Where do Warrant Officers go when they disappear?

SGT William B. — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:44:44 -0400

I've never understood this in the short time I've been in. Have you ever been at a formation, and all of a sudden, Chief So-and-So disappears from sight? Everyone needs to draw equipment? Chief already has his gear, and he's out the door doing Chief things.

What happens to Warrant Officers? Does going through WOCS give you guys a super power to materialize in another plane of existence unknown to the rest of us?

Hey team,
I'm dying reading some of the comments; some of you are too clever for your own good. The serious responses are great, but also please note that I'm only teasing; I've met and worked with many great warrant officers, and the ones that weren't on that level were getting the mentorship they needed to reach it.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Sep 4 at 2014 3:05 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:05:05 -0400

Much in the same way the cadre at USASMA teach soon to be SGMs how to spot a cigarette butt at 500m, so do the cadre at WOCS teach the soon to be WOs the art of cloaking. Both are traits that cannot be shared except within their own circles. It's sort of like discussing Fight Club... ;)

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 4:29 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 16:29:06 -0400

As a warrant officer we do not develop super powers. We learn things not only from WOCCS, and WOBC but years of experience. That we use to maximize our time.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 5 at 2014 7:38 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 07:38:39 -0400

I have heard the legend that they go off in search of their WOMAN (Warrant Officer Mid Afternoon Nap), although I do believe that if this is true, the actual time of day is entirely irrelevant. Is this true, or just another tall tale? The Warrants, in all likelihood, will not reveal their secrets, so the world may never know!

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Sep 5 at 2014 9:25 AM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 09:25:52 -0400

The are COOKIN in the WOC. They stay so HOT from the WOC (WOK) that they just disappear like smoke.

Response by Sgt Wayne Horton made Oct 30 at 2014 4:41 PM

Sgt Wayne Horton — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 16:41:46 -0400

now that is a very good question, is anyone has the answer pls let me know
thanx in advance

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 30 at 2014 5:00 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 17:00:22 -0400

Not sure where they go, I always seem to miss the train to the WOMAN (explained in one of the responses accurately) and the mythical forest.

Response by MAJ Derrick J. made Oct 30 at 2014 5:49 PM

MAJ Derrick J. — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 17:49:12 -0400

This is a command problem - the type of Warrant Officer you are describing is one who is not properly supervised, which can happen for a number of reasons. One of which is, oftentimes Warrants are specialists in specific things. They can gum up processes if they really want to. That sometimes gets used as leverage.

Personally, I've clipped the wings of a couple Warrant's for these very reasons. I was not about to be held hostage to their special training and knowledge.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 30 at 2014 6:59 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 18:59:27 -0400

That is information that is classified WAY above your pay grade SGT William B. You have to become one to know the REAL answer. :-)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 7:17 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 19:17:21 -0400

I don't know about Warrant Officers but here are a few tricks I learned from NCOs/SNCOs coming up through the ranks. 1: bring in an extra shirt and put it over the back of your chair, you must still be in the area since your shirt is there (other options include set of keys or hat) 2: Carry an empty closed box or clip board w/ random checklist, this is useful in the work area for walking around and bullshitting without doing any actual work. If asked to do something show the box/clip board, state you are busy and walk away.***Disclaimer*** do not try this on an O4/above officer or E7/above enlisted, they already know this and have possibly used it. 3: If SNCO or officer carry a folder with routing slip on it, show it promptly and loudly claim you have to go take care of business (this will buy you 1-2hr).

Use at your own risk!

Response by SSG Justo Rivera made Oct 30 at 2014 8:03 PM

SSG Justo Rivera — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 20:03:57 -0400

Well said.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 11:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 23:38:12 -0400

This is the best question I have EVER seen on this website!

Seriously though, they go to Narnia.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 31 at 2014 10:28 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 10:28:36 -0400

I need another cup of coffee....this is beginning to hurt my head!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 8 at 2014 10:39 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 22:39:41 -0500

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Response by CW5 Derrick Edwards (Ret) made Dec 9 at 2014 11:46 PM

CW5 Derrick Edwards (Ret) — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:46:07 -0500

That, young SGT is for us to know and for you to find out!

Response by CW5 Derrick Edwards (Ret) made Dec 9 at 2014 11:53 PM

CW5 Derrick Edwards (Ret) — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:53:00 -0500

Seriously, much of our time is spent 'making things happen' or 'just fixing things' that seem to only be able to be fixed by Warrant Officers and no one else.

We are asked on many occasions to solve problems that need to be solved, and we are often given the freedom to go and solve those problems. This is often done at our own expense (both financially and time) and we use connections that we accumulate over long years of experience and networking. And even though many of us are very, very intelligent, that intelligence comes mostly from within, and not from much formal military education.

Response by CW5 Roy Rucker Sr. made Dec 10 at 2014 3:46 PM

CW5 Roy Rucker Sr. — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 15:46:34 -0500

I really don't see why this deserves a response, but the next time you see one of us disappear take up a fast pace walk and follow. Once you make it within speaking distance of the warrant officer, ask him/her where they are going. Please come back to this forum and share the results of your formal warrant officer "on the spot education".

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 10 at 2014 6:34 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 18:34:20 -0500

They know the "Doctor."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 11:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 23:08:33 -0500

Why does it weigh on your mind?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 11:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 23:15:39 -0500

As far as the "WOMAN" I cant find the picture I took of one of our CW4's napping. I mess with our Warrants always asking them if its nap time as soon as I get to work. Their normal answer is they are trying to find a good spot for one.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 7:57 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 07:57:32 -0500

I understand what a lot of the WOs and CWOs are saying.... That's said I'm still not convinced CWOs don't have super powers.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 8:17 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 08:17:36 -0500

They get asked a question and are showing some SM the back closet of the back closet where the vintage 1920s boiler lurks which only they know how to operate and repair.

Or something similarly obscure. =P

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Jan 14 at 2015 3:43 PM

SPC Chelsea Fernandez — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 15:43:05 -0500

All I know that my Warrant Officer in my Guard unit leaves without a trace and make his way back home. I wish I had enough rank to do that

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 2:12 AM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 02:12:05 -0500

Yes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 3:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 03:47:37 -0500

I have a buddy who is a platoon sergeant that has warrant officers in his platoon. He has told me that he called out warrants out of rank multiple times. He told me he don't nkow where they disappear to this day :)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 10:08 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 10:08:52 -0500

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Feb 1 at 2015 3:42 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 15:42:16 -0500

I don't know if anybody has posted this yet, but working around Warrant Officers my entire career has taught me this: when a Warrant disappears just after lunch time, he has gone for a W.O.M.A.N. (Warrant Officer Mid Afternoon Nap). These could last anywhere from 1 hour to C.O.B. Also, I would like to add that the only people who may have an idea where the Warrant Officer went off to would be the E-4 Mafia, and you know they ain't tellin'!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 3:13 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:13:20 -0500

The only way to know is if you go!!!

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 4 at 2015 3:31 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:31:54 -0500

Only the Chief knows....

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 4 at 2015 4:46 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 16:46:15 -0500

It's not that they disappear it's that your mind refuses to acknowledge them.

They are in fact surrounded by a S.E.P. field which is housed in their rank insignia.

http://hitchhikers.wikia.com/wiki/Somebody_Else%27s_Problem_field
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somebody_Else's_Problem

"An SEP is something we can't see, or don't see, or our brain doesn't let us see, because we think that it's somebody else's problem.... The brain just edits it out, it's like a blind spot. If you look at it directly you won't see it unless you know precisely what it is. Your only hope is to catch it by surprise out of the corner of your eye."

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Feb 5 at 2015 8:22 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 08:22:10 -0500

In 4th year Quantum Mechanics we learned about this phenomenon. Obviously, the WO insignia is more than it appears.

Sorry, Infantry NCOs... I can explain this to you, but I can't understand it for you.

7:^D

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 9:54 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 09:54:37 -0500

not saying

Response by PV2 Daniel Shipley made Feb 5 at 2015 11:33 AM

PV2 Daniel Shipley — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 11:33:31 -0500

I remember not noticing a warrant officer while I was having a smoke. Worst day of my life...

Response by CWO4 David Zimmerman made Feb 6 at 2015 10:45 AM

CWO4 David Zimmerman — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 10:45:23 -0500

The privilege of rank had its rewards. Rewards that are earned and never given. Speaking from the Navy CWO community, I am sure the good Warrant had his reasons why he took his gear first and then, as you say, disappeared. He should have ensured his troops were taken care of first and foremost. He should have given his team a game plan and back up plan before he decided to take his gear and leave. If you look further into this situation I am sure you will out the reason behind his actions. Good luck and please respond back with the the "other side of the story"

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 5 at 2015 10:28 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 10:28:34 -0500

They don't disappear. They ascend to higher plane of existence wherein they fulfill their purpose as a Warrant Officer. They only descend to our plane of existence when they need to share wisdom or have a lower enlisted soldier make fresh coffee.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 7:25 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 07:25:19 -0400

I'm convinced they're ninjas. But beware when they are low on coffee, they become very grouchy. If you encounter a grouchy Chief, have a nice hot cup of coffee you are willing to sacrifice and approach them very slowly. If they turn and see you, say nothing and hold out the cup of coffee to them. And don't and I mean don't look them in the eyes. ;-)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 8:48 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:48:10 -0400

They take their WOMAN (warrant officer mandated afternoon nap)

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 28 at 2015 10:12 AM

SPC Charles Brown — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 10:12:19 -0400

The correct answer is either:
1) Away
or
2) Who Cares

Response by CW4 Scott Kjendlie made Apr 28 at 2015 12:49 PM

CW4 Scott Kjendlie — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:49:49 -0400

I think what you should take from this is that no matter what, we are not leaving; our presence is required elsewhere. Honestly, I couldn't even properly explain to you were we go when we leave, all I know is that it feels great!

Response by SGT John Rauch made Apr 28 at 2015 1:05 PM

SGT John Rauch — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:05:13 -0400

ha ha ha I remember several times, our 1SG would be yelling at the NCO's for not knowing where the WO was, a few times I was ordered to go find him and bring him back, or nobody was going home until I found him...... ha ha ha. as E-5s we were also told to go find E-8s and drag them to formation as well, what E-5 in his right mind is going to tell an E-8 to go to formation "or else"? lol

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 1:06 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:06:20 -0400

You should check down not up, most of us have more than one hat , and we have to do more than you think, if you Need a warrant for any thing just ask your commander im sure he know what fire the chief is putting out in that moment

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 9:41 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 21:41:13 -0400

In SF we are tasked with future operations. This means that while the Detachment Commander and Team Sergeant are managing the daily tasks of the detachment with the rest of the NCOs, I wander down the hall and start procuring resources, networking, writing documents etc. for training and operations next month, next quarter, and next deployment. However, I am still responsible for maintaining awareness of all detachment operations...so multi tasking is important.

However, much of this is done with coffee and involves other Warrants who are tasked with future operations. Therefore, the myth lives on one...what are they doing?

Response by GySgt Steve Terry made Apr 28 at 2015 10:20 PM

GySgt Steve Terry — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 22:20:36 -0400

You can't handle the truth

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 7:17 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 07:17:32 -0400

We have Warrant Officers?

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made Apr 30 at 2015 7:35 AM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 07:35:45 -0400

Knowledge is power. Warrants are a SME in their field. No one is suppose to know more about the finest detail regarding their career field. When Colonels and above get fired it's usually because a Warrant did some work. Most Warrants are also prior NCO's. Don't poke the bee's nest otherwise you might hear one say "watch what happens next".

Response by SSG Kenneth Lanning made Apr 30 at 2015 7:50 AM

SSG Kenneth Lanning — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 07:50:09 -0400

I think I found them...

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made May 12 at 2015 1:41 PM

CWO3 Bryan Luciani — Tue, 12 May 2015 13:41:43 -0400

I went from 8 to W2, took a pay cut (actually they grandfathered me at the higher pay), and it changed my life. The uniqueness in itself is rewarding. I went from focusing on my troop readiness and mission details to having senior officers depend on my guidance in managing the big picture. While this may not be for everyone, having the opportunity for greater responsibility and be able to properly influence and care for more troops (in both directions) is what it was about for this Warrant. "The Warrant is never absent, he/she is elsewhere."

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 2:21 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 14:21:09 -0400

Field Artillery Targeting Warrants (131A) are the straight up masters of the "Ninja Smoke" technique!! I mean, they are basically FIST (13F) at the next echelon!! And FISTers don't listen to anyone anyways!!! LOL!! Time for the targeting meeting, and "poof" there they are!!! Meeting adjourned and.... "poof" WTH did Chief go??.. Yup, look for them any other time of day other than when real crap is going down... Fuggitaboutit!!!! :0)

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jul 8 at 2015 7:29 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 19:29:07 -0400

Just got the new digs in and they sent the wrong rank, guess I will have to re-order as I wore out the last one, can't go around with the CW4 on my outfit.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 9:08 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 21:08:50 -0400

How about the Warrant Officers that won't go away? Even when they are asked why they are still at work? The only time I disappear is when I go on leave. I enjoy staying relevant and stepping outside my "comfort zone".

To answer your question, they probably disappear to solve issues that no one else knows how to solve. It is unfortunate that when Chief disappears it gives a negative perception on the cohort. If your Chief is approachable and you ask with respect then he or she may let you know where they are going.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 9:18 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 21:18:44 -0400

They get on a space ship and zoom off to the Andromeda galaxy.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 4:08 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 16:08:55 -0400

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 2:58 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:58:15 -0400

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 2:58 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:58:40 -0400

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jul 21 at 2017 4:19 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 16:19:15 -0400

I know this is an old thread. but honest to God, I was having a conversation with CW3 and got distracted by a joe dropping a butt on the ground, turned back and he was gone - I swear WO must be the jedi masters that the E-4's learn from.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 4:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 16:25:36 -0400

Asking this would be in comparison to wanting to testify against the Clintons. Some things are better left unsaid.....for the sake of your own health and safety.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Aug 5 at 2017 8:14 PM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 20:14:46 -0400

TO HELL IF THEY DON'T MEND THEIR WAYS!!!

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Aug 13 at 2017 4:27 PM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 16:27:51 -0400

They teleport!!!!!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2017 8:47 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:47:54 -0400

As addressed previously when on the powers of a Warrant Officer, The truth can be found in the epic of the Lord of The Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Rings of Power is actually an allegory on military ranks, and the book has this to say:
Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
There are 10 officer ranks, we can assume the first three are out in the field with their men, thus "under the sky". However as they get more responsibility they are more often working in their offices, and become hunched over dwarves hiding in their caves, or "Halls of stone".
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
This obviously refers to the enlisted ranks, no need to explain.
So what of the Warrant Officers?
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie. One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
Well, there you go, Warrant Officers represent evil incarnate.

Response by PO3 Tim Jordan made Aug 17 at 2017 8:59 PM

PO3 Tim Jordan — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:59:01 -0400

In the Navy they find a Sonar space occupied by a E3 or below and tell them to leave.

Response by MSG Johnathan Mathes made Aug 18 at 2017 4:08 AM

MSG Johnathan Mathes — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 04:08:37 -0400

Such serious responses! Lighten up lol besides warrants usually don't answer to us enlisted anyways lol But if you ever need to know technical info about anything or how to make magic... they have a lotta great tricks lol

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Aug 19 at 2017 12:13 AM

TSgt Marco McDowell — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 00:13:46 -0400

They live in a dimension between officer and enlisted. They allow us to see them when they feel it is warranted...

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Aug 21 at 2017 6:03 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 18:03:59 -0400

I was everywhere I should have been while deployed!

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Sep 7 at 2017 3:35 AM

CW2 Stephen Pate — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 03:35:28 -0400

Soldiers sham. They call E-4 rank the Sham Shield. Warrant Officers are the only true Shamaris though!

Response by CWO2 James Mathews made Jun 15 at 2018 12:02 PM

CWO2 James Mathews — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 12:02:05 -0400

In response to your question, This CWO-2 was removed from his position as an Officer by a Fleet RIF. In my three years as a CWO-2 I had qualified as an Officer of the Deck Underway, and following that, I qualified as a Command Duty Officer for a Submarine tender. I had been a Division Officer for all the Torpedoes carried at that time, MK 14-5, MK 37, Mk 28 and MK 16, as well as the Nuclear Torpedo MK 45. However, I was removed and set back to my Enlisted rank (E-9) [TMCM (SS)]. I was then to be sent back to submarines, to serve with a Commander whom I had removed from the ship when a CDO for his illegal demands. So, I retired, rather than get reduced in grade by a Senior Commander who was looking for revenge! In my case, I was perfectly satisfied to be a Warrant. Both the XO and CO had indicated to me that my service was fine with them, and my evaluations had no blemishes. I felt that the Fleet-Wide RIF was simply a way to get the job done by cutting down the number of warrants without considering those who sought more responsibility and were willing to work for it! So, I left the service, went to college, got my Bachelors' and Masters Degrees, a Certification as a Calif. Public Schools Teacher (K-12), and a Certification for a 'Customized Client-Server.' I completed 20 years at Electric Boat Shipbuilding Company as a Company-NAVSEA Liaison for 'Trident' Submarine Fabrication.