U.S. Army Warrant Officer Ranks

The Warrant Officer in the United States Army plays a vital role in providing technical expertise to Army operations. These individuals are seasoned professionals with experience as combat leaders, trainers, and advisors. By gaining experience through active participation in the application of technical knowledge on assignments, through training, and through education, Warrant Officers bring a level of innovation to the benefit of Army missions by integrating emerging technologies. As the career of a Warrant Officer progresses, he or she continually refines the skills necessary to positively impact the vital missions of the United States Army.

While the primary role of a Warrant Officer is to perform duties as a technical expert, he or she must also have the ability to stay technically and tactically focused in order to mentor and lead the development of other Warrant Officers, Officers, NCOs, and Army civilians. In addition, these officers commonly serve as critical advisors to commanders in conducting organizational training.

Even though a college degree is not a requirement to become an Army Warrant Officer, it is recommended to enhance the skill set of an individual with the desire to become a Warrant Officer or to better prepare current Warrant Officers for duties as they ascend to higher ranks. To find schools that support your drive to earn a degree, click on the "Find A School" button below:

Grade	Insignia	Title	Description
W-1		Warrant Officer (WO1)	A Warrant Officer is a technically and tactically focused officer and is appointed by by the Secretary of the Army to perform duties that include those of a technical leader, trainer, operator, manager, maintainer, sustainer, and advisor.
W-2		Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2)	Chief Warrant Officers receive their commissions through the approval of the President of the United States. An individual holding the rank of Chief Warrant Officer support levels of operations from team or detachment through a battalion and is an intermediate level technical and tactical expert.
W-3		Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3)	A Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) is an advanced-level expert. The primary duties of a CW3 include that of a technical and tactical leader, providing direction, guidance, resources, assistance, and supervision necessary for subordinates to perform their duties. CW3s primarily support operations levels from team or detachment through brigade.
W-4		Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4)	A Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) is a senior-level expert supporting battalion, brigade, division, corps, and echelons above corps operations. CW4s typically have special mentorship responsibilities for other WOs and provide essential advice to commanders on WO issues. They must interact with NCOs, other officers, primary staff, and special staff.
W-5		Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5)	A Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) is a master-level technical and tactical expert that provides support to the brigade, division, corps, echelons above corps, and major command operations. They must interact with NCOs, other officers, primary staff and special staff. They provide leader development, mentorship, advice, and counsel to WOs and branch officers.