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What is a Warrant Officer?
 In 2005, the Department of the Army developed a new definition to encompass all warrant officer specialties and grades.
"The Army WO is a self–aware and adaptive technical expert, combat leader, trainer, and advisor. Through progressive levels of expertise in assignments, training, and education, the WO administers, manages, maintains, operates, and integrates Army systems and equipment across the full spectrum of Army operations. Warrant Officers are innovative integrators of emerging technologies, dynamic teachers, confident warfighters, and developers of specialized teams of Soldiers. They support a wide range of Army missions throughout their career. Warrant officers in the Army are accessed with specific levels of technical ability. They refine their technical expertise and develop their leadership and management skills through tiered progressive assignment and education." (Para 3-5, DA Pamphlet 600-3)
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CW2 Stalboerger gives a brief overview of the responsibilities of a Warrant Officer. |
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Becoming a Warrant Officer
Candidates for Warrant Officer must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age but not older than 46 years of age at the time of initial appointment. Waivers for Soldiers over 46 years of age may be considered.
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- GT Score of 110 or higher.
- High School Graduate or pass the General Education Development (GED) test.
- Must be able to pass the standard three event Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and meet height/weight criteria in accordance with AR600-9.
- Be able to secure and hold a secret security clearance.
- Pass a chapter 2 commissioning physical.
- Meet specific MOS requirements. These requirements can be found at http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/.
The process begins with the candidate completing a Warrant Officer Resume. Once completed, the candidate will meet with a member of the Officer Strength Force (OSF) or their unit to begin assembling the Pre-Determination Packet (PDP). This packet is submitted to each prospective proponent for consideration of the applicants technical qualifications. Requirements can be met through military OR civilian experience. It is therefore critical to take into consideration ALL experience the Soldier has when building a PDP. The OSF can provide specific guidance and expertise and is available to assist on all packets.
If approved by the proponent, the next step for the Soldier is to attend the Federal Recognition Board (FRB). This board consists of a panel of senior Officers in the MNARNG that will evaluate the candidates moral and leadership qualifications. Once approved by the FRB, its off to Warrant Officer Candidate School!
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State Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)
An eight-month program conducted by 175th Regional Training Institute (RTI) at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The program consists of three phases:
PHASE I: Correspondence course work. This phase is completed while attached to the RTI at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. Candidates will drill in an IDT status and complete correspondence requirements during drill weekends.
PHASE II: 5 IDT drill weekends conducted through RTI at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. During these weekends, candidates will be taught the fundamentals of leadership and the Warrant Officer Corps.
PHASE III: The course concludes with a two-week annual training period at various locations. During this two-week period, candidates will be asked to demonstrate what they have learned over the previous seven months in practical applications.
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Federal WOCS
A five or six week program conducted at Fort Rucker, Ala. Candidates who have previously held the rank of SGT/E5 *and* have completed PLDC will be required to attend five weeks of training. Prior to this five-week program, candidates will be required to complete a short distance learning requirement online. All other Soldiers will complete the full six-week program.
For more information, visit the Federal WOCS Website
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