A google of this Lt. Col’s name fills several pages of screen. He is “high profile” because he has gone public many, many times before saying things to embarrass his commanders. He is listed as a staff officer of various units, and a Lt. Col. should be qualified to command — but he does not seem to have been assigned to command.
Now, officers can write and speak out, but the focal question here is, could one find this many google pages for a typical Lt. Col? And let’s go a step further. Could we find this many google pages for a typical TOP RATED Lt. Col?
I am an ex Air Force officer so I don’t know Army norms, but in the AF a “fast burner” Lt. Col. will typically have a command. Perhaps a squadron if he’s really good. There is no stigma of being a “staff officer” or a “deputy commander”, but the exceptional field grade officer will be pushed harder than that.
I think this guy is a Washington Post shill. He’s manufacturing a position for himself as a future Democrat darling “Iraq veteran” they can parade about and he’s doing it with the media.
ACR's are a bit of a unique animal, but I've noticed that often the (Brigade/Regimental) XO hasn't had a battalion command until after his tour as XO. It wouldn't surprise me if this officer's last command was at the company/troop level.