Army Warrant Officer Ranks and Promotions
Army warrant officers are considered the technical experts, proficient
in Army systems and equipment. While regular Army officers may be confined
predominantly to office work, the warrant officer is much more hands-on
in nature. Learn the roles and responsibilities of the Army warrant officer
ranks below as well as the promotion requirements.
Army Warrant Officer
Ranks and Promotion Timeline |
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Paygrade W-1
Warrant Officer 1 (WO1)
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| WO1 Rank Description: The initial warrant
officer rank of WO1 is the basic level, tactically and technically
proficient officer. They primary support team, detachment, or even
up to battalion operations. The primary duties of a Warrant Officer
1 include technical leader, operator, maintainer, trainer, and/or
advisor. |
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Paygrade W-2
Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2)
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CW2 Rank Description: The CW2 is the
intermediate level, tactically and technically proficient officer.
They support team, detachment, or even up to battalion operations
much like a WO1 and have the same type of primary duties. The distinction
is the level of tactical and technical knowledge of the CW2.
Promotion Requirements: Must have two years TIG as
a WO1 and complete the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC). All WO1s
meeting the TIG requirements and successfully completing WOBC will
be promoted to CW2 without a board. |
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Paygrade W-3
Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3)
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CW3 Rank Description: A CW3 is an advanced
level, tactically and technically proficient officer. While holding
the same primary duties as the WO1 or CW2, the CW3 can support up
to brigade level operations.
Promotion Requirements: Competitive promotion board
at 5 years TIG except for Aviation Warrant Officers, in which 6 years
TIG is required. Attends Warrant Officer Advanced Course (WOAC). |
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Paygrade W-4
Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4)
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CW4 Rank Description: The CW4 is a
senior-level tactical and technical expert. Primary duties remain
the same but the CW4 supports battalion, brigade, division, corps,
and higher level operations.
Promotion Requirements:
Competitive promotion board at 5 years TIG except Aviation Warrants
which require 6 years TIG. Attends the Warrant Officer Staff Course
(WOSC). |
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Paygrade W-5
Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5)
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CW5 Rank Description: A CW5 is a master-level
tactical and technical expert. Supports brigade, division, corps,
echelons above corps, and major command operations.
Promotion Requirements: Competitive promotion board
at 5 years TIG except Aviation which requires 6 years TIG. Attends
the Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course (WOSSC). |
Article Last Modified: September 6, 2010
Return to: Army
Pay and Promotions
