As a Warrant Officer, have you ever felt low key resentment from Commissioned Officers?

Cpl Kevin Henderson — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 23:01:08 -0500

I remember a scene from an old movie called "The General's Daughter". A Colonel was talking with a Warrant Officer, and said something to the effect of "You didn't go to college, but you still get the perks". I know Hollywood likes to embellish, but has any Warrant Officer ever felt that vibe?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 16 at 2019 11:07 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 23:07:43 -0500

I throw up in my mouth a little every time this movie airs. Nelson DeMille was a decorated PL in Vietnam, I’m sure he has reasons why he looks at the world the way he does. Either his books are hijacked by screen writers or they are free fiction without worrying about military reality.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Jan 16 at 2019 11:11 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 23:11:24 -0500

It would be rather foolish in my case. My academic background would be a match for any commissioned officer, and my GT score puts me far into "officer material" as well.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 4:45 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 04:45:41 -0500

Well, I ran in to two different MGs in Korea today and the saw my CAB, Aviator Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Drill Sergeant Badge. They both looked at me the way they would any other Commisioned Officer, since that is what I am as a CW2 who took the Oath. They looked at me, nodded, and said “Good Morning/Afternoon, Chief.” Neither one looked down at me or with any contempt. Oh, and I went to college.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 5:08 AM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 05:08:21 -0500

I don't think I have ever experienced this but if I did it was do low-key it was almost invisible. In the reserve unit I'm in it seems that they give warrant officers all the courtesy given commission officers. I've been included in all staff meetings and they honestly asked for input. So I guess I'm pretty lucky

Response by CW4 Anthoney Lowry made Jan 17 at 2019 8:50 AM

CW4 Anthoney Lowry — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 08:50:44 -0500

I have seen it from a couple new lieutenants who didn't know i could here them talking. i don't remember the specifics anymore, but it went something like this:
LT #1: we need to get the grass cut and conex squared away but all the crewchiefs are doing maintenance.
LT #2: then get the F**king warrant officers to do it
Me, coming into their office: Yay, get them to do it, they don't do anything anyway. Oh by the way, i need to give a no notice check ride to somebody, what are you 2 doing right now?

in the same conversation before I entered, they were saying they would lock up the sergeant major of the Army if he didn't salute them. i figured they were having a measuring contest and didn't know anyone else was around. they didn't last long as platoon leaders, but did spend a lot of time on the BN staff.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 11:30 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 23:30:30 -0500

I never, in my entire career, encountered an officer who felt that way about a warrant officer. Not once. WOs were always looked at with a special type of respect that was actually sort of unique to the WO Corps. Likewise, I never encountered a WO who had any issue with saluting a 2LT or calling them sir. Because they also understood the Army system and were consummate professionals.
I don't doubt that somewhere there was some shitty LT who might have acted like that, as any group, including commissioned officers has their bottom of the barrel losers. And I don't doubt that somewhere there was an unprofessional WO who wanted to act like he wasn't outranked by the newest 2LT in the Army. Even WO have their losers as well. But I never actually encountered either case in my travels.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 18 at 2019 1:43 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 01:43:46 -0500

I don't think I've ever seen that attitude towards any Warrant Officer from anyone ever. I would never presume the education level or degree of anyone. enlisted, Warrant or Officer. I was enlisted and also a college graduate and so are many others including even Warrant Officers. Imagine some even have graduate degrees. A warrant Officer still had to achieve certain things to become a Warrant Officer, it isn't just something that happens on its own and He or She is entitled to that salute and respect by virtue of that rank .