Should a junior COL be selected for Division Chief of Staff?

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 16:03:50 -0500

I have seen LTC acting as Division Chief of Staffs, yet there is a reluctance to select a junior COL for this position...

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 16 at 2013 9:19 PM

SFC James Baber — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:19:47 -0500

Sir,

My belief on this question is the same as it is on an enlisted member taking on a position of higher authority that is above their pay grade, if they are capable and considered qualified by the senior staff above the vacant position then there should be no issue. That is sometimes how people are able to move up and receive promotions through the recognition of performing above and beyond of their current positions.

I have seen Majors sit in as an acting BDE CDR before, so why not a new bird for a position that is designed for it anyways, just because they are new to the rank doesn't mean that they cannot perform up to the task of the position, now the opposite can sometimes be true as well.

I hope that can give some perspective from an enlisted senior NCO for you.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 22 at 2014 11:49 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 11:49:17 -0400

Sir, I believe a junior COL could be more than ready for a Division CoS assignment. Time in grade should not weigh too much on this decision, in my opinion, compared to merit.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 23 at 2014 1:32 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 13:32:24 -0400

Well, I've just got to weigh in.

I absolutely support this concept, assuming the Army decides to make me a junior COL that is...

Otherwise, what COL Smallfield said.