How to Become a Warrant Officer in the Army
The United States Army has a unique and esteemed leadership position known as a Warrant Officer. Warrant Officers are highly specialized, technical experts who possess extensive knowledge and expertise in a particular field or skillset. They are appointed by the Secretary of the Army and serve as advisors to officers and other leaders in the Army. If you’re interested in becoming a Warrant Officer in the Army, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goal.
Eligibility Criteria
Before we dive into the process, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria for becoming a Warrant Officer in the Army. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 35 (waivers are possible for age, education, and physical disability)
- Have a minimum score of 110 on the Army Administrative, General Technical, or Specialized Experience (GT) score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a minimum of two years of active duty military service
- Be eligible for a Secret security clearance
Warrant Officer Career Paths
The Army has several Warrant Officer career paths, each requiring specific skills and expertise. Some of the most common Warrant Officer career paths include:
- Warrant Officer 1 (WO1): Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of experience in the Army.
- Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2): Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of experience in the Army.
- Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3): Typically requires a master’s degree and 6-8 years of experience in the Army.
- Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4): Typically requires a master’s degree and 8-10 years of experience in the Army.
- Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5): Typically requires a doctoral degree and 10+ years of experience in the Army.
Steps to Become a Warrant Officer
Here are the steps to become a Warrant Officer in the Army:
Contents
- 1 Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
- 2 Step 2: Choose a Warrant Officer Career Path
- 3 Step 3: Gain Relevant Experience
- 4 Step 4: Apply for Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)
- 5 Step 5: Attend WOCS
- 6 Step 6: Take the Warrant Officer Selection Boards
- 7 Step 7: Get Appointed as a Warrant Officer
- 8 Enhance Your Knowledge with Curated Videos on Guns and Accessories
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Review the eligibility criteria outlined above to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.
Step 2: Choose a Warrant Officer Career Path
Research the different Warrant Officer career paths and choose one that aligns with your skills and expertise.
Step 3: Gain Relevant Experience
Gain relevant experience in your chosen career path through education, training, and active duty military service.
Step 4: Apply for Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)
Apply for WOCS, which is a rigorous 22-week training course that prepares candidates for Warrant Officer duty.
Step 5: Attend WOCS
Complete WOCS, which includes both classroom and practical training in your chosen career path.
Step 6: Take the Warrant Officer Selection Boards
Take the Warrant Officer Selection Boards, which are competitive boards that assess candidates’ skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities.
Step 7: Get Appointed as a Warrant Officer
Get appointed as a Warrant Officer by the Secretary of the Army, pending approval from the Warrant Officer Selection Boards.
Key Skills and Qualities
To succeed as a Warrant Officer in the Army, you’ll need to possess the following key skills and qualities:
- Technical expertise: In-depth knowledge and understanding of your chosen career path
- Leadership skills: Ability to lead and advise others
- Communication skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Problem-solving skills: Ability to analyze complex problems and develop solutions
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing environments and situations
- Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Table: Warrant Officer Career Paths
| Warrant Officer Career Path | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Doctoral Degree | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1 | Required | 2-4 years | – | 2-4 years |
| CW2 | Required | 4-6 years | – | 4-6 years |
| CW3 | Required | 6-8 years | – | 6-8 years |
| CW4 | Required | 8-10 years | – | 8-10 years |
| CW5 | Required | 10+ years | Required | 10+ years |
Conclusion
Becoming a Warrant Officer in the Army requires a combination of education, training, and experience. By following the steps outlined above and possessing the key skills and qualities, you can achieve your goal of becoming a Warrant Officer. Remember to research the different Warrant Officer career paths and choose one that aligns with your skills and expertise. With hard work and dedication, you can join the elite ranks of Warrant Officers in the United States Army.
