Can You join the army as a warrant officer?

Can You Join the Army as a Warrant Officer?

The United States Army offers various career paths for its enlisted personnel, including that of a Warrant Officer. But can you join the army as a Warrant Officer? The answer is yes, but only under specific circumstances.

What is a Warrant Officer?

A Warrant Officer is a technical expert in a specific field who has been appointed by the Secretary of the Army due to their exceptional skills, knowledge, and experience. Warrant Officers are trained to perform highly specialized tasks that require a deep understanding of their field. They often work in areas such as aviation, intelligence, computer systems, and engineering.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to join the army as a Warrant Officer, you must meet the following requirements:

• Age: You must be between 18 and 35 years old (with some waivers available for older candidates)
• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen
• Education: You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Service: You must be an enlisted soldier with at least 72 months of active federal service
• Rank: You must be a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) candidate, meaning you must be a Technical Sergeant (E-6) or higher
• Score: You must score at least a 110 on the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score

Alternative Pathways

While the traditional route to becoming a Warrant Officer involves meeting the eligibility requirements listed above, the army also offers alternative pathways for certain individuals:

• Direct Commission: Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in their field can apply for direct commission as a Warrant Officer
• Army ROTC: Students attending a college or university with an Army ROTC program can pursue a commission as a Warrant Officer through the program
• Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS): The army also accepts warrant officer candidates who have significant experience in their field and have not yet completed officer candidate school

Benefits of Being a Warrant Officer

As a Warrant Officer, you will enjoy several benefits, including:

• Higher Salary: Warrant Officers earn higher salaries than enlisted soldiers, with starting pay ranges from $3,544 to $6,114 per month
• Greater Responsibility: As a Warrant Officer, you will have more responsibility and autonomy in your work, with the authority to give orders and make decisions
• Specialized Career Field: Warrant Officers have the opportunity to specialize in a specific field and become experts in that area
• Leadership Opportunities: Warrant Officers often have opportunities to lead and mentor other soldiers, developing strong leadership skills

Challenges of Being a Warrant Officer

While becoming a Warrant Officer comes with many benefits, it is not without its challenges. Some of the challenges Warrant Officers face include:

• High Expectations: As a Warrant Officer, you will be expected to be an expert in your field and demonstrate high levels of technical and tactical proficiency
• High Stress: Warrant Officers often work in high-stress environments, particularly in areas such as intelligence and aviation
• Long Hours: Warrant Officers may be required to work long hours, often including evenings and weekends

Conclusion

In conclusion, while becoming a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army requires a high level of education and experience, it is possible for enlisted soldiers to join the army as a Warrant Officer. With the various alternative pathways available, anyone with a strong background and desire to serve can explore the option of becoming a Warrant Officer. Weighing the benefits against the challenges, becoming a Warrant Officer can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for those who are motivated and dedicated to their service.

Table: Requirements for Joining the Army as a Warrant Officer

Note: This article is not a substitute for official US Army regulations and guidelines. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Warrant Officer, we recommend consulting with a personnel officer or a recruiter from the US Army.