There is life before Company Command.  In fact, the different leadership positions, such as Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer and Battalion Staff Officer are designed to shape, mold and develop "seasoned" Captains who become effective Company Commanders.

One of the biggest mistakes Company Grade Officers make is being in a rush to take command.  Now, don't get me wrong here.  There's nothing wrong with wanting to be a Company Commander.  In fact, any company grade officer who doesn't want to lead troops, shouldn't be an Army Officer in the first place. 

That being said, wanting to command and being ready to command are two completely different things.  Every Company Grade Officer I have ever met thought they were ready to command.  But, most weren't.

It doesn't mean these Company Grade Officers wouldn't do their best if they were selected to serve as a Company Commander.  I'm sure they would do their best.  However, most young Company Grade Officers with 2-4 years of military experience don't have the required skillset or experience to succeed as a Company Commander.

As you already know, Company Command is a tough job.  To succeed, you need maturity, time and experience as an Army Officer, leader and person.  As a Second Lieutenant or First Lieutenant, you do not have that experience yet.

You gain experience with time.  In reality, you need at least 4-5 years of Company Grade Officer experience to prepare you for Company Command.  You need experience as a Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Battalion Staff Officer.  Combat Experience is a big benefit, too.

You should also realize that 3 years of military experience in the Army National Guard is about the same as one year experience on Active Duty.  Therefore, an Active Duty Captain with four years experience has the same experience as an Army National Guard Captain with 8-12 years experience.  

You can already see the "disadvantage" National Guard Officers face.  So, how does a National Guard Company Grade Officer successfully prepare herself for Company Command?  It's simple. 

First of all, don't be in a rush.  Pay your dues as  a Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer and Battalion Staff Officer first.  Spend at least one year in each of those three jobs.

That way, you will have some military experience with a good understanding about how a platoon operates, how a company operates, and how a battalion operates.  More importantly, you will gain military experience about how a platoon operates within a company and how a company operates within a battalion.
This will teach you basics about leadership, managment and 'big picture' thinking.

Next, you should complete your military education requirements.  At a minimum, you should complete the Basic Officer Leader's Course, Captain's Career Course and Pre-Command Course.  If possible, try to take some additional "branch specific" courses.

Don't wait till the last minute to complete your military education.  Be proactive.  Complete your military education as fast as possible.  That way you separate yourself from your peers and position yourself to win.

Once you have completed your military education and have served in several different leadership positions, you should start looking for a Company Command vacancy.

Get more helpful tips in my Company Commander eBook.