Posted on Jun 22, 2015
The life of a Warrant Officer vs Commissioned Officer; which would you choose at age 35?
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Marine Corps Reservist here. I'm in a position in my career where I can go either warrant officer in the SMCR or commission in another reserve component branch.
However at 35, I don't like the idea of being a butter bar after 13-years of enlisted service. I like the idea of a warrant officer because of the respect that comes with the rank. People know you went through the ranks on the enlisted side first. However, I also don't like the idea of ranking under a butter bar.
I've looked at the DFAS pay chart and I can see that if I at least make it to CWO4 and retire with 30-years of service, I will make a little more than an 04. Basically, if I commission or go warrant and serve up to 30-years, I will make a very similar paycheck for retirement. I will just be forced to retire after 30-years as a warrant where I will be able to serve another 9-years (up to the age of 60) as a commissioned officer.
I'm just throwing facts and figures here. Not really sure how long I want to continue serving. I just know I'm not done yet. But with bachelors and masters degree, I don't want to stay enlisted.
The big question is who has a better life? I've heard that as a warrant, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds (enlisted and officer) whatever that means, whereas a commissioned officer will deal with more stress and politics.
I just want to get some feedback, what your feelings are, etc.
However at 35, I don't like the idea of being a butter bar after 13-years of enlisted service. I like the idea of a warrant officer because of the respect that comes with the rank. People know you went through the ranks on the enlisted side first. However, I also don't like the idea of ranking under a butter bar.
I've looked at the DFAS pay chart and I can see that if I at least make it to CWO4 and retire with 30-years of service, I will make a little more than an 04. Basically, if I commission or go warrant and serve up to 30-years, I will make a very similar paycheck for retirement. I will just be forced to retire after 30-years as a warrant where I will be able to serve another 9-years (up to the age of 60) as a commissioned officer.
I'm just throwing facts and figures here. Not really sure how long I want to continue serving. I just know I'm not done yet. But with bachelors and masters degree, I don't want to stay enlisted.
The big question is who has a better life? I've heard that as a warrant, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds (enlisted and officer) whatever that means, whereas a commissioned officer will deal with more stress and politics.
I just want to get some feedback, what your feelings are, etc.
Army National Guard
Warrant Officers
Officers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 65
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Ive known many "gunners" they are creme d'creme...they know where the bodies are buried...and ive never seen a butter bar dumb enough to ever question one or any "0" whatever
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You won't be a butter bar long, 1st Lt then Captain should follow inside of 4 years. Three of My friends had gone from enlisted to 2Lt and ended up retiring as Full Colonels. When they became 2Lts it was apparent they weren't youngsters, their experience showed well and they were good Officers. Two of those were active duty, one combine active duty and Reserves. Warrant Officer is kind of in between both and I guess not a bad place to be either. A WO still get uniforms issued like an enlisted man but get Military courtesies as an Officer.
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CW5 (Join to see)
WOs are not eligible for clothing allowances. I couldn't even get the civilian clothing allowance when I was in a unit authorized it (enlisted got it though)
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It really depends on how you are planning to branch.
In the Army MI would be ideal for a WO appointment, along with a couple of other branches.
If you are looking for something a little more advanced ( PSYOPS, SF, CA, etc), A direct Commission would be the answer.
* The butter-bar stage goes by quick. Mine did leading a DET in the middle of nowhere in Eastern Panama.
And most Joes will appreciate that you did prior enlisted time.
Did it myself for 13 years.
Good luck.
In the Army MI would be ideal for a WO appointment, along with a couple of other branches.
If you are looking for something a little more advanced ( PSYOPS, SF, CA, etc), A direct Commission would be the answer.
* The butter-bar stage goes by quick. Mine did leading a DET in the middle of nowhere in Eastern Panama.
And most Joes will appreciate that you did prior enlisted time.
Did it myself for 13 years.
Good luck.
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MAJ (Join to see)
LTC,
a Warrant Officer receives an "appointment" by a warrant. An officer receives a "Commission". But I'm sure you are already knew that ,and just forgot.
a Warrant Officer receives an "appointment" by a warrant. An officer receives a "Commission". But I'm sure you are already knew that ,and just forgot.
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Here's something else to consider: Marine Warrant Officers are drilled into from day one that he/she is a Marine Officer, and is ultimately a leader. There is a difference in the scale of what a Warrant would have command/leadership of. I've been led by several CWOs over the course of my career who've had a significant impact on how I see things, how I interact and engage with people, and how I take information and leverage it towards accomplishing my assigned mission. Marine Warrant/Chief Warrant Officers do and have commanded detachments, teams, platoons and even companies; while a commissioned officer is normally used in this capacity scale-wise, Marine Warrant/Chief Warrant Officers are sometimes used due to the technical expertise required to hold that position which a regular commissioned officer would normally not be able to attain. Here are some examples: Marine Chief Warrant Officers have been used to have responsibility over an entire motor pool, as well as the funds required to maintain and equip vehicles for mission requirements. They've been used out forward as HUMINT detachment commanders. Army Warrant Officers have been used as ATLs/TLs (at times) on OD-As and TLs of EOD detachments. In any case, they'd hold ultimate responsibility for the accomplishment of the assigned mission.
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Its a personal decision; and even though I am commissioned, it think warrants have advantages that commissioned officers don't have such as what you say; promotions are less competitive, you can also stay in until 60 and not have to serve in the gray are.. (although if you are a mustang commissioned officer, you probably can still do it anyway) You can stay with your field of expertise rather than having to be a generalist. I don't think prestige wise there is that much of a difference. In the long run, look at the specific jobs in each situation you are offered and ask yourself what do you like better.
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