Why is the S-3 of battalions usually a Major?

[Wiiman741]

This question came up and I was surprised when I couldn't answer. Can anybody tell me?

[El Supremo]

The S-3 is also responsible for taking command of the Battalion in the absence of the BNCDR and BNXO. It'd be much easier to assert authority over the COCDR's if the S-3 were a Major, and not a Captain.

But i'm sure there is a more logical reason somewhere, thats just me trying to peice up a reason.

[Wiiman741]

The S-3 is also responsible for taking command of the Battalion in the absence of the BNCDR and BNXO. It'd be much easier to assert authority over the COCDR's if the S-3 were a Major, and not a Captain.

But i'm sure there is a more logical reason somewhere, thats just me trying to peice up a reason.


Yeah I knew that but why the S-3?:dontgetit:

[RLM10_2_06]

First off, this is strictly my view on the logic, and it's difficult to word properly, so please forgive any poor wording. Any building on this from others would be helpful.

1) I suppose the S-3 Shop, Operations and Training, is deemed more "qualified" for battalion command, for lack of better terms, versus the other staff (this is going by job description, NOT by individual qualifications). Unlike the other staff positions, who are simply taking orders and executing them within their own department, Operations is forced to observe the workings of the entire battalion as a whole. Yes, the other shops work with each other to an extent, but it's the S-3 that's watching the entire process.

2) I found in Air Force JROTC, and from talking to the Assistant S-3 in my old Army JROTC battalion, that in order for the S-3 job to be properly executed, the S-3 has to work closely with the BN/XO and BN/CO, to know how they want the operations of the entire battalion to work. As a result, the S-3 would know how they work things, and the transition of power would be much smoother than if, say, the S-4 took over (not to bash the S-4).

3) I've seen a lot of S-3s who successfully managed to work acting as a sort of unofficial "liasion" between the BN/XO and the staff, almost as another link in the chain of command (note that in these came structures, both the staff and Company COs reported to the BN/XO, as the BN/XO was a step below the BN/CO). Honestly, in this situation, the S-3 would be the next step down from the Battalion Command level.

I'm sorry if this isn't too clear, but that's just how I've looked at it and analyzed it, as I've wondered that myself a few times. Again, any building on this and clarification would be appreciated.

[-BuLL-]

If I remember correctly we have discussed this before. Try doing a search. That or I'm imagining something.

[mtnsldr]

You're all missing it.

What does the S-3 have that only that Battalion Commander also has? Tasking authority.

Only the S-3 or the BC can task a company to do something (the XO can ask, but he can't task). There are a myriad of reasons that its better to have a MAJ, someone who has already had company command, issuing these taskings and generating your operations and training requirements.

However, in some BNs there are S-3s who are CPTs. Brigade Support Battalions for example.

[Wiiman741]

You're all missing it.

What does the S-3 have that only that Battalion Commander also has? Tasking authority.

Only the S-3 or the BC can task a company to do something (the XO can ask, but he can't task). There are a myriad of reasons that its better to have a MAJ, someone who has already had company command, issuing these taskings and generating your operations and training requirements.

However, in some BNs there are S-3s who are CPTs. Brigade Support Battalions for example.

Alright thanks. I actually didn't know this. Thanks for the rest of you answering as well.

[armysc_25b]

However, in some BNs there are S-3s who are CPTs. Brigade Support Battalions for example.

Actually, the BSB I was assigned to in Korea had a MAJ as the S3. That being said, my current unit has had CPTs filling the position recently due to a lack of MAJs.

[Ben Shotalot]

You're all missing it.

What does the S-3 have that only that Battalion Commander also has? Tasking authority.

Only the S-3 or the BC can task a company to do something (the XO can ask, but he can't task). There are a myriad of reasons that its better to have a MAJ, someone who has already had company command, issuing these taskings and generating your operations and training requirements.

However, in some BNs there are S-3s who are CPTs. Brigade Support Battalions for example.

That, and the other ‘S’ shops are more narrowly focused, whereas operations get their mitts into everything it seems. They are supposedly better suited to take command because they should know the big picture instead of just a piece of the pie.

[mtnsldr]

Actually, the BSB I was assigned to in Korea had a MAJ as the S3. That being said, my current unit has had CPTs filling the position recently due to a lack of MAJs.

In my BSB by doctrine there is a CPT as the "S-3". The Support Operations Officer (SPO) is the MAJ. According to schoolhouse thats the way its supposed to be... Maybe you had a little extra "legacy" going on there.

[Javelin66]

The S-3 has more authority and responsibility than the other staff sections, and although he/she technically 'works for' the XO, he really works directly for the commander.

Because of the scope and breadth of their duties, the XO and 3 need to be more experienced (both will have 10 years commissioned service, one or more company command tours, and time as a primary or assistant staff officer at the division, brigade or battalion level) and have more formal military education (both will have completed CGSC).

In the support world, the SPO has more control over day to day operations, and is usually a major, while the S-3, who does routine scheduling, is a captain.

A 'due course' major will have these credentials, and ROTC tries to mirror this rank structure.

[DevilvoldX]

Due to a lack of Seniors in JROTC. Our S-3 this year is a LET 3 senior who is carrying the rank of C/SGM. I'm his assistant this year...but I'm aiming for XO next year.

Usually though our S-3's are C/MAJ