The path to becoming a Marine Corps warrant officer is challenging, but it's worth the effort. Those holding this position earn $58,614 to $86,683 per year, reports Military-Ranks.org. Some warrant officers may also receive special incentive pay for dangerous duties. Applicants must have served several years of active duty and meet strict eligibility criteria to qualify for this role.
The requirements for becoming a Marine Corps warrant officer depend on the occupational specialty you are interested in. This position requires several years of active duty, as well as practical experience in your field.
Warrant officer (WO1) is a rank in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), a branch of the U.S. military. Becoming a USMC warrant officer requires serving on active enlisted duty for a specific period and holding a military occupational specialty (MOS) code that proves your knowledge in one area or another.
Advertisement Article continues below this adAccording to the U.S. Army official website, warrant officers may work as intelligence specialists, ammunition technicians, food service specialists, air traffic controllers or in other specialties. Most roles require practical experience. These individuals make up the technical foundation of the Marine Corps. They are highly specialized technical experts and combat leaders, who hold greater responsibility than other commissioned officers.
Some warrant officers also provide training to commissioned officers, implement new technologies, or develop solutions to support their unit. Due to their extensive technical knowledge, they are mentors and role models for noncommissioned officers and junior officers alike.
A USMC warrant officer ranks higher than noncommissioned officers and receives increased pay. In this role, you may also hold specialty positions, such as career recruiter or administrative officer. Depending on your MOS, you may be required to maintain complex battlefield systems or train functional teams. As a warrant officer, you are expected to progress within your career field and reach your full potential, according to the Marine Corps University.
Advertisement Article continues below this adIf you want to become a Marine Corps warrant officer, you must meet specific requirements. You must be an enlisted member of the USMC and obtain a commander's endorsement at each level of command. Applicants also need to meet the MOS requirements for occupational specialties they are interested in.
Most MOSs require several years of practical experience. The only exceptions are 153A (Rotary Wing Aviator), 255A (Information Services Technician) and 255N (Network Management Technician), which have different requirements. For example, warrant officers who want to qualify for MOS 153A must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Warrant officer requirements depend on the specialty area. An Information Systems Technician, for example, must graduate a Basic Leader Course, be an SGT (E5) or above and have at least four years of experience in information systems administration and related fields, among other criteria, according to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.
These requirements apply to applicants from all military branches, not just the Marine Corps. Generally, aspiring warrant officers must undergo performance evaluations and hold certifications that demonstrate their expertise. Those who don't meet the minimum eligibility criteria but still want to submit an application must request a prerequisite waiver.
The next step is to submit a Marine Corps warrant officer application by email. This document can be found on the USMC website. In addition to the application form, candidates are required to submit signed endorsements and certified copies of test scores, awards, certifications and other relevant documents. A signed security clearance verification letter is also required.
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Applicants must also complete a tattoo screening form and provide letters of recommendation from their superiors. Dual or neutralized citizens are required to send copies of their birth certificates and other citizenship documents.
Andra Picincu is a certified nutritionist and personal trainer with more than 10 years of experience. She holds a BA in Psychology and a BA in Marketing and International Business. Her mission is to help people live healthier lives by making smarter food choices and staying active. She owns ShapeYourEnergy, a popular health and fitness website. In 2014, she launched a local nutrition office and partnered up with local gyms to help their clients take the steps needed to better health. Current and former clients include The HOTH, Nutracelle, CLICK - The Coffee Lover's Protein Drink, InstaCuppa, GritWell, GoHarvey, and more. Andra is a regular contributor to these platforms where she either provides health-related content or coaching to those who are interested in achieving a balanced lifestyle.