advanced technologies, and enhanced subject matter expertise.
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CPT Michelle Lopez is the lead instructor in the Logistics Basic Officer Leader Course at Army Sustainment University, Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. She is a graduate of the Quartermaster Officer Basic Course, Logistics Captain Career Course, and the Army Air Assault Course. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary.
CPT Justin Paramore serves as an instructor/writer for the Logistics Basic Officer Leader Course at Army Sustainment University, Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. He is a graduate of the Transportation Officer Basic Course, Logistics Captain Career Course, Ranger School, and Basic Airborne school. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in health science from Columbus State University.
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This article was published in the spring 2025 issue of Army Sustainment.
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