Company commander
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A company commander is a military leader and officer who leads a company. Companies were originally led by their owners, but these men were unable to exercise executive functions themselves, and so came to delegate it to designated officers (as it still is in the British Guards Regiments, which have the equivalent of both Commanders and "Kompaniechef"s). Accordingly only the permanent leader of a company in Germany's Bundeswehr is designated a "chef", with a "Kompanieführer" or equivalent representing him during his holidays or sick leave. In the United States Army, company commanders are generally of Captain, although sometimes Majors will fill the company commander billet.
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[edit] Austria
In the Austrian army a company commander is called a "Kompaniekommandant" (KpKdt).
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[edit] Germany
As an Einheitsführer (the official, neutral title), s/he is superior to all officers, corporals and soldiers of the unit, and to all civil employees.
The company commander's responsibility for the personnel and material responsibility of the unit, its training, discipline and leadership in battle. In accordance with the army regulations (Wehrdisziplinarordnung), s/he is ex officio the discipline-overseer (Disziplinarvorgesetzter).
In rank, a Kompaniechef is usually a captain, sometimes a lieutenant or major. In many companies of the medical corps (Sanitätsdienstes), the Kompaniechef must be a medical officer (Sanitätsoffizier). This Kompaniechef then has the rank of Oberstabsarzt (staff doctor - that is, major) or Oberfeldarzt (field doctor - that is, Oberstleutnant)
In the artillery and the army's anti-aircraft defense corps a "Kompaniechef" is called a "Batteriechef", in the Luftwaffe and Heeresfliegern is called a "Staffelkapitän", and in training schools is called an "Inspektionschef".
[edit] Switzerland
In the Swiss army a company commander is called a "Kompaniekommandant" (Kp Kdt). By and large, their functions are the same. In his practical service, a "Kompaniekommandant" has the rank of lieutenant. After going on Führungslehrgang or FLG (Leadership course) 1 and done Abverdienen (practical service), he or she is promoted to captain. If he or she then leads a Stabskompanie, he or she can be promoted to major.
[edit] United States
In the US Army, the company commander is normally a Captain, although in some cases 1st Lieutenants can fill the billet as an acting company commander. The commander is assisted in his/her leadership duties by the Executive officer, normally a 1LT), as well as the company First Sergeant. Captains must hold at least one position as a company commander before being considered for promotion to Major.
