Do I have to complete another command cycle after re-branching from LG to EN to be eligible for EN Major?

2022-07-07T08:01:06-04:00

My chain of command had recommended that I do a branch transfer from LG to EN given my performance and civilian construction experience. I recently completed company command for the BN FSC and did well. A few of my colleagues have mentioned that I would have to go through another company command as an EN Captain to be eligible for Major through the EN branch. I’ve spoken to our S1 about this and they are giving me mixed answers as well. Where can I find out if another company command is required or not? What are some others’ experiences with this?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jul 7 at 2022 8:59 AM

2022-07-07T08:59:45-04:00

As much as Company Command time is emphasized, I can't find any regulation that states that it is a requirement to promote to Major. Now having done the same transfer to the Engineers as a 1LT, I can tell you that the Company time and Company Command allowed me to learn my job beyond what is now CCC.
Have you asked your Branch Manager that question?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2022 9:45 AM

2022-07-07T09:45:16-04:00

The problem you will run into is that you would not be as competitive for an EN BN command compared to those that do have an EN CO command in your state.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jul 7 at 2022 11:21 AM

2022-07-07T11:21:00-04:00

Command is never required to promote to major and the real question is what is your military career goal and will you be competitive to reach it? The Army often does not care how good you do in your area of expertise but how good you look in measurable means with other officers. MAJ Snuffy was given $5mil to complete a bridge over the river Snuffy2 in three months and completed bridge two weeks early $500,000 under budget.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2022 11:49 AM

2022-07-07T11:49:55-04:00

It's the National Guard. It has a different set of rules there. In the RA we have to take a FORSCOM command for it to count. If you are not infantry just about any command counts. You need to as those in your state what they look for.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2022 2:53 PM

2022-07-07T14:53:46-04:00

Do you HAVE to..No. Should you...maybe. I never had platoon time and got promoted. I know of other Majors that never had command time and got promoted. There is no offical checklist that you have to do at each rank to be promoted. There are positions, assignment, and extra duties that you can do to be more competitive among your peers.
A good majority of NG CPTS transition to the USAR because of the lack of opportunities as you move up. Look at your state, the units, and the MTOEs to determine where you can go or it you need to move out of state.