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 5 y ago
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 25
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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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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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LTC Stephen Conway 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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Look to the support you may have in the position.
I had six days of active duty when I was assigned as Headquarters Company Commander with 200+ troops. A great 1SG and some senior NCOs got me through that. I had three more command slots before I attended the advanced course. There was no such thing as a pre-command course in those days
I had six days of active duty when I was assigned as Headquarters Company Commander with 200+ troops. A great 1SG and some senior NCOs got me through that. I had three more command slots before I attended the advanced course. There was no such thing as a pre-command course in those days
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CPT (Join to see) Your profile reflects eight years of military experience both enlisted and commissioned. You have seen others make mistakes in solving and handling military situations. Now is your opportunity to do better than those you have mentally critiqued over the years.
Command is the greatest job in the military! The greatest challenges, responsibilities, rewards and satisfaction go hand in hand with the privilege!
Command is the greatest job in the military! The greatest challenges, responsibilities, rewards and satisfaction go hand in hand with the privilege!
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Bad idea would be not taking the job. Never turn down any opportunity offered. You may not be fully qualified in your own mind, but someone thinks you are. As a CO all you have to do is lead and sign off. Your staff, especially XO and 1SG will help you administer. Grab resource material and read heavily. If you are unsure of yourself, it will show, and decrease confidence in subordinates. Go for it.
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Why are you even thinking about it? If your BN Cdr is considering for the job it means he/she knows you not only have the capability to tackle the job, but to entrust you with the overall care of his/her most precious asset: Soldiers! You already have 1st person knowledge of the unit and key leaders. Will you have to struggle a bit here and there? Even the most experience officer will so don’t worry. Therfore, given the option, for for it. And if offered and you declin without a solid reason (something in line as becoming a White House Military Aid), then forget about another opportunity; you’ll crash and burn your career!
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MAJ Javier Rivera Thank you for your input. it is quite refreshing to read the comments and input from others who have been there, done that and would probably do it again.
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MAJ Javier Rivera
CPT (Join to see) - Given the chance, I’ll jump to the opportunity for a 3rd time. An illusion as a retiree of course.
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MAJ Ron Peery
CPT (Join to see) - Though I was a Signal officer for almost my entire career, my "command time" was as a combat advisor for an ANA infantry company (commando). Weird stuff happens. Grab hold and enjoy the ride.
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You be in charge but your 1SG, XO, PLs and Platoon Sergeants will be there to delegate. Home station drill for the next year. The corona virus has postponed exercises like Defender and the like. Have resiliency. You will succeed! CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 CPT (Join to see) MAJ Javier Rivera LTC Jason Mackay MAJ Ron Peery
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