MicroBio

Colonel Rodney Wayne Symons II is a highly decorated career military officer who has served in posts around the world.

Bio

Colonel Rodney Wayne Symons II is a highly decorated career military
officer who has served in posts around the world.



Colonel Rodney Wayne 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 Rod 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 Rod Symons accepted a second assignment in
Germany, this time in Bad Hersfeld. Colonel Rodney Wayne Symons II
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 Wayne Symons II Moves
Up Military Ladder

After troop command, Colonel Rod 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 Wayne Symons II 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 Rod 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 Wayne Symons’ Awards
And Decorations

Colonel Rod 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 Rod 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 Wayne Symons’ Military
Education

Colonel Rod 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 Rod Wayne 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.