| Army company command is an awesome experience | | | | common goal. They both place the needs of their |
| unlike few other experiences in either the military or | | | | soldiers and their unit, above that of their own. |
| civilian life. If you have never been a company | | | | Although the CO and 1SG have different roles, few |
| commander (CO) before, you might not understand | | | | commanders ever achieve success without the hard |
| exactly what I am talking about, but I'll do my best | | | | work and continuous support of a First Sergeant and |
| to explain anyway. | | | | Company XO. They must rely on each other to do |
| An Army company usually consists of 100-200 | | | | their specific job, in order to achieve success. |
| soldiers. These soldiers are assigned to different | | | | In the Active Duty Army, company commanders |
| platoons. Each platoon has 20-40 soldiers and is led | | | | take command for 18-24 months, whereas in the |
| by a Lieutenant. Most companies have 3-4 platoons. | | | | military reserves commanders typically serve 24-36 |
| A (CO)is usually a Captain or Senior First Lieutenant | | | | months. After command, Captains return to life as a |
| with 5-7 years of military experience. Most COs | | | | Staff Officer and prepare for promotion to Major. |
| previously served as a Platoon Leader, Company | | | | Most officers will tell you that their time as a |
| Executive Officers and/or Battalion Staff Officers | | | | commander was their toughest assignment as an |
| prior to taking command. | | | | officer. And, those same officers will all tell you that |
| The CO is the formal leader of the organization, | | | | the blood, sweat and tears were worth it. |
| similar to that of a CEO of a small business. Their | | | | Whenever I ask any retired officer what job they |
| primary mission is preparing their unit for combat. | | | | enjoyed most in the military, they all tell me company |
| Additionally, they are responsible for mission | | | | command. |
| accomplishment, soldier morale, training, unit | | | | If you are considering becoming a CO, you should. |
| readiness, equipment readiness and a combination of | | | | Although the position will require personal sacrifices, |
| other things. In essence, they are responsible for the | | | | the rewards are very fulfilling. You will grow as a |
| unit, the soldiers and everything that does or does | | | | person and become a better leader. |
| not happen in the unit. | | | | You will also have a better understanding of your |
| The CO works together with the First Sergeant. The | | | | leadership capabilities. You will be tested and |
| First Sergeant is the the senior | | | | challenged, but will become a seasoned officer with |
| Non-Commissioned-Officer in the unit who advises | | | | an experience like no other. |
| the CO on soldier issues. Typically, the First Sergeant | | | | In conclusion, company command is an awesome job. |
| also handles discipline and individual training. | | | | It's tough. It's challenging. The responsibility is |
| The relationship between a First Sergeant and CO is | | | | enormous, but leading soldiers is a privilege. You will |
| often compared to that of a husband and wife. In | | | | look back and cherish the time you spent serving in |
| other words, the two work together towards a | | | | command. |