Should I stay enlisted or drop a packet for Warrant Officer?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 23:18:25 -0400

I've been in for almost 8 years as a 12B Combat Engineer. I don't have a feeder MOS and am still waiting to go to BLC. I'm considering putting in a packet to become a boating Warrant Officer because they don't have a rank, MOS, or NCOES requirement. I love boats and am looking for some advice. Any advice would be great.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 13 at 2017 11:23 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 23:23:20 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member:
I would decidedly advise you to become a boating Warrant Officer. You love boats, Specialist!
Fervent Prayers for Your Continued Success, Specialist.
-Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer

Response by SGT Victoria Belbusti made Jun 13 at 2017 11:29 PM

SGT Victoria Belbusti — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 23:29:51 -0400

Do it!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jun 13 at 2017 11:40 PM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 23:40:12 -0400

Well as a career Sailor, my answer is obvious. I'd throw in: if you like them that much, consider the Nav or the Puddle Pirates.

Response by Maj Rev. Fr. Samuel WATERS - Traditional RC Priest made Jun 13 at 2017 11:47 PM

Maj Rev. Fr. Samuel WATERS - Traditional RC Priest — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 23:47:04 -0400

I think "Warrant Officer" has your name all over it!!!!!!!! Drop the packet!!!!!!!!!

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 13 at 2017 11:48 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 23:48:35 -0400

I don't see why not. If you have nothingncoming down the pipeline for you it couldn't hurt to try. Just know that it takes time. I had a packet prepared to go to WOC to become a rotary wing pilot and it took quite a while to get everything together. Make sure you have all of those ducks in a row. Also, just be ready for the real possibility of not getting picked up. As an 8 year SPC you might not be in the top tier among your peers that may be going for the same thing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 11:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 23:58:08 -0400

Do what you love. Drop It!!!

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 14 at 2017 12:04 AM

SSG Pete Fleming — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 00:04:18 -0400

Drop it... there are several reasons, pay might be one them (especially come retirement). Most everyone respects a warrant (on all sides of the rank structure fence). You'll have a more normal job, which will offer skills that could be more beneficial when you get out... But it is up to you...

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jun 14 at 2017 1:17 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 01:17:45 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member I would drop the packet for this reason: The officer and Warrant ranks always need solid experience which you have. Plus, it gives you more upward mobility and opportunities.

Response by SPC Mark DuCre made Jun 14 at 2017 3:28 AM

SPC Mark DuCre — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 03:28:05 -0400

A good WO is worth his weight in Gold! Go for it!!

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 14 at 2017 7:20 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 07:20:05 -0400

Are you sure that that 880 series doesn't have an MOS requirement? I thought you had to be an 88 series to get in without a waiver. Not that waivers are impossible, but it does add a step of difficulty to the process. I wouldn't let that stop me.
It might be easier to waiver to 120 Engineer Warrant even though 12B is not on the feeder list.
Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2017 8:30 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 08:30:31 -0400

SPC, can you cite where they have dropped the Rank and NCOES requirement for the program, as I am also interesting in this program. I was attempting to transition from AGR NCO to RA Warrant when this first came out, but this was the information I got back in February when attempting to do it:

The Marine Deck Officer and Marine Engineer Warrant Officer specialties have implemented a pilot program to authorize all Army MOSs for application and you may qualify. Due to an expanding need for Army Watercraft in support of Global DoD and Humanitarian Support requirements, the USA, USAR and ARNG are in need of highly qualified and motivated non-commissioned officers to fill critical shortages within our Warrant Officer ranks in the Army Watercraft Field. For this reason, NCOs in the grade of E6 or higher who represent the technical and professional best in their respective career fields are highly encouraged to consider joining the ranks of the Marine Warrant Officer cohort.

This is a Pilot Program to gauge effective practicability of accessing Army MOS-wide soldiers into the Army Water Craft Warrant Officer Career Field. The program has open up the field Army Wide. It requires higher test scores (GT 118), tighter NCOER standards in-lieu-of maritime experience, and completion of ALC. The goal is to get quality board-ready packets for the field resulting in a quality Army Maritime Officer.

List of Requirements to apply:

- SSG (E6) or above.

- Completion of all phases of the Advance Leadership Course

- ASVAB: Soldier must have a minimum of 118 General Technical (GT) score

- Physical: Must have physical profile of not less than 22221 (to hold MOS). Must be in compliance with AR 40-501 para 4-12 a 5(a)(b) and AR 56-9 para
5-2 b (2)(a)(b)(c). Marine Certification Form (DA Form 7434) be completed with physical and included in packet

- Have written recommendation and a review of the applicant's packet from a
senior warrant officer (CW4 or above) in the 880A/881A MOS. If the unit level
commander is a CW4, this memorandum serves as the requirement for a
commander's endorsement and warrant officer letter of recommendation.

- NCOER: Soldier will submit a minimum of four NCOERs. Preponderance of
NCOERs must reflect "Most-Qualified" or "Among-the-Best" but will not be
less than "Highly Qualified". Must document exceptional leadership skills.

- Education: Soldier MUST have a minimum of three College credits hours in
Mathematics and three College credit hours in English from an accredited
institution. (NO TABE substitutions)

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2017 9:31 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 09:31:30 -0400

Now I'm now 100% sure of this but I thought you had to be an E-5 to drop a packet ( at least it used to be like that ) Again , I'm not completely positive about it but try to look into it . However , I do know that if you were going to be a helicopter pilot there isn't a rank requirement at all .

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Jun 16 at 2017 2:59 AM

CW2 Stephen Pate — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 02:59:32 -0400

I never even heard of a boating warrant! That sounds awesome! Can I switch?!?

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Jun 16 at 2017 8:49 AM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 08:49:30 -0400

My father was a CW4 and he said it was one of the best decisions he ever made. I taught part of the Warrant course at the ADA School, and you'll not find a more satisfied bunch of people. They were, however, difficult to teach, because Warrants think they know everything!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 12:22 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:22:52 -0400

No waivers for prereq. So, you must be an E6.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 19 at 2017 12:27 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:27:56 -0400

Every SPC4 wants to become a WO when they die.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2019 12:41 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 00:41:46 -0400

Going Warrant was the best decision I ever made. My recommendation, drop the packet as soon as possible. The WO train keeps moving. The longer you wait to jump on, the less time you have on the back end to make CW5.

Response by MAJ Tom Harper made Jan 9 at 2020 5:31 PM

MAJ Tom Harper — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:31:49 -0500

Go for the Warrant. From the date of the post I hope you're already one. The Army has loads of boats and no more long walks with heavy gear on your back.

Response by CPT Robert Holden made Jan 9 at 2020 7:54 PM

CPT Robert Holden — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 19:54:22 -0500

You go up in rank to gain responsibility not just for the job. If your doing it just for the job your definitely not a real leader

Response by SPC Phyllis Jean made Jan 12 at 2020 9:27 AM

SPC Phyllis Jean — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 09:27:54 -0500

Go for it!

Response by CW4 Scott Hyde made Sep 5 at 2020 9:59 PM

CW4 Scott Hyde — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 21:59:24 -0400

Talk to a WO in the career field you are looking into after you review the requirements on the recruiting page and decide.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Sep 5 at 2020 10:18 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 22:18:16 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member Late to the game on this one but it appears you are still enlisted according to your profiles. I can't tell you why I am choosing to stay enlisted. 1. I enjoy being an NCO and leading soldiers we do different thing than the officers. Most officers don't get close to their troops like NCO's do. I love that interaction and 2. I am 40 now and well don't want to go through all those hoops and play the young mans game. LOL Let they 20 year olds have it. I know plenty of my battles who went Warrant and more power to them. Maybe if I was younger I might consider it.

Response by SGT Tom Recupero made Sep 5 at 2020 10:23 PM

SGT Tom Recupero — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 22:23:47 -0400

I thought you had to be E-6 promotable with a waiver at a minimum and that’s hard to do

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Sep 6 at 2020 3:00 AM

SSG Harry Outcalt — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 03:00:28 -0400

you already gave yourself the best advice....