Warrant Officer Path: Complete Guide (WO vs. Commissioned Officer)

Bottom Line Up Front: Warrant Officers (WO) are technical experts (pilots, intel, maintenance, cyber). Pay: Between senior enlisted and officers (WO1: $55K → CW5: $120K). Requires 5-8 years enlisted + specialized MOS + waiver approval + SIFT/board selection. Better if you want technical expertise over command. Commissioned Officers lead large units; Warrants lead specialized teams and advise commanders.

Warrant Officer vs. Commissioned Officer

| Factor | Warrant Officer | Commissioned Officer | |-----------|---------------------|-------------------------| | Focus | Technical expert | Leadership/command | | Pay | $55K (WO1) → $120K (CW5) | $42K (O-1) → $160K (O-6) | | Time to rank | Slower promotion | Faster early, slower later | | Command | Small specialized teams | Companies, battalions, brigades | | Career field | Stay in specialty entire career | Branch transfers common | | Lifestyle | More hands-on | More admin/staff work | | Best for | Technical mastery | Leadership ambitions |

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Warrant Officer Career Fields (By Branch)

Army (46 Warrant Officer MOSs)

Aviation (Largest WO Community):

• 153A: Rotary Wing Aviator (helicopter pilot)
• 154A: Fixed Wing Aviator
• 155A: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS/drone pilot)

Intelligence:

• 350F: All-Source Intelligence Technician
• 351L: Counterintelligence Technician
• 352N: Signal Intelligence Analyst

Cyber:

• 170A: Cyber Operations Technician
• 255A: Information Services Technician

Maintenance:

• 915A: Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer
• 948B: Electronic Missile Systems Maintenance

Others:

• 42A: Human Resources Technician
• 88A: Transportation Warrant Officer
• 920A: Property Accounting Technician

Marine Corps (No Warrant Officers)

Marines phased out Warrant Officers (replaced with Limited Duty Officers - LDOs)

Navy (Warrant Officers Rare)

Limited Warrant Officer roles:

• Boatswain
• Engineering Technician
• Only ~1,000 total Navy WOs (very small community)

Air Force (No Warrant Officers)

Air Force has no WO program

Coast Guard (Warrant Officers Exist)

• Marine Safety
• Engineering
• Operations
• ~200 total CG WOs

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Army Warrant Officer Requirements (Most Common Path)

Basic Eligibility

• ✅ Active duty Army (or Guard/Reserve)
• ✅ 5-8 years time in service (varies by MOS)
• ✅ E-5+ rank (usually)
• ✅ Specialized MOS (must match WO career field)
• ✅ Security clearance (for most WO jobs)

SIFT Test (Selection Instrument for Flight Training)

Required for aviation WO candidates

Test sections:

• Simple Drawings (pattern recognition)
• Hidden Figures (spatial reasoning)
• Army Aviation (helicopter knowledge)
• Spatial Apperception
• Reading Comprehension
• Math Skills
• Mechanical Comprehension

Passing score: 40+ (out of 100)
Competitive score: 50-60+

Prep: 2-4 weeks using SIFT study guides ($30-$50)

Board Packet (Application)

Required documents:

1. DA Form 160 (WO application)
2. Transcripts (if applying for technical WO MOS)
3. LORs (Letters of Recommendation) - usually 3-5 from officers/senior NCOs
4. Photo in ASUs (official military photo)
5. PT score (270+ ACFT competitive)
6. Evaluation reports (ERBs showing performance)
7. Waivers (if needed - age, TIS, etc.)

Selection board:

• Meets 2-4 times per year
• Reviews packets
• Selects candidates

Selection rates: 40-70% (varies by MOS and board)

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Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)

What Is WOCS?

6-week course at Fort Novosel, Alabama

• Transforms enlisted soldiers into Warrant Officer Candidates
• Teaches WO history, customs, leadership
• Physical training, land navigation
• Professional development

Pass rate: 90%+ (if you show up in shape and prepared)

Graduation: Commission as WO1 (Warrant Officer 1)

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Pay Comparison: Enlisted vs. WO vs. Officer

Example: E-6 (10 years) → WO1

Before (E-6, 10 years):

• Base pay: $4,200/month
• BAH: $1,900/month
• Total: $73,200/year

After (WO1, 10 years):

• Base pay: $5,100/month
• BAH: $2,000/month
• Total: $85,200/year
• Increase: $12,000/year

CW3 vs. O-4 (15 Years Service)

CW3 (Chief Warrant Officer 3):

• Base pay: $6,200/month
• Total comp: ~$95,000/year

O-4 (Major/Lieutenant Commander):

• Base pay: $7,800/month
• Total comp: ~$115,000/year

Difference: O-4 makes $20,000/year more, but has more administrative/staff duties

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Aviation Warrant Officer (Army Flight School)

Most Popular WO Path

Why:

• Learn to fly helicopters (Black Hawk, Apache, Chinook)
• No college degree required
• High demand (Army needs pilots)
• Great pay
• Exciting career

Requirements

• SIFT score: 40+ (50+ competitive)
• GT score: 110+
• Physical: Pass flight physical (Class 1)
• Age: Under 33 (waivers possible)

Flight School Timeline

Phase 1: WOCS (6 weeks)

• Warrant Officer Candidate School
• Fort Novosel, AL

Phase 2: IERW (Initial Entry Rotary Wing, 52 weeks)

• Basic flight training
• Earn wings
• Track selection (utility, attack, cargo)

Phase 3: Advanced Aircraft Training (16-24 weeks)

• Train on specific aircraft (Apache, Black Hawk, Chinook)
• Tactical training

Total time: ~18-24 months from start to operational pilot

Commitment: 6-year ADSO (Active Duty Service Obligation) after flight school

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Common Warrant Officer Questions

Q: Can I go WO with no college degree?

A: Yes! Most WO paths don't require degree. Aviation WO requires only high school diploma + SIFT.

Q: Is WO better than commissioning as officer?

A: Depends on goals. If you want technical mastery (flying, cyber, intel), WO is better. If you want battalion/brigade command, commissioned officer is better.

Q: Do WOs have to salute officers?

A: WOs salute commissioned officers (O-1 and above). Enlisted salute WOs. WO1 is equivalent to O-1 for protocol.

Q: Can WO become commissioned officer later?

A: Rare, but possible (Limited Duty Officer programs). Most WOs stay WO entire career.

Q: Do WOs outrank senior NCOs?

A: Yes. WO1 outranks E-9. But respect and professionalism matter more than rank.

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Common WO Mistakes

❌ Mistake #1: Applying Too Early

Reality: You have 3 years TIS. Apply for aviation WO (requires 5+ years). Denied.

Fix: Check specific MOS requirements. Don't apply until you meet ALL requirements.

❌ Mistake #2: Weak LORs (Letters of Recommendation)

Reality: You get LORs from peers. Board wants letters from officers/CW4+.

Fix: Get LORs from people who outrank you and know your work well. 3-5 strong letters.

❌ Mistake #3: Poor SIFT Score

Reality: You take SIFT without studying. Score 35 (fail). Can't retake for 6 months.

Fix: Study 2-4 weeks. Take practice tests. Aim for 50+ (competitive score).

❌ Mistake #4: Not Staying in Shape

Reality: You apply for WO. PT score is 250 (mediocre). Board selects candidate with 290.

Fix: Max PT test (or close). Shows discipline and standards.

❌ Mistake #5: Thinking WO = "Easier" Than Officer

Reality: WO Candidate School is challenging. Flight school is intense. WO jobs are demanding.

Fix: WO is different path, not easier path. Prepare accordingly.

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Action Steps

If Interested in Warrant Officer:

1. ✅ Research WO career fields at Army, Navy, or CG (depending on branch)
2. ✅ Talk to current WOs in your unit
3. ✅ Check eligibility requirements

12-18 Months Before Applying:

1. ✅ Build strong ERB/evaluation reports
2. ✅ Improve PT score (aim for 270+ ACFT)
3. ✅ Study for SIFT (if aviation)
4. ✅ Identify LOR sources

6 Months Before Board:

1. ✅ Compile packet (DA Form 160, transcripts, photo, LORs)
2. ✅ Take SIFT test (if aviation)
3. ✅ Get commander's recommendation
4. ✅ Submit to board

After Selection:

1. ✅ Attend WOCS
2. ✅ Complete advanced training (flight school, technical school, etc.)
3. ✅ Report to first WO assignment

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Verification & Sources

Official Sources:

• Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC)
• Warrant Officer Recruiting: usarmy.mil/wo
• SIFT Test: SIFT.testgenius.com

Last Updated: October 31, 2025

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Related Guides

• Commissioning: Enlisted to Officer Guide
• Army Flight School Complete Guide
• Technical Certifications for Warrant Officer Candidates

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Remember: Warrant Officer is unique path — technical expertise with leadership responsibility. Best of both worlds for those who love their craft. Pay is excellent, lifestyle is rewarding, and you become the go-to expert in your field. If you're senior enlisted wondering "What's next?" — consider Warrant Officer.