What do you expect from new Warrant Officers?

2016-03-24T18:46:20-04:00

In addition to being the SME in their field and an experienced Soldier, I'm curious as to what leaders expect from their new Warrant Officers.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2016 6:57 PM

2016-03-24T18:57:45-04:00

An always filled, willing to share, coffee pot?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 24 at 2016 7:30 PM

2016-03-24T19:30:28-04:00

You are a specialist in your field, so you will be looked to for answers others can not find. Fix things others have not been able to.
What your not is, a civilian contractor that has ONLY that one specific job.. Because your an expert in your field does relieve you of the mired of tasks your unit will be assigned. So when that TOC tent needs to be put up.... don't sit in the office waiting for the tent to go up, prime power to come on line, ECU running and the enlisted to get the vehicle in place so you can only then come out and start doing your SME duties. Same if your Aviation ... that Helo is not going to push itself out of the C5. And There will be FLIPL duties... LOD, CIVCAS, Court Marshal duties.
What Im asking is, please don't forget your a Soldier first, an SME second.
Thanks Sir, and good luck... your expertise is welcome to any unit.. and every command team.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 24 at 2016 9:20 PM

2016-03-24T21:20:36-04:00

SGM Erik Marquez has it right. I'll add a couple. You live and breathe "service" in your work, helping anyone in the command do a better job, and being VISIBLE. You are what others want to aspire to. Maybe not the trade, but the depth of knowledge, skill, and passion for a specialty. Your service orientation extends to your family too. You're unwavering in focusing on doing the right thing and helping keep JO's butts out of hot water. Bottom line, you're a rare asset. Act like it.

BTW, if you go joint, don't be surprised if a senior Navy officer type calls you "Guns". Take it as the honorific it is. Back in the day, all hands lives relied on the skill of the Warranted Gunnery Officer.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 24 at 2016 10:01 PM

2016-03-24T22:01:30-04:00

Learn and grow, provide advice when appropriate.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 9:10 AM

2016-03-31T09:10:04-04:00

Thanks for asking this Josh
I for one have just joined up with a Job I've never done before and equipment I've never been trained on. So being a new WO1 with literally no experience of what I'm supposed to be an SME on is intimidating.
But what I have learned and what made me good warrant officer prospect was that dedication to find the answer and to think out side of the box when problem solving.
I can't wait till we can look back and laugh about how green we were after WOBC and how much we've learned since then.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 12:02 PM

2016-04-10T12:02:50-04:00

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member, great topic question. I'd personally expect a Warrant Officer to be motivated and dedicated to learn from their peers and mentors. I'd want someone always looking to increase their knowledge in his craft. I'd want someone who was receptive and thin skinned, someone who could take constructive criticism and feedback. I'd want a Warrant Officer with the background and skill-set to begin their duty right away. I don't need an expert out of the box, but someone willing to obtain that goal. I'd want a Warrant Officer that works well with others to include NCO's and O-grade Officers. You need a Warrant Officer with and without an ego if you know what I mean, someone that can both be a mentor and a mentee at the same time. I'd want a Warrant Officer that leads by example and puts their team first. I'd want a Warrant Officer who will remain value added and could deliver his SME skills to any mission command situation. A Warrant Officer has to be a SME, trainer of troops, mentor to NCO's and junior Officers, a member of the team, in-shape and on point on all Soldier skills and tasks.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 7:01 AM

2016-04-22T07:01:13-04:00

You are expected to be a leader first. Obviously you earned your stripes before you became a Warrant Officer, so you should not forget how it's done (both good and bad). You have joined the Warrant Officer ranks during a great deal of change, and our Cohort is being developed into Leadership, no matter what branch you serve in. As a Warrant Officer, you will be the SME, it is just a given. You will teach and mentor soldiers, peers and leaders alike. You will also be the primary adviser of your field to your Commander. Your expertise and advice will provide your leadership to make sound and educated decisions.