What is a Warrant Officer Army?
The United States Army and several other countries have a specialized group of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) known as warrant officers. Warrant officers are experts in a specific field or skill who serve as advisors to commanding officers and play a critical role in the military hierarchy.
What is a Warrant Officer?
A warrant officer is an NCO who has risen through the ranks and is designated as an expert in a particular field or branch. They are typically graduates of a specific course, known as the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC), which tests their knowledge and skills.
Warrant officers are divided into two main categories: Warrant Officer-1 (WO1) and Chief Warrant Officer-1 (CW1-CW5). CW1-CW5 typically serve as senior leaders or technical experts, while WO1s are responsible for training and mentoring.
Key Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of warrant officers in the army include:
• Technical expertise: Provide guidance and advice to units and commanders on specialized tasks, such as intelligence analysis, aviation operations, and medical procedures.
• Training and mentoring: Coach and train junior officers, NCOs, and soldiers in their area of expertise.
• Administration: Assist in the day-to-day administration of specialized units, such as ordnance, transportation, or military police.
• Advise and assist: Offer expert advice to unit commanders and staff on mission planning, execution, and after-action reviews.
Key Benefits
Warrant officers bring unique skills and knowledge to the army. Some of the key benefits they provide include:
• Subject matter expertise: Unmatched knowledge and expertise in a specific field or technology.
• Operational focus: Warrant officers focus on the technical details of their area of expertise, ensuring that units can perform their missions effectively.
• Leadership by example: Warrant officers embody the values of the military and set a high standard for junior officers and soldiers.
Types of Warrant Officers
There are several types of warrant officers in the army, each with their own specific skill set and responsibilities. These include:
| Job Description | Salary |
|---|---|
| Intelligence Specialist (WO1) | $45,000-$65,000 |
| Judge Advocate (WO1-CW5) | $60,000-$80,000 |
| Air Traffic Control (WO1-CW5) | $50,000-$70,000 |
| Medical Specialist (WO1-CW5) | $55,000-$75,000 |
| Cyber Warfare (WO1-CW5) | $60,000-$80,000 |
How to Become a Warrant Officer
The process of becoming a warrant officer in the army involves:
• Meet qualifications: Meet the eligibility criteria, including age, ASVAB scores, and years of service.
• Selective process: Selection for the Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) is competitive and involves a rigorous evaluation process.
• WOCS course: Complete the 65-week WOCS, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Conclusion
Warrant officers play a vital role in the army, bringing their unique expertise and technical knowledge to the battlefield and support units. Their guidance and advice are invaluable in helping units achieve their goals and objectives. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a warrant officer in the army, this article has provided a thorough overview of the role and its responsibilities.
