Functional Area Officer vs. Warrant Officer

2014-05-18T00:37:57-04:00

So here's the deal...I am at that point in my career where lots of people are telling me that I should go Warrant. Just yesterday, I had one of my Warrants tell me that I should go "O-Grade" and seek a functional area. What are you thoughts on this? My target area is mainly the Warrants and Officers on this site...any feedback is great.

What's the major differences, besides rank and pay, between the two area's?

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 18 at 2014 8:39 AM

2014-05-18T08:39:07-04:00

SGT Hearne, you will need to research the job descriptions on both sides to know what you really want to do in the future. The warrant officers are highly specialized in their duties/fields. They know their jobs very well and will never argue that. They provide exceptional guidance and feedback to commanders in their positions. Many of my friends are now WOs. One is the BDE Ammo Tech and another is the Bn Motor Chief. Each of them gives a status to their respective commanders each week on what they do. They are the subject matter experts and that is what you would be expected of if you decide to go WO. It's a great choice and almost did it myself years ago. I was going to apply to be Ordnance and deal with ammunition like my friend is doing now.

For functional area officers, they work in groups with the same skills and technical specialties. Each officer brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team too. The FA officers work on projects that require extensive training and education. There are many functional areas that officers can apply for in the Army. I'm going to apply for FA 51 Army Acquisition Corps. My former CDR is doing this and his group is made of Officers/ NCOs/Civilians, about 10 total.

Do take time to see what you may want to do. Both sides are great, its just comes down to you on what you desire and feel best at doing. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.