If you’re an enlisted Soldier you can advance your career to become a highly respected Army Warrant Officer.
Provide Mission Critical Knowledge
Warrant Officers are the few subject matter experts in their field, making up less than three percent of the Army. Enlisted Soldiers who pursue becoming a Warrant Officer can expect to:
- Solve Problems: Solve technical problems within their area of expertise
- Advise Others: Serve as invaluable advisors to commanders and other leaders
- Lead Training: Train enlisted Soldiers and commissioned Officers in a specific career field
- Support Missions: Organize, advise, and support missions
The Advantages of Becoming a Warrant Officer
With competitive pay and privileges much the same as those of a commissioned Officer, the path of Warrant Officer is one of the most rewarding you can take in the Army.
Be the One Others Rely On
Warrant Officers are some of the most highly specialized experts and trainers in their field. Because of that, commissioned Officers rely on Warrant Officers’ technical expertise to successfully complete missions, and regard them as trusted and esteemed colleagues.
Expand Your Expertise
If you’re highly skilled in a specialized field and love what you do, the path of Warrant Officer could be perfect for you. You can stay close to your technical area of expertise while also getting the opportunity to be promoted within your current Army job specialty. You’re also able to pursue another career path beyond your current specialty if you’d like.
Make A Career For Life
If you want your job in the Army to go places—and at a smooth pace too—this path could be right for you. You’ll automatically be promoted after serving two years as a Warrant Officer and also receive increased leadership, technical training, and competitive pay.
Explore Different Specialties
With more than 40 different Warrant Officer specialties, you’ll have many options to select from based on your MOS (Army job specialty). These include ground forces, cyber and intelligence, engineering, aviation and aerial defense, and more. You’ll be on a path to higher rank, greater pay, and increased responsibility—regardless of which direction you choose.
The Warrant Officer Journey
Being a Warrant Officer is a long-term commitment but one of the most rewarding. You’ll become the go-to advisor on important matters and remain a specialist in your field.
Show Your Skills and Drive
In order to become a Warrant Officer, you must be an active-duty, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard enlisted Soldier and demonstrate expert proficiency in your skill and craft. You must also show a drive for growth in areas like leadership and discipline, and meet other success requirements.
Warrant Officer Candidate School
You’ll need to apply to and pass Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) held in Fort Novosel, Alabama, which will test your technical and physical skills. Upon graduation, you’ll be sent to your specific U.S. Army branch school where you’ll receive more focused technical training in your specialty.
WARRANT OFFICER CAREER PATHS MADE FOR YOU
Pursuing a career as a Warrant Officer introduces you to many different specialties. You'll have an exciting career ahead of you no matter the role. Check out a few examples below.
- Aviation: Helicopter Pilot, Airplane Pilot
- Cyber & Intelligence: Cyber Warfare Technician, Human Intelligence Collection Technician
- Science & Medicine: Veterinary Services Food Safety Officer, Health Services Maintenance Technician
- Mechanics & Engineering: Geospatial Engineering Technician, Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer
- Support & Logistics: Ammunition Warrant Officer, Bandmaster, Human Resources Technician
- Ground Forces: Special Forces Warrant Officer; Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Technician
Common Questions
Can you enter the Army as a Warrant Officer?
Only Aviation Warrant Officer candidates are able to become a Warrant Officer without any prior service experience. All other candidates must be serving on active duty, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard and have a rank of at least sergeant.
Do Warrant Officers outrank commissioned Officers?
Commissioned Officers outrank Warrant Officers. However, commissioned Officers rely on Warrant Officers’ technical expertise to successfully complete missions and respect them as trusted colleagues.
How much do Warrant Officers make in the Army?
The base salary for full-time Warrant Officers (WO1) is between $40,000 and $56,000, depending on your Army experience. The longer you serve and the further you move up in rank, the more money you will earn. Take a look at the pay tables to see the different salaries.
How long do Warrant Officers serve?
Upon completion of the Warrant Officer Basic Course, Technical Warrant Officers have a six-year service commitment on active duty. Aviation Warrant Officers have a 10-year service commitment after completing Warrant Officer Flight School. Service commitments are different for Warrant Officers in the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.
How long is Army Warrant Officer School?
Warrant Officer Candidate School is a five-week program.
How do Warrant Officers get promoted?
Warrant Officers are eligible for promotions based on performance and time served in each rank. There are five grades of Warrant Officers. For example, after completing two years as a Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) and passing additional Warrant Officer leadership courses, you can be promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2).
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
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Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.