Army Reserve exception to policy to allow retiring officers to continue to serve as Warrant Officers. Thoughts?

2015-02-13T15:24:56-05:00

According to an S1NET message, the Army Reserve will begin giving retiring or retired Commissioned Officers the opportunity to avoid mandatory retirement by taking appointments as Warrant Officers (CW2).

How does the Warrant community feel about this?

Would you resign as an O-5 or O-6 to become a Warrant or retire?

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-187126

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-02-13T17:01:07-05:00

I question weather an officer at that grade would be the right fit for a CW2 position. The entire mind set is different.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 5:06 PM

2015-02-13T17:06:16-05:00

It does seem to cheapen the warrant officer rank a bit, LTC Private RallyPoint Member. That's on the one hand. On the other hand, it gives Officers who want to continue to serve the opportunity to do so. Overall, I'm for it. (I saw this done with Officers after Vietnam. One of my first NCOICs was a RIF'd Captain, then serving as a Sergeant First Class.)

I can imagine a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel who might not be technically qualified to do the job of a Warrant Officer, as they are primarily leaders and may not be technically proficient. But on the whole, I think it's probably a good idea and the retiring/retired Officers will likely succeed as Warrant Officers.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 12:19 PM

2015-03-19T12:19:12-04:00

I would seriously be against it. Warrant service should not be a consolation prize. There's already too much integration of Warrant Officers into the Officer Corps, and we're starting to lose some of what made us an asset to the force.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 23 at 2015 4:52 PM

2015-09-23T16:52:53-04:00

It would depend on the field, and it should be approved by the respective branch.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Oct 27 at 2015 10:21 PM

2015-10-27T22:21:54-04:00

I chose to retire. I didn't have the option then. If a person had the right skill sets then I don't see an issue at all! A prime example would be Warrant Aviators. I'll bet there are plenty of former commissioned officers that would have loved to increased their flying days!

Response by CPO David Sharp made Oct 28 at 2015 6:52 AM

2015-10-28T06:52:42-04:00

I'm no Warrant Officer but do know most have been initiated CPOs, no matter the Rate, being initiated taught me many lessons still used in life. Without coming through the ranks, I don't feel any direct Commissioned Officer, Mustang excluded of course, should act in anything but their Designation. If you retire apply your knowledge to Veterans Organizations, e.g., VFW, FRA, American Legion and help them to thrive and act as the bulwark against Congress's removal of Veterans Benefits and keep them afloat and prospering. Your Managerial expertise can be applied in a new course of action.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2015 10:50 PM

2015-10-28T22:50:40-04:00

This is an interesting issue. I'd ask you to think about this. What is the actual benefit of the Warrant Officer Corps to the organization? Think about that as a problem statement. Your GOs and TACOMs parts replace mentality instead of fix have made the need for a technician moot.
Do Warrant Officers today serve a Commander or unit as intended? I think your CW5 population need to conduct their own discussion on their actual task and purpose. If not you will see a slow chipping away of the Warrant Officer Corps.
As a BSB Commander I needed and utilized our Warrant Officers. I even made a CW4 our SPO. But TACOM, CECOM, ect made everything difficult with endless red tape.
We need Warrant Officers in our Army. We also need Warrant Officers Corps to forget the silent professional creed and take back their proud Corps.
LTC Martin

Response by LTC Tim Ellis made Sep 28 at 2016 12:42 PM

2016-09-28T12:42:36-04:00

I know an O-5 that did that, he went from an Armor Officer thru AG school to become an Admin (420?) Warrant. He just loved serving.