Are the Up or Out promotion rates a cause for concern for future Army aviation warrant officers?

2018-03-31T02:58:17-04:00

After reading about 153a promotion rates, it seems becoming an aviation warrant officer seems quite risky if you want to stay in the military as your lifelong career (which is 100% my intention). My concern is that even if I get a masters, obtain all the training I can, take up extra responsibilitys and do everything right, I might not get promoted or even make it until retirement. Hope I’m wrong

Response by Gary Henson made Mar 31 at 2018 3:05 AM

2018-03-31T03:05:54-04:00

I’m still extremely determined to become an Army aviation warrant officer. In the book of, “Habits of highly effective people” it says to begin with an end in mind. I’m just trying to be ready for whatever comes in my future and hopefully overcome it. Thanks for your time

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2018 3:06 AM

2018-03-31T03:06:36-04:00

CW3 is the terminal rank, unless you decided that you wanted to make 4/5. CW3 can make you to 20 years. Don’t get me wrong, always strive to be better than everyone else. Best of luck on your journey.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2018 7:00 AM

2018-03-31T07:00:23-04:00

When I was an LT in an Aviation Platoon this was happening to a few of our better warrants. It was during the drawdown. I think if you make CW3 you should be ok now. Most warrants have a lot of enlisted time so you don’t need all 20 years as a warrant. I wouldn’t let that thought hold you back from working toward your goal.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 7:59 PM

2018-04-03T19:59:07-04:00

Gary, shoot me an email. [login to see] . I will discuss with you the potential for promotion and what it takes to make it as an Aviation warrant officer.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 4 at 2018 10:34 AM

2018-04-04T10:34:34-04:00

Warrant normally fair better then NCO's in the up or out world. You also have better prospects on the outside

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 2:17 PM

2018-09-07T14:17:29-04:00

If it's a concern, you can enlist, do a few years as Enlisted and then switch over. You should be able to accomplish 12 years before hitting strong competition resulting in a two time non-select for promotion. Plus, if you are Enlisted first, if you are a non select you Statutory Entitlement to revert back to Enlisted long enough to retire.

Response by CW4 Stephen Spicer made Aug 9 at 2021 2:13 PM

2021-08-09T14:13:04-04:00

As in other careers, there are no guarantees. If you are good at your job you will tend to get good annual evaluations which normally leads to promotions. Remember, no matter what profession you are in, you will be in competition with peers. If they only promote 70%, you must be in the top 70% to advance. If your heart is in serving this great nation, it is a worthwhile endeavor.