In your opinion, if someone does not desire to command a company, does that make him or her less of a leader?

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2015 18:42:28 -0400

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 30 at 2015 6:48 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 30 May 2015 18:48:11 -0400

Interesting Query. Not everybody joins to lead men and or women. Many reasons to join and some just might be to get to work with the latest and greatest technology, pretty much the case in a lot of my community but you would think and hope that they realized that they are becoming an officer and being a "Leader" is expected although I will say that some of the best "Leaders" (Officers) that I worked for were the Engineers, The Geeks, The Scientist that just happened to be Military Officers.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2015 8:11 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2015 20:11:03 -0400

Well, at least he/she is honest. That is a point in favor.

Can a person be a leader and not want to be in command? I think so. But, there are probably not many.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2015 8:30 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2015 20:30:34 -0400

I have an interesting take on this. I broke contact with someone I thought was a friend, because she insisted that my rank alone means I'm *not* a leader. I was a section OIC in a previous unit, and she question why they couldn't get a captain to do that...because as a Warrant officer I shouldn't have been in charge of anything.

So....am I less of a leader because I will likely never be a commander?

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made May 30 at 2015 9:58 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Sat, 30 May 2015 21:58:35 -0400

Not necessarily. But the flip of that is that I'd want someone who desired to be Commander to hold that position than someone whose heart isn't in it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 30 at 2015 10:01 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 30 May 2015 22:01:36 -0400

Less of a leader. He needs to the TLP, sometimes OPORD, feel the pulse of the company, and be plugged with higher.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 30 at 2015 10:02 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 30 May 2015 22:02:28 -0400

I don't know if it automatically makes him less of a leader, but I would think that it would put a serious dent in his ability for a prosperous career.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 30 at 2015 10:15 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 30 May 2015 22:15:30 -0400

That makes them honest.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 30 at 2015 10:55 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sat, 30 May 2015 22:55:47 -0400

Does this ever actually happen?

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 30 at 2015 11:04 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sat, 30 May 2015 23:04:48 -0400

just because someone doesn't want to do something, doesn't mean they'd be bad at it.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made May 30 at 2015 11:54 PM

1LT William Clardy — Sat, 30 May 2015 23:54:21 -0400

Not at all.

Being a leader is defined by having an ability, not an ambition.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 12:02 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 00:02:57 -0400

Yes.
Command should be the goal of every officer. I don't understand why one would avoid it. It is very difficult to make Major much less LTC without it.

The enlisted analogy is E-8s that dodge having a company First Sergeant gig. The pressure is higher, but why anyone would want to spend life in a staff prison is beyond me.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 7:42 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 07:42:27 -0400

As far as I'm concerned, anyone who answers this question with a 'Yes', is NOT a leader. Someone could have an honest assessment of their own skillset, and decide their talents are best used in a role other than command. Command isn't the ONLY place to exercise leadership, and it's arrogant as all get out to assume it is and judge someone harshly for not seeking it. That doesn't make you a leader, it makes you a bully.

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made May 31 at 2015 8:39 AM

SSG Buddy Kemper — Sun, 31 May 2015 08:39:24 -0400

No, Sir. Just not a career guy/gal. Hooah.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 8:48 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 08:48:25 -0400

Every commissioned officer should seek command at some point in his or her career. It is not wise to command too soon. Career progression is key. Although not a requirement, one should seek primary leadership positions such as platoon leader, company executive officer, and battalion staff officer, prior to commanding. The necessary leadership skills and leadership traits to command successfully are developed in those junior leadership positions. A company commander that understands battalion functions S-1, S-2, S-3, and S-4, and can effectively coordinate the operations of his company with those primary battalion functions, is a benefit to the battalion. The officer basic and the officer advanced courses are beneficial. An officer should seek tactical and technical proficiency prior to commanding in order to ensure a successful command experience and to ensure the safety and well being of our soldiers.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 9:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 09:01:49 -0400

You can be a leader and not have command. Some people are better at staff jobs than being in charge of a lot of troops. Command takes a lot out of a person and not everyone can handle it. It would make me question why that person choose to be an officer and what he/she expected as far as career progression is concerned.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 9:20 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 09:20:28 -0400

Every commissioned officer should seek company command at some point in his or her career. It is not wise to command too soon. Career progression is key. Although not a requirement, one should seek primary leadership positions such as platoon leader, company executive officer, and battalion staff officer, prior to commanding. The necessary leadership skills and leadership traits to command successfully are developed in those junior leadership positions. A company commander that understands battalion functions S-1, S-2, S-3, and S-4, and can effectively coordinate the operations of his company with those primary battalion functions, is a benefit to the battalion. The officer basic and the officer advanced courses are beneficial. An officer should seek tactical and technical proficiency prior to commanding in order to ensure a successful command experience and to ensure the safety and well being of our soldiers.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 10:59 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 10:59:45 -0400

If a Company Grade Officer does not want to accept Command, then he or she should respectfully decline and resign their Commission and let those who are willing and want to be a Leader take it.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made May 31 at 2015 12:36 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Sun, 31 May 2015 12:36:12 -0400

I think there are different types of people for different jobs. Someone who is an outstanding commander, may not necessarily be a good staff officer or vice-versa. But there are some who are well suited at both jobs. Do I think someone who doesn't desire command is any less of a leader, not really. He may just be a different kind of leader.

I know I was terrified about taking a company command when I was a captain. I didn't think I would be very good at it. But when my husband took a command (we were not married at the time) and I was offered a command 6 months later, I thought maybe I would be ok having him as a sounding board since we were both dealing with similar issues. It helped, but more importantly, I found out I could be a better commander than I thought possible. Granted, I wasn't perfect, and I did make mistakes, but when I left almost 3 years later, it was to take a second command.

My point is, an individual may not think they are cut out for command, but until they get into it, they will never know for sure.

Response by COL Ted Mc made May 31 at 2015 12:46 PM

COL Ted Mc — Sun, 31 May 2015 12:46:40 -0400

In my opinion, the only officers who should NOT be given FORMAL command positions are those with an innate ability for being "Dog Robbers".

They simply don't work that way and have a tendency to mismanage FORMAL commands.

That being said, there are many positions in the military which do not require "Military Leadership" abilities but which do require "Corporate Leadership" abilities. "Corporate Leaders" probably should not be given "command" responsibilities (and "Military Leaders" without "Corporate Leadership" abilities should be watched closely when in "Corporate Leadership" positions.).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 1:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 13:52:25 -0400

Not everyone is cut out to lead people. Some have years of technical expertise and are good at administration, but would choke in a real leadership environment. We've probably all had to experience someone who was "in charge" that was clearly unsuited to the task.

If someone knows that they are not leadership material, and they wish to avoid command but serve in an administrative capacity, I appreciate their honesty. Of course, I hope they understand that their career will "top out" at a significantly lower level than their peers, and they'll accept that without complaining.

Actually, far worse are the people who are horrible leaders but insist on leading, just to suit their egos. They are toxic leaders in peacetime, and dangerous to their own people in combat.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 1:59 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 13:59:39 -0400

If asked to command, I would of course say yes. Since command is a broadening assignment, it would be an honor to be chosen. That being said, I am not going to go out of my way to run one down, or take an opportunity from someone who really wants it.
If someone doesn't want to command, it doesn't mean they are a bad leader, or a poor officer. I think everyone knows at least one person who never should have been given a command. Unlike some of those who thirst for it and fail, maybe they recognize they wouldn't be good at it as someone else. Or like running, maybe some people just have no desire.

Response by LTC David Stender made May 31 at 2015 2:15 PM

LTC David Stender — Sun, 31 May 2015 14:15:12 -0400

Chief,
I think the answer is: it depends. CW3s and CW4s are often asked to command detachments in CID. This might not be what was in mind when choosing the technical track. Dets need good leaders and if you want to progress, the odds are better w/ command. On the regular commissioned officer side, there are many branches that don't have a command track. Their equivalent is being the S1 or S2 etc. Combat arms and combat support are here to progress and command. If they don't want to command they need to look for a new branch or transition from service.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 31 at 2015 2:52 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 31 May 2015 14:52:43 -0400

If a person is offered command of a company and refuses, their ambitions are obviously limited and like Gen Powell, may be a fine leader up to a point. The first requirement of a leader is the desire to lead. Without that desire, a person cannot be a leader.

I believe, for example, that if Colin Powell had wanted to be President, he would have been elected handily. A great number of people were begging him to throw his hat into the ring. A great many more were waiting with bated breath to vote for him. In the end he declined because he didn't have a vision for the country (at least that was his stated reason).

Obviously, Gen Powell was a leader, a helluva leader. He just didn't want to lead from the head of a nation and I don't blame him. I wonder at the numbers of people stepping forward to take up the gauntlet following President Obama's Administration. He thinks he inherited a mess? Oh boy...

A person who doesn't want command of a company-sized element, doesn't have much ambition or desire, don't you think? Yes, they might prefer to command an army without first commanding a company, but that has nothing to do with ambition or desire. That's simply delusional...

Response by CPT Kurk Harris made May 31 at 2015 3:46 PM

CPT Kurk Harris — Sun, 31 May 2015 15:46:08 -0400

Some people are just not cut out for command or leadership in general. If that person happens to be an officer in the armed forces, then I say thank you for your service, here's a flag and a medal. Good luck on the outside. The reality is that being a leader is a requisite skill for a commissioned officer. Leaders move to the front to lead. It is their nature. If they are avoiding command either actively or passively then they are probably not cut out for a military career. If they are great technicians or staffers then take those skills to the board room, not the battlefield.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 31 at 2015 10:30 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 31 May 2015 22:30:41 -0400

For a commissioned officer this is what you are on the path to do. If this is not your thing, leave or find a non-command track functional area.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 4:38 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 16:38:16 -0400

An interesting question with a maybe not-so-obvious answer: If you want to remain an officer and not have the lack of command being a discriminator, become a functional area officer. There may be some command billets for them but I have yet to see them.

Or you could go warrant. There is an incoming signal warrant student on this last board that was a CPT.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 7:09 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 19:09:55 -0400

Not at all. Some people are great leaders at their staff sections or work place. They don't have command or UCMJ authority, but they can still be great leaders.

That being said, I think command is the most rewarding job I've had. Not looking forward to going back to staff.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 12:10 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 12:10:57 -0400

I would say that person is not a leader if you do not lead. You may be a great administrator, but in my opinion, you are not a leader.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 2 at 2015 2:27 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:27:41 -0400

Why would you become an officer if you didn't want to command troops? I could see going from a command position to a staff position being a downer.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Jun 3 at 2015 1:33 AM

SPC Angel Guma — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 01:33:13 -0400

Not at all.

Napoleon Bonaparte was never fit to command just a company of artillerymen. He was fit enough to rule all of Europe though.

Excellent military man, he was.

Response by 1stLt Laurence Blocker made Jun 28 at 2015 7:51 AM

1stLt Laurence Blocker — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 07:51:10 -0400

People have different skills. Some are ment to lead people, others are ment to lead process. Knowing and producing with the skill set given is the key to leadership.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 28 at 2015 10:48 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 10:48:18 -0400

You can be a leader without commanding, but avoiding company command will most likely prevent promotion to Major (presuming that the person is a commissioned officer).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 11:56 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 11:56:05 -0400

I say no. There could be a really good reason behind it such as they really don't think they are ready and want to learn more before they get there. I got that a lot of what we do is trial by fire but if someone knows they are legitimately not ready for that challenge I actually think that makes them a better leader.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2016 10:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 22:40:12 -0400

There was a time when the Army had command tracks and staff tracks. Some people are awesome staff officers, but terrible commanders and PLs. I had a PL, it wasn't a lack of desire really, but he was just out of his element. I had him moved out toe company and into the BN EN Planning cell and there he excelled. He's in USACE now and USACE is better for it. He would make a great staff officer even at the BDE level. I think perhaps some people know that they aren't good at being a Commander, not a bad leader (this LT was good at PT and he cared about how Soldiers, and he could be a good Soldier, he was just not of the decision making temperament.) He was just better at serving the Army in a differant role. This idea that everyone needs to be awesome at everything I think is flawed. I knew a few guys who were great PLs and great COs, but they weren't any good on a staff because they hated making spreadsheets and annexes that nobody will read so they got not so great OERs. Enlisted is the same way, I think they need to bring the specialists ranks back, especially for mechanics and most Engineer MOSs.

Response by SFC Byron Perry made Jun 14 at 2019 11:07 PM

SFC Byron Perry — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 23:07:53 -0400

No, it just means that he/she isn't meant to be in the Army.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jun 23 at 2019 8:31 AM

SFC Michael D. — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 08:31:14 -0400

I don’t think it would make them less of a leader if they are already a proven leader. Might not be a good career move though turning down a command.

Response by PO2 William Rogers made Jun 24 at 2019 8:53 PM

PO2 William Rogers — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 20:53:13 -0400

Depends on the reasons for it. But I have to ask: how can you be a good leader without taking on the responsibility to lead?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2019 10:26 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 22:26:54 -0400

I’ve been trying to figure out a politically correct answer for you. Without command, you will limit your future opportunities as an officer. It’s just fact. There are incredibly talented staff officers that do not desire command. But, that’s how they will be labeled, no matter what the official mantra of the day may be. If you can’t get a successful company command under your belt, promotion potential will drop and continue to drop as you progress.

Response by MGySgt Joseph Magyar made Oct 29 at 2019 11:44 PM

MGySgt Joseph Magyar — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 23:44:57 -0400

First you lead by example. There have been many leaders who have never had a command. But if your an officer you may be required to take command not connected to commanding a company. The military is about making decisions which may mean life and death, if you can not do this you should resign your commission.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Oct 30 at 2019 9:51 AM

1SG Ernest Stull — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 09:51:54 -0400

No but your orders to leave the military will arrive very soon.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2019 11:19 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:19:04 -0400

Of course

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 30 at 2019 8:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 20:46:09 -0400

If they don't want to lead at the company level then they are irrelevant to the military.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2019 8:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 20:48:51 -0400

Yes. That being said the military needs followers also.

Response by CPT William Jones made Dec 1 at 2019 11:50 AM

CPT William Jones — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 11:50:54 -0500

not really. The military seem to think there is only one route to follow and it leads to flag officer command. It shown the requirements to stay in. You must get certain type jobs depending in a small part with your MOS You can be the best company/battalion level officer and an S3 better that anyone has ever seen but you cant stay there even if you want you have to move up to higher and that includes enlisted people also. My son lost one of the best mechanic/machinist in his Avn maint shop because the sm refused to be promoted out of his slot( he had outside money and really didn't need to work)

Response by CPT Daniel Rodriguez made Dec 31 at 2019 2:11 AM

CPT Daniel Rodriguez — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 02:11:26 -0500

I had the opportunity to command two different units. I believe excellent leaders seek responsibility and commanding a unit is the best job in the Army. I also had several staff positions in my career and Officers still display leadership skills in those positions. I don't believe it's wise to pass up any command opportunities or not seek those positions as an officer. I really can't understand why an officer would try to stay away from a command position. Is there a lack of confidence? The military needs good leaders who understand how to accomplish the mission but still taking care of the soldiers who are under their command. There are different leadership styles but excellent officers will listen to their NCOs and be firm but fair.

Response by SGT Gary Reed made Jan 6 at 2020 8:59 PM

SGT Gary Reed — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 20:59:03 -0500

Yes. If you expect leadership opportunity, accept them when offered. You don't get to pick and chose. You either lead, follow or get out of the way.

Response by COL Jon Lopey made Apr 24 at 2020 9:44 PM

COL Jon Lopey — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 21:44:40 -0400

The best job I had was a company commander position (twice) (I liked being a platoon leader too). In most branches this command level is imperative and will more than likely enhance your leadership skills and help your career as well. I can't think of an officer position that would not entail some type of company command position or equivalent leadership job as you progress in rank from LT to CPT. I have seen officers decline a company command due to a pending school, injury, deployment, personal issue, or they wanted a few more months of prep time in a platoon, but generally these declinations were temporary and they jump back into the fray within a short period of time. I took a 2nd company command job once on a special mission because I was asked and passed up an important school I needed and wanted because the command needed me at that time. A company command job is not always a matter of what is best for the Soldier-leader but is often what is best for the unit and the Army. Thanks for the thought-provoking question. COL L

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Apr 28 at 2020 12:08 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:08:01 -0400

To turn down a step in the advancement process to command doesn't spell leadership or even ambition to Me. What possible reason could there be other than a fear and lack of confidence to take on that responsibility ? How can someone that doesn't want to lead be a leader, the simple answer is they can't ! That's My opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2020 12:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 12:36:37 -0400

If you don’t want to lead, well your not a leader

Response by Sgt Laura Campbell made Jul 31 at 2021 12:56 AM

Sgt Laura Campbell — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 00:56:50 -0400

I think it makes them honest. I'm bossy, I don't think I want to be in charge of a lot of people. I was fine running a shift, 3-4 people, but I didn't EVER want to be responsible for a lot of airmen!