Resurgent Warrant Officer Corps Aims for a Sweet Spot in Cost, Responsibility, and Proficiency

The Warrant Officer is returning to the force, after being dissolved in 1958 following the creation of the senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant ranks, which took their place.

The rank is coming back to help the Air Force close a troubling gap, where some roles demand considerable training and expertise, without the more lengthy process of fostering a dyed-in-the-wool officer. It will likely be used for those in the infotech side of the Force's capabilities, where skills are unfortunately perishable and expertise runs deep and narrow. Warrant Officers will be trained at a training school in theJeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

“The reintroduction of warrant officers to the Air Force is another example of the force adapting personnel policies to best compete in emerging security landscapes.” said Brig. Gen. Houston R. Cantwell, Holm Center commander. 

“The warrant officer will serve on the virtual frontlines, allowing us to stay ahead of rapidly advancing threats while safeguarding national security interests in both the information technology and cyber career fields.”

“We are in the business of producing Airmen,” said Maj. Nathaniel Roesler, WOTS commandant.

“These specialists come to us with technical expertise, and our mission is to develop them to be better warfighters, advisors, and integrators, ready to fly, fight and win during Great Power Competition. We will answer that call.”

FMI: www.af.mil