What is it really like to be a warrant officer in the Army? What does it take mentally to become that type of leader?

2016-06-13T09:02:33-04:00

Im a 91m. Just wanted some real advice on what it takes.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-06-13T09:59:08-04:00

In the Marine Corps, it takes technical skill in the field that you are going to. This is normally found by working in that field for years before applying.

Response by CW5 Andrew J. Foreman made Jun 13 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-06-13T10:26:25-04:00

Your MOS is a feeder for Armament Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer or Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer, which are you planning to apply for? Both of these have a minimum requirement to be at least an E5. Got to http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/WOgeninfo_enlmos.shtml for more information.
To answer you questions: Becoming an US Army Warrant Officer was the best thing I did from my career. I made a decision at E3 to become a warrant officer and transitioned at E6 and have had a great career as a warrant officer. Your life will change in a number of ways. My work day changed a lot. As an NCO I had a set day e.g. PT at 0630 work call at 0900, and generally out by 1700-1800. As a warrant officer my bosses did not tell me where to be and when. Most times my duty day begins at 0600 and ends after 1800, depending on mission. I drive my day to day business based on my bosses priorities and missions. Often people wonder why warrants are not at PT, it is because we are at work, PT for most my career has been on my own with once a week officer PT. There have been times (in Division) that PT was everyday with the troops. Regardless I had to remain fit and passing APFT and height/weight standards. Army warrant officers are technical leaders and must lead by example and do the right thing. Because our cohort is so small (3% of the Army) we are continually under a microscope. Days can be challenging but very rewarding and I would do it all again. If you want to be a warrant, get a warrant officer as a mentor. They will guide you to reach your goals. As a PFC my warrant mentor was a CW3. Go to the website and exceed all the prerequisites, work hard, take the hard jobs, and let your boss and NCOs know your goals. Finally, go to a warrant officer recruiting briefing on your post as soon as possible.

U.S. Army Recruiting Command's Warrant Officer Recruiting Information Site

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 4:25 PM

2016-06-13T16:25:27-04:00

A Warrant Officer is the man behind the curtain. That is to say they knows their job inside and out they not only find problems but provide solutions. Our job is one that requires mental agility, the ability to communicate what we know it whatever timeline is available. The job is one that if you are doing it right your command will know what you are doing for them and most of the time no one else will have a clue. You have to be a self starter that is not in the job for praise but about making your organization better I hope that paints a picture for you. Good luck if you choose to follow this path it is worth worth it.

Response by CW3 Jared Hickox made Jun 13 at 2016 8:55 PM

2016-06-13T20:55:05-04:00

This question cannot be answered by any one person. The experience each individual has is different. When I was promoted from E6 to E7, the change was night and day. The same was true from E7 to WO1 and CW2 to CW3. The experience is also different between the different MOS branches. I would recommend finding a Warrant in your prospective career field and ask him to mentor you.

For me, some days were really great and I felt a sense of accomplishment. Other days, I had regulations, literally, thrown at my face because the boss didn't like the answer contained within it. You must, first and foremost, be the technical leader in your formation. If someone has a question, you should have the answer or, at a minimum, know where to get the answer. Secondly, but no less important, you must be a standard bearer. If the boss doesn't like the answer and the boss is wrong, you must have the fortitude to explain why, tactfully. Your job is to ensure your commander has the correct information to make informed and accurate decisions. You are also the teacher to those that follow in your path.

Response by CW3 Doyle Frost made Jun 14 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-06-14T15:07:31-04:00

It's demanding of one's time, and efforts. But it is well worth it, if for nothing but the pride and self satisfaction of knowing one is the best one can be. At the same time, one has to have a willingness to be a valuable member of a team comprised of many talented soldiers. Pay attention to all around you, people, places, and things. Be aware of your environment at all times. At the same time, remember, the team is only as good as the least able member of your team, therefore, as a team leader, it is your responsibility to improve the entire team by working harder with that soldier.

Response by CW3 Luther Deese made Jun 15 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-06-15T14:44:45-04:00

A Warrant Officer is a technical leader . He/She is the most proficient technician in is/her MOS. The primary responsibility of a Warrant is to make sure his those he/she is charged with supervising or training are well trained in the specifics of the jobs involved. If a Warrant is successful, the underlings will be as good as their masters, so to speak. Then, a Warrant Officer will have been successful!

Response by CW2 Christopher Esparza made Jun 16 at 2016 8:33 AM

2016-06-16T08:33:05-04:00

Javier, first off one of the best questions I have seen on this forum. You are still young in your career, but your looking forward and asking the right kind of questions. So you've answered the second part of your question yourself. What does it take mentally? The ability to think outside the box, ask yourself what will it take to keep moving forward and implement that plan with little to no supervisor and guidance. A warrant officer know they are doing a good job when they are invisible. The only time your on anyones radar is when the train goes off the tracks.
What it's really like to be a warrant officer? In a word, AWESOME. You've proven yourself as one of the best in your field; as such command will leave you alone to do the magic you do. But, like all things you have to work your ass off to keep on top. Just because its 1730 doesn't mean its time to go home. Your there until the job is finished.
My advice to you: keep asking the right questions, learn everything you can about your job, tell your warrant your interested (and prove your interested, you couldn't believe how many times we hear " I was thinking about dropping my packet.") work your civilian education and PT. You have to be both mentally and physically strong. Good luck, and if there is anything you need in the future send me a message.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 9:54 AM

2016-06-16T09:54:38-04:00

Great question. Like a few of my peers have stated here, being a warrant officer is in one word, AWESOME! As the subject matter expert (SME) in your field, your advice and opinion on technical solutions is often sought after. LTCs/COLs love us and SSGs/SFCs want to be us, LTs/CPTs envy us. It's a strange rank, but believe me, it's one that is highly respected.

I have completed roughly 40 recommendation letters in my career and I believe about 38 were selected. My number one question I ask a candidate is, "Why do you want to be a Warrant Officer?" If the answer, in one way, shape, or form...doesn't come back "Because I love my job"...then it probably isn't the place you want to be. DO NOT go Warrant if you do not like your job, trust me, because that is pretty much all you will ever deal with for the rest of your career.

As you know, Warrants are the technical experts in their fields, and a lot goes into that "technical" part. Most Chiefs I know, have a passion for what they do, reason they are so good at it. I was an Information Systems Technician (Signal Chief, retired about 8 months ago). Not only did I love my job, but often, I would spend time at home and on weekends working on systems, building computers, reading articles, and sharing knowledge with friends. I was the guy that fixed everyone's home computers on the weekends...lol.

So the technical part, we all know that Chiefs do that, but also as a Warrant, you instantly become a mentor...to the enlisted guys coming up and to junior Warrant officers in the Army. As a Warrant, you are constantly searching out those enlisted members that you know would make a good Warrant, then mentoring them, and helping them decide to submit a packet. As a senior Warrant, you are constantly assisting your junior Warrants with assignment choices, reviewing their Officer Support Forms, and courses of actions for their career. As a senior CW4, I was always asked by the juniors, "What did you do to get there (CW4), and what should I do?"

So much more than just being technical, but also being a leader, mentor, teacher to your junior personnel. That is a big part of the job.

But honestly, it was the greatest decision I ever made in my military career. I was assessed as a freshly promoted SFC...I think I wore the rank for like 2 weeks, before I started Candidate School. If you love your job, and you love what you're doing, submit a packet. You'll love being a Warrant in your field.

Response by CW3 Mike Baza made Jun 16 at 2016 10:28 AM

2016-06-16T10:28:29-04:00

Willingly render loyal services to superiors, subordinates and peers in every organization of which they are members.
Always set an example in conduct, appearance and performance that will make others proud to know and work with them.
Reliably discharge all duties with which they are confronted whether such duties are expressed or implied.
Readily subordinate their personal interests and welfare to those of their organization and their subordinates.
Accept responsibility at every opportunity and acknowledge full accountability for their actions.
Never knowingly tolerate wrong-doing by themselves or others, whether by commission or omission, design or neglect.
Teach other people in a way that effectively expand and perpetuate the scope of their technical competence.

Obtain breadth of perspective and depth of understanding beyond the limits of their specific responsibility.
Faithfully adhere to their oath of office in all respects, upholding and defending the United State's Constitution by both word and deed.
Forcefully take the initiative to stimulate constructive action in all areas requiring or inviting their attention.
Improve themselves both physically and mentally, professionally and personally, to increase their own abilities and the value of their services.
Contribute their past experiences, service and knowledge to a dedicated effort for a betterment of the future.
Earn an ironclad reputation for the absolute integrity of their word.
Reflect credit and inspire confidence in themselves, the Warrant Officer Corps, the military service of the nation and the United States of America.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 12:08 PM

2016-06-16T12:08:16-04:00

All of these answers are great, hard to add much to what my fellow Warrants had to say...but I'll give it a try.

They say that with great power comes great responsibility, and I have found that to be absolutely true as an Army Warrant Officer. The buck really does stop with you. You must know your field inside and out because everyone, juniors and seniors alike, will look to Chief for the answer. And if you don't know the answer you must find it, oftentimes with no guidance whatsoever! It's like tightrope walking without a net some days, a white -knuckled thrill ride, simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying. Do you like being the "go to guy" who brings everything back online when it goes down? The guy that your seniors and subordinates turn to in times of crisis? Then this is the job for you. I love it! Going Warrant was one of the best decisions I ever made.

All of the advice about finding a mentor was spot on. My mentor (many years ago as a young PFC) was CW3 Ebert. He was an absolute professional, and a heck of a nice guy to boot, humble, patient and kind. He really knew his stuff! And he showed me what right looked like, day in and day out. I do my best to emulate his example.

If you decide to go down this path, i won't be easy, but it will be worth it.

Response by CW4 Ruben Dominguez made Jun 16 at 2016 3:20 PM

2016-06-16T15:20:37-04:00

Javier, since you asked the question, this tells me you are contemplating a great career move. As a warrant you will affect changes for your soldiers, your superiors, your unit and the Army in general. This is far the best satisfaction one can have...knowing that you affected change...that you made something better. Mentally you must be motivated. Physically, you must set the example. And being technically proficient will allow you to set the standards and expectations of your subordinates as well as proactively preflight COAs for your superiors. Don't ever feel that you are not ready for the challenge or responsibility and do not let others convince you of the same. No one is ever really ready for everything in life. Thus, you must take the plunge. If your packet is not accepted the first time around, do not dismay. Be patient, persistent and resubmit as soon as permissible. Read! Know your regs, SOPs and or where to find the answers to the questions (and be ready to rewrite those regs and or SOPs....eventually you will, so I hope you like to write). Learn Power Point for you will be tasked to conduct briefings and or classes from small team size elements up to a full auditorium. expect to be multi-tasked and to where several hats...Team Leader, Operations Officer, Training Officer, Detachment Commander, a 15-6 Investigating officer, etc. You will be versatile. Bottom line up front is job satisfaction! Hope this helps! Good luck!!

Response by CW3 Tom Sheahan made Jun 16 at 2016 6:46 PM

2016-06-16T18:46:55-04:00

91M, thanks a Mechanic, correct? So I take it you are going for WO in that field? I went from the infantry to a Pilot, so I won't be able to answer how you are treated in that MOS field. The school was mental more than physical. When I went they tried to break you down, and build you back up. I was an E-6 and was in The Army for 9 years already so I didn't think it was hard. The goal is for you to be the Expert in that field. You are suppose to be able to work on your own and be able to be the middle person between the PLTs, COs, & higher between the Enlisted. I wish you the best and good luck in your future!!

Response by CW2 Michael Berthiaume made Jun 16 at 2016 8:09 PM

2016-06-16T20:09:18-04:00

Whats it like ? Best way to go if planning an Army Career. I was a 91A and Senior NCO before going Warrant and I can tell you in Hindsight, I wish I had gone Warrant ages ago. It takes a strong personality, great love for Maintenance Management or your Area of Expertise you care to Apply for and a desire to serve in an even higher Capacity than any other 91 Series Grade. You are the BN /BDE Subject Matter expert on Maintenance and will regularly report to Senior Level officers and Staff, as they will rely on you to provide them with your experience and Knowledge in helping them make critical Decisions. I iwsh I had went Warrant 10 Yrs earlier than I did. Feel free to message me anytime, if I can be of assistance.

Response by CW4 Chad Balwanz made Jun 16 at 2016 9:54 PM

2016-06-16T21:54:40-04:00

Warrant Officers share the common DNA of being former enlisted / NCO's and possessed strenuous pre-required skill sets. Warrant officers are the technical subject matter experts of the Army. They have the ability to connect to the officer corps and the NCO corps. Warrant officers are leaders and serve in command positions. I went to the Warrant Officer Corps as a senior NCO/E-7 those NCO roots were my greatest asset. I knew to let the NCO's run the units and let the officers command and prepare both for promotions and future leadership roles. It is easy to find solutions when you don't care who receives the credit.

Response by CW3 Valerio Henke made Jun 17 at 2016 7:19 AM

2016-06-17T07:19:26-04:00

It was the best decision I ever made in my military career. You have the ability to influence all ranks, enlisted and officers. With this great honor comes a lot of responsibility as everyone will look at you as the SME, and there is that expectation that CHIEF can figure out any problem. Good luck and heed the advice you have received from the fellow Warrant Officers, each one has a valid point and speak from experience.

Response by CW5 Donna Smith made Jun 20 at 2016 2:48 PM

2016-06-20T14:48:26-04:00

Good question to ask yourself. What are the great leaders in your life that you respect and would like to emulate? What in your opinion makes a great leader? Warrant Officer's possess unique skills and training. We've seen all the good and the bad and know what it takes to be the best officer we can be, train the best we can train and stay authentic and in integrity. Being authentic and have the highest integrity is what makes a good warrant officer. To thine own self be true. You know your strengths, step them up and you know yourself, stand and embrace all that you are because in the end you are the one who has to answer to the boss. Be confident, be smart, and take care of soldiers. Know yourself and know that you are the best of the best and you are going to go far. Warrant Officers are outside the box thinkers so if you want to be politically correct, it's not going to work. You have to be savvy, strong, and think outside the box. Make sure you throw away the box so you never step inside it again. Just saying. Take all the leadership courses you can, get an education and step into who you are.