In my 20 years in the Army and 18 years growing up with a CW3 dad, I've only seen 2 (TWO!!!) CW5s. They're unicorns! I've met more 4-star Generals than I've SEEN CW5s.
Dont know if he holds the record still but at the time he was given an award for being the oldest to pass wocs. Dec 2013. 57 yrs old, guard guy from fla. Name was Grogan. Said he had to have 3 meetings with his state command chief (fla guard) before he signed off. He was an e8 and once completed his wobcs he pinned cw2. Just enough time with a 2 year waiver to hit 62 and make cw3. I was in his platoon. Fun guy.
I had a similar experience, first time select. I am one of the 12 year candidates you spoke of, and felt out of my league with other MI candidates at WOCS. I appreciate your forwardness about teachability and willingness to learn. Like you I am an advocate for the people willing to put the work in. One of my major considerations for becoming a WO is to be a change agent and give joe and ncos the voice they need to effectively communicate need for change and to better the branch (regardless of what branch they are).
Hats off to the Warrant Officer class . This fellow clearly loves to learn from the best available . I personally went from being a private to a 2nd lieutenant and faced a huge learning curve . I have the greatest respect for those guys who have surmounted the learning curves .
Much respect to you Mr. The only reason I didn't attend WOCS, was because it would have meant flight school (Helo) and a ticket to Saigon. I enlisted January 1971. I tested very high at basic and was asked to take the WO test which I did. But at the time it was voluntary, I continued my ARMY "career" with the MOS 63B20. I was assigned to 314th ASA Bn, 82nd Airborne. We were an electronic surveillance unit. I fixed generators. Because as you know, officers need their A/C in the jungle. Discharged as a staff sgt. in 1977.
USN IT2 here. Only 3 years in, and I haven't had much experience in my actual rate due to a pretty easy first duty station. Hearing that you made it 5 years until you really got to do your MOS is giving me some confidence for my next command. Love your comedy, but I really appreciate this video!
Also have seen regular officers go Warrant, 3 x CPTs went warrant because they wanted to fly. One of them went from CPT, to WO, made it to CW2 or 3 and then transferred back to CPT and made MAJ. He has a RUclips channel as well Casmo TV I believe. We did Cav Leaders Course together, good dude.
I was Army Nurse Corps and just retired a year ago. I met a lot of medical officers that were prior enlisted or Warrants. The wildest was a CSM who wet to PA school and became a 1LT PA. He ended up retiring as a CPT.
Thanks for the insight, Chief. I’m a FCA in the Navy and am looking into applying for 140k before my contract is up in the Navy. As much as I love the Navy, my next set of orders aren’t very diverse, and I can’t see myself being too happy as a schoolhouse teacher. I love the technical side of my job and really want to continue to learn and improve my skills.
As a current 14H who deployed right of AIT, I have learned a lot about the systems we use in the BCP being in a line battery within patriot quite early. Our BN only has one 140A and I didn’t see him to often so it was all on me to figure out the MIDS and JTT. As much as I despised it at the beginning of deployment, our replacement units 140A came to our site and told my commander how impressed he was with how I understood the systems and the questions I asked him. I’ve never looked for a pat on the back but I realized how much more I want to learn from talking with him and it’s been kinda inspiring for me to continue down this career path. I’m hoping to go to JTAGS or the sensor manager course once I return concus. Thank you, chief. Hope to see you around one day!
I joined the army in 2016 under the street to seat program, still currently serving as a 152 H, been to Afghanistan 2019-2020. Now flying the Echo version of my aircraft and next year is early promotion for CW3. There has been many people asking what I go through doing my job, all the engagements to training to any close calls. A video like this is very helpful and informative to those who have an interest, awesome work
Hey man current marine here looking to join the army using street to seat how'd it go? Wocs and pilot school anything I should be proficient about / need to know before going through the process I heard of letters of recommendation but I'm not in that branch for anyone to vouch for me
So for me, the recruiters or rather the one recruiter knew about the program and helped with a lot of the paperwork. I had to write up a why I wanted to be a warrant and why a pilot to show my penmanship and choice of words. The letters of recommendation will just have to be anyone of the rank of Captain O3 preferably in command and above or a Warrant rank of CW3 and above, you’ll want a LtCol and a CW5 for your letters, my letters were different since I was a civilian that graduated out of the university and most definitely didn’t know anyone but I still had to provide some measure of letters of recommendation. They will set you up with a flight medical. Any prior flight experience will aid you but does not guarantee a spot. You must pass the army asvab and the SIFT, your GT score must be 110 or above and sift must be I believe 40 or above. (I would recommend grabbing ones of those Barnes and noble practice entrance books, it’s the one that has the army, Air Force and marine corps tests, 2 tests per branch in the book). Process can take some time, I got everything setup for the summer of 2016 but did not get picked up till winter of that year. I went to basic afterwards, I’m not sure if you would (probably not since you’re a marine and your basic is better than ours but don’t quote me on that). Wocs was the next stop, I had to take the 7 week WOCS course, you won’t if you’re an NCO or have BLC. Consider Wocs as basic training 2.0. Whatever you do, just don’t give up at wocs, show that you are interested to learn. It’s more of a hassle for NCOs to do this, just be humble. After wocs should be WOBC part 1, again just pay attention in class, adjust to the schedules. Host and dunker should follow then SERE school. My advice for sere, prepare to get your shit rocked and then rocked some more, it’s gonna happen just accept it. You can’t fight back, also follow the packing list exact as stated, if you have random shit in your uniform like a receipt from Arby’s or a penny or even lint, your out, also ensure everyone in your group is the same, if you or someone in the group messes up, you all mess up and will be recycled or kicked out. Flight school then starts after SERE, study, study, study (do not forget about pt). They will give you classes on what to learn as an aviator, if you want to get ahead, go ahead and learn up on aerodynamics of a helicopter and airspace and spatial orientation. You’ll first learn how to fly the Lakota UH-72 (they don’t have the TH-67s anymore which were stripped down versions of the OH-58s Kiowa) after common core and BWS the army will set out what aircraft they need pilots for, so my advice here is again be humble, you might not get the aircraft you want, as they saying goes “I didn’t choose the aircraft, the aircraft chose me”. You’ll then proceed to the advanced course with your advance airframe (UH-60 Blackhawks whether medavac or lift, CH-47 Chinooks or what I fly the AH-64 Apache, there are fixed wing as well the C-12s but nobody talks about them). You will train more on standard flying and advance maneuvers based on mission sets, the 64s have a longer training course because you will also have to learn about gunnery and engagements and properly using the onboard sensors. In the common core classes and advanced airframe classes prepare for your 5s and 9s tests, you can expect at least 1 at the beginning of course, mid terms and final of course. They can give more than this though. Expect your Instructors to want you give them a mini class on whatever topic (generally on something you’re struggling on or don’t know). Once complete with course that’s it, on your way to your first duty station as a pilot and prep to be the fridge bitch and treated like the new guy all over again. Anything more specific just ask, I’ll chime in as best as I can.
Really useful and frank assessment of yourself as a young soldier and then the progression into a mature one, as well as your transition to the WO status.
I always knew you were a 14 Series of some type! I'm a 14G myself, glad to see the ADA branch getting GOOD representation and it's always good to have more 140A's
The MOS split reminds me of the 11-series consolidation. I enlisted shortly after the elimination of 11H and 11M, but when I got to Campbell the Light vs. Mech mentality was very much in effect. Later, in Iraq, we got a newly promoted Sergeant from Delta Company, which was still mostly comprised of former 11Hs. To his credit, he acknowledged his lack of dismounted patrol experience, so as a SAW Gunner I guided him through the nuances of being an 11B Team Leader. Thanks for sharing, I retired as an 11B SFC, but many of my former comrades became Warrant or Commissioned Officers (obviously mostly Aviation). One, Will McCotter, didn't get to reap the rewards of his career, leaving us three months after getting diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer in 2010, at the age of 26.
Good shit sir. 👏 Staff wars had me dying. 4 combat tours as a straight leg infantryman. Joined in 97 got out in 13. What a long stab. No one knows how to turn a knive like the US Army. 🤪🤣 Keep it up weirdo! This weirdo appreciates it sir!
Great video. I'm a retired SFC. I was Signals, 31W. I tried so hard to go Warrant. I was so crushed when they contacted me and told me my MOS was not a feeder to Warrant. That still remains one of my career disappointments, along with not being selected to go to jump school after passing the tests 3 times. The competition is always tough for jump school. I was in Patriot back during Desert Storm when I was in Geissen Germany. I was a signals system operator squad leader. The equipment was mounted at the very bottom of the equipment stack in the firing vans. Those were tough days.
Just wanted to say, thanks Chief. Your videos are always funny, and enlightening, optimistic, and shed an excellent light on some aspects of the Army, and service in general, that often times get over looked. No caveats here, just giving thanks!
Right after leaving the Air Force, I worked with a CW5 reservist. He was literally the best guy I ever worked with, and as a CW5, he had absolutely nothing to prove and his demeanor reflected that.
Almost applied to WOCS…I was at my 15 yrs service mark and had been a SFC/E-7 for 3 years and on my second tour on embassy duty (Defense Attaché System)…. Three reasons I didn’t apply: I was in the zone for MSG/E-8, Warrant officer accessions wasn’t keen on approving TOS waivers (2003/2004 timeframe), and a Direct Commission opportunity presented itself (for the US Coast Guard). In the end I applied for the Coast Guard Direct Commission program-selected to come in as an O-2 (skipping being a butter bar-and didn’t have to attend a full blow OCS; only a 4 week Direct Commission Course). The day I was commissioned (the day after my Army discharge), I found out I made the E-8 promotion list….
Wow! This shows how incredibly different a warrant officer in the Army is from the Navy. In the Navy, you are the best of the best of the best! It looks like in the Army they'll take anybody!
A welcome change from the skits and you do it naturally. If you do more like this, cool. If not, also cool. But you definitely do it well. Thanks, Chief!
If I didn't need 👓 I'd look into being a WO 🚁. Apache pilot. TF160, SOAR would be cool be extremely hard to get in. In The Company of Heroes is a great non fiction book: 📚 . I'd consider SA 🕵🏼♂️ CIDC but I think Air Force OSI is better, career wise.
Retired Coast Guard CWO4. I did exactly what he said in that I was inspired by a warrant I worked for. To sit for the exam I studied the E-5 course because it had the most technical material in it. I was E-7 for 2 years before I became a Warrant.
What's the deal with Coast Guard Warrant Officers and not having to serve as WO1's? Do the other branches get more than a little ticked off Coast Guard promotes directly to CWO2? Or is this an option other branches also bestow but still utilize WO1 in some specialties?
The Coast Guard brings in Warrants in directly as CWO2 because they have to be at least E7 (E6 in limited cases) to apply, while in the Army, for example, they can become a WO1 directly out of high school to pilot helicopters
The Navy, CG, and Marines (Marine Gunners-MOS 0306, Infantry Weapons Officer)) all must be E7s to apply and are commissioned as CWO2s immediately. Other Marine (and I think Navy Crypto) appointments start out as W1s. The Navy didn't have W1s until just recently needing a place to put crypto people that would otherwise get out for civilian $s.
I graduate WOCS as a 915A in New Hampshire 4AUG. I have a reservation for WOBC next march. I was an E-7 Maintenance PSG and just missed TIG to pin CW2 after WOBC. Still worth every second of it!!
I don't expext my WO1 to know everything, I expect him to go and find the answer. He does a phenomenal job! Love the majority of 140As I've interfaced with.
When Chief was explaining how he became proficient at your job by essentially getting the hit pocket of someone more senior. Be it technical wise or years of experience and just asking them 100 questions. In my personal professional opinion, most people good at their job don't mind someone asking them a s*** ton of questions because from their perspective it shows that you actually care about what you do and that you want to learn, people are always willing to help out and go out of the way to help out someone who's willing to learn. Then someone who's just trying to skirt by doing the bare minimum just to get a paycheck. Because you can ask any leader or anyone in a more senior role there. Their main goal and training someone or finding someone to train is so that that person can come take their job when they move on to another position.
I was an old school Warrant Officer. I had eleven years of enlisted service and tours in Viet Nam and Korea behind me. I was originally a draftee with MOS 96B/96C. Order of Battle Analyst and POW Interrogator. At the time I was appointed, we prepared a packet, and then went before a local promotion board. There were three RLOs (Real Live Officers, Commissioned) who asked MOS related questions. There was supposed to be a Warrant Officer on the board, but my MOS was not common to many of my assignments, and OB Techs, MOS 964A were in short supply. When I was selected I was in My NCO Advanced Course at the Intel School. I returned to my current assignment at Ft Monroe, VA, and learned that I had to have my SCI access reinstated before I could be appointed. That took about six months. I was appinted on 28 May 1980. My first assignment was with the 193d Infantry Brigade in Panama. Central America was in turmoil at the time. I had several different jobs while I was there. I found rather quickly that the RLOs weren"t fond of Warrants, but the Field Grade Officers were much easier to deal with. When I returned to CONUS the new Warrant Officer Candidate program was coming on line. The branch wanted to get as many people appointed before the program went into effect. So I spent week sitting on selection boards for prospective Warrants of all MOSs. My final assignment before retiring was at the Intel School where I started out as a member of the Warrant Officer Training Team. I had several other positions during the five years that I was there. Looking back, I see the good and bad aspects of both programs. When I was appointed, the reuirement was from nine to eleven years of experience in the enlisted MOS. That way you were ready to hit the ground running. However, there was no provision for learning how to be an officer, which was awkward. When I sat on those selection boards prior to the new program, we were getting applicants who had never received an EER or served overseas. Most were on their first enlistment. I am happy to have been a part of the old program. It was a closer knit Warrant Officer community in those days. But after all of these years, I am still proud to have been a Warrant Officer. I consider it one my major lifetime achievements. Ray Mead, CW3, Regular US Army, Retired
Ita refreshing to hear you don't have to be an expert but just be willing to learn. That puts me at ease because I'm applying and to be honest... I'm not an expert. I've been bounced around so much I don't know my job as well as others. But I'm willing to put in the work to learn. I hope I get accepted
Well put together video. I was a two time submit packet since my proponent wasn’t very helpful at the time. I had a CW5 that was known to just do things his way. I stayed the course and made it to WOCS 19-07 and WOBC 2.5 months later at Ft. Lee (Gregg-Adams) as an 890A. Headed there next month for WOAC. Best thing I ever did for my career
Korea is the bomb. Did my first tour there and yea. My perspective was a lot different from my non-Korea experienced peers. Quite possibly the reason I did so well the rest of my career. Went from e-3 apprentice to e-4 mission qc and analysis in the top office in less than a year. Those people knew my name from then on. Small career, they didn’t know my capability, but they knew my credentials from back then. That’s all it took to open some opportunities.
Crazy that I’m building my packet for 140A right now. I’ve been working with our new 140A while forward as an E6 14P. I understand some of the G stuff since I work with them and like to cross train. I’ve seen a lot of your content and always wondered what your MOS was. Can’t wait to get to it! Love your stuff!
So you've gotten to know Ft. Bliss and White Sands quite well I take it! Me too, spent a total of 8 years there doing various jobs. The best was JTF-6 now JTF-North.
Thank you so much for the insight Chief! Wanting to put in my packet to become a 91A but guess that jas to wait for those 4 NCOERs in that MOS. Cant come aoon enough.
I was in Aerial Exploitation battalions (or teaching ) for 8 out of my 10 years. So 99% of the Warrants I served with were pilots. But there was an Imagery Analyst CW3 (at the time I knew him) who had been an SFC (E-7) with almost 20 years when he transitioned.
Glad you’re on here Chief!!!.. don’t want to be one of the guys on TikTok with a thousand and one questions when you just covered a lot of them.. love the content BTW
it's crazy to think of the breadth of career backgrounds that go to WOCS. most of the guys I knew were junior NCO grunts going flight but to think of MSGs, SGMs going through? holy crap. i've also heard of 18A's resigning their commissions to be 180As, apparently that's pretty common.
During my time in the Corps, I went NG and Army later, there were a handful of Warrants in 2nd Tanks. Two I really looked up to. One in the Co and the other in my platoon. Professional, knowledgeable and approachable. The one in my plt took, I think it is still call ed this, a brevet promotion to 1st Lt and was placed in another unit. The one we got to replace him was a boiling hot seabag full of taco bell farts. I think he lived in a van down by the New River.
I've stayed in touch with a 255A, 255N, and a 140A. They're all friends. They all try to sales pitch their mos to me to apply for, some brotherly competition. Decisions decisions.
Didn't know you were ADA! I was originally on an SP Vulcan in the 90's, before they discontinued them. Then was on a Bradley with a Stinger team in the back. C 2/3, Ft Riley
About to start my process Chief here in the AGR world, being prior 13B , 11B and current 92Y , I have two options to start my CW path ( either PBO or field Artillery )
I appreciate the insight Chief ! Currently on the fence about putting together my packet now or waiting till I make rank. We currently have SIGINT Warrant vacancy but I feel I’d be more equipped to lead as a SME after more time as an E6 or even E7
Check out the Marine Deck Officer. These Warrant Officers are the captains, and officers of the Army's boats. Want to get paid to cruise the ocean? One way to go! Remember, the Army has more Aircraft than the Air Force, and more boats tham the Navy. ;)
When the youngsters see that CW5 from a distance and think it's a 1LT before they get close enough to see the grizzled look and coffee cup and realize they just saw a unicorn...
Thank you for being in Korea to defend South Korea from threat. Just one question, did you have to multitask, what I mean did you Learn to DRIVE the mobile Truck Lancher also I know from my time in Army, you had to have a DRIVER License for every different Vehicle. 😊😊
Hey Chief, love your content, I was wondering, what is your opinion of prior enlisted getting out, and after college going back in the reserves or guard?
Not gonna lie, kinda jealous on you getting to apply for warrant as an E-5 lol I can't apply for CWO unless I'm fortunate enough to ever get selected for CPO (E-7) and a be between 14-20 years of service. Oh well perhaps one day, if I don't make it, it won't be from a lack of trying 😂 regardless, love the vids, keep up the good shit Chief!
Great video. Regarding senior NCO‘s becoming warrants, (at least back when I was on active duty) once you pinned warrant you had a 30 year clock start. So senior NCO‘s would become warrants so they could stay in the army longer. Is that still the case?
I want to be a warrant officer, im an SPC in heavy artillery currently The idea i have is have is become a chief of gun section Ill be 38/39 by that time and once i hit that milestone im going to warrant I have a 109 for a gt score so fas class is needed. Change mos and hit warrant and enjoy another contract
WAIT.... you say you came in as a 14J in 08? So that puts you at Ft Bliss AIT or did you get shoved to Sill when they did the MOS split? I came in as a 14J in 07 and was at Bliss by November and into 2008. Where were you doing SHORAD operations prior to Patriot?
Chief: Can you address folks coming over from sister services in their MOSes that are OKed to move over to the Army? I know quite a few on the list for USAF and other services only correlate to moving over to Aviation. Many thanks for the informative videos.
In my 20 years in the Army and 18 years growing up with a CW3 dad, I've only seen 2 (TWO!!!) CW5s. They're unicorns! I've met more 4-star Generals than I've SEEN CW5s.
I am still in highschool, my my Jrotc instructor is a marine cwo5, and at another school near me there is a marine Cwo4
This past March at my WOCS we had a 54 year old NG CSM go through with us. The old man passed!
Dont know if he holds the record still but at the time he was given an award for being the oldest to pass wocs. Dec 2013. 57 yrs old, guard guy from fla. Name was Grogan. Said he had to have 3 meetings with his state command chief (fla guard) before he signed off. He was an e8 and once completed his wobcs he pinned cw2. Just enough time with a 2 year waiver to hit 62 and make cw3. I was in his platoon. Fun guy.
@@raymondjoseph7177 CW3 as a Nasty Girl? That’s pretty dope tbh
@@raymondjoseph7177 he wasn't that old bro. I worked with him for 14 years in a Haines City maintenance shop. He retired CW2.
Well that's good to hear. I'm 33 and was worried I was getting a little old for WOCS
54 isn't that old.
For someone putting their packet together and being discouraged, this helps, thanks man.
How’d it go brother?
I hate when guys discourage others to advance! I hope it went well!
I had a similar experience, first time select. I am one of the 12 year candidates you spoke of, and felt out of my league with other MI candidates at WOCS. I appreciate your forwardness about teachability and willingness to learn. Like you I am an advocate for the people willing to put the work in. One of my major considerations for becoming a WO is to be a change agent and give joe and ncos the voice they need to effectively communicate need for change and to better the branch (regardless of what branch they are).
Hats off to the Warrant Officer class . This fellow clearly loves to learn from the best available . I personally went from being a private to a 2nd lieutenant and faced a huge learning curve . I have the greatest respect for those guys who have surmounted the learning curves .
Retired in 2007 as a CW3 350G (Formerly 350D). Going Warrant was the best decision I ever made. Love hearing your story; mine was quite bizarre.
Much respect to you Mr. The only reason I didn't attend WOCS, was because it would have meant flight school (Helo) and a ticket to Saigon. I enlisted January 1971. I tested very high at basic and was asked to take the WO test which I did. But at the time it was voluntary, I continued my ARMY "career" with the MOS 63B20. I was assigned to 314th ASA Bn, 82nd Airborne. We were an electronic surveillance unit. I fixed generators. Because as you know, officers need their A/C in the jungle.
Discharged as a staff sgt. in 1977.
USN IT2 here. Only 3 years in, and I haven't had much experience in my actual rate due to a pretty easy first duty station.
Hearing that you made it 5 years until you really got to do your MOS is giving me some confidence for my next command.
Love your comedy, but I really appreciate this video!
Your welcome! Always remember that you are responsible for recruiting your replacement. Glad I found your channel.
Also have seen regular officers go Warrant, 3 x CPTs went warrant because they wanted to fly. One of them went from CPT, to WO, made it to CW2 or 3 and then transferred back to CPT and made MAJ. He has a RUclips channel as well Casmo TV I believe. We did Cav Leaders Course together, good dude.
I was Army Nurse Corps and just retired a year ago. I met a lot of medical officers that were prior enlisted or Warrants. The wildest was a CSM who wet to PA school and became a 1LT PA. He ended up retiring as a CPT.
Casmo? isn't that the guy that did the Firebirds review with CW Lemoine?
@@WasabiSniffer yep, we were in the first Cav Leader’s Course conducted at Fort Moore (Benning back then).
Things are aligning too much for me not to become one. Been watching you for your fun skits. Now, I'm applying for it
Thanks for the insight, Chief. I’m a FCA in the Navy and am looking into applying for 140k before my contract is up in the Navy. As much as I love the Navy, my next set of orders aren’t very diverse, and I can’t see myself being too happy as a schoolhouse teacher. I love the technical side of my job and really want to continue to learn and improve my skills.
As a current 14H who deployed right of AIT, I have learned a lot about the systems we use in the BCP being in a line battery within patriot quite early. Our BN only has one 140A and I didn’t see him to often so it was all on me to figure out the MIDS and JTT. As much as I despised it at the beginning of deployment, our replacement units 140A came to our site and told my commander how impressed he was with how I understood the systems and the questions I asked him. I’ve never looked for a pat on the back but I realized how much more I want to learn from talking with him and it’s been kinda inspiring for me to continue down this career path. I’m hoping to go to JTAGS or the sensor manager course once I return concus. Thank you, chief. Hope to see you around one day!
I joined the army in 2016 under the street to seat program, still currently serving as a 152 H, been to Afghanistan 2019-2020. Now flying the Echo version of my aircraft and next year is early promotion for CW3. There has been many people asking what I go through doing my job, all the engagements to training to any close calls. A video like this is very helpful and informative to those who have an interest, awesome work
Hey man current marine here looking to join the army using street to seat how'd it go? Wocs and pilot school anything I should be proficient about / need to know before going through the process I heard of letters of recommendation but I'm not in that branch for anyone to vouch for me
So for me, the recruiters or rather the one recruiter knew about the program and helped with a lot of the paperwork. I had to write up a why I wanted to be a warrant and why a pilot to show my penmanship and choice of words. The letters of recommendation will just have to be anyone of the rank of Captain O3 preferably in command and above or a Warrant rank of CW3 and above, you’ll want a LtCol and a CW5 for your letters, my letters were different since I was a civilian that graduated out of the university and most definitely didn’t know anyone but I still had to provide some measure of letters of recommendation. They will set you up with a flight medical. Any prior flight experience will aid you but does not guarantee a spot. You must pass the army asvab and the SIFT, your GT score must be 110 or above and sift must be I believe 40 or above. (I would recommend grabbing ones of those Barnes and noble practice entrance books, it’s the one that has the army, Air Force and marine corps tests, 2 tests per branch in the book). Process can take some time, I got everything setup for the summer of 2016 but did not get picked up till winter of that year. I went to basic afterwards, I’m not sure if you would (probably not since you’re a marine and your basic is better than ours but don’t quote me on that). Wocs was the next stop, I had to take the 7 week WOCS course, you won’t if you’re an NCO or have BLC. Consider Wocs as basic training 2.0. Whatever you do, just don’t give up at wocs, show that you are interested to learn. It’s more of a hassle for NCOs to do this, just be humble. After wocs should be WOBC part 1, again just pay attention in class, adjust to the schedules. Host and dunker should follow then SERE school. My advice for sere, prepare to get your shit rocked and then rocked some more, it’s gonna happen just accept it. You can’t fight back, also follow the packing list exact as stated, if you have random shit in your uniform like a receipt from Arby’s or a penny or even lint, your out, also ensure everyone in your group is the same, if you or someone in the group messes up, you all mess up and will be recycled or kicked out. Flight school then starts after SERE, study, study, study (do not forget about pt). They will give you classes on what to learn as an aviator, if you want to get ahead, go ahead and learn up on aerodynamics of a helicopter and airspace and spatial orientation. You’ll first learn how to fly the Lakota UH-72 (they don’t have the TH-67s anymore which were stripped down versions of the OH-58s Kiowa) after common core and BWS the army will set out what aircraft they need pilots for, so my advice here is again be humble, you might not get the aircraft you want, as they saying goes “I didn’t choose the aircraft, the aircraft chose me”. You’ll then proceed to the advanced course with your advance airframe (UH-60 Blackhawks whether medavac or lift, CH-47 Chinooks or what I fly the AH-64 Apache, there are fixed wing as well the C-12s but nobody talks about them). You will train more on standard flying and advance maneuvers based on mission sets, the 64s have a longer training course because you will also have to learn about gunnery and engagements and properly using the onboard sensors. In the common core classes and advanced airframe classes prepare for your 5s and 9s tests, you can expect at least 1 at the beginning of course, mid terms and final of course. They can give more than this though. Expect your Instructors to want you give them a mini class on whatever topic (generally on something you’re struggling on or don’t know). Once complete with course that’s it, on your way to your first duty station as a pilot and prep to be the fridge bitch and treated like the new guy all over again. Anything more specific just ask, I’ll chime in as best as I can.
@@TheNinjaStalker Damn, what an awesome, very specific breakdown! Hopefully more guys looking to go this route can see this!
Really useful and frank assessment of yourself as a young soldier and then the progression into a mature one, as well as your transition to the WO status.
I always knew you were a 14 Series of some type! I'm a 14G myself, glad to see the ADA branch getting GOOD representation and it's always good to have more 140A's
I wish the AF had warrants. Would love to be a W in the AF.
My brother became a WO1 like a year or 2 ago with the 116th out of Boise, Idaho. Being a senior track mechanic. He's definitely the WO type.
The MOS split reminds me of the 11-series consolidation. I enlisted shortly after the elimination of 11H and 11M, but when I got to Campbell the Light vs. Mech mentality was very much in effect. Later, in Iraq, we got a newly promoted Sergeant from Delta Company, which was still mostly comprised of former 11Hs. To his credit, he acknowledged his lack of dismounted patrol experience, so as a SAW Gunner I guided him through the nuances of being an 11B Team Leader.
Thanks for sharing, I retired as an 11B SFC, but many of my former comrades became Warrant or Commissioned Officers (obviously mostly Aviation). One, Will McCotter, didn't get to reap the rewards of his career, leaving us three months after getting diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer in 2010, at the age of 26.
Good shit sir. 👏 Staff wars had me dying. 4 combat tours as a straight leg infantryman. Joined in 97 got out in 13. What a long stab. No one knows how to turn a knive like the US Army. 🤪🤣 Keep it up weirdo! This weirdo appreciates it sir!
Great video. I'm a retired SFC. I was Signals, 31W. I tried so hard to go Warrant. I was so crushed when they contacted me and told me my MOS was not a feeder to Warrant. That still remains one of my career disappointments, along with not being selected to go to jump school after passing the tests 3 times. The competition is always tough for jump school. I was in Patriot back during Desert Storm when I was in Geissen Germany. I was a signals system operator squad leader. The equipment was mounted at the very bottom of the equipment stack in the firing vans. Those were tough days.
Hey, Chief. Thanks for telling your story. As a veteran, I always had a positive experience with Warrant Officers.
Just wanted to say, thanks Chief. Your videos are always funny, and enlightening, optimistic, and shed an excellent light on some aspects of the Army, and service in general, that often times get over looked. No caveats here, just giving thanks!
Brother, this had to be the easiest 9mins to watch!! Thanks for the inspiration, I'm prepping my packet now!
Right after leaving the Air Force, I worked with a CW5 reservist. He was literally the best guy I ever worked with, and as a CW5, he had absolutely nothing to prove and his demeanor reflected that.
Almost applied to WOCS…I was at my 15 yrs service mark and had been a SFC/E-7 for 3 years and on my second tour on embassy duty (Defense Attaché System)…. Three reasons I didn’t apply: I was in the zone for MSG/E-8, Warrant officer accessions wasn’t keen on approving TOS waivers (2003/2004 timeframe), and a Direct Commission opportunity presented itself (for the US Coast Guard). In the end I applied for the Coast Guard Direct Commission program-selected to come in as an O-2 (skipping being a butter bar-and didn’t have to attend a full blow OCS; only a 4 week Direct Commission Course). The day I was commissioned (the day after my Army discharge), I found out I made the E-8 promotion list….
Congrats on the commission! Not a lot of mustangs coming from staff NCO's. Must be a massive culture shock to go officer in the Coast Guard haha
Wow! This shows how incredibly different a warrant officer in the Army is from the Navy. In the Navy, you are the best of the best of the best! It looks like in the Army they'll take anybody!
A welcome change from the skits and you do it naturally. If you do more like this, cool. If not, also cool. But you definitely do it well.
Thanks, Chief!
No gonna lie Warrant Officers are pretty cool individuals.🔥
im a 14T trying to go warrant. This video has been very very educational!
Im in the process of joining the Navy but you actually motived me to be a CWO one day in the Navy
My biggest regret was never going warrant after serving 24 years and retiring.
What rank did you get to?
@@TLOExodia I retired a Sergeant First Class.
If I didn't need 👓 I'd look into being a WO 🚁. Apache pilot. TF160, SOAR would be cool be extremely hard to get in. In The Company of Heroes is a great non fiction book: 📚 . I'd consider SA 🕵🏼♂️ CIDC but I think Air Force OSI is better, career wise.
Retired Coast Guard CWO4. I did exactly what he said in that I was inspired by a warrant I worked for. To sit for the exam I studied the E-5 course because it had the most technical material in it. I was E-7 for 2 years before I became a Warrant.
What's the deal with Coast Guard Warrant Officers and not having to serve as WO1's? Do the other branches get more than a little ticked off Coast Guard promotes directly to CWO2? Or is this an option other branches also bestow but still utilize WO1 in some specialties?
The Coast Guard brings in Warrants in directly as CWO2 because they have to be at least E7 (E6 in limited cases) to apply, while in the Army, for example, they can become a WO1 directly out of high school to pilot helicopters
The Navy, CG, and Marines (Marine Gunners-MOS 0306, Infantry Weapons Officer)) all must be E7s to apply and are commissioned as CWO2s immediately. Other Marine (and I think Navy Crypto) appointments start out as W1s. The Navy didn't have W1s until just recently needing a place to put crypto people that would otherwise get out for civilian $s.
I graduate WOCS as a 915A in New Hampshire 4AUG. I have a reservation for WOBC next march. I was an E-7 Maintenance PSG and just missed TIG to pin CW2 after WOBC. Still worth every second of it!!
Thank you so much Chief. Looking forward to following your footsteps!
I don't expext my WO1 to know everything, I expect him to go and find the answer. He does a phenomenal job! Love the majority of 140As I've interfaced with.
When Chief was explaining how he became proficient at your job by essentially getting the hit pocket of someone more senior. Be it technical wise or years of experience and just asking them 100 questions. In my personal professional opinion, most people good at their job don't mind someone asking them a s*** ton of questions because from their perspective it shows that you actually care about what you do and that you want to learn, people are always willing to help out and go out of the way to help out someone who's willing to learn. Then someone who's just trying to skirt by doing the bare minimum just to get a paycheck. Because you can ask any leader or anyone in a more senior role there. Their main goal and training someone or finding someone to train is so that that person can come take their job when they move on to another position.
I was an old school Warrant Officer. I had eleven years of enlisted service and tours in Viet Nam and Korea behind me. I was originally a draftee with MOS 96B/96C. Order of Battle Analyst and POW Interrogator. At the time I was appointed, we prepared a packet, and then went before a local promotion board. There were three RLOs (Real Live Officers, Commissioned) who asked MOS related questions. There was supposed to be a Warrant Officer on the board, but my MOS was not common to many of my assignments, and OB Techs, MOS 964A were in short supply. When I was selected I was in My NCO Advanced Course at the Intel School. I returned to my current assignment at Ft Monroe, VA, and learned that I had to have my SCI access reinstated before I could be appointed. That took about six months. I was appinted on 28 May 1980. My first assignment was with the 193d Infantry Brigade in Panama. Central America was in turmoil at the time. I had several different jobs while I was there. I found rather quickly that the RLOs weren"t fond of Warrants, but the Field Grade Officers were much easier to deal with. When I returned to CONUS the new Warrant Officer Candidate program was coming on line. The branch wanted to get as many people appointed before the program went into effect. So I spent week sitting on selection boards for prospective Warrants of all MOSs. My final assignment before retiring was at the Intel School where I started out as a member of the Warrant Officer Training Team. I had several other positions during the five years that I was there. Looking back, I see the good and bad aspects of both programs. When I was appointed, the reuirement was from nine to eleven years of experience in the enlisted MOS. That way you were ready to hit the ground running. However, there was no provision for learning how to be an officer, which was awkward. When I sat on those selection boards prior to the new program, we were getting applicants who had never received an EER or served overseas. Most were on their first enlistment. I am happy to have been a part of the old program. It was a closer knit Warrant Officer community in those days. But after all of these years, I am still proud to have been a Warrant Officer. I consider it one my major lifetime achievements. Ray Mead, CW3, Regular US Army, Retired
Love this. Former 96B myself.
Ita refreshing to hear you don't have to be an expert but just be willing to learn. That puts me at ease because I'm applying and to be honest... I'm not an expert. I've been bounced around so much I don't know my job as well as others. But I'm willing to put in the work to learn. I hope I get accepted
Well put together video. I was a two time submit packet since my proponent wasn’t very helpful at the time. I had a CW5 that was known to just do things his way. I stayed the course and made it to WOCS 19-07 and WOBC 2.5 months later at Ft. Lee (Gregg-Adams) as an 890A. Headed there next month for WOAC. Best thing I ever did for my career
I went to basic at Fort Sill many years ago and it was so freakin cool to hear all the arty and air defense training launches…until a round went short
Korea is the bomb. Did my first tour there and yea. My perspective was a lot different from my non-Korea experienced peers. Quite possibly the reason I did so well the rest of my career. Went from e-3 apprentice to e-4 mission qc and analysis in the top office in less than a year. Those people knew my name from then on. Small career, they didn’t know my capability, but they knew my credentials from back then. That’s all it took to open some opportunities.
Crazy that I’m building my packet for 140A right now. I’ve been working with our new 140A while forward as an E6 14P. I understand some of the G stuff since I work with them and like to cross train. I’ve seen a lot of your content and always wondered what your MOS was. Can’t wait to get to it! Love your stuff!
Chief: joined round 08 and here I am
Me: joined around 08 and am literally just trying not to self delete 😂
They should switch ROTC to WOTC because there are nowhere near enough warrant officers in the army
Well said, Chief! As a fellow bald Warrant Officer, I approve 💪🏼
So you've gotten to know Ft. Bliss and White Sands quite well I take it! Me too, spent a total of 8 years there doing various jobs. The best was JTF-6 now JTF-North.
Thank you so much for the insight Chief! Wanting to put in my packet to become a 91A but guess that jas to wait for those 4 NCOERs in that MOS. Cant come aoon enough.
Back in my Navy days it was more common seeing an admiral than a WO. They were a mysterious lot.
When in doubt, pinky out!
"A minute to tell my story" taking 9 minutes. Definitely a CWO :)
I was in Aerial Exploitation battalions (or teaching ) for 8 out of my 10 years. So 99% of the Warrants I served with were pilots. But there was an Imagery Analyst CW3 (at the time I knew him) who had been an SFC (E-7) with almost 20 years when he transitioned.
Glad you’re on here Chief!!!.. don’t want to be one of the guys on TikTok with a thousand and one questions when you just covered a lot of them.. love the content BTW
Thanks for this video, it helped with insight into the program on the newly designed AF side. Hopefully the AF doesn’t eff it up
it's crazy to think of the breadth of career backgrounds that go to WOCS. most of the guys I knew were junior NCO grunts going flight but to think of MSGs, SGMs going through? holy crap. i've also heard of 18A's resigning their commissions to be 180As, apparently that's pretty common.
During my time in the Corps, I went NG and Army later, there were a handful of Warrants in 2nd Tanks. Two I really looked up to. One in the Co and the other in my platoon. Professional, knowledgeable and approachable. The one in my plt took, I think it is still call ed this, a brevet promotion to 1st Lt and was placed in another unit.
The one we got to replace him was a boiling hot seabag full of taco bell farts. I think he lived in a van down by the New River.
Great work chief, we’re in the same branch. I’ll keep an eye out for ya.
Keep up the great work, loving staff wars.
So 👏 fucking 👏 happy....you're on RUclips, Chief 🤙
“Find the WO in your MOS and shadow them.”
I’m trying Chief but only the CO knows his hiding spots and he ain’t no snitch.
Going up to the July board as a S2S for aviation. Love this video.
I've stayed in touch with a 255A, 255N, and a 140A. They're all friends. They all try to sales pitch their mos to me to apply for, some brotherly competition. Decisions decisions.
2008... man makes me feel old.
I currently work with a 140L and he’s absolutely fantastic and I love being system maintenance so I think my goal is to be a 140L
You answered a lot of my questions but now I have so many more. 🤦🏼♂️
I'm convinced you and habitual line crosser are the same person with clever masks
short answer: didnt fuck up too much and stayed in long enough to become the villain :P i kid i kid :P but still....
Awwwwww that’s why I like this channel, you were also in Patriot lol
Awesome, Im gonna go for it! Thank you for the advice 😁 wish me luck
Didn't know you were ADA! I was originally on an SP Vulcan in the 90's, before they discontinued them. Then was on a Bradley with a Stinger team in the back. C 2/3, Ft Riley
About to start my process Chief here in the AGR world, being prior 13B , 11B and current 92Y , I have two options to start my CW path ( either PBO or field Artillery )
I appreciate the insight Chief ! Currently on the fence about putting together my packet now or waiting till I make rank. We currently have SIGINT Warrant vacancy but I feel I’d be more equipped to lead as a SME after more time as an E6 or even E7
Hey Chief, what's your MOS? "Maan, I dont remember, but it is CWO now!"
If I would have stayed in I wanted to be CID AGENT.I was a Spec -4. ETS served in Korea 76-77
Been watching your channel for like a month and just realised i knew you from mybtime in the service lmfaooo😂
Check out the Marine Deck Officer. These Warrant Officers are the captains, and officers of the Army's boats. Want to get paid to cruise the ocean? One way to go!
Remember, the Army has more Aircraft than the Air Force, and more boats tham the Navy. ;)
When the youngsters see that CW5 from a distance and think it's a 1LT before they get close enough to see the grizzled look and coffee cup and realize they just saw a unicorn...
Thank you for being in Korea to defend South Korea from threat. Just one question, did you have to multitask, what I mean did you Learn to DRIVE the mobile Truck Lancher also I know from my time in Army, you had to have a DRIVER License for every different Vehicle. 😊😊
I never had any where close the opportunity to "shadow" anyone as a infantryman.
YES CHIEF !!! Glad your on here !
Hey Chief, love your content, I was wondering, what is your opinion of prior enlisted getting out, and after college going back in the reserves or guard?
Holy shit they do exist!
2008!? Thank's for reminding me how old I am!
Hmmm- it was a bit different in the 1970's, to say the very least. An SP4 or SP5 could make the jump. (yes, we had SP5s.......)
Hooah Chief.
Not gonna lie, kinda jealous on you getting to apply for warrant as an E-5 lol I can't apply for CWO unless I'm fortunate enough to ever get selected for CPO (E-7) and a be between 14-20 years of service. Oh well perhaps one day, if I don't make it, it won't be from a lack of trying 😂 regardless, love the vids, keep up the good shit Chief!
So you were definitely a Crafton in your early years of the Army!
Great video. Regarding senior NCO‘s becoming warrants, (at least back when I was on active duty) once you pinned warrant you had a 30 year clock start. So senior NCO‘s would become warrants so they could stay in the army longer. Is that still the case?
I don't think it is still true, but I totally forgot about that loophole. I think it was still true through the 90's, don't know when it changed.
In the Navy it still buys you more time. Most NCO’s go Warrant at the E7 level.
I want to be a warrant officer, im an SPC in heavy artillery currently
The idea i have is have is become a chief of gun section
Ill be 38/39 by that time and once i hit that milestone im going to warrant
I have a 109 for a gt score so fas class is needed.
Change mos and hit warrant and enjoy another contract
Hell yeah! Just joined up from your tik tok! Keep it up brother!
Thank you sir !
WAIT.... you say you came in as a 14J in 08? So that puts you at Ft Bliss AIT or did you get shoved to Sill when they did the MOS split? I came in as a 14J in 07 and was at Bliss by November and into 2008. Where were you doing SHORAD operations prior to Patriot?
Legend has it if you can sham for more than a month straight without a rpofile they award you with warrant status
What a crazy tattoo policy. Meanwhile my branch just approved neck tattoos within a certain size and placement.
Hey Chief I'm a 14T PATRIOT, my first unit was bravo 2-1. just reclassed to CBRN. Thinking about going warrant.
This is me. I was a 14T then reclassed to 92y/supply and thinking about going warrant
You were my first squad leader in the army over in Korea
Been waiting for the youtube channel haha
Wtf nation radio always put your videos on there
"It's real chief"
Hehehe.. specialist supporters support
14T the chop block of ADA
Chief: Can you address folks coming over from sister services in their MOSes that are OKed to move over to the Army? I know quite a few on the list for USAF and other services only correlate to moving over to Aviation. Many thanks for the informative videos.