My bio

October 04, 2008Colonel Rod Wayne Symons, United States Army
Colonel Rod Wayne Symons II has a long and varied career in the United States Army, having served in Germany, Kuwait and Iraq. Colonel Rod Symons has also held key posts within the United States. Since 2005, Colonel Rod Symons has acted as strategic planner for the US Army Armor School, Fort Knox, Ky.

Beginnings in Germany
After completing his formal civilian and military education, Colonel Rod Symons received his Armor officer commission in 1984. In 1985, Colonel Rod Symons was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Bad Kissingen, Germany. Colonel Rod Wayne Symons II took on roles of increasing responsibility, serving as a cavalry platoon leader, scout platoon leader, tank company executive officer and 2nd Squadron border officer.    

In 1989, Colonel Rod Symons became the 3rd Squadron S4, 11th ACR, Bad Hersfeld, Germany. Colonel Rod Wayne Symons II was L Troop commander from 1990 until 1992; Colonel Rod Symons deployed the troop to Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm.  

Stateside posts
Following his impressive command in Kuwait, Colonel Rod Wayne Symons was chosen to serve as an intern on the Joint Staff from 1992 to 1993. In 1993 Colonel Rod Symons worked first as the cavalry system integrator and then the assistant executive officer to the assistant deputy chief of staff for operations force development. At Fort Hood, Texas, Colonel Rod Symons was the assistant G3, Tactical Operations, for III Corps. In 1997, Colonel Rod Wayne Symons was appointed S3 for 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry of the 1st Cavalry Division.  

Time in Iraq
From 2002 to 2004, Colonel Rod Symons commanded the 2nd Battalion, 81st Armor Battalion at Fort Knox. Colonel Rod Symons then deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq, Colonel Rod Wayne Symons worked on the Coalition Military Advisor Training Team as a part of the Multi-National Security Transition Command.  As a brigade advisor to the 3rd Iraqi Intervention Force Brigade, Colonel Rod Symons saw combat in Samarra and Fallujah.

Honors for Colonel Rod Symons
•    Colonel Rod Symons’ awards and decorations are many. They include:
•    Bronze Star.
•    Bronze Star with valor device.
•    Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
•    Meritorious Service Medal.
•    Joint Service Commendation Medal.
•    Army Commendation Medal.
•    Joint Service Achievement Medal.
•    Army Achievement Medal.
•    Combat Action Badge.
•    Parachutist Badge.  
•    Order of St. George Medal.    

Education
Colonel Rod Wayne Symons’ education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Advance Course, the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. Colonel Rod Symons holds a master’s degree in military arts and science from the United States Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Penn. Colonel Rod Symons also earned a Master of Science Administration from Central Michigan University. Colonel Rod Symons graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.     

Colonel Rod Wayne Symons’ family
Colonel Rod Symons’ wife, Jill, is a glass artist. Colonel Rod Symons and his wife have two sons. 

Rod Symons at Blogfusion
Rod Symons at rodneysymons.net
Rod Symons at multiply
Rod Symons at profileomat.com
Rod Symons at zoomr.com