What is better viewed on boards, having been a SPO, or a Battalion Commander? Which one is seen as more prepared or qualified?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 22:53:51 -0400

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 11:08 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 23:08:59 -0400

Sir, I have not been on Officer Promotion Boards, but Leadership Command positions are typically needed to move up.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Apr 30 at 2016 12:03 AM

SFC Andrew Miller — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 00:03:27 -0400

While I can't personally relate and don't have an answer to your question, I think comparing SPO and S3 positions would be a more reasonable comparison.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 30 at 2016 5:41 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 05:41:00 -0400

Sir, there is no comparison. Battalion Command-Hands down!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 8:38 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 08:38:49 -0400

To become a Battalion Commander you would have had to been a high-performing BCT or CSSB SPO (O-4 position). Once you are a Battalion Commander then your performance in that position will be really what matters to make COL, not SPO time. If you're comparing a SUST BDE SPO (O-5 position) vs. Battalion Commander then it is still hands down the latter.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 2:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 14:16:46 -0400

I don't really understand what decisions this LTC could be thinking about. If he is already an LTC, he either will or won't be selected for battalion command by the command selection board. It's not like he just gets to decide to be one. If he is selected for command and declines it, he won't make COL. And if the SPO is a MAJ position, and he's an LTC what kind of decision point could there be in that regard?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2016 11:46 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 May 2016 11:46:29 -0400

Read some of the other responses. Bottom-line: SPO is a job that should help round out your experience and make you more eligible for Battalion Command. In the world of the reserves, where it is possible that both offers may come to a field grade officer at the same time...take the command. Even if it is for a short period, command is always the better choice. Look at it this way. Which is more prestigious, the Battalion Command job or the job of SPO who works for the Battalion Commander?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 10:37 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 22:37:42 -0500

For a LTC SPO position then we're talking SBDE. Is a challenging position, and high-vis for certain, but as others have stated, without BN CMD, (CSL position) there is no path to COL. Command brings with it it's own set of unique challenges. For active duty, being the SPO does not prevent one from competing for command. If a choice between the two is the issue, as was mentioned earlier, then I would say career and post-career goals come into play, but even then, BN CMD (where you have a MAJ as a BN SPO on your staff) is the better choice in my opinion, as you are still responsible for many of the same things, ( synchronization of logistics albeit on a smaller scale) but you have the added responsibilities inherent in command. (Think CEO of the organization)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2017 8:45 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 20:45:53 -0400

Thanks to all for their input. I try to be non-judgmental when people ask me questions like this, you will be amazed how little people know about how the system works in the military, even those expending a lifetime in it. I have realized that many people got where they are by the sheer power of being alive, and having Ok evaluations, and showing up. My motto is "I rather look stupid than being stupid", and as a approachable person, people ask me all kinds of questions, which I try to answer for them. Not only I am not afraid to ask the questions, but I truly enjoy mentoring others, mainly because it was not done to me in my previous life as an Enlisted Soldier.
This is a great community, thanks to all.

Response by COL Randy Alicea made Aug 6 at 2017 10:45 AM

COL Randy Alicea — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 10:45:07 -0400

BN Cdr