Read About Rodney Symons

Colonel Rodney Symons
Rodney Symons II graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and received his commission as an Armor officer in 1984. Rodney Symons' first operational assignment was with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Bad Kissingen, Germany, in 1985. Colonel Rodney Symons served as a Cavalry Platoon Leader, and later as a Scout Platoon Leader, Tank Company Executive Officer, and Squadron Border Officer in 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

In March 1989, Colonel Rodney Symons was reassigned to Germany and the 11th ACR as the Squadron S4 for 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Bad Hersfeld, Germany. In September 1990 Colonel Rodney Symons commanded L Troop, 3d Squadron, 11th ACR until August 1992. At that point, Colonel Rodney Symons deployed his troop to Kuwait in support of Operation Desert Storm.

After troop command, Colonel Rodney Symons was selected as an intern on the Joint Staff from August 1992 until August 1993. In August 1993 Colonel Rodney Symons worked as the Cavalry System Integrator in the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Force Development (ADCSOPS-FD). Colonel Rodney Symons' next position was as Assistant Executive Officer to the ADCSOPS-FD. Colonel Rodney Symons then went on to serve at Fort Hood, Texas, as the Assistant G3, Tactical Operations, for III Corps. In December 1997, Colonel Rodney Symons was 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., until July 2004. Colonel Rodney Symons then deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom working 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 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 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, is a glass artist originally from Austin, Texas. Colonel Rodney Symons and Jill together have two sons: Matthew, 16, and Andrew, 10.