Biography
Colonel Rodney Symons is a highly decorated career military officer who has served in posts around the world.Colonel Rodney Symons’ Early Career Postings
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Rodney Symons received his commission as an Armor officer in 1984. Rodney Symons’ first assignment sent him to Bad Kissingen, Germany, with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in 1985. In Germany, Colonel Rodney Symons had four positions: Rodney Symons initially served as a Cavalry Platoon Leader, then as a Scout Platoon Leader, moved up to become Tank Company Executive Officer, and was finally named Squadron Border Officer in 2nd Squadron, 11th ACR.
In March 1989, Colonel Rodney Symons accepted a second assignment in Germany, this time in Bad Hersfeld. Colonel Rodney Symons continued to serve with the 11th ACR, this time as the Squadron S4 for 3d Squadron. In September 1990, Colonel Rodney Symons commanded L Troop, 3d Squadron, 11th ACR. In August 1992, Colonel Rodney Symons deployed his troops to Kuwait in support of Operation Desert Storm.
Colonel Rodney Symons Moves Up Military Ladder
After troop command, Colonel Rodney Symons was selected as an intern on the Joint Staff from August 1992, where he served for one year. In August 1993, Colonel Rodney Symons worked as the Cavalry System Integrator in the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Force Development, also known by the acronym ADCSOPS-FD. Colonel Rodney Symons’ next position was as Assistant Executive Officer to the ADCSOPS-FD. Colonel Rodney Symons then was sent to Fort Hood, Texas, to work as Assistant G3, Tactical Operations, for III Corps. In December 1997, Colonel Rodney Symons had become the S3 for 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry of the 1st Cavalry Division.
In July 2002, Colonel Rodney Symons assumed command of 2nd Battalion, 81st Armor Battalion at Fort Knox, Ky., a role he held for two years. Colonel Rodney Symons in 2004 was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he worked in the Coalition Military Advisor Training Team as a part of the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq. As a Brigade Advisor to the 3rd Iraqi Intervention Force Brigade, Colonel Rodney Symons and his advisor support teams took part in combat operations in Samarra and Fallujah. In July 2005, Colonel Rodney Symons was assigned as the Strategic Planner for the U.S. Army Armor School at Fort Knox, Ky.
Colonel Rodney Symons’ Awards And Decorations
Colonel Rodney Symons’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (2nd Award), the Bronze Star with valor device, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (5th Award) and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Colonel Rodney Symons has also been honored with the Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Badge. In addition, Colonel Rodney Symons has been decorated with the Joint Staff Identification Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Colonel Rodney Symons also wears the Order of St. George Medal.
Colonel Rodney Symons’ Military Education
Colonel Rodney Symons’ military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Advance Course, the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. Colonel Rodney Symons holds a Masters Degree in Military Arts and Science from the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. Colonel Rodney Symons then earned a Master of Science Administration from Central Michigan University.
Colonel Rodney Symons’ wife, Jill, also a University of Texas graduate, is a glass artist originally from Austin, Texas. They have two sons: Matthew, 16, and Andrew, 10.