How to Become a Warrant Officer

Last Updated: January 14, 2022 References

The Warrant Officer (WO) administers, maintains, operates and manages equipment that requires advanced and specialized training. Becoming a warrant officer is a long term commitment. You will need to be an active member of the Army when applying and pass a variety of exams and physical tests.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Starting Off

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Learn about the career path. As a warrant officer, you're part of the technical foundation of the US army. Specializing in a particular area like aviation or military police, you would be responsible for training soldiers for missions and helping army personnel advance in their career specialties.^{[1]
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- As a warrant officer, you spend your career developing a level of expertise in a certain field. This places you in a leadership role that will always have relevance in the army. There are many tangible benefits of the Army National Guard, such as a steady income, healthcare, life insurance, and retirement planning.^{[2]
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- The career is good for longterm stability and income. However, as you'll need to have up-to-date information regarding technical aspects of army training, there will be continual training throughout your career. You may have to spend time away from your home or family at training sessions.^{[3]
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Get in physical shape. In order to become a warrant officer, you'll first need to join the Army National Guard. Enlisting in the army means you'll need to be in top physical shape. There are a number of fitness exams you'll need to pass during your initial army training and later on when applying to become a warrant officer.
- Join in a gym and work on both cardiovascular fitness and weight lifting. You'll need to have both stamina as well as basic strength to become a member of an army.
- Consider hiring a personal trainer or talking to your doctor before starting a fitness program. If you are currently sedentary or otherwise out of shape, you'll need to start working out gradually and build your strength. A doctor or trainer can take stock of your current physical health and provide workout recommendations and fitness goals for you.
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Join the Army. In order to become a warrant officer, you will first need to serve in the Army. The necessary length of your service varies based on what Military Occupation Speciality you go into when you apply to become a warrant officer.
- You can enlist in the Army when you reach 17 years old. You must be between 17 and 35 years-old to enlist. Education wise, you should be at least a junior in high school or have a GED.^{[4]
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- You must be a U.S citizen or permanent resident.^{[5]
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- You must meet the moral, physical, and medical requirements. You can review the National Guard's website for further details of physical and medical requirements. A height/weight chart is provided online to gauge whether you would qualify. You may have to gain or lose weight to meet requirements. A medical exam is usually conducted sometime during the application process to make sure you don't have any medical problems that would disqualify you for service.^{[6]
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Complete basic training. Once you've enlisted in the Army, you'll undergo an intensive 10-week basic training program. Make sure to prepare physically and emotionally for the commitment.
- To prepare for basic training, know what you are and are not allowed to bring to training. There is a Basic Training Essential checklist on the Army website that keeps up-to-date information regarding the necessary supplies. Make sure you inform your school or employer that you will be away and get any necessary leaves of absences. Any unresolved legal or financial issues should be resolved before you leave for training.^{[7]
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- During basic training, you'll be trained in all the necessary skills for combat. Training is physically and emotionally demanding, but by the end of training you will be well prepared for an army related career. At the end of training, you'll be required to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test.^{[8]
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- Once you complete basic training, you will receive advanced individualized training. The duration and details of this training depend on what area of military operations you choose as a specialization.^{[9]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying

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Learn the basic requirements. As you begin your service in the Army National Guard, familiarize yourself with the basic requirements needed to become a warrant officer. In addition to passing the Army Physical Fitness test in basic training, there are other requirements necessary if you want to become a warrant officer.
- The education requirements are the same for the Army National Guard. No additional education is needed beyond high school. However, as becoming a warrant officer requires a great deal of technical skill a degree in an engineering field related to your specialization could help. For example, if you want to become a flight warrant officer consider a bachelor's degree in something like aviation technology.^{[10]
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- You must be between 18 and 33 at the time you apply. You must also be a US citizen.^{[11]
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- You must have at least 12 months remaining on your enlistment contract to apply.^{[12]
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- You will once again have to complete a physical exam to assure you meet all medical and physical requirements.^{[13]
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2
Score high on the necessary tests. There are a number of standardized issued by the Army National Guard to assess your level of expertise in a variety of areas. Depending on the specialization you're going into, you'll need to score high on these tests.
- Regardless of specialization, all warrant officers need a score of at least 110 on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam. Waivers may be available for this exam if you have a long history of service.^{[14]
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- If you're aiming to become a Flight Warrant Officer, you will have to take the Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) test. Qualify scores change with time, so consult the Army National Guard website for information about what score you should aim for. You cannot retake the SIFT test and scores indefinitely valid. No waivers are available for this exam.^{[15]
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Decide on a Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). As your precise career path and training is dependent on your military occupation specialty, you must decide what area you want to specialize in before applying. Choose an MOS for which you are qualified and that you have an active interest in.
- The most common MOS is for a 153A aviator position. This requires no prior skill or training. However, you do have to have at least 20/50 distance vision that is correctable to 20/20 with glasses or contacts.^{[16]
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- All other specializations require 4 to 6 years of experience in a field that's highly related to your specialization. You can browse all specializations and their specific requirements on the Army National Guard website.^{[17]
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Start your application. You can download the warrant officer application guide on the Army National Guard website. This extensive document provides an overview of all necessary forms, information, and other components of your application and walks you through the process. It also provides details on the training you can expect to receive if your application is accepted.^{[18]
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Submit the application to your commanding officer. Applicants must meet the specific experience and education requirements for their chosen specialty to receive consideration. How long it takes to hear back on an application varies depending on the specialization you chose.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Completing Training

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Complete Warrant Officer Candidate School. If your application is accepted, you will have to attend Warrant Officer Candidate school. This is a seven week course, similar in its intensity to basic training, where you learn the necessary technical and physical skills required to become a warrant officer. You will be stationed in Alabama during training. Training is a combination of experiential and classroom learning.
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Complete any necessary MOS training. Depending on your speciality, you will need further training after the initial seven weeks. The type and duration of training varies based on your MOS. For more specific information, consult the Army National Guard website.
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Keep up to date throughout your career. As a warrant officer, you'll need to be a technical expert in your field. Make sure you continue your education as required by the Army National Guard. Additional training and schooling will be necessary throughout your career as the army changes and adapts.

Community Q&A

Question

What are the requirements to become an officer in the US Army?

Community Answer

You must have a college degree. During your college career, there are two options: you could join the ROTC program or West Point, both of which will commission you as an O-1 in the United States Army. Or you could complete a college degree, then enlist and apply for OCS.
Question

Can a civilian join the Army to become a warrant officer for aviation, or do you already have to be in service?

Community Answer

You have to already be in service. You cannot directly become a warrant officer.
Question

Do I need a degree to become a warrant officer?

Community Answer

Yes, but you could start off as an intern while earning your degree.