IBOLC: Platoon Leader Decision Making

IBOLC: Platoon Leader Decision Making for the 21st Century

by Major Michael Fortenberry, Small Wars Journal

IBOLC: Platoon Leader Decision Making for the 21st Century (Full PDF article)

In the Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course (IBOLC), lieutenants train to lead infantry platoons in modern warfare. While much time is spent teaching the students to embrace the Warrior ethos, infantry culture and small unit tactics, critical thinking and decision making skills are the most important leader trait developed during the course. Students are trained and assessed in three critical areas: Intelligence, Character and Tactical Skills and Competencies Development. These individual and leader tasks and skills are essential in leading Soldiers on today’s battlefields.

The typical methods of teaching Infantry leadership do not permit lieutenants to fully recognize the intricacies of modern warfare. Thus, IBOLC is an outcomes-based leader development program designed to build the foundation of infantry leadership and prepare lieutenants for the complexities of the operational environment. Using its’ long-established framework of embedding the basics of Infantry tactics and doctrine, the curriculum has become more relevant with emphasis on teaching lieutenants how to think.

IBOLC: Platoon Leader Decision Making for the 21st Century (Full PDF article)