40th CAB Soldiers lead the way at BLC

Photo By Bert Blanchette | California Army National Guard Spc. Miriam Bates, a paralegal for thee 640th Aviation Support Battalion, 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, and Spc. Benjamin Duncan, a hydraulic maintenance section leader in the 640th ASB, are recognized for their exceptional performance in the Army Physical Fitness Test during the Basic Leadership Course during a ceremony at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, March 9.  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

03.09.2016

Courtesy Story

40th Combat Aviation Brigade

Story by Sgt. Deshea Miller

What does it mean to be a leader? This is the question many young noncommissioned officers learn the answer to when attending the U.S. Army Basic Leadership Course.

The first BLC class to graduate at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, received their diplomas in a ceremony at Buehring March 9.

At the Basic Leadership Course Soldiers learn the fundamentals of leadership, training management, land navigation, drill and ceremony, warfighting and several other tasks. Soldiers who attend this course go back to their units with the knowledge to lead and take care of their Soldiers.

The 640th Aviation Support Battalion, 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, supplied one Soldier from each of their subordinate companies.. The Camp Buehring BLC class of 701-16 and 701-17 consisted of Spc. Miriam Bates for Headquarters Support Company, Sgt. Joe Chavez from Company A, Sgt. Benjamin Duncan from Company B, and Sgt. Michael Calderon from Company C.

“This course taught me how to be a leader of troops. As a [sergeant] I have direct contact with my troops which allows me to be a hands on leader,” Duncan said.

Duncan earned the highest score in his class during the Army Physical Fitness Test, an achievement for which he was recognized as an “Iron Soldier” and placed on the school Commandant’s List.

The Turlock, Arizona, resident is the noncommissioned officer in charge of Company B’s hydraulic maintenance section, and appreciated the opportunity to learn some of the finer points in small unit leadership. He particularly enjoyed BLC’s classes on the Army Physical Readiness Program and writing award citations for junior Soldiers.

“When you’re in BLC, focus on just that, you will be more successful that way,” Duncan said.

Bates, a Sacramento, California, resident, works with the 40th CAB’s legal team to assist her company in some of the legal trials Soldiers may face, such as writing wills or powers of attorney, or giving advice in legal disputes. While attending the course, Bates learned how lead by example and to learn from her mistakes. Bates has a few words of advice for anyone planning to attend BLC.

“Work out, pay attention, stay motivated and motivate others,” Bates said.

• Date Taken: 03.09.2016
• Date Posted: 05.01.2016 19:37
• Story ID: 197001
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW