Colonel Rodney W. Symons II

Colonel Rodney Symons, United States Army
Colonel Rodney W. Symons II has a long and varied career in the United States Army, having served in Germany, Kuwait and Iraq. Colonel Rodney Symons has also held key posts within the United States. Since 2005, Colonel Rodney 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 Rodney Symons received his Armor officer commission in 1984. In 1985, Colonel Rodney Symons was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Bad Kissingen, Germany. Colonel Rodney Symons 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 Rodney Symons became the 3rd Squadron S4, 11th ACR, Bad Hersfeld, Germany. Colonel Rodney Symons was L Troop commander from 1990 until 1992; Colonel Rodney Symons deployed the troop to Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm.  

Stateside posts
Following his impressive command in Kuwait, Colonel Rodney Symons was chosen to serve as an intern on the Joint Staff from 1992 to 1993. In 1993 Colonel Rodney 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 Rodney Symons was the assistant G3, Tactical Operations, for III Corps. In 1997, Colonel Rodney Symons was appointed S3 for 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry of the 1st Cavalry Division.  

Time in Iraq
From 2002 to 2004, Colonel Rodney Symons commanded the 2nd Battalion, 81st Armor Battalion at Fort Knox. Colonel Rodney Symons then deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq, Colonel Rodney 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 Rodney Symons saw combat in Samarra and Fallujah.

Honors for Colonel Rodney Symons
•    Colonel Rodney 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 Rodney Symons’ 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 master’s degree in military arts and science from the United States Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Penn. Colonel Rodney Symons also earned a Master of Science Administration from Central Michigan University. Colonel Rodney Symons graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.     

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