As the Army Company XO, you run the day-to-day operations of the unit, along with the First Sergeant. Your primary responsibility is to assist the Company Commander in areas such as administration, supply and maintenance.

While serving as the Company XO, you will gain valuable experience working with the Supply Sergeant. You will learn about Physical Security and the Command Supply Discipline Program. You will also learn about inventories and property accountability. This will really help you out when you are one day a Company Commander.

In addition, as the Company XO, you will also get experience with administration. This could include writing NCOERs, OERs and awards. You will also oversee promotions, separations, schools, pay problems and so much more.

As the Company XO, you'll get some experience working in the Motor Pool. You'll learn about Maintenance Reports, such as the 026, how to order parts, PMCS a vehicle, HAZMAT and so much more. You will manage the company maintenance program, along with the Motor Sergeant. You will ensure your equipment is maintained, accounted for and ready to deploy.

Other benefits include running meetings, serving as the acting Company Commander (when the CO is absent) and mentoring the Platoon Leaders.

If possible, you should spend 9-18 months as the Company XO. By the time you are done as a Company XO, you should clearly understand how platoons operate within a company. In addition, you will have some experience with company and battalion operations, too. And, you should have a better understanding how companies operate within a battalion.

Once your Company XO time is up, you should actively seek out a Battalion Staff Officer position. This will round out your junior officer development and help prepare you for Company Command.

Company Commander Tips!

As the Company Commander, one of your biggest priorities is to develop your Lieutenants, especially your Company XO.  In order to so, follow these helpful hints.

Hint 1: Empower Your Company Executive Officer.  As the Company Commander, you should empower your Company XO to make decisions.  Don't make the Company XO get your approval or every single decision.  Put your Company XO in charge whenever possible.  Test them.  Help build their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

Hint 2: Establish Priorities for your Company XO.  This begins with counseling.  As the Company Commander, you should clearly identify your company Executive Officer's priorities.  Most of the time, the primary duties and responsibilities of the Company Executive Officer include supply, maintenance and administration.  If you choose different priorities for him or her, make sure they understand what their priorities are.  Please keep in mind, their priorities should be different than your priorities.

Hint 3: Lead by Example at all Times.  This one is simple.  Be a positive example by your actions, not just what you say.  Your Company Executive Officer will emulate you, so make sure you are squared away.

Hint 4: Conduct one-on-one AARs and Counseling.  As the Company Commander you must devote some quiet, one-on-one individual time with your Company XO.  After any significant training event, sit down with them and get their input.  Also, make sure you conduct your initial and quarterly counselings as required.

In conclusion, the Company Executive Officer plays a vital role in the success of any company or Company Commander.  As the Company Commander, your job is to ensure your Company Executive Officer has clear guidance, your support and one-on-one mentorship so he or she could assume command in your absence.

Learn more about the Company Executive Officer in my Platoon Leader eBook