Tony Grist
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
The first 30 Air Force warrant officers graduated from the U.S. Air Force Warrant Officer Training School on Dec. 6, 2024, since the service reintroduced the corps earlier this year.
The reinstatement of Air Force warrant officers aims to address critical operational needs faced by the force today while maintaining and leveraging the unique expertise and capabilities of warrant officers as a strategic advantage during an era of Great Power Competition.
“This class has come to an important milestone but the task they have before them, is even more important,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “And as going on into the Air Force and establishing the value that [warrant officers] bring to our service, and I am absolutely confident that you’re going to go do that … you’re ready to go do that, the school has prepared you well, there’s going to be others behind you, but you’re going to be the first.”
Historically, warrant officers served as technical experts and advisors but were phased out in 1959 as enlisted personnel and commissioned officers absorbed many of their duties. These reinstated warrant officers will support operations in specialized domains such as cyber, intelligence, and space.
The graduates completed an eight-week training program that covered leadership development, advanced technical skills, operational integration, and mentorship. The curriculum included coursework specific to their technical fields, such as cyber operations, intelligence analysis, and space mission planning, as well as general training in problem-solving and strategic planning.
“Those skills will serve you well as you blaze a trail for all future warrant officers in the Air Force,” Maj. Nathaniel Roesler, WOTS commandant, said. “We’ll need your technical expertise, and we’ll need your leadership, your humility, and your continued dedication to excellence.”
Warrant officers are expected to bridge the gap between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers. They will mentor enlisted members, assist in implementing commanders’ directives, and contribute to mission success in increasingly specialized and complex operational environments.
“Congratulations, Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi. “Your technical competence and commitment to serving others is a critical component of our national strategy. Our information domain is the most contested environment we operate in today – you must remain alert, agile and effective to ensure our mission success.”
As the graduates prepare to enter the force, their role in shaping the future of the Air Force is evident. This inaugural cohort will set the standard for generations of warrant officers, ensuring the Air Force remains ready to meet any challenge.
The new warrant officers are scheduled to report to their duty stations in early 2025. The next class of warrant officers is expected to graduate in March 2025.
By SSgt Emmeline James, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
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