Posted on Dec 28, 2025
When I'm in command, should I also do an oath of office when promoting someone from WO1 to CW2?
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Our commander recently promoted a WO1 to CW2. I tried to advise him that he must technically do an oath of office during his ceremony, because hes going from a Sec Army warrant to a Presidential commission. He didn't end up doing it. For future reference when I'm commanding, should I do an oath of office for promoting CW2's?
Posted in these groups: 
Promotions
Promotions
Posted 1 d ago
Responses: 8
The technically correct answer is that no new oath is required (10 U.S. Code § 578(f)*) unless the individual had a break in service as a warrant officer. The Oath of Office given to all officers, warrant and commissioned, is the same one regardless if they are being appointed as a WO1, CW2, 2LT or COL (5 U.S. Code § 3331*).
However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with administering an Oath of Office as part of the ceremony when someone is promoted and it is very common to do so (e.g., I was given a new oath of office on three of my five appointments to a higher grade) - it just isn't required.
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* 10 U.S. Code § 578 - (Warrant Officers) Promotions: how made; effective date - https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/578
* 5 U.S. Code § 3331 - Oath of office - https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/3331
However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with administering an Oath of Office as part of the ceremony when someone is promoted and it is very common to do so (e.g., I was given a new oath of office on three of my five appointments to a higher grade) - it just isn't required.
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* 10 U.S. Code § 578 - (Warrant Officers) Promotions: how made; effective date - https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/578
* 5 U.S. Code § 3331 - Oath of office - https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/3331
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
And Quite Frankly, I'd Think He'd Want To.
Were I In His Position, I Want It To Be That Way.
What Ever Happened To A Mans Word Being His Word Of Honor?
Were I In His Position, I Want It To Be That Way.
What Ever Happened To A Mans Word Being His Word Of Honor?
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2LT(P) (Join to see)
Got it! I've always seen officers recite their oath of office during a promotion, I didnt know if the same applied for warrant officers as well
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When I was commissioned, I took a new oath of office. I don't know what the rules are now, but I would guess that at some point, somebody will ask him where that is in his file.
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
E X A C T L Y -- "and you'll want to too."
And To Me, That's A Critical Decision To Make.
And Should Be Taken By Everyone In the Military Services
- Regardless of Rank -- E-1 On Up --
And To Me, That's A Critical Decision To Make.
And Should Be Taken By Everyone In the Military Services
- Regardless of Rank -- E-1 On Up --
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