Posted on Dec 29, 2020
Is a Pre SCCC 1LT taking command of a Brigade Signal Company a bad idea?
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Hey RP Community,
My BN Commander is looking at me to take command of a Brigade Signal Company. However, I have not completed Signal Captains Career Course (SCCC) nor Pre-Command Course(PCC). I transitioned from the said Company as the XO to the BDE S6 shop in an O-3 slot so I can promote to CPT once my promotion board convenes in the spring(2021). My hesitation/concern for taking command is that I do not have any staff experience(until recently) and do not know all the staff roles/responsibilities and how to leverage those positions to support the company mission and its Soldiers. In general, I feel like taking command with limited experience as a Junior Officer would probably be similar to that of a dumpster fire.
I am chewing on this a bit and currently leaning towards not taking command, at least until I complete my time in the BDE S6 and graduate from SCCC. I think then I would reconsider, having a better understanding of Staff roles and how I can use them effetely to facilitate the BDE Signal Company mission and METL tasks.
I would really appreciate everyone input in the matter. Thank you!
- Rob
My BN Commander is looking at me to take command of a Brigade Signal Company. However, I have not completed Signal Captains Career Course (SCCC) nor Pre-Command Course(PCC). I transitioned from the said Company as the XO to the BDE S6 shop in an O-3 slot so I can promote to CPT once my promotion board convenes in the spring(2021). My hesitation/concern for taking command is that I do not have any staff experience(until recently) and do not know all the staff roles/responsibilities and how to leverage those positions to support the company mission and its Soldiers. In general, I feel like taking command with limited experience as a Junior Officer would probably be similar to that of a dumpster fire.
I am chewing on this a bit and currently leaning towards not taking command, at least until I complete my time in the BDE S6 and graduate from SCCC. I think then I would reconsider, having a better understanding of Staff roles and how I can use them effetely to facilitate the BDE Signal Company mission and METL tasks.
I would really appreciate everyone input in the matter. Thank you!
- Rob
Company Commander
25A: Signal Officer
Reserves
Edited 4 y ago
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 26
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CPT (Join to see) Couple questions:
- Can you inventory and account for property?
- Do you understand the basic S-Shop functions (ie personnel stuff goes to S1, security and intel goes to S2 etc)?
- Do you understand the mission and METL tasks of the BDE Signal Company?
- Can you read, understand, and adapt an operations order to your formation?
- Do you think you can issue orders and directives to lead a Company?
- Can you delegate?
If the answer to all of these things is YES, which it should be, then you are as ready as any of us were. The only way to become an expert on Company Command is to command one. Full stop. Your BDE CDR thinks you can do it. By that same token, I would imagine that he is going in to this eyes wide open that you may need help. Its more about your judgement than knowledge.
This opportunity may not magically re-appear when you are ready, the stars align etc.
I went to the CCC with many who had already commanded Companies for 12-36 months.
- Can you inventory and account for property?
- Do you understand the basic S-Shop functions (ie personnel stuff goes to S1, security and intel goes to S2 etc)?
- Do you understand the mission and METL tasks of the BDE Signal Company?
- Can you read, understand, and adapt an operations order to your formation?
- Do you think you can issue orders and directives to lead a Company?
- Can you delegate?
If the answer to all of these things is YES, which it should be, then you are as ready as any of us were. The only way to become an expert on Company Command is to command one. Full stop. Your BDE CDR thinks you can do it. By that same token, I would imagine that he is going in to this eyes wide open that you may need help. Its more about your judgement than knowledge.
This opportunity may not magically re-appear when you are ready, the stars align etc.
I went to the CCC with many who had already commanded Companies for 12-36 months.
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CPT (Join to see)
LTC Jason Mackay Sir, thank you for the response. I did answer YES to those questions you posted. I will say that I do know a lot about the company already so taking command won’t be so shell shocking.
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LTC Jason Mackay
CPT (Join to see) good luck. Command Philosophy is important but has to be authentic
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You were an XO so you already were the loggie guy in your Company.You know most of your soldiers and that relationship is a plus in getting things done.
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CPT (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see) I was the XO for the company for 24 months and between two different commanders. I know the company very well and its underlying issue. Like I said to LTC Jason Mackay, I don't think it would be as shell shocking taking command. I already know all the operations and processes that run the unit
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Concur with LTC Mackay. You also need to consider that if you turn down this command, you may not get another offer, from this Bde Cdr or from anyone else. Your Bde Cdr thinks you can do it. Your bio says you have the skills. Frederick the Great had a saying, "Take not the counsel of your fears." You may get some gray hair and sleepless nights, but I think you should go for it.
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