Biography
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.