How does someone get a letter of recommendation from a warrant officer when they don’t have a warrant officer in their unit?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 20:02:20 -0500

I am a private first class in the artillery, 273 PT score, above 110 GT, I am an aviator in my civilian life, I’m working with a warrant officer recruiter to find the ‘missing pieces’ to my packet, but the biggest one seems to be the warrant officer letter of Recommendation, as I am in a guard unit with no warrant officers. Does anyone have recommendations for someone in the guard who doesn’t have a warrant officer in their unit on how to get a letter of recommendation from warrant officers? thanks in advance, this is my first RP post

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 8:10 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 20:10:15 -0500

While considering my WO packet submission, I went to an aviation unit and asked to talk with their chief.
We had an informal talk but if I had pursued it he was willing to recommend me.
It can be as simple as that.
Really your recruiter should be working to help you find one.
If not, you may need to consider a component change.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 8:58 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 20:58:48 -0500

I highly recommend you have your packet near completion prior to going to speak with a senior warrant. That shows you have been working hard to complete the packet and that you are serious. Most senior warrants won't write a LOR just because you need it. It's all about showing the drive and desire to pursue your aviation career.

Response by CPT Nicholas D. made Jan 28 at 2019 9:03 PM

CPT Nicholas D. — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 21:03:22 -0500

Your best bet is to introduce yourself at your closest AASF (ARNG Aviation Support Facility). I am sure if you walked into flight ops (or where your Flight Facility receives visitors), you will have an opportunity to introduce yourself and ask to speak to one of the Facility IPs. Most are open to giving a tour, answering questions, and if asked, may be willing to provide an LOR in return for an interview. Make sure you have a good chunk of your packet complete and with you. If a young soldier wanted an LOR from me and they had their documentation with them to make the sales pitch, I’d be inclined to hear them out. Additionally, the tenacity it takes to walk into a den of Warrant Officers to introduce yourself shows “people skills” and determination. All good things we look for in future Aviators!

Best of Luck!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 10:14 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 22:14:12 -0500

Recommend contacting Army Reserve Career Division if you are a Reservist.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 10:17 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 22:17:01 -0500

You can also get LORs from state or federal officials

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 12:30 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 00:30:06 -0500

Since you are in the guard, I assume that you are consulting with an assessions NCO. Often they have such contracts. Ask that NCO

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 7:27 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 07:27:16 -0500

I was just talking to the warrant recruiter in Sacramento about this yesterday morning (how do you get a letter if you don't know any warrants?)
I assume you are working with the warrant recruiter for So Cal.
The usual route is for the recruiter to forward the relevant parts of your packet (ERB, etc) to a few warrants at the aviation unit near you, (JFTB in your case), head over there to meet a few of them, and then have a more formal sit down interview with the CW3 who will write your letter.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 10:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 10:33:52 -0500

I assume you are working with a warrant recruiter, he can introduce you to several W.O.'s and most will want to interview you before they will talk about the LOR.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 11:21 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 11:21:08 -0500

PFC Gale, If you are working with a Warrant Officer Recruiter I am sure the advice that has been given in reference to finding an Aviation Warrant Officer is probably accurate. However, I suggest you work with the other Warrant Officers in your Unit to have them assist you in getting your packet together. I assume that when you say "no Warrant Officers in your Unit" you are speaking specifically to your Battery and would suggest you go to the HHB within your BN (which should have 1-3 Warrant Officers. Additionally, depending on what type of BDE you are in Maneuver BDE or Field Artillery Brigade there will be between 2-6 131A FA Targeting Warrant Officers and approximately 10 other Tech Warrant Officers who could give you some assistance.

Response by CW4 Scott Hyde made Jan 31 at 2019 7:48 AM

CW4 Scott Hyde — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 07:48:23 -0500

WO recruiting page has POC for the MOS proponent. Contact them. Ask your question.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2019 8:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 20:21:05 -0400

When I was trying to go 153A, I completed my entire packet, took it to a 153A CW3 and let him know what my aspirations were and why. After we talked, I left for my physical, only to find out two days later that I didn't meet the vision standards. The warrant that I spoke with was willing to write my LOR upon completion of my physical because, and I quote, "You had the nerve to walk in here, not knowing who any of us are, and put yourself out on a limb and try. Trying and showing that you will do whatever it takes goes a long way". I was also a SGT with 6 years in, and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. I have learned throughout my career that you are in charge of your career and only you determine where it goes. I encourage you to be tenacious and follow the proper channels. I have since submitted my packet for my career field and it is a daunting process but it will be worth it if/when you get selected. Good luck!