Any tips for a Company Command interview?

2019-09-14T14:06:04-04:00

I have three BN CDR interviews next week and BDE CDR interview next week. Side note, it is a TRADOC command position, and I am pre-CCC. Thanks!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 14 at 2019 2:25 PM

2019-09-14T14:25:00-04:00

Commanders want Company Commanders that understand the following:
- they want someone they are not constantly having to clean up behind. They want good judgement and prudent risk taking. Own your mistakes. Report as required, even if it isn't good news, fix your crap
- they don't want a spot light ranger attention whore. Run your unit. Accomplish the mission. Help other units if you have figured out a good method to handle tough problems. The BN XO and S3 will see who actually did the heavy lift. The competition meets cooperation....coopetition don't Blue falcon the staff or another company. If you see a need to coordinate or cooperate, do so and report back. No need to throw that on the BC or XO.
- accomplish the mission and operate inside their intent. If you don't understand the intent, ask.
- understand what your NCOs do and enable them without abdicating everything to them. There is a magic sauce here.
- the Company is the element the upholds Army systems and processes. Get the command inspection program checklists and ensure everything you have is a B+ at all times. NCOs and additional duty officers need to make this happen for you. Your command "genius" is where you trust the right guy, empower them, check on them, and be clear where you accept risk and when.
- training plan. Understand the training process. What is an actual requirement, what is optional. Understand what the NCOs must do for individual training and contribute to collective training. May be different in TRADOC than FORSCOM.
- stuff will go wrong, your grade is on the climate and how you handle these things.
- be honest and forthright above all
- take care of your soldiers. Sometimes that is tough love and UCMJ. Be consistent and fair but tough.
- be yourself.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2019 10:12 PM

2019-09-14T22:12:19-04:00

Make sure you know your 8 Step Training model. Be yourself. If you are not selected based on your personality then you might have dodged a bullet. Make sure you are prepared to answer situational questions with SHARP to include who can take a formal or informal complaint. What's the difference? Basically, know your programs. What is your SFRG plan? What event will you throw in your first 90 days. Make sure you can articulate your duties as a CDR vs the duties of your 1SG. How will you settle differences between the two of you. Good Luck!!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2019 6:32 PM

2019-09-15T18:32:06-04:00

You can talk with the BN XO or BDE DCO or XO. I served two years as a BN XO in a TRADOC unit. My office was open and I heard all the interviews for Company Commander.. I knew what questions would be asked. When I had a CPT ask, I helped them prepare for the interview. The ones that did not ask did not always make it through.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 16 at 2019 1:55 PM

2019-09-16T13:55:01-04:00

Write down your strength as a Company Commander and know your Command philosophy.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 6:15 PM

2019-09-22T18:15:12-04:00

Bring a baseball card that outlines your career 5 year plan

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2019 1:59 PM

2019-10-05T13:59:00-04:00

Update: I was selected to command C/309th MIBN, the 35T AIT company! Thank you everyone for the sound advice

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Feb 21 at 2020 12:14 AM

2020-02-21T00:14:34-05:00

Your record is your qualifications. Will never forget staff review with new commanding officer. Most entered smoking joking but I was comended by my professionalism and attention to giving my honest opinion as to readiness of the battalion. Of course career course preped in making honest and concise reports.