How do I become a National Guard Warrant Officer (specifically a 270A Legal Administrator)?

1. Research what it takes: Each WO has its own criteria set down on what it takes to become one in its specific branch. With no disrespect intended to my NCO compatriots, find a WO in the field you are interested in, asking an NCO, as knowledgeable in all things military as they are, is not a substitute for talking to a WO.

Try to book some time with them, notice I said book some time, not just walk up and expect immediate answers. Every Warrant has a job to do, so allow them the courtesy of getting that done, and work around their schedule to get you in. As an Automotive Warrant I was approached far too many times by eager troops, who asked me how to become a pilot. More often than not, my inner Captain Obvious wanted to point out, "If could @#$%^ fly, do think I would be under a 5 ton?" Approach the correct Warrant for the field you are interested in, not blindly approach any Warrant you see.

2. Go after what it takes: You are an E-2 right now, it may take years for you to get everything you need to do, for many people it may be easier to get a regular commission than go the WO way.

3. Understand there has to an available slot in the state you reside for the WO you wish to become. If there isn't a slot, borrowing from Jerry Seinfeld, "no school for you." yes there is a work around to that, but is complicated and better left to your WO recruiters in your state to explain that. Better you have a slot.

4. Be patient, it is not an overnight process, it can take years for you to meet the requirements.

I just saw this. Shoot me an email. I'm in the global. I can put you in touch with the right POC. For starters, though, we generally require five years as a 27d as the feeder MOS. That can be waived in certain circumstances. I'll get specific with you when you reach out to me. I'm in transition right now to a new assignment. So, it may be mid month before I have reliable CAC access.

Speak with some WO's for guidance and direction......and submit WO packet

But here is a link to get you started:

http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/prerequ/WO270A.shtml

Since this was posted three years ago, I'm curious if you have any updates. Have you dropped a packet yet?

PV2 Benjamin, I'm assuming that you are a 27D Paralegal and that is why you are looking at this route. Part of the packet process is you will need a letter of recommendation from a Chief Paralegal NCO and a Warrant Officer. There are not a lot of Warrant Officers in the USAR/ARNG but they are out there. On the Reserve side they generally work in Legal Operation Detachments (LOD), not sure on the Guard side. If you are a paralegal you should attend a Regional Onsite which his hosted by the LOD's. It is for Reserve and Guard legal personnel and has enlisted, officers, and warrant officers. That would be a great opportunity to meet some of them and find out what they do and what are the specific qualifications. I have know several people who have attend the course; some made it and others didn't. Legal Administrators play an important role in the JAG Corp. I wish I had one in my unit. Instead I end up doing the duties that would normally be performed by them because my command is not authorized one.