Understanding the Role of an Army Warrant Officer
Becoming an Army Warrant Officer is a prestigious career goal for many soldiers. Warrant Officers are technical experts in their field, holding a unique position between enlisted soldiers and commissioned officers. They possess a deep understanding of their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and are responsible for leading and advising on specific technical areas. If you’re interested in pursuing this challenging and rewarding career path, here are five ways to become an Army Warrant Officer.
Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before applying to become a Warrant Officer, you must meet the Army’s basic eligibility requirements. These 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
- Possessing a valid security clearance
- Having a minimum of 4-6 years of experience in your MOS (varies depending on the specific Warrant Officer career)
- Being able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
Step 1: Choose Your Warrant Officer Career
The Army offers over 40 different Warrant Officer careers, each with its unique requirements and responsibilities. Some examples include:
- Aviation Warrant Officers: Responsible for flying and maintaining aircraft, as well as leading aviation units.
- Cyber Operations Warrant Officers: Experts in cyber security and operations, responsible for protecting the Army’s computer networks.
- Intelligence Warrant Officers: Responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence to support Army operations.
Important Considerations
When choosing your Warrant Officer career, consider the following factors:
- MOS alignment: Ensure that your current MOS aligns with the Warrant Officer career you’re interested in.
- Experience: Consider the amount of experience required for the Warrant Officer career you’re interested in.
- Personality: Think about your personality and whether it aligns with the demands of the Warrant Officer career you’re interested in.
Step 2: Prepare for the Warrant Officer Selection Process
The Warrant Officer selection process is highly competitive, and preparation is key. Here are some steps to help you prepare:
- Update your record: Ensure that your military record is up-to-date and accurate.
- Take the ASVAB test: Prepare for and take the ASVAB test to ensure you meet the minimum GT score requirement.
- Gain experience: Focus on gaining experience in your MOS and developing your technical expertise.
- Build your leadership skills: Take on leadership roles and develop your leadership skills to demonstrate your potential as a Warrant Officer.
Important Documents
When applying to become a Warrant Officer, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
- DA Form 705: Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard
- DA Form 5500: Body Fat Content Worksheet
- DA Form 638: Recommendation for Award
- ERB/ORB: Enlisted Record Brief/Officer Record Brief
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve prepared for the selection process and gathered the necessary documents, it’s time to submit your application. Here are the steps to follow:
- Check the Warrant Officer Career College website: Visit the Warrant Officer Career College website to find out when the application window is open.
- Submit your application: Submit your application through the Army’s online portal.
- Review and edit: Review and edit your application carefully to ensure it’s complete and accurate.
📝 Note: The application process can take several months, so plan ahead and be patient.
Step 4: Attend the Warrant Officer Candidate School
If your application is selected, you’ll be invited to attend the Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS). Here’s what to expect:
- WOCS curriculum: The WOCS curriculum includes training in leadership, tactics, and technical skills.
- WOCS duration: WOCS typically lasts 6-12 weeks.
- WOCS location: WOCS is held at the Warrant Officer Career College in Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Step 5: Complete Your Warrant Officer Training
After graduating from WOCS, you’ll attend your specific Warrant Officer training course. Here’s what to expect:
- Training duration: Training duration varies depending on the Warrant Officer career.
- Training location: Training locations vary depending on the Warrant Officer career.
- Training curriculum: The training curriculum includes advanced technical training and leadership development.
In summary, becoming an Army Warrant Officer requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication. By following these five steps, you can pursue this challenging and rewarding career path.
What is the minimum GT score required to become a Warrant Officer?
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The minimum GT score required to become a Warrant Officer is 110.
How long does the Warrant Officer selection process take?
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The Warrant Officer selection process can take several months, so plan ahead and be patient.
What is the Warrant Officer Career College website?
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