Posted on Feb 23, 2019
Does anyone think it would be better (career wise) to get a command position right out of the CCC, or take a staff position first?
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I understand the reality is that a majority of CCC graduates will end up at staff, but I was just curious what what everyone thought on this topic. It seems as though the timeframe we have to get broadening assignments shortens if we sit in a staff position instead of completing our Key Developmental position first. I feel like, given the opportunity, that I would want to be in command first, but would that be the best route to take as a young officer?
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CPTCaptains Career Course (CCC)
CPTCaptains Career Course (CCC)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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CPT (Join to see) the normal flow takes you from CCC to a Brigade or Battalion Staff until a command billet opens up. There may be a bench of pre command captains waiting from the previous year group. You'll likely arrive and be routed to Staff first.
There is goodness to this. You'll get to gauge the unit and figure out the power dynamics. You'll get to know the policies and procedures before you are in a Company. You'll form relationships with key officers and NCOs. You can see your potential command from the outside looking in, but from the staff stand point. How good are they? What do they send higher ? Do they get stuff done? Are they the habitual delinquent?
A BDE Commander or Battalion Commander will be reluctant to take a guy sight unseen and throw them in command. That did happen to me but it was done with the recommendation of my previous Troop Commander who,worked for my soon to be rater (DCO).
Your life in a GSAB and your NCO experience are your only experience. You'll need to figure,out this new unit either before your command or very quickly if you walk into command.
Honestly, as a participant in the talent management process and keeper of the slate, I don't think you'll walk right in to a command. Especially at a big division post.
There is goodness to this. You'll get to gauge the unit and figure out the power dynamics. You'll get to know the policies and procedures before you are in a Company. You'll form relationships with key officers and NCOs. You can see your potential command from the outside looking in, but from the staff stand point. How good are they? What do they send higher ? Do they get stuff done? Are they the habitual delinquent?
A BDE Commander or Battalion Commander will be reluctant to take a guy sight unseen and throw them in command. That did happen to me but it was done with the recommendation of my previous Troop Commander who,worked for my soon to be rater (DCO).
Your life in a GSAB and your NCO experience are your only experience. You'll need to figure,out this new unit either before your command or very quickly if you walk into command.
Honestly, as a participant in the talent management process and keeper of the slate, I don't think you'll walk right in to a command. Especially at a big division post.
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CPT (Join to see)
Thank you sir for your insight! The reason I actually posted this question was due to contradicting statements made by some leaders in the school house. Some said it was better to position yourself for a “walk-on” command slot in an uncompetitive area (they used Korea as an example), and others leaned more on your side of the position. I was just really confused about what to expect from my next assignment, but you definitely shed some “much needed” light the subject. Thank you again!
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LTC Jason Mackay
CPT (Join to see) - I walked on in Korea and was successful. Obviously, you go where you are called and give it your best.
The functional part of it is that you don't want to hang out in Korea, especially unaccompanied. I had to extend 30 days so I could get 13 months and two OERs.
The functional part of it is that you don't want to hang out in Korea, especially unaccompanied. I had to extend 30 days so I could get 13 months and two OERs.
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CPT (Ret)Bryon Scott Milam
The LTC advice is spot on, the only thing I would add is when you are in that pool of CPTs waiting for command and something gets offered to you, don't be to reluctant to take something that is not exactly what you want, I saw plenty of CPTs that waited and got behind because they got wrapped in what they wanted versus needs of the BDE or Battalion, don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and take ownership of whatever job you get......
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LTC Jason Mackay
CPT (Ret)Bryon Scott Milam - good point. That really would piss off a BDE or BN Commander if you turned up your nose at a Company. It dorks up the slate. The only reclama would be if you had a major personal issue that would distract you from command. Had a guy get relieved. He should have turned it down all together.
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Being in this situation (still waiting to take command), I'd like to share my thoughts on this.
Brigade or Battalion staff time precommand can set you up for experiences and learning opportunities which will set you up for success as you take command.
First thing is you get to realize there is another level of professionalism and expectations you are going to need to learn before you take command. Coming out of CCC, you have an impression of what your leadership style is but haven't ironed out the more finer details. Being able to watch my peers and see some of the commanders in actions have given me perspective and changed some of what I thought I needed to know. It's a constant learning process and being given a chance to learn, apply, and change your philosophy before taking command will set you up for success. I've had to do some serious conversing with myself on how I want to be seen when I take the guidon. I don't think I would have had that chance if they had rushed me into command.
The second major thing about this time is developing the relations with the captain mafia. You're now a member of the team that can make decisions which will affect your unit and units external. Being able to build a relationship with your fellow captains pays dividends when you need help, trust me on this end.
It also gives you a chance to learn how a force fights and how to integrate into their operations. For those coming from like fields (heavy to heavy, airborne to airborne), you now get to apply the lessions from your previous unit to better the force. Bare in mind that not everything you did previously has revilance to your new unit (ex. Back at Bragg...). For those coming from a different field (heavy to light, rockets to ABN Arty, etc), this is your time to learn your new field and the differences in priorities it has from units. You can take those lessions and help improve your unit. When you are going into a new theatre, such as EUCOM, that time spent on staff learning how operations work in that theatre and requirements will ease your burdens to let you focus on other problems.
Bottom line, the soldiers/airmen/sailors/marines you will lead deserve a leader who has their best interest in mind. Being given a job on staff to polish yourself off before command, learn how the organization operates, and take the lessons your peers have learned will set you up for success.
Brigade or Battalion staff time precommand can set you up for experiences and learning opportunities which will set you up for success as you take command.
First thing is you get to realize there is another level of professionalism and expectations you are going to need to learn before you take command. Coming out of CCC, you have an impression of what your leadership style is but haven't ironed out the more finer details. Being able to watch my peers and see some of the commanders in actions have given me perspective and changed some of what I thought I needed to know. It's a constant learning process and being given a chance to learn, apply, and change your philosophy before taking command will set you up for success. I've had to do some serious conversing with myself on how I want to be seen when I take the guidon. I don't think I would have had that chance if they had rushed me into command.
The second major thing about this time is developing the relations with the captain mafia. You're now a member of the team that can make decisions which will affect your unit and units external. Being able to build a relationship with your fellow captains pays dividends when you need help, trust me on this end.
It also gives you a chance to learn how a force fights and how to integrate into their operations. For those coming from like fields (heavy to heavy, airborne to airborne), you now get to apply the lessions from your previous unit to better the force. Bare in mind that not everything you did previously has revilance to your new unit (ex. Back at Bragg...). For those coming from a different field (heavy to light, rockets to ABN Arty, etc), this is your time to learn your new field and the differences in priorities it has from units. You can take those lessions and help improve your unit. When you are going into a new theatre, such as EUCOM, that time spent on staff learning how operations work in that theatre and requirements will ease your burdens to let you focus on other problems.
Bottom line, the soldiers/airmen/sailors/marines you will lead deserve a leader who has their best interest in mind. Being given a job on staff to polish yourself off before command, learn how the organization operates, and take the lessons your peers have learned will set you up for success.
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CPT (Join to see)
I appreciate the advice sir! I’m really glad I posted this question. These responses have definitely opened my eyes to what to expect, and what’s important to understand as a new Captain. I think it’s better to take my time, and learn the organization before making the switch to command. It makes a lot more sense now. Thank you very much!
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Staff job perhaps in one of the S shops will fine hone your skills Sir. You're a young LT.. you have plenty of time for a Command position.
Just the opinion of an old crusty CSM.... FWIW'
Just the opinion of an old crusty CSM.... FWIW'
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