How likely am I to get selected as a warrant officer and promoted with derogatory information as an enlisted?

2023-02-17T13:50:51-05:00

Background: I'm a SIGINTer with roughly 15 years in and interested in 352N.

As a SGT, In 2012, I received an article 15 for a domestic issue between myself and my spouse and also a DUI a few years later in 2015.

I've promoted to SSG since and have had good NCOERs, some schools like airborne, air assault, and MOS enhancing courses. I've had a diverse career with alot of strategic and tactical experience. Two deployments. Many supervisory and NCOIC positions. Finished an AA degree and pursuing bachelors.

I know from many standards, what I've done should had removed me from the military but my leadership gave me opportunities to fix myself multiple times and I owe that to them and if I continue to serve, I want to keep doing what I can to put my best foot forward. It may be a long shot but I was hoping to get a reality check on how pursuing this could pan out. Is it worth trying and could it come back to haunt me in the end( qmp,prb,etc).

Response by COL Randall C. made Feb 17 at 2023 2:14 PM

2023-02-17T14:14:43-05:00

Your first hurdle will be to get your AFS time waivered (12 years AFS is the limit without a waiver).
Your second hurdle will be a waiver for your DUI conviction.

Many times people talk about "Rank has its privileges", but rarely discuss that "Rank has its downsides". One of these is being held to a higher standard during military boards.

The bad first - A domestic violence NJP and DUI on your record is bad for an officer. Really bad..

The (slightly) good - the domestic violence was from over 10 years ago and the DUI from 7.

The really really bad - You have a UCMJ or civilian conviction (rather than NJP) and will likely run afoul of the "Good moral character" clause. Because of your multiple misconduct items you'll likely have to have your waivers sent up to HQDA to be approved (DCS, G–1, Director of Military Personnel Management).

Unless you can show a very compelling reason to the Army on why YOU should be granted a commission, it is very doubtful you make it though the waiver process/selection.

Now, is there a downside to you applying to be a Warrant and being turned down? No. It's not going to show up on a future promotion/retention board if you stay as an NCO.

Applying falls into the category of "it's a longshot, but you will miss 100% of the times you don't shoot".
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* DA PAM 601-6 (Warrant Officer Procurement)

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 18 at 2023 12:35 PM

2023-02-18T12:35:47-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member If your "domestic issue" = a domestic violence conviction, A misdemeanor crime of domestic violence includes all misdemeanors that involve the use or attempted use of physical force (e.g., simple assault, assault and battery).
That should have triggered separation from service, and even if past commanders chose to ignore it, any commander can initiate the separation now or in the future.
Before you invest more in your future service, seek legal advice from a lawyer if your domestic issue may trigger separation.
After that, its still a crap shoot if both needed waivers will be approved.
Look at it from a selection board's point of view.
They have been instructed to judge each packet on what is in front of them for review. The domestic issue and DUI are cold hard facts, NCOER's are often a paper drill so will be looked at with that in mind. The board has say 45 packets in front of them and a need for 16 candidates... it would be hard-pressed to select a packet with some glaring issues, even if in the past, over many others with no such issues.
THAT said, if your cleared hot on the domestic issue, go for it..Nothing to lose..Put a packet together, have it reviewed by some warrants in your field that have been successful in getting selected and see what happens.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 23 at 2023 2:03 PM

2023-02-23T14:03:03-05:00

I would almost tell you to Try applying on the Army Reserve/National Guard side, it might slide a little easier, no promises but it may work as both of them tend to be a lot lighter in WO's.