NCO's Lead the Way!

I developed this special web site as a guide into preparing my soldiers at the 352nd Combat Support Hospital at the Oakland Army Reserve Base to succesfully complete PLDC.

To get things rolling, my name is SSG. Arthur Advincula. I am a proud member of the U.S. Army Reserve Corps for past 11 years. My primary MOS is 91K30 (Laboratory Technician) and the secondary MOS is 91B10 (Medical Specialist).

I attended PLDC at Fort Lewis, Washington in the month of May 1998. At the time, it was the most challenging task I had ever faced while being in the Army Reserves. The entire course lasted for 15 days unlike the Active Army course which lasts for 30 days.

My mission is to help as many (E4)Specialists and conditionally-promoted (E5) Sargeants graduate from PLDC. Having gone through the course, I have the experience and knowledge that will help you get through it. I remember the feeling I had on the last day before graduation marching back from the FTX, I thought to myself, "Hey! I just kicked some butt."

From talking to soldiers who didn't complete the course, there are three subject areas which give the soldiers the most difficult time. They are Army Physical Fitness Test, Drill & Ceremonies, Map Reading and Land Navication. I believe this is due to the lack of training and/or motivation from the soldier. As an NCO, my main concern is to properly train and guide these soldiers to become future NCO'S.

There is one thing that has become very clear to me over the years from being in the Army...  BE PREPARED!  If you haven't prepared a plan of action for a mission, chances are you will fail. Time-management will play a critical role throughout the course. Use it wisely.

So before you get started, one more bit of advice that your Drill Sargeant in Basic Training always said to the soldiers time and time again,     "ATTENTION TO DETAIL"     Remember that phrase, it could mean the difference on whether you graduate or go home early.