What are the criteria for becoming a Warrant Officer? Is a college degree required?

SN Kevin Neff — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 03:45:49 -0400

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2016 6:31 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 06:31:06 -0400

I know the two perfect people for you to talk to. CW5 Jim Steddum and CW3 Private RallyPoint Member These two gentlemen can help you.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 8 at 2016 6:51 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 06:51:45 -0400

At least one Warrant I knew had no college degree, the other two I knew did, one was a PA.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2016 6:52 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 06:52:23 -0400

If memory serves me correctly, most of them do not. I can say with 100% certainty, aviation does not require a degree.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Oct 8 at 2016 7:54 AM

CW4 Angel C. — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 07:54:06 -0400

Prerequisites vary. College degree NOT required because we're too cool for that lol Why the question? You trying to become one?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 8 at 2016 10:24 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 10:24:23 -0400

Depends on Service, and MOS.

If I remember correctly for USMC, 03xx was 16 years and rank of Gunny (E7) but are commissioned to CWO2. Our other WOs are generally 8 years and rank of Sergeant (E5).

The Navy generally commissions from the Chief (E7) rank as well but I "think" they will from E6 by exception.

I don't know what the degree requirements are for the Naval Services.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2016 3:39 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 03:39:38 -0400

Depends on what path you choose if some college is required or not. Several technician positions require some college credit, others do not.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 12:53 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 12:53:23 -0400

I would assume a 2 year associates but you have to be VERY skilled within your rate and you have to have an X amount of time within your rate.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 9:29 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 09:29:10 -0400

Thank you for considering joining our group. When I was initially selected the answer was if my memory serves me correctly, but here is why you should pursue it as with any officer. It can only enhance your career and opportunities. I have never been denied a position because I had a degree but I have been passed over because I didn't(civilian side). Secondly it can booster your expertise and general knowledge. The military budget is shrinking so finding funding for courses to enhance your skills (with the exception of MOS specific) is getting harder and harder. College tuition programs such as tuition assistance, GI bill, VA vocational etc. are still going strong. The third point is when your career is over and if you enter the civilian workforce you will most likely be competing against civilians that have theirs. Serving will get you a interview but ultimately the position goes to the best candidate. So being a Warrant with a degree can make you the best candidate. Whoa.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 9:55 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 09:55:19 -0400

For most MOSs no but it is strongly recommended to pursue a degree to remain competitive for promotion especially as a senior warrant. A Warrant Officer in your desired field or your Warrant Officer recruiter can provide you with the necessary prerequisites

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 10:24 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 10:24:36 -0400

Chriteria is: US citizens, Sergeant or above (Marine Corps)with 8+ years service and EL score above 110. No degree required. I believe no degree should be required as Warrant Officers offer special expertise in a given field based off experience. I found in my 21 year career (11) as a Warrant Officer that I brought thought processes and points of view other officers did not. Often I would be asked by the Battalion Commander to mentor junior officers (with degrees). Now that I'm retired (from the military) I'm working as a professional logistic Ian and in college. I find I still bring many of the same attributes to the business community and as for college; I'm not actually learning a great deal more than I learned through experience.

Response by CW2 Michael Berthiaume made Oct 13 at 2016 12:42 PM

CW2 Michael Berthiaume — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 12:42:15 -0400

I didn't need one to get into 915A, Heavy Mobile Equipment maintenance. The Standard likely Changes as the need for people Comes .

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2016 6:02 PM

CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 18:02:20 -0400

Sorry to say, but you need to acquire more stripes before you get looked at for Warrant.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 14 at 2016 6:31 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 18:31:44 -0400

The pre-requisites are different for each one as stated, however it is highly encouraged if applying as you don't have time as a WO1 or CW2 to really get after the CIVED. Now in the new DA PAM 600-3, a CW4 has to have a degree, but to attain CW3 does not. Conflict in the regulation yet again, but it never hurt anyone and increases your potential at being a warrant officer and citizen of our country, but again, mainly not required.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2018 6:56 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 18:56:27 -0400

Depends on the Warrant MOS. I can say that is largely where the warrant officer cohort is headed though, and many more warrant MOS's are requiring some college. Because, at the end of the day, warrant officers are still officers (just a single-track specialty officer). Even so, currently, many that do require *some* college can also waive that requirement. Just know, if you are able to become a warrant officer with no college, you will not be as competitive for promotions as your peers. When factoring promotion points, college is a lot more important to warrant officers than it is for NCOs.