Army Company XO Duties & Responsibilities: What They Do - Citizen Soldier Resource Center (2024)

In today’s post, I’d like to educate you about the Army Company XO duties and responsibilities. This advice is geared toward Army Company XOs but could also apply to other branches of the service as well.

While the Company Commander leads the Company, the XO runs the company along with the First Sergeant. Think of it this way, the Company Commander is future operations, while the First Sergeant and XO are current operations.

The commander strategizes, plans, and develops policy. They set the vision and course for the organization. The First Sergeant and Company XO work closely together with the staff and platoons to make that happen.

In most cases, the Company XO takes care of the behind-the-scenes things such as supply, maintenance, and unit administration. Those are the big three and should consume 80 to 90 percent of your time. The remaining 10-20 percent of your time is spent putting out fires and managing odd-ball tasks as they arise. Of course, the XO isn’t the one doing everything. Instead, they have a supervisory or management role overseeing those tasks.

The Company XO works closely with the Supply Sergeant, Training NCO, Motor Sergeant, and First Sergeant to handle the issues the Company Commander doesn’t need to manage or have time to deal with.

They also manage meetings, help with suspense’s from higher headquarters, and do whatever else needs to be done. The tasks aren’t pretty or glamorous. In most cases, they are boring and mundane. But they are important.

Army Company XO Duties & Responsibilities: What They Do - Citizen Soldier Resource Center (1)

Company XO Duties & Responsibilities

In this section, I would like to share what I believe are the primary Army Company XO duties and responsibilities. I consider these the “big 3” tasks of the Company XO. This is based upon my own experience as a Company XO.

# 1: Administration

One of your primary responsibilities as the Company XO is to ensure the unit administration is squared away. This is the physical and digital “paperwork.” While administration is not sexy or intriguing, it is important!

The XO works closely with the Training NCO and Readiness NCO to ensure pay is processed on time, to ensure OERs and NCOERs are completed on time and to standard, and to make sure the unit’s suspense’s are met.

You will also oversee that the unit’s award’s program, ensure your Soldiers get submitted for the schools they need, and that all reports are completed on time.

You won’t be doing most of these things yourself, but you will work with the NCOs as needed. Your job is to identify priorities, make sure things gets done, and keep the Company Commander in the loop as needed.

# 2: Supply

Unit Supply is a critical activity in any unit. A good Supply Sergeant can make or break a unit. And a good Company XO, with a strong focus on supply, can significantly improve things.

A good Company XO works with the Supply Sergeant, the Property Book Officer, and the Company Commander to ensure the required equipment is on hand, safeguarded, maintained, and operational. They also ensure all inventories are done on time and to standard.

A good XO has an active role in the unit’s Command Supply Discipline Program. They ensure the unit is fiscally responsible, that a good Supply SOP is published and enforced, and that supply issues are dealt with quickly.

These countless hours slaving away in the supply room can pay huge dividends with the unit’s readiness.

# 3: Maintenance

Maintenance is a beast. Depending upon how much MTOE equipment your unit has assigned to it, this can be a full-time job in and of itself.

The Company XO will work with the Motor Sergeant and Maintenance Control Officer to ensure (1) maintenance is being conducted properly, (2) parts are being ordered and processed in a timely manner (3) pacing items are worked on first and kept in fully mission capable condition, (4) jobs are prioritized, and (5) the unit has trained and sufficient mechanics on hand to do the work. The XO will also keep a close eye on the 026 Report.

The Motor Sergeant will oversee most of these things, but the XO is involved as needed, mostly to answer questions, make decisions, and provide guidance.

Additional Duties

Here are some additional duties you could have as a Company XO:

  1. Physical Security Officer
  2. Soldier Readiness
  3. Inspections
  4. Inventories
  5. Unit Movement Officer
  6. Supply Officer
  7. Maintenance Officer
  8. EO Officer

Something to Consider

While supply, administration, and maintenance are the three biggest and most important Army Company XO duties, it’s also important to remember that every command team is different. Your mission, type of unit you are in, and Company Commander will dictate what you do.

It would be in your best interest to sit down with your Company Commander & First Sergeant together to determine who is responsible for what. That way there are clear boundaries, and everyone knows what they are accountable for, and can stay in their lane.

Even if you think you know what your job entails, it’s a wise idea to sit down with your boss (the Company Commander) and find out what they see your role as.

Your job is to work behind-the-scenes with the First Sergeant and staff, so things are in order and ready for training. Your job is to make the Company Commander look good and help the unit succeed. You ensure the unit has the resources it needs to conduct its scheduled training.

You might not get much credit, or any of the glory, but you have an important job. Never forget that. Your time as an XO will help prepare you to be a successful Company Commander.

I should also chime in and mention that another important part of your job is to mentor and assist the Platoon Leaders. Don’t act like they work for you! They don’t! They work for the Company Commander, just like you do.Go out of your way to offer them your assistance, answer their questions, and help them succeed. When they succeed, you succeed, and the entire company benefits!

Here’s one last consideration. One day you will be a Company Commander yourself. Don’t forget that! What type of relationship would you want with your Company XO if you were the commander? What things would you want your XO to do if you were the commander? Answer those questions and then do your part!

Army Company XO Duties & Responsibilities: What They Do - Citizen Soldier Resource Center (2)

Qualities of a Good Company XO

Here are a few qualities of a good Company XO:

Humility: As a Company XO, you must be humble. Swallow your pride and put the commander, mission, and unit before yourself. Remember, it’s not about you!

Hustle: This job requires a lot of work. Put in the extra hours. Show up early and stay late. Outwork everyone who works with/for you.

Good Organization Skills: Get organized. Have priorities and a detailed daily “to-do” list. Use tracking sheets to manage your suspense’s and workload.

Delegate & Empower: Learn to delegate tasks and empower your NCOs. They are the backbone of the Army and know what they are doing. Work closely with them, do not micro-manage them, and learn everything you can from them.

Things You Will Learn in the Job

The Company XO is a great developmental job. You will learn how to:

  • Write OPORDs
  • Review & Update SOPS
  • Submit Soldiers for Awards
  • Run a Meeting
  • Maintenance Procedures
  • Supply Procedures
  • Convoy Management
  • Write NCOERs & OERs
  • Mission Planning
  • Establish Policy & Procedures
  • Risk Management
  • Command Climate
  • And hundreds of other things!

Best Tips for Success

Here are a few of my best success tips for Company XOs:

  • Be humble.
  • Don’t micro-manage your NCOs.
  • Support and encourage the Platoon Leaders.
  • Strive to make your Company Commander look good.
  • Listen and learn from your NCOs, they know what they are doing.
  • Counsel your subordinates in writing.
  • Be a sponge and learn everything you can.
  • Always, and I mean always, support your Company Commander and their intent!
Conclusion

The bottom line is that the Company XO has an important job of supporting the Company Commander and managing the supply, administration, and maintenance in the unit. They handle the day-to-day operations, put out fires, and run the company, so the commander can lead it! This enables the unit to successfully complete its mission. It’s a busy, challenging, and demanding job unlike few others.

What are your thoughts? Have you spent time as a Company XO before? If so, what were your primary duties and responsibilities while in the job? Leave a comment below to let me know what you think. Thanks.

Other Must Read Articles
  • First Sergeant Duties
  • Company Commander Duties
  • Platoon Leader Duties
  • Supply Sergeant Duties
  • Readiness NCO Duties

Sincerely,

Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com

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Army Company XO Duties & Responsibilities: What They Do - Citizen Soldier Resource Center (2024)

FAQs

What does an Army company XO do? ›

In many militaries and police forces, an executive officer, or "XO", is the second-in-command, reporting to the commanding officer. The XO is typically responsible for the management of day-to-day activities, freeing the commander to concentrate on strategy and planning the unit's next move.

What does an Army executive officer do? ›

Often referred to as XO, the executive officer takes the second-in-command position in an Army unit. The XO handles the administrative aspects of the unit with a focus on the day-to-day operational duties. Think of this role as the assistant to the unit commander, so the commander can focus on leading.

What rank is a company commander? ›

Usually a company commander is in the rank of captain.

What are the battalion commander's responsibilities and tasks? ›

Duties:
  • Command the battalion at all formations.
  • Prepare for and conduct the training of the battalion on drill days.
  • Maintain a direct and personal relationship with the staff and the company commanders.
  • Encourage the company commanders to communicate freely.

What rank is XO in army? ›

In the military, XO refers to a second-in-command officer, or more generally, an executive officer. The XO typically reports to the commanding officer, who also goes by the names “the first lieutenant” and “the number one”. Sometimes, XO is a way of calling “the commander” or a head of a department in the organization.

Is an XO higher than a CO? ›

At the top and comparable to a city's mayor is the ship's Commanding Officer (CO), who is ultimately responsible for the entire ship and the accomplishment of its assigned mission. Next in line and acting as city manager is the Executive Officer (XO).

How can I be a good company XO? ›

Top 5 Army Company XO Success Tips
  1. # 1 Support Your Company Commander. Without a doubt, your most important job is to support the Company Commander. ...
  2. # 2 Support Your Subordinates. Be a servant leader. ...
  3. # 3 Know Your Role. ...
  4. # 4 Don't Expect Recognition or Glory. ...
  5. # 5 Help Out the Platoon Leaders. ...
  6. Final Thoughts.

What are the three responsibilities of a military officer? ›

Officers typically do the following:
  • Plan, organize, and lead troops and activities in military operations.
  • Manage enlisted personnel.
  • Operate and command aircraft, ships, or armored vehicles.
  • Provide medical, legal, engineering, and other services to military personnel.
8 Sept 2022

What are the common job responsibilities of an executive? ›

An executive directs, plans, and coordinates operational activities for their organization or company and are normally responsible for devising policies and strategies to meet company goals. Executives often travel to attend meetings and conferences and visit regional, local, national, or international offices.

How many soldiers are in a company? ›

A company has anywhere from a few dozen to 200 soldiers. It's a tactical-sized unit that can perform a battlefield function on its own. A company consists of three or four platoons and is generally commanded by a captain.

What is the lowest rank in the Army? ›

Private (E-1) Private, the lowest Army rank, normally is held only by new recruits while at Basic Combat Training (BCT), but the rank occasionally is assigned to soldiers after a disciplinary action has been taken. The Army private (E-1) wears no uniform insignia.

What are the 13 army ranks? ›

U.S. Army enlisted ranks
  • Private (E-1) Private (PV1) is the lowest rank in the U.S. Army and is primarily for recruits in basic combat training (BCT). ...
  • Private Second Class (E-2) ...
  • Private First Class (E-3) ...
  • Specialist (E-4) ...
  • Corporal (E-4) ...
  • Sergeant (E-5) ...
  • Staff Sergeant (E-6) ...
  • Sergeant First Class (E-7)

What is the battalion executive officer XO mainly responsible for? ›

The Battalion Executive Officer (Bn XO) is the ranking staff officer and is directly responsible to the Bn Cdr for coordination and supervision of staff activities. The Bn XO: - Supervises staff activities as necessary.

What is G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 army? ›

G1-G9 are staff officer “functional responsibilities.” G1 is personnel, G2 intelligence, G3 operations/training, G4 logistics, G5 civil/military operations (i.e. working with civilians, note that this is not present), G6 is command/control/communications/computers (C^4), G7 is info operations (i.e. “psychological ...

What does S1 S2 S3 S4 mean army? ›

S1 (Personnel Officer) S2 (Intelligence Officer) S3 (Training Officer) S4 (Logistics Officer) AS3 (Assistant Training Officer)

How much does an XO in the army make? ›

$105,789. The estimated total pay for a Company Executive Officer at US Army is $105,789 per year.

What does an XO stand for? ›

The X represents a kiss, while the O represents a hug. This is most likely because the X is a stylized way of showing two mouths kissing, and the O looks like two pairs of arms connecting for a hug. While XOXO is a symbol of love, it's not always meant to be taken as a symbol of undying passion.

Is an XO higher than a captain? ›

On large US ships (e.g., aircraft carriers), the executive officer (XO) may hold the rank of captain; in this case, it is proper to address the XO by rank. Often the XO prefers to be called "XO" to avoid confusion with the CO, who is also a captain in rank and the captain of the ship.

What are the 5 ranks of officers? ›

Officer Ranks
  • Second Lieutenant. Typically the entry-level rank for most commissioned officers. ...
  • First Lieutenant. A seasoned lieutenant with 18 to 24 months of service. ...
  • Captain. ...
  • Major. ...
  • Lieutenant Colonel. ...
  • Colonel. ...
  • Brigadier General. ...
  • Major General.

What is highest rank in Army? ›

What Is the Highest Military Rank? The highest military rank is O-10, or "five-star general." It is symbolized by five stars for each of the military services. Although it is currently a part of the military service rank system, no officer has been promoted to it since World War II, when the rank was created.

What rank is a platoon XO? ›

A battalion XO rank is generally one rank below the commander, who is usually a colonel or a lieutenant colonel, although it sometimes occurs that both officers hold the same rank.

What is the best position in a company? ›

In general, the chief executive officer (CEO) is considered the highest-ranking officer in a company, while the president is second in charge; however, in corporate governance and structure, several permutations can take shape, so the roles of both CEO and president may be different depending on the company.

What is the most important position in a company? ›

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or President -- This person will be the driving force behind the company; he or she will make things happen, put together the resources to support the company and take the product to the market place.

How can I work for a good company? ›

A good employer makes going to work each day fun, rewarding and challenging.
...
Great companies to work for often share these 15 characteristics:
  1. Competitive compensation. ...
  2. Company culture. ...
  3. Community. ...
  4. Trust. ...
  5. Fairness. ...
  6. Communication. ...
  7. Innovation. ...
  8. Professional development.

What are the 5 types of responsibility Army? ›

There are five types of responsibility used to determine who is responsible for the loss, destruction, or damage to government property: command, supervisory, direct, custodial, and personal. 1.

What are some responsibilities duties of the military? ›

To guard areas of high importance. To offer some emergency services. To gain professional skills required for performing the moral duties. To make sure that the equipment of the army and all the establishments are up-to-date and in a good working condition.

What do soldiers do everyday? ›

A normal day for an active duty soldier consists of performing physical training, work within their military occupational specialty (MOS) and basic soldier skills. Physical training consists of cardiovascular exercises as well as strength training. MOS is the job a soldier performs on a daily basis.

What is the most important duty of executive? ›

A chief executive officer's primary responsibilities may include making major corporate decisions, managing the company's overall operations and resources, acting as the main point of communication between the board of directors and corporate operations and being the public face of the company.

Is a company bigger than a battalion? ›

Two or more companies make up a battalion, which has 400 to 1,200 troops and is commanded by a lieutenant colonel. The battalion is the smallest unit to have a staff of officers (in charge of personnel, operations, intelligence, and logistics) to assist the commander.

How many tanks are in a company army? ›

1-1 on page 1-2). The tank companies, each consisting of 14 M1A1 tanks, are the basic tactical unit with which the battalion accomplishes its mission.

How many people make a company army? ›

A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–250 soldiers and usually commanded by a major or a captain. Most companies are formed of three to seven platoons, although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure.

What is the easiest Army? ›

  • The US Air Force is considered the easiest military branch overall. ...
  • The US Army is considered the easiest military branch to get into, Image: Wikimedia.org.
  • Air Force basic training is considered the easiest out of all of the military branches. ...
  • The US Air Force is considered the easiest branch for women.
1 Apr 2022

What rank is 20 years in the Army? ›

As a result, many career officers who are eligible to retire after 20 years of active service retire with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel is the 23rd rank in the United States Army , ranking above Major and directly below Colonel.

How many years does it take to retire from military? ›

You'll need to serve 20 years or more to qualify for the lifetime monthly annuity. Your retirement benefit is determined by your years of service. It's calculated at 2.5% times your highest 36 months of basic pay.

What is a 10 level soldier? ›

Skill Level 10 identifies entry-level positions requiring performance of tasks under direct supervision. Skill Level 20 identifies positions requiring performance of more difficult tasks under general supervision; and in some instances, involving supervision of soldiers in Skill Level 10.

What rank is 10 years in the Army? ›

O-2 (Lt): 25 (join + 18 months) O-3 (Capt): 27 (join + 4 years) O-4 (Major): 33 (join + 10 years)

What is rank 7 in the Army? ›

Sergeant First Class (SFC) is the seventh enlisted rank (E-7) in the U.S. Army, ranking above staff sergeant (E-6) and below master sergeant and first sergeant (E-8), and is the first non-commissioned officer rank designated as a senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO).

What does the Army G 3 5 7 do? ›

G-3/5/7 Directorate

Provides planning and staff management for the integration of programs, processes, and initiatives among CASCOM and SCoE agencies to include the aligned schools, and activities under direct authority of CASCOM.

What is J1 J2 J3 military? ›

J1 - Director, Manpower and Personnel. J2 - Director, Intelligence. J3 - Director, Operations. J4 - Director, Logistics. J5 - Director, Strategy, Plans, and Policy.

What does Army s3 mean? ›

The S-3, or operations officer, is in charge of operational planning and training at the battalion and brigade level. "The S-3 is the primary staff officer for integrating and synchronizing the operation as a whole for the commander.

What does S1 S2 S3 mean? ›

The S1 S2 S3 pattern in the electrocardiogram has been variously defined. Some apply this term to all cases with an S wave in each standard lead, regardless of magnitude, while others use it to indicate situations where the prominent QRS deflection is an S wave in these leads.

What is S1 S2 and S3? ›

The main normal heart sounds are the S1 and the S2 heart sound. The S3 can be normal, at times, but may be pathologic. A S4 heart sound is almost always pathologic. Heart sounds can be described by their intensity, pitch, location, quality and timing in the cardiac cycle.

What is the function of S1 S3 S4 S6? ›

These are staff sections and positions in the Battalion or Brigade Headquarters. S1 - Personnel, S2 - Intelligence, S3 - Operations, S4 - Logistics, S5 - Civil Affairs, S6 - Communications. At the Battalion level the staff officers would normally be Captains with the exception of the S3 who would be a Major.

› Multimedia › Experience › Ar... ›


Military Units: Army

https://www.defense.gov › Multimedia › Experience › Ar...
https://www.defense.gov › Multimedia › Experience › Ar...
The Army is composed of an active duty component and a reserve component that comprises the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The operational Army conducts ...
Want to know what the US Army organization terms such as Platoon, Brigade, division and more mean? This video breaks down the Army's organization terms and ...
Military terms like platoon, company, battalion, brigade may sound familiar, but do you know how many soldiers make up these units, and how they comprise one an...

How much does an XO in the army make? ›

$105,789. The estimated total pay for a Company Executive Officer at US Army is $105,789 per year.

What does company XO mean? ›

More often than not you might find yourself serving as a Company Executive Officer. Being an Executive Officer or “XO” is a job that the commissioning sources do not place much emphasis on, and if you find yourself in that position you will most likely have to learn most of your duties while on the job.

How can I be a good company XO? ›

Top 5 Army Company XO Success Tips
  1. # 1 Support Your Company Commander. Without a doubt, your most important job is to support the Company Commander. ...
  2. # 2 Support Your Subordinates. Be a servant leader. ...
  3. # 3 Know Your Role. ...
  4. # 4 Don't Expect Recognition or Glory. ...
  5. # 5 Help Out the Platoon Leaders. ...
  6. Final Thoughts.

What does XO means in military? ›

For the most part, executive officers, or XOs, are actually captains-in-waiting. They have been selected for command, and when an incumbent commanding officer (CO) departs, an XO ascends.

Is an XO higher than a captain? ›

On large US ships (e.g., aircraft carriers), the executive officer (XO) may hold the rank of captain; in this case, it is proper to address the XO by rank. Often the XO prefers to be called "XO" to avoid confusion with the CO, who is also a captain in rank and the captain of the ship.

What is the highest paid role in the army? ›

Highest-paying Military Career Jobs
  • Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers. ...
  • Armored Assault Vehicle Officers. ...
  • Artillery and Missile Officers. ...
  • Command and Control Center Officers. ...
  • Infantry Officers. ...
  • Special Forces Officers. ...
  • Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders. ...
  • Medical, Pharmacy, and Dental Services.

What rank is the XO of a battalion? ›

A battalion XO rank is generally one rank below the commander, who is usually a colonel or a lieutenant colonel, although it sometimes occurs that both officers hold the same rank.

Why do they call it XO? ›

The X represents a kiss, while the O represents a hug. This is most likely because the X is a stylized way of showing two mouths kissing, and the O looks like two pairs of arms connecting for a hug.

What is the best position in a company? ›

In general, the chief executive officer (CEO) is considered the highest-ranking officer in a company, while the president is second in charge; however, in corporate governance and structure, several permutations can take shape, so the roles of both CEO and president may be different depending on the company.

What is the most important position in a company? ›

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or President -- This person will be the driving force behind the company; he or she will make things happen, put together the resources to support the company and take the product to the market place.

How can I work for a good company? ›

A good employer makes going to work each day fun, rewarding and challenging.
...
Great companies to work for often share these 15 characteristics:
  1. Competitive compensation. ...
  2. Company culture. ...
  3. Community. ...
  4. Trust. ...
  5. Fairness. ...
  6. Communication. ...
  7. Innovation. ...
  8. Professional development.

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