Is Warrant officer the way to go?

If you are Active duty then Being a Warrant Officer is the first class choice. If you are a National Guard member then talk to your state to see if you will have jobs available after becoming a Warrant Officer. Being a National Guard member you will have more chances to get a full time job as a SGT than a Warrant Officer. Only benefit you have as a National Guard Warrant Officer is that you don't retire for 30 to 35 years or more.

I believe that going WO is the way to go. I did it when I was a senior SSG and never regretted it. I had an MOS where I was not really a "troop NCO" in the first place, but an operations guy. I only got up to CW2 before retirement, due to a "RIF" (Reduction in Force). In my case, I was a reserve CW2, so when I "reverted" to NCO status, and was instantly promoted to SFC. I didn't want to re-up to take Master Sergeant, so served my last two years as a "real NCO" at Fort Bragg. So I retired as a CW2 and have never regretted it...except for the part about wanting to go back in about 18 months later! So DO IT!

I don't think the "rank" has nearly as much importance when making this decision as where your heart is at. Do you love your job and excel where you are to the point where risking that environment isn't worth it? If you love working with Soldiers, it will definitely be a change, at least in the types of relationships you will have. Not direct supervision anymore so much as guidance/mentorship. I think you didn't provide enough info, what is it that makes you want to apply?

Warrants are the most technically qualified soldiers in their MOS sets. They are the best mentors and instructors. Moreover, they are the most outstanding performers when the chips are down. If you have what it takes, go for it!

Yes WO is the way to go! Pros: increased responsibility, authority, respect, brotherhood, etc... Cons: less authority over troops overall, no clothing allowance, less BAS, when first transitioning having to prove yourself more than as a SR NCO, not much more. Long term base pay and retirement pay higher than NCO. If you're not an expert in your field when you first transition you will be much faster than any NCO. Why? WOs spend the great majority of their time doing their MOS part of their jobs. Lastly, PLEASE do not buy into this notion that WOs don't do much or can do whatever they want. Do become a WO because you wanna make a significant contribution to the Army and WO Cohort not EVER to do less or evade responsibility. Good luck!

You should definitely consider Warrant Officer. I spent 32 years in the Army and 20 years as a Warrant Officer. It was definitely the right move. You will still be able to take care of the troops along with young commissioned officers. Once you become a seasoned Warrant you will be taken care of the everyone. You first much give it your all and dedicate your life to your family and service.
In the long term, the retirement will be excellent. Good luck and get that packet in.
CW4 (R) Paul Zeisman

I am glad I went Warrant. I loved being an NCO and was E-7 when I was selected for Warrant. For me it was a difficult decision, but the point that was the deciding factor was the ability to continue to do what I truly loved...analysis. As an NCO, especially at the senior level, the opportunity to really do your MOS has to be balanced with other duties. For me it was the right choice.

The Warrant Officer is a very unique position in the United States Army, as a Warrant Officer you will find that you are often looked to for your knowledge of your field not only my your subordinates but also by your superiors. Often known as the quiet professionals the Warrant Officer is one who knows his field inside and out. and often interacts with their subordinates to not solve the problems for them but to teach them how to solve the problem by providing them with proper guidance and instruction, but will also interact quite often with their superiors often in the same way. Presently the Army is beginning to place Warrant officers in to staff positions, because often times they may have much more knowledge of their field than say a Captain or a Major. This can take the Warrant Officer out of their sometimes comfortable realm they have established, causing them to have to broaden their view of things increasing their necessity to the Army. Being a Warrant Officer is Never an Easy task, but is a new challenge to be approached daily, which brings a great sense of accomplishment. Becoming a Warrant Officer is not for someone looking for an easy ride but for someone looking for a new challenge each day in their career. In my opinion though yes Warrant Officer is the way to go , if your are up for the challenge.

Considering the way the Army Reserve promotes NCO's going to WOCS is starting to become a serious player in my career.

I'm sure there are some cons.........on second thought I can't think of any.