Can Specialty Officers command a unit?

To be honest Sir, I never thought that Officers sought out Commands but it makes sense when I think of things on the Enlisted side in regards to Boards, etc.

Most officers have to complete what is known as “key development time” and depending on your branch, command is a part of that. Some branches, like MI do not require command for KD but it’s always better to have it, especially for promotion or selection to special programs. Even specialty officers have to get promoted so it’s good to have diversity in your resume for the promotion board.

I imagine moving up in the Medical field is similar to JAG Sir. It seems like it's harder to move up in certain fields due to limited positions until someone upstairs moves out. Regarding the National Guard I think it would explain why Officers would seek out other opportunities to help them gain experience.

Actually while you're here Chief I hope you can answer this question for me. Warrant Officer 1 does have a Warrant issued by the Secretary of the Army, however the Chiefs CW2 - CW5 are technically Commissioned Officers are they not?

Also as a follow up question, I've heard that there is a CW6 rank that has been proposed but is shelved. Kind of like the General of the Army and General of the Armies ranks that exist but are not used anymore. Is that true?

First, you are correct. CW2 and above are Commissioned Officers. As for CW6, it has been on the back burner since the 90s. I am not optimistic that it will happen any time soon. Will take an act of Congress, literally.

That's what I had heard, I was reading an article regarding an idea about making a CW6 as a representative for the Warrant Officer Corps similar to the Sergeant Major of the Army. Of course if that were to happen the other Branches would have to do the same thing.

Sir my petroleum company was commanded by a WO3 because we did not have any other officers. I also was on active duty for the WTU and our XO was Jag, he took over the company when our commander moved up to take over the battalion.

That was my impression Sir, while it's rare it's possible. I have met one Captain who was Medical that was in Command of an HHC, I somewhat know a Captain who is a JA that's in Command of a Company. On my own part, I assumed it was needs of the Army which is why an Officer in those fields would be in Command. Perhaps there were not enough Officers available in that MOS or perhaps it was a decision to get an Officer some command experience. Whatever the case, my side of the argument was needs of the Army.

My counterparts argument was that the Officers in Medical, Legal, Religion, etc should not command a unit and he is under the impression that there is an Army Regulation governing that. The fact remains that we can't find such a regulation. I do concede that a Chaplain can not Command by the very fact that a Chaplain while of vast importance to unit morale is incapable of wielding a weapon. I don't know if there is a regulation covering that but based on that fact it makes sense. Where as other Soldiers are expected to maintain the standard of physical fitness, marksmanship, and basic tasks Chaplains are not.

I am also of the opinion that my counterparts argument is based in his feeling rather than regulation which I can respect. As a Paralegal and as a Soldier, were I on a Battlefield I would rather have an Infantry Officer giving the orders than a Judge Advocate. Not as a slight to the JA but as an understanding of the fact that Combat is the role of the Infantry and Law is the role of JAG. While we are all Soldiers and all expected to be Riflemen should the need arise we also all have our own specialties that keep the wheels turning.