Posted on Nov 1, 2014
Should the War College be offered to officers earlier in a career?
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Consider whether or not the War College and other schools are offered too late during a military career. We pull Colonels from the field in their prime, when we might get the most out of their experience. Many bail if they are not then selected for command or Brig General....Would the military be better if Lt. Cols were selected rather than Colonels? Would that make better, more effective Lt. Cols and Colonels...who could spend more time in the field at the prime of their careers?
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Training
Leadership
Training Leadership
Posted 10 y ago
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SGM (Join to see) - I gonna say the Army has this one right. Most Colonels are selected to attend during command for attendance after completion of their Bde. Command. Yes there are some who get selected early and don't get their full time in command and are usually on that "fast track" to general officer. Of course, all will not get selected for GO first go round. As we all know, there are not enough promotions to promote everyone. LTCs plate are pretty full with command at the Bn level and staff assignments they receive either before or after command.
The LTCs attended CGSC as majors to learn to extreme left to right limits of Bn command, further prepare on a bn staff for when they get promoted to LTC. Look at how many of them do not get selected for LTC and then Bn Command. War College is strategic thinking and planning, where Bn Command is still tactical for the most part.
Not saying I'm right, just my thoughts. Good question! Maybe we will get some LTCs and Cols to give us some insight from their perspective on this one. Would be interesting to hear.
The LTCs attended CGSC as majors to learn to extreme left to right limits of Bn command, further prepare on a bn staff for when they get promoted to LTC. Look at how many of them do not get selected for LTC and then Bn Command. War College is strategic thinking and planning, where Bn Command is still tactical for the most part.
Not saying I'm right, just my thoughts. Good question! Maybe we will get some LTCs and Cols to give us some insight from their perspective on this one. Would be interesting to hear.
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SGM (Join to see)
1SG McPherson--interesting perspectives. Thanks for sharing them, I learned a few things. In my view, promotions are not for what you have done, but for what you are expected to do...and that is what schooling should mean too. I do know many who would have been much better COLs had they attended earlier...perhaps just personality stuff.
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1SG (Join to see)
Your 200% correct in your comment, Promotions are not for what you've done, but for you are expected to do! Which is why CGSC majority attendence is for Majors, preparing them for Bn Command and higher staff functions. And with that I guess I will have to lean more in agreement with your War College concept now then I was a couple hours ago. Good point.
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