Most of my son’s commissioning peers have received dates for BOLC except Signal. Is this normal? Reflective of the current needs of the Army I suppose. Anyone have experience with Signal that could shed light here? He graduates in May from the Citadel. His ROTC office suspects they’re waiting for a new fiscal year to begin!??!
Signal Corps BOLC dates....still waiting
- Thread starter TXArmyMom
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Montana State Army ROTC
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They send them out when the seat is reserved. Also high to low oml. It will be after may and before dec.
This goes back a ways. My DS branched Signal and didn't get a BOLC date (late September) until sometime close to commissioning in May.
Was Signal his first choice?
What were his choices for first Duty Station?
It was his second choice. I think he chose Germany and Japan as first choices for first Duty Station. Where did your son end up and has he had a good experience in Signal?
Signal was my son's first choice and Kuwait was his first Duty Station, also his first choice.
I know this will ruffle some feathers when I say this, but Signal Corps has a reputation of being a little bit like the IT department. It doesn't get the respect of the combat arms branches, but the enlisted personnel tend to be slightly better educated and score higher on the ABSAV. Many aspire to Signal as a path to excellent job prospects in the civilian world. Since your son will be a manager, he will appreciate their motivation.
If your son is smart, motivated and in good shape he will have opportunities to broaden his experience, by attending different schools which I'm sure he will want to grab--from Airborne to Ranger. He just needs to remember that his performance as a Signal Officer will determine whether he gets those other opportunities.
That has been my son's experience mixed in with a good share of luck. He just committed for at least another 3 yrs.
If you don't mind me asking, what was your son's first choice?
I wish him all the best!
He’s excited about Signal and it’s opportunities. Armor was his first choice. He’s smart and motivated. Glad it was a good experience for your son!
k2rider
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Completely normal to not know your BOLC dates at this point. Neither of my kids were told until May. My daughter graduated in early May and received a phone call Memorial Day weekend telling her that her BOLC reporting date was July 1st and they also told her where she would be stationed at that time.
My DS is also waiting for his MI BOLC date. Waiting for his phone call so that I can tell my HR to add him back to my health plan if we need to cover his health insurance before his BOLC. No phone call today so it is not today. 
or I can just add him from May??
or I can just add him from May??