Posted on Sep 14, 2019
CPT(P) Miccc Student
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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!
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LTC Jason Mackay
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Edited 5 y ago
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.
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MAJ Javier Rivera
MAJ Javier Rivera
5 y
Know in advance the organizations’ METL (you should get that from their S3s), be prepare to discuss your command philosophy, and why you are their best option.

Just to add. You set the pace for the company. Be challenging but not to an extreme.

There will be times to work your butt off but keep in mind, troops have a life of their own a families. Stay way from the come to work early and leave late mentality! Take care do them and they will definitely take care of you.

Good luck!
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
CPT(P) (Join to see)
5 y
Some absolutely awesome points here. Puts me in the right state of mind for tomorrow. I am to the point where I've prepared as much as I can, I know I am ready for the job. I just need to convince the BN and BDE commanders.

Thank you very much gentlemen.
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
5 y
CPT(P) (Join to see) be yourself. Good luck
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SFC Instructor/Writer
SFC (Join to see)
5 y
These points were spot on sir! Well said.
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MAJ Deputy Inspector General
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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.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
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Write down your strength as a Company Commander and know your Command philosophy.
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