Posted on Jul 9, 2018
How beneficial would it be to seek out an Army CWO for my aviator LOR vice an in-service field grade aviator for my WOFT packet?
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I have been an Aircrewman in the Navy for the last 7 years, currently flying as a Crew Chief on a
C-37a, and just have a few quick questions about the following link which subsequently holds the following paragraph:
http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/prerequ/wo153a.shtml
" If the unit commander or above is a field grade aviator, the aviator interview may be part of the commander's endorsement. In this case, the commander's endorsement must contain the same statement required for the aviator interview. Use a memorandum format and start with the statement I have interviewed (your name) and find (he/she) has the needed personal characteristics, motivation, physical stamina, and qualifications to be appointed a U.S. Army Reserve warrant officer and appears acceptable for selection into the WOFT program as a warrant officer candidate."
I have spoken with aviation units here in Hawaii and have gotten 50/50 responses conveying the same answers... "CWO LOR's speak more as to who you are to join the Warrant Officer ranks vs a well written LOR from an O-4 who personally knows you and can attest for who you are as an aviator is valid, etc."
Summed up, i'm looking for are more views on the matter on how everyone feels about receiving a CW3-CW5 LOR vs field grade aviator in my current branch LOR with a more personal touch. Would it adversely affect my packet if I do not seek out an Army CWO? Thank you in advance.
PS- I have my LOR written from one of my O-4's, the more the merrier, right?
C-37a, and just have a few quick questions about the following link which subsequently holds the following paragraph:
http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/prerequ/wo153a.shtml
" If the unit commander or above is a field grade aviator, the aviator interview may be part of the commander's endorsement. In this case, the commander's endorsement must contain the same statement required for the aviator interview. Use a memorandum format and start with the statement I have interviewed (your name) and find (he/she) has the needed personal characteristics, motivation, physical stamina, and qualifications to be appointed a U.S. Army Reserve warrant officer and appears acceptable for selection into the WOFT program as a warrant officer candidate."
I have spoken with aviation units here in Hawaii and have gotten 50/50 responses conveying the same answers... "CWO LOR's speak more as to who you are to join the Warrant Officer ranks vs a well written LOR from an O-4 who personally knows you and can attest for who you are as an aviator is valid, etc."
Summed up, i'm looking for are more views on the matter on how everyone feels about receiving a CW3-CW5 LOR vs field grade aviator in my current branch LOR with a more personal touch. Would it adversely affect my packet if I do not seek out an Army CWO? Thank you in advance.
PS- I have my LOR written from one of my O-4's, the more the merrier, right?
Posted in these groups: 
153A: Rotary Wing Aviator (Aircraft Nonspecific)
Warrant Officers
CW5
CW4
CW3
153A: Rotary Wing Aviator (Aircraft Nonspecific) Warrant Officers CW5 CW4 CW3
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 7
There’s something to be said for a Warrant Officer interview and LOR in your WOFT packet. Remember that you’re not just applying to Army Aviation service; you’re applying to a community of subject matter experts that commanders rely on to be the utmost professionals in their craft. A new W-1 may not run much of anything on the flight line, but off the airfield you will be seen as someone who possesses a tactical skill set above and beyond the average Soldier. As such, strongly recommend you marry those field-grade LORs with at least one senior Army flight Warrant, who along with the letter can help fill in any gaps related to your upcoming culture change and ensure you know exactly what you’re getting into.
JF
JF
Suspended Profile
Thank you for the insight, Sir. You are absolutely right especially with regard to the culture change. I appreciate your input and will be sure to reach out to some aviation units.
I will say that a Senior Warrant Officer letter may help, however if you are having trouble finding then a field grade letter works as well. The argument is always that Warrant Officers want to see Warrant Officer letters, however I had a letter from an O-5 and got picked up. No aviation Warrant Officers were available. I think your record will say more about who you are then a letter from a Warrant Officer. Subsequently more than one doesn't matter as only one letter will accompany your packet. Just my two cents.
CW4 Craig Urban
When I was in the 11th aviation gp in 75-78 my friends pilots kept telling me to go to flight school. I kept telling them I have my bars. I will make cw4. When flying oh58's they would say take the stick. I said it is just like driving a car in London. It was a great job. Never had to go to the field. I would send my SFC. My co told everybody Craig does not go the field. He gets me my toilet paper.
I had the opportunity to sit on the Warrant Officer selection board several years ago prior to my retirement and although letters of referrals are good, they are far from being one of the more important things in your warrant packet. Remember that a board member has a small amount of time to look at each applicant 's packet and render a score. Things that matter are deployments, photo, ribbons matching awards on paper, weight, PT scores, education, and a warrant packet that is put together correctly. If you submit a turd packet, board members are not going to take time to try and read your packet. Don't get too wrapped up on who gives you LORs unless its a 4 star general, which does command a lot of weight.
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