Company Command

A gripping account of ordinary men with extraordinary courage and heroism who had one last chance to make good—and one helluva war zone to do it in. The new commander of the Company E, 52d Infantry LRRPs, Capt. George Paccerelli, was tough, but the men’s new AO was brutal. It was bad enough that the provinces of Binh Long, Phuoc Long, and Tay Ninh bordered enemy-friendly Cambodia, but their vast stretches of double- and triple-canopy jungle were also home to four crack enemy divisions, including the Viet Cong’s notorious 95C Regiment. Only the long-range patrols could deliver the critical strategic intelligence that the 1st Cav so desperately needed. Outmanned, outgunned, far from safety, these LRRPs stalked the enemy to his lair, staging bold prisoner snatches and tracking down hidden jungle bases. Hiding in ambush, surrounded by NVA, these teams either pulled off spectacular escape-and-evasion maneuvers in running firefights—or died trying.

"This research evaluated a trial program in which carefully selected, volunteer senior first lieutenants and junior captains were assigned to U.S. Army Infantry Training Brigade company command prior to completing the Infantry Captains Career Course (ICCC). Pre-ICCC commanders were promised a fellow-on command in an operational unit and served in the ITB command for 11 months, versus the standard 18 months. The job performance, leadership, organizational and training management skills, and turbulence effects of the shorter command tour of captains in the trial program (Pre-ICCC commanders) were compared to captains who assumed command after completing ICCC (Post-ICCC commanders). A combination of surveys and interviews with drill sergeants, battalion commanders, battalion command sergeants major, and the company commanders was conducted. Results showed Pre-ICCC company commanders received as high or higher ratings than Post-ICCC commanders. Turbulence effects were rated as minimal to moderate and were minimized by various management techniques. Battalion commanders spent relatively greater time developing Pre-ICCC commanders, but the Pre-ICCC commanders' great enthusiasm and motivation compensated for their lack of experience.."--DTIC.

A "Dutch-Uncle" approach to advising those who assume "first" command. Written by an Army officer primarily for Army company commanders, the book contains information, suggestions, & insights applicable to other services. A ready reference for the company commander. Identifies tasks to complete & how to set new directions for the company; inspires confidence to command with authority. Includes chapters on military justice & administrative law matters. Comprehensive do's & don'ts of a winning command philosophy.