Company Commander/First Sergeant Pre-Command Course held on JBM-HH

By Capt. Timothy HamptonNovember 8, 2021

Col. Patrick Roddy, commander of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), speaks to group of Soldiers during the Company Commander/First Sergeant Pre-Command Course on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., November 1, 2021. The course prepares new and prospective company commanders and first sergeants in the National Capital Region.
Col. Patrick Roddy, commander of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), speaks to group of Soldiers during the Company Commander/First Sergeant Pre-Command Course on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., November 1, 2021. The course prepares new and prospective company commanders and first sergeants in the National Capital Region. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Capt. Timothy Hampton) VIEW ORIGINAL

The U.S. Army Military District of Washington (USAMDW) conducted a Company Commander/First Sergeant Pre-Command Course (CCFSPCC) at the Education Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Nov. 1-5, 2021. The course introduced new and prospective company leaders to potential challenges of command, avenues and resources available to assist them, and joint operations within the National Capital Region (NCR).

“There are two needs for the course,” said Mike Egly, training specialist from USAMDW. "First off, it’s an Army requirement that all command teams receive the pre-command course at the company level. The other part is when you come into a place like the NCR, it’s important to understand the services available to assist in care of Soldiers and Families.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin Velez, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and USAMDW, outlined the duties and responsibilities of a command team on the first day of the course. Command teams from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Fort A.P. Hill, The Army Aviation Brigade, Fort George G. Meade, and the Soldier Recovery Brigade National Capital Region served as senior mentors, sharing their professional knowledge and personal experiences.

The interactive class environment included discussions, case studies and small group exercises, integrating leaders from across the command into the instruction. USAMDW staff reviewed the Army’s programs, policies, procedures, and command, as well as the benefits and local services available to support Soldiers and Army Families within the NCR. Familiarity with subject matter experts and knowledge of resources allows leaders to support their Soldiers effectively and efficiently.

“You’ll have to lead in a manner were your subordinates will be able to execute your intent to solve problems that you won’t even know existed,” said Col. Patrick Roddy, Old Guard commander and course senior mentor. “The ultimate successful organizational leadership starts with, what would my boss want me to do in this situation?”