One of the more recent billets created in the Army is the Chemical Officer. The Army Chemical Officer is the person considered the expert on issues of Chemical, Nuclear, Biological or other weapons, and in the area of weapons of Mass Destruction. The Chemical Officer is the person responsible for advising the Commander on all radiological and NBC weapons issues, warfare, defense and homeland protection issues. The position of Army Chemical Officer also deploys Chemical Army units to support combat with smoke and flame weapons, chemical or other technology management items.
The Army Chemical Officer is normally a 2nd or 1st Lieutenant, and they may be responsible for:
-Controlling and commanding chemical operations with units and armed forces.
-Coordination of chemical soldiers at every level from platoon to company, battalion and higher, in both multinational and United States Army operations.
After commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant officer in the Army, a Chemical Army Officer candidate will attend the Chemical Basic Skills Officer Course, where you will learn tactics, leadership skills, procedures and practices, as well as operational aspects of serving as a Army Chemical Officer. Some of the training will be in the classroom and will be very heavy on chemistry and science coursework, while other training will be held in the field and on the job.
To be successful as an Army Chemical Officer, you have to be able to exhibit certain qualities. These are qualities that any one wishing to serve in the Army as an officer must possess.
You should have self-discipline, intelligence, confidence, initiative, and be assertive. You should be physically fit and able to perform under a variety of mental and physical stress situations. True leaders are able to seize up situations swiftly and make decisions quickly even those that are vital and have a lot riding on them. Leaders focus on mission first, and show respect and provide encouragement for subordinates, and leadership to other military Servicemembers in their command.
Chemical Officers often continue in the Operations career field, increasing to higher levels of responsibility and leadership, moving into command and control levels of Army leadership.
Chemical Officers may continue in the Operations career field, serving in Chemical Corps at ever increasing levels of leadership and responsibility. An Army Chemical officer will rise until they command a company of Chemical Unit soldiers (200-300 soldiers armed with Chemical equipment). They act to help develop doctrine, organization and equipment unique for the mission of chemical Army units.
