Posted on Dec 17, 2015
Army Warrant Officer History - Part I (1918-1996)
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Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 8
SGT(P) (Join to see) My dad was one of the earliest CW4s he was a WOJG when I was born in 47. Helluva guy.
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There's actually a little more to the story than the article you provided gives us - but, the clue is in the key word: "warrant".
When a ship's master (Captain) needed a specialist, he would go to the Crown (of whatever country he represented) and state how many he needed. The king or queen would give the ship's master a warrant for each of the specialists the captain needed.
Armed with the warrant, the ship's master would approach the best person (specialist) of whatever skill set he needed. He would offer the position to the craftsman. If the person declined, the ship's master could (and would) then present the Warrant from the Crown... and, that person would become a warrant officer. They'd be paid because of their skill (unlike many who would be kidnapped from the pubs, and wake up when the ship was underway!), they'd be senior to the regular enlisted, and they'd be able to claim a portion of any proceeds / profits (shares) the ship captured / earned.
Well done on finding the article, and you're ahead of the game by wanting to learn! Things we memorize, we forget when the information's not needed any longer... things we learn are usually with us for life!
When a ship's master (Captain) needed a specialist, he would go to the Crown (of whatever country he represented) and state how many he needed. The king or queen would give the ship's master a warrant for each of the specialists the captain needed.
Armed with the warrant, the ship's master would approach the best person (specialist) of whatever skill set he needed. He would offer the position to the craftsman. If the person declined, the ship's master could (and would) then present the Warrant from the Crown... and, that person would become a warrant officer. They'd be paid because of their skill (unlike many who would be kidnapped from the pubs, and wake up when the ship was underway!), they'd be senior to the regular enlisted, and they'd be able to claim a portion of any proceeds / profits (shares) the ship captured / earned.
Well done on finding the article, and you're ahead of the game by wanting to learn! Things we memorize, we forget when the information's not needed any longer... things we learn are usually with us for life!
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
PO1 Joseph Glennon thanks to technology, I did a screen shot of this response to have it with me at any time. Thanks for sharing!
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PO1 Joseph Glennon
I'm honored! They say that knowledge is power, but I've always felt that knowledge not shared is wasted.
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PFC Antonio Camacho Ortiz it's outstanding to see guys early in their careers obtaining the knowledge ro be better soldiers. Keep up the good work and, thanks for sharing!
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
Sgt Mike Williams with less than 2 years TIS, I still don't know what the future has for me. If it is to be a WO, at least I'll know the history behind it. Thanks for the motivation!
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SPC (Join to see)
It's important, our history. I'm constantly trying to dig for new information when I don't have work to do. Stuff about my unit, uniforms, ranks, awards, insignia. There's lots of random knowledge out there, some of it important and some of it just interesting that I think ties us to our profession that gives us something to pass on to those we might lead later.
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