When did you feel like it was time to put in a WOCS packet?

2016-03-02T12:29:03-05:00

My goal is to be an expert in my field (InfoSec) and believe commissioning to a Warrant Officer will best suit myself and the Army. When did you feel like it was time to start the process? This question can expand to OCS as well.

Response by MSG Anthony Makar made Mar 2 at 2016 12:31 PM

2016-03-02T12:31:17-05:00

Once you make E-5 then the time would be right.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-03-02T12:33:52-05:00

I put my packet in after 3 years as an E5 in a squad leader role and completion of BLC. I did not attend ALC and got a waiver approved after I made E6. After 2 years as a warrant, I feel like I should have waited until after ALC or SLC.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 12:37 PM

2016-03-02T12:37:09-05:00

For WOCS there are very specific prerequisites you have to meet just to qualify. One of the major show stoppers is the time you've spent in certain positions in your specific MOS. Some are waiverable

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 12:42 PM

2016-03-02T12:42:48-05:00

I wait till I knew that I won't be able to do my job any more, my next step was 1SG, I apresiate the hard work and dedication they put in, but I wasn't ready to let go, so becoming a warrant officer, provide me with, the leadership I need and still work in my field

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 1:07 PM

2016-03-02T13:07:03-05:00

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member, to be honest with you, I didn't want to be a Warrant Officer, I wanted to make 1SG and then CSM one day and I most likely would have given the fact that I made SFC under 9 years. I had a senior CW4 at the time talk to me about considering the switch because he observed me in my element either managing my motor pool first hand or when I briefed at BDE and Corps level readiness meetings and I always had my stuff together. After a few mentorship sessions and introductions to other influential Chief Warrant Officers, I weighed the pros and cons and I decided to make a change that would benefit my family and I the most for the future and that's why I became a Warrant Officer. Do I still miss being a NCO, yes of course and I will never forget where I came from either, that's a major part of the reason why I am a successful Warrant Officer now.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-03-02T13:38:42-05:00

In regards to applying to OCS - as soon as i knew I was going to complete my bachelors, I began researching the Navy's OCS program. When I was told I would not be competitive for a Navy OCS slot (due to not having an engineering degree, I didn't graduate from a "named" school...and it was 2005/6 when the Navy was downsizing), and I'd be more suitable for a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) slot - which is essentially an extension of the Warrant program in the Navy, but they fall under the O scale vs W scale. As a LDO, you are not tracked to take command and like a Warrant, you're essentially locked into your specialty field for the rest of your career. I wanted to venture out and expand my skillset - so a friend, who had went Army OCS (he was a prior Army SSG), convinced me to look into the Army OCS program and apply...and I did. I finished my bachelors and graduated in May 2006, and in the end of August 2006, I was on my way to Fort Benning, Ga to attend OCS.

Response by CW4 Anthoney Lowry made Mar 2 at 2016 1:45 PM

2016-03-02T13:45:48-05:00

sitting in a foxhole, covered in mud, soaking wet, freezing my ass off when a Kiowa Warrior flew over us at about 50 feet. at that point, I thought to myself, there has to be a better way to make a living. I did 8 years as a ground pounder and 16 flying. best career decision I ever made.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 1:55 PM

2016-03-02T13:55:19-05:00

When I had completed all of the fields of training in my mos and wasn't happy where I was with my career.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Mar 2 at 2016 6:39 PM

2016-03-02T18:39:18-05:00

Don't wait. Now is the time if that's your dream.

Response by CW3 Stephen Mantie made Mar 9 at 2016 8:55 AM

2016-03-09T08:55:56-05:00

As a mechanic, I was fforced into BS positions like orderly room NCOIC and HHC platoon sergeant. I got tired of doing oddball jobs which I didnt get full credit for. Warrant was my calling!!!