As a 13F, if I don't want to be stuck in Artillery, would I be better off trying to commission as an officer or go down the warrant route?

2020-12-05T16:00:34-05:00

For a long time I’ve been thinking of trying to go Warrant Officer. I’m currently a 13F but I was wondering if it’s possible for me to become an different mos such as a 91 series or would I be stuck as a artillery warrant officer? Why because before the military I worked as a certified diesel mechanic for a few years. Would I be better off trying to commission as an officer or go down the warrant route?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 4:13 PM

2020-12-05T16:13:16-05:00

I understand the only Warrant program that accepts those from the outside of the MOS is Flight.

All other Warrant programs are filled with NCO's from withing that MOS. That said. It looks like you're a young soldier, so changing MOS's to 91 and then becoming a 91 series Warrant isn't all that unreasonable.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 4:16 PM

2020-12-05T16:16:15-05:00

There are always waivers for warrant MOS's that are hurting. Just depends on how many applicants they have. There are some warrant MOS's that will take any MOS. It's also possible to reclass you to an enlisted MOS that you had as a civilian if you meet the prerequisites under ACASP for that job. It's usually verified employment experience and certifications.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 5:20 PM

2020-12-05T17:20:01-05:00

Almost all Warrant MOS' will give a look at a Soldier. Simply put together your qualifications and email the Proponent CW4/CW5 listed on the MOS page. They will let you know if they will accept a packet from you or not. I did it from Civil Affairs to Electronic Warfare, I know a person who was told he would be eligible for 170A (Cyber) and he was Psychological Operations.
Both the 880A and 881A accept any MOS, and there are other MOS' that accept 13F. Go through the Warrant Recruiting website and check out any and all MOS' that interest you.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 5:30 PM

2020-12-05T17:30:39-05:00

There are also TONS of options Enlisted as well. ARSOF MOS' 18, 37, 38. Attache' program, SMUs, Enlisted Aide, 75th,...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 12:51 AM

2020-12-06T00:51:21-05:00

I’d switch to your MOS in a heart beat lol. All jokes aside switching to a 91 series usually requires 4 years of documented NCOERS before being eligible to apply also the completion of ALC.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 11:21 AM

2020-12-06T11:21:39-05:00

If you're good at what you do, why change? Get better at it, an expert even. Arty is the King of Battle. Go Regular and you're expected to be a generalist. Some SNCOs did go WO and get another skill, but few, and they went to high demand MOSs with a short learning curve. Expected to be specialized otherwise. Range Safety Officers for a few former shooters. May not apply to Army.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 2:45 PM

2020-12-06T14:45:41-05:00

talk to the WO branch and see what you qualify for. Sounds like you're a hands on guy, you'll probably be happier as a Warrant Officer. my .02 but SFC Private RallyPoint Member is the Career Counselor.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 7 at 2020 4:28 PM

2020-12-07T16:28:29-05:00

Really depends on your life goals. If you want to stay close to the troops ensuring they are properly trained and cared for, then you need to focus on becoming an NCO. You might be able to change MOS when it's time to reenlist.
If you want to work as a leading technical expert in your career field, then Warrant Officer may help meet your goals. Look on the Army web page for Warrant Officer requirements. Suspect you'll need more than 4 a few years of service and a grade above E-4 to make the jump to WO.
Being a commissioned officer means you'll be moving into management and leadership positions. All the Services require a bachelors degree to become an officer. Your previous enlisted MOS will not be the main factor governing the branch into which you would commission. The needs of the Army will be more important than your personal desires.