Forging the Future of Armor Leadership
Modernizing NCO PME
By CSM Ryan W. Roush
Article published on:
in the Spring 2026 Edition of Armor
Read Time:
< 3 mins
We are fundamentally re-shaping how we train and educate our Armor non-commissioned officers (NCOs). This article outlines the significant, positive changes coming to our Professional Military Education (PME). Our goal is to build more lethal, adaptive leaders while respecting your time and the critical needs of your formations.
Our modernization effort is guided by three core objectives:
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Reduce Course Duration: We will significantly shorten the time leaders spend in PME, returning them to their units faster without sacrificing the quality of education.
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Specialize ALC: We will create distinct and specialized Advanced Leader Courses (ALC) for 19C and 19K MOSs, moving away from the current combined course to provide more focused training.
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Refocus SLC: In partnership with the MCoE, we will evolve the Maneuver Senior Leader Course (SLC) into two separate, tailored tracks: Armor and Infantry.
ALC Modernization: The Path Forward
Our transition begins with a 19D ALC pilot course in June 2026. This pilot is critical, as its lessons will directly inform the redesign of the 19C and 19K ALC curricula, which are scheduled for implementation in February 2027.
For the 19D ALC pilot, the course duration will be reduced from over six weeks to three weeks and five days, with no virtual or phased component. This significant reduction is made possible by increasing the course’s focus and rigor. Through a deliberate analysis, we have refined the Individual Critical Task Lists (ICTLs) and will leverage detailed competency assessments to ensure every training event is purposeful and relevant to the demands of the modern battlefield.
The purpose of the 19D ALC is to provide Cavalry Scout NCOs with the leadership, tactical, and technical competencies required to lead squad and platoon-sized elements in reconnaissance and security operations. The course emphasizes mission planning, execution, and decision-making in support of the commander’s information requirements and force protection.
This new structure builds upon prior operational experience to develop agile, adaptive leaders who directly contribute to mission success. We will use a modular approach to build proficiency sequentially:
Module A: Administration & Foundations: Complete all in-processing, readiness checks, and administrative requirements to begin training.
Module B: Combat Leadership: Develop the skills to lead an armored reconnaissance section/squad in complex environments.
Module C: Training Management: Master the ability to plan, prepare, execute, and assess individual and collective training to build unit readiness.
Module D: Sustainment Operations: Manage section/squad resupply, maintenance, recovery, and medical support in a contested environment.
Module E: Platform Mastery: Achieve technical and tactical expertise with reconnaissance weapons platforms and their advanced systems.
Module F: Threat Adaptation: Plan reconnaissance and security operations against a modern, multi-domain threat, including electronic warfare (EW) and cyber mitigation.
Module G: Tactical Application: Execute mission plans, adapt to a changing battlespace, and conduct consolidation through terrain board exercises and tactical exercises without troops (TEWTs).
The Way Ahead
This is an ongoing and transparent process. We will provide regular updates as we gather feedback from the 19D ALC pilot and finalize the future of 19C/K ALC and the new Armor SLC. We are committed to providing our NCOs with the most effective and relevant training to ensure we dominate on any battlefield.
Forge the Thunderbolt!