How to Become a Warrant Officer in the Naval Reserve

Becoming a Navy chief warrant officer in the reserve force means that the enlisted member has the technical expertise and leadership to perform the duties of an officer. An applicant must follow the same process whether you apply on active duty or in the reserve force. The process starts with becoming eligible and meeting the basic requirements of the program.

Step 1. Obtain a copy of OPNAVINST regarding the Warrant Officer program. The OPNAV Instruction can be obtain online at https://doni.daps.dla.mil/OPNAV.aspx. Read the program and become familiar with the eligibility requirements. Those requirements include serving in the regular navy or reserve, a US citizen, as an E7, completed at least12 years of duty, do not have over 24 years of duty. Other requirements include that the applicant must not have a police record or court-martial record, a high school graduate, meet physical standards and medical requirements and no history of drug or alcohol abuse. The applicant must also have a recommendation by their commanding officer and have good moral character and loyalty.

Step 2. Initiate the process by filling out the application published in the OPNAV instruction. Fill out the form completely; do not leave any blanks unanswered. Apply for appoint in not more than two designators for which they qualify. Designators include Surface Warfare, Aviation, Surface Warfare Nuclear, Nurse Corps and Submarine). Complete a statement agreeing to further service. Include the statement with application. Have an interviewer fill out an interview worksheet. Include financial statements, high school and college transcripts and the interviewer worksheet.

Step 3. Submit application to commanding officer for approval and his or her recommendation for appointment.

Step 4. Submit application packet to the Navy Personnel Command and the Chief Warrant Officer Selection Board.

Step 5. Get selected by the Chief Warrant Officer Selection Board. The selection is approval by the board the applicant is qualified. The board then submits a report to the Chief of Naval Personnel (CHNAVPERS). Get approved for appointment by the CHNAVPERS.

Step 6. Check the appointment list when it comes out for fleet wide distribution. Once appointed, take on the permanent grade of CWO2 in the navy.

References and Resources:

Warrant Officer Heritage Foundation -- http://penfed.org/USAWOA/WOHERITAGE/WO_Prog_Other_Svc.htm

Navy.com -- http://www.navy.com/careers/officerplanner/enlistedtoofficer/

Military.com; naval chef warrant program -- http://www.military.com/MilitaryCareers/Content/0,14556,MPDC_Options_CWO_Navy,00.html

OPNAVINST 1420.1A: Warrant and LDO Program, 2004

Navy online directory for publications and directives -- https://doni.daps.dla.mil/OPNAV.aspx