What additional steps should I take to get DLC-2 so that I can compete to become a Warrant Officer?

2019-05-18T00:17:36-04:00

In brief, I was Regular Army from July 1987 to March 1995, 2 Honorable Discharges. Jump forward 21 years and my daughter is enlisting in the National Guard and the recruiter asks me if I’d like to reup. I was 46, had 7 years service, 13 to retirement and I had one regret about my service. I didn’t make E-5. I was 18-25 years old, wrong attitude, but crappy people and leadership as well. Call it 80-90% me, but I had help not succeeding. But that’s another story.

So, I jumped at the chance, yes. I was a first time go at MEPS at 46, got in April 2016, reclassify Engineer in June 2016, shattered my ankle at my civilian job July 2016. This is my life. They said I’d never walk right again. May 2017, I ran the 2 mile in 17:26. I’m going to do it right this time. My platoon SFC, on the other hand, tried to block my request for BLC for six months. In July, my Training NCO told me to come to his office and when I got there, he said, out of the blue, F him, BLC in April 2018. In June 2018, I was pinned E-5. The promotion came with a transfer to a new unit and that’s also when the problems started. Maybe coincidental, maybe not. I can’t honestly answer that, not definitively.

Now, why I’m posting. Even with 9 years in the Army, I didn’t know much about Warrant Officers, but someone put a bug in my ear and, here in GA, we have no Engineering Warrants (one guys just graduated WOCS this month, the first Engineer). So I stepped up and joined WOCAP, Warrant Officer Candidate Advisement Program, a Guard Drill to do resumes and all the other paperwork. Again, the short version is I hit the roadblock of needing ALC to be a 120A Construction Operations Tech. I just missed it in the requirements. Totally my fault, but I had my CO’s and BC’s letters of recommendation along with my BC saying “anything you need.” They know how motivated I am and my work and attitude support it. By the way, I can’t get a waiver to my knowledge and I’m already getting an age waiver. Don’t want to submit with a bunch of those.

So, I request DLC-2 because they are in the process of switching from SSD. I was also switched to another unit. Finally, after months, from Dec 2018 to April 2019, I get an email from my CO that my request was submitted to the state. After that, not a single email has been returned and I have no idea how to proceed. Let me summarize:

My goal is 120A Warrant Officer. I’m now 49 years old so time is not my friend, but one of our CSMs graduated last October and he was 52. He’d done everything an NCO could do so now he is doing more as a Warrant.

I need DLC-2 to get ALC to get WOCS to be Warrant. I’m stuck getting DLC-2 even though I’ve done everything but play my card with the Battalion Commander and ask for him to look into it. I’m trying to do things right being older and maybe wiser, but I’m also thinking some boots need to contact butts. It’s online training, right? After that, the process is scheduling.

I’ve done all I can think to do including finishing my Warrant Packet. It’s 80% done and just missing the schools to get there. I’m trying to keep my cool, but I think we’ve achieved ridiculous. Should I ask everyone again and play the card or should I hold that card for an ALC slot. You know they will find a way to make that a hassle. Sorry, but my faith in “good leadership” is at a low.

I’m stuck. Before I do something stupid, I thought I’d ask for hopefully some clarity and perspective. Thanks!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2019 12:26 AM

2019-05-18T00:26:57-04:00

So if I’m understanding you correctly the current road block is you’re trying to get DLC-2 scheduled so you can eventually get ALC out of the way. Then, I’d say yes.

You’re probably going to need to get your chain of command involved so that the process can move forward and eventually get into ALC.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 18 at 2019 1:56 AM

2019-05-18T01:56:09-04:00

Wosc is tough. I completely disagree with wosc. SFC's in the shop are the experts. I was directly as a W01 put in the reserves. These young warrants are underpaid butter bars. Reports of survey. Mail officer. Etc.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 18 at 2019 2:44 AM

2019-05-18T02:44:52-04:00

I'd love.to.suggest stuff for.you, however, I need more.specifics...associates, bachekors,.masters,.PhD efforts of any...grades, GPAs,.specific coursework with exact titles, how.much STEM coursework you have and in what exact fields...comp.sci (CS), IT? Formal.enginnering? If so,.electrical? Mechanical?.Civil?.Aero?.Chemical? What type.of.civilian work.did you do, at least generally...supervisory at all? If so, what level? Supports esp martial.arts? Hobbies? Interests? Reading tastes? I have an interest in career/Eric stuff, your scenario interests me, honest...give.is enough academic and work.specifics so.I and others here can help.you...look at the Navy WO1 cyber program, the Army cyber direct commission orogram,.also,.would.you want t to.try for.other svcs? Direct commission?.an Indoc IOS school? I gather you want Army WOCS, I'm just trying to sound you out on other svcs, other possibilities, ok? I'm here if you wanna chat, no rush, whenever you want, ok?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 18 at 2019 2:45 AM

2019-05-18T02:45:12-04:00

http://www.ocsfoundation.org

Look at this also....

OCS Foundation

SERVICES FOR: Candidates Alumni Officer Families

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 18 at 2019 2:47 AM

2019-05-18T02:47:31-04:00

http://www.usphs.gov

USPHS uses engineers, comp.sci CS), IT, not just clinical...look at their Jr and Sr COSTEap, which can be used for grad school, as can ROTCs...also, their max.commissioning age without wwiver, I believe is 44, I don't know if they have a need right now for nonclinical, incl health admin, call their toll free line and ask, the one I know is [login to see] , I only suggest it as an option you might not have cinsidered, honest, ok?

www.usphs.gov

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 18 at 2019 2:57 AM

2019-05-18T02:57:15-04:00

Sorry, typo,.I'd obv meant sports, esp.martial.arts...clumsy tablet keyboard.....

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2019 11:14 AM

2019-05-18T11:14:09-04:00

If you need some assistance then send me an email with your story and what you are trying to do and I will put you in touch with our 120A liaison for Guard and Reserve Warrants - CW4 Frank Davis. Maybe he can help you. I am an active duty 120A and this is a very challenging and rewarding MOS.

[login to see]

Response by CW4 William Kessinger made May 18 at 2019 11:47 AM

2019-05-18T11:47:04-04:00

Stick it out and continue your aim to become a Warrant. It was the best decision I ever make. I also took a Commision in 1970 to a 1Lt and later made Capt. Finely discovered the Warrant field was the only place to be in the Army. Warrant Officer Branch finally took me back (not sure why) to CW2 with no time in grade.
Stick to your guns and don't let age influence your decision. If the regulations allow it go for it.

Good Luck.

Response by CW4 William Kessinger made May 18 at 2019 11:49 AM

2019-05-18T11:49:17-04:00

To continue that vane I am also a retired FAA GS-14, but when I talk to anyone I always tell them I am a retired Army Warrant Officer.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 3:03 AM

2019-06-29T03:03:36-04:00

I just think your story is pretty cool about deciding to come back in after all them years! If they are giving you trouble in the Georgia guard, give me a holler and I'll put you on the phone with the Alabama WOSM if you wouldn't mind being Alabama guard. They WILL work with you and examine all options. If you started now you'd probably be able to make the cut for the next Reserve Component WOCS next spring...