5 Ways To Become An Army Warrant Officer

The role of an Army Warrant Officer is a highly respected and specialized position within the United States Army. These technical experts serve as critical advisors to commanders and play a vital role in maintaining the Army's tactical and operational readiness. If you're interested in pursuing a challenging and rewarding career as an Army Warrant Officer, here are five ways to make it happen.

Who is an Army Warrant Officer?

Before diving into the ways to become an Army Warrant Officer, it's essential to understand the role and responsibilities of this position. Army Warrant Officers are technical experts in their field, with a deep understanding of their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). They provide guidance and expertise to commanders, staff, and other units, helping to inform decisions and ensure the effective use of resources. Warrant Officers are also responsible for training and mentoring junior officers and enlisted personnel, helping to develop the next generation of Army leaders.

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

To become an Army Warrant Officer, you'll need to meet the basic requirements, which include:

Being a U.S. citizen
Holding a high school diploma or equivalent
Scoring a minimum of 110 on the General Technical (GT) section of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
Having a minimum of 12 months of experience in your MOS
Being able to pass a physical fitness test and meet medical standards

2. Choose the Right MOS

Not all MOSs are eligible for Warrant Officer appointments. You'll need to choose an MOS that is designated as a Warrant Officer-producing career field. Some examples of eligible MOSs include:

Aviation Maintenance
Cybersecurity
Intelligence Analysis
Communications
Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Warrant Officer Career Fields

Army Warrant Officers serve in a variety of career fields, each with its unique set of skills and responsibilities. Some of the most in-demand Warrant Officer career fields include:

Aviation Maintenance: Warrant Officers in this field are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft, as well as providing guidance on aviation maintenance procedures.
Cybersecurity: Warrant Officers in this field help protect the Army's networks and systems from cyber threats, and provide expertise on cybersecurity policies and procedures.
Intelligence Analysis: Warrant Officers in this field analyze intelligence data to help inform commanders' decisions, and provide guidance on intelligence collection and analysis procedures.

3. Complete Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)

Once you've met the basic requirements and chosen the right MOS, you'll need to complete Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS). WOCS is a rigorous training program that prepares candidates for the demands of Warrant Officer duty. The course covers topics such as leadership, tactics, and technical skills, and is designed to test your physical and mental limits.

WOCS Training Overview

WOCS training is divided into three phases:

Phase 1: Leadership and Tactics: This phase focuses on developing your leadership and tactical skills, including topics such as unit leadership, tactics, and operations.
Phase 2: Technical Skills: This phase provides in-depth training on your MOS-specific technical skills, including topics such as maintenance procedures, cybersecurity protocols, and intelligence analysis techniques.
Phase 3: Practical Application: This phase provides hands-on training and practical application of the skills you've learned in the first two phases.

4. Build Your Technical Expertise

To become a successful Army Warrant Officer, you'll need to build your technical expertise in your MOS. This can be done through a combination of on-the-job training, professional development courses, and self-study. Some ways to build your technical expertise include:

Attend professional development courses: The Army offers a range of professional development courses that can help you build your technical skills and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field.
Pursue certifications and licenses: Obtaining certifications and licenses in your MOS can help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your career field.
Participate in training exercises and simulations: Participating in training exercises and simulations can help you apply your technical skills in a practical setting and build your confidence and competence.

Warrant Officer Professional Development

Army Warrant Officers are committed to lifelong learning and professional development. Some ways to build your professional expertise include:

The Warrant Officer Professional Development (WOPD) program: This program provides a structured approach to professional development, including training, mentorship, and self-study.
The Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) courses: TRADOC offers a range of courses and training programs that can help you build your technical skills and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field.

Army Warrant Officer Professional Development

5. Network and Seek Mentorship

Finally, networking and seeking mentorship can be critical to your success as an Army Warrant Officer. Building relationships with experienced Warrant Officers and other senior leaders can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your career.

Warrant Officer Mentorship

The Army offers a range of mentorship programs and resources that can help you build your professional network and gain valuable insights from experienced Warrant Officers. Some ways to seek mentorship include:

The Warrant Officer Mentorship Program: This program matches junior Warrant Officers with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support.
The Army's Warrant Officer Association (WOA): The WOA is a professional organization that provides networking opportunities, training, and support for Warrant Officers.

Gallery of Army Warrant Officer Images

Army Warrant Officer Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of an Army Warrant Officer?

Army Warrant Officers are technical experts in their field, providing guidance and expertise to commanders, staff, and other units.

What are the basic requirements to become an Army Warrant Officer?

To become an Army Warrant Officer, you'll need to meet the basic requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, holding a high school diploma or equivalent, scoring a minimum of 110 on the GT section of the ASVAB test, having a minimum of 12 months of experience in your MOS, and being able to pass a physical fitness test and meet medical standards.

What is Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)?

WOCS is a rigorous training program that prepares candidates for the demands of Warrant Officer duty. The course covers topics such as leadership, tactics, and technical skills.

How can I build my technical expertise as an Army Warrant Officer?

To build your technical expertise, you can attend professional development courses, pursue certifications and licenses, participate in training exercises and simulations, and seek mentorship from experienced Warrant Officers.