Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2023
- Met a ton of wonderful folks going through WOCS, had good times and put in some long days. This is my recap of WOCS with the Army National Guard, I pinned just a few days ago and wanted my thoughts to be fresh. I talk about my perception of warrant officers, what you will do, and what should your mindset be. Good luck, you can do it. Strength in Knowledge.
As a former Warrant Officer, I have to say that my time being an Army Aviator was one of the most fulfilling times of my life. While going through boot camp, I never thought that I would end up in the cockpit of an AH-64. So for all you WOCs and aspiring ones, keep moving forward the destination as well as the journey is well worth it. Savor it all.
I’m currently an E5 getting ready to drop my flight warrant packet and your videos have been very helpful and full of information. I appreciate it
Awesome to hear 🤙 Wish you the best.
@@merrittoriusI have a question sir. All the test is open book or close book?
@yessssssss1076 ours were closed but they may change it. I've heard rumblings.
How’s the flight packet going ?
Can you let me how it was if you went yet? Currently a 15P planning on making a packet
Thank you for the info, i passed my FedRec board a few days ago and am now preparing for WOCS.
Exciting times. Good for you, happy to hear it. Go get it.
Appreciate you taking the time to put all this good information together and make a video about it.
I made the selection list today for 915A, this definitely helped ease my nerves a little bit. Thank you and good luck
Congrats on making the last. Glad you're on the way. It's well worth it.
Congrats Chief! Been following since the beginning. As a 21 year old E4, this was super informative and inspiring!
Ey! 🤝 Appreciate you saying hello. Glad there's value from time to time on these. Stay after it killer. 🤙🇺🇲
Congratulations and welcome aboard! I said the same “If I can, anyone can”. It even applies to IERW and your Aviation career. Keep up the solid mindset.
Wilco, appreciate you stopping by and saying that. All the best out there ma'am. 🤝
As someone in my late 30's trying to go back in, I followed your videos for inspiration. Your spiritual and emotional awareness is refreshing. It's very obvious that this was a dream come true for you; congratulations! I'm in the application process for a direct-commission in the AFR. I tried to fly, but I was told I'm too old at 36. I only did a year as a prior. I'm working on two boards: Medical Service Officer, and Flight Nurse.
Too kind. A lot of learning through doing and adjusting on the fly. I hope you get through on the one you're supposed to be on. 🤝
Incredible self-awareness and humility. In a world of foolishness, your words or affirmation and motivation hit their mark.
Appreciate your words. Thanks for saying hello.
Haven’t heard from you awhile, glad you made it this far! I know you’ll make it through and I hope to see more content on the process
We're in it. Love being down south so far!!
Just got my QS this week, orientation call is next week and I can't wait for WOCS. I have a completely different MOS than what I put in for and still made it as an E5 just based on civilian experience and certifications. So excited to be a part of this, thank you for your insights.
Love it. Stay after it!! Keep us in the loop.
Your first video WOFT video made me want to pursue WOFT out of highschool. Been in the recruiting process for awhile now and now waiting on my flight physical, thanks for the guidance helped me pass my asvab and sift above average. Excited to submit my packet soon.
This is an incredible comment. I'm so happy you got value out of it and felt encouraged. Keep going, its a marathon. Wish you the best and check in!!
Congrats Chief!
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Congrats brother!! Hoping to see you around Novosel
Please say what's up. 🤙
Great information!! Miss you brother, you were such a valued comrade at WOCS! So proud to have you with us!
Hopefully I’ll see ya some time soon, I’ll be at Novosel tomorrow for my 6w WOBC. Let me know when you write your first book brother! I want a signed copy!
Text me bro. Let's get together in the evening. Safe travels.
Just got selected for army woft in the september board. I head to basic at the end of the week. Youre videos have helped a lot theough the process. Im nervous but excited.
Love hearing they helped and more importantly that you're going! It's gonna be awesome. See you down south.
Hey man I didn’t realize you had a channel that’s awesome. Great job as S-3 in Indiana. Good luck with the next stage in your career. “Strength in knowledge”
Too kind brotha. Thanks for saying what's up. Good luck with yours as well. WOBC yet?
Thanks man. Yup currently attending the Engineer WOBC. Hopefully flight school isn’t too rough on your end.
As a potential candidate waiting for my Proponent to approve my packet for 170, it helps me put things in perspective, especially towards the end of the video. Been working on this process for about a year and at times, it doesn't seem like it's going to happen or I'll just be stuck in limbo for months. Just got to keep driving on and remember why I want to be a Warrant in the first place. Thank you, Sir!
Glad there was some value. Go get it. 🤝
Very inspiring video sir, i will surely follow your advice. Going for WOCS on feb, very hopefull to make it.
Thanks! Wish you the best in it.
I hope to be in your shoes real soon! I was usmc to army as well but I came over as enlisted, submitting for the January board and hopefully I make it!
Hope it goes well for you. Please keep us in the loop and add any lessons learned. SF 🤙
Submitting the second I get my last two letters back. Physicals are backed up but not worried there. Love the information here. Look forwarding to joining you in the ranks!
I love it. Good to see you taking action. Go get it.
Thank You! 💯💯
Working on my WOC packet for a “walking warrant” 920A. Just need to make a few corrections on the resume and the senior warrant LOR. Doing my best to get it done
Get it done! Glad you're taking action. Walking warrants are the "real" warrants from what I've heard? 😉
First off, congratulations!!! Glad you made it through. I graduated wocs over a week ago and everything you said about it was spot on. Definitely an adjustment from the usmc but going warrant was so far one of the best decisions I’ve made in my military career. Hopefully I’ll catch you soon in ft novosel. Let me know if you need any assistance checking in or what not.
Dang you work fast brotha😉 I'll look for you down there. Congrats to you as well! Go handle business 🤙
Hey man looking to do the same thing current E3 Lcpl what's was the process for u coming out I have a year left and wondering what to do or how to get this process started
@brandonthompson9619 you need to find a Guard recruiter who's put a flight packet in before. Hopefully Mr Talbott can speak a little more on how to deal with your command if you're selected.
Just graduated this past Wednesday 24-03 flight school starts Feb 10
See you down south! Congrats 👏
I’m so freakin happy for you man. Been following along on your story. Awesome. Keep it up man. I’d love for you to come out and check out some of our Huey stuff out by Rucker. Maybe take a ride. I’d you’d like.
This comment is awesome. Appreciate the genuine support. Would love to say hello at some point next year if your around. I worked around Hueys on a MEU. Great aircraft. Special place in my heart for those birds.
You got a subscriber! Congratulations on getting through the program! I’m almost complete with my packet with last LOR with a CW3. I already know the stress levels are going to be there, going through OCS multiple times. Did you guys have to do land nav through the two week training?
Great question. Land nav is a requirement. It isn't anything too strenuous compared to if you've done it before in any serious training capacity. If you're in shape and have a working brain they will give you the tools needed to get it done.
@@merrittorius Roger that. Thank you and good luck!
@@bighomie95873 same to you. Please check in from time to time on your process. Love seeing where everyone is at.
I was a TAC at Rucker in 87-89, and it sounds like not much has changed. I do still think that flight students should remain WOCs until the flight school is completed. Warrant Officers are technocrats and experts in their field, and the Flight School students haven’t even started training in their field yet. Just my thoughts. Good luck in the flight portion. One word of advice, don’t think too deep when receiving criticism from the instructors, or take it personally. Like anything else, it takes practice to learn to fly, and you probably won’t feel comfortable until the last few months. Even then, you’ll only know less than 10% of the things you’ll need to be successful. That’s the unit’s job. Good luck and Blue skies. (From a former Black Hawk SP/IE with 40 years of experience)
Congratulations Sir~🎉🎉
I’m going to WOCS next month, and super nervous ~~ 😢
Nerves are good and normal, help us focus. You'll do great. Try to enjoy it, tons of fun times while I was there.
@@merrittoriusI definitely second that. Everyones sucking, but we're doing it together and that's what makes it fun.
Congrats on making it brother
Thanks brotha! 🤝 Means a lot.
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Great content
Thank you
I’ve been selected for WOFT (street to seat) and went to swear in. I leave for BCT on Jan 3, and I’m projected to graduate WOCS on April 4.
By then I’ll only be 19 which is pretty neat. I can’t wait!
You aren't the only young one out there. One of my close peers is 20 right now straight from high school. You will catch some heat for your age, but it's all in good faith. Know that because you went early you have the greatest asset which is time. You're in a great position. Take encouragement from that! You're doing a great thing. Have fun and work hard.
@@merrittorius will do! Thank you for the encouraging words. Three of my six recommendations were written by former Night Stalker pilots, so there’s nothing that can kill my morale. I will do it!
Are you a tech or aviator? Your video is very detail. Big props to you
Aviator.
Welcome to the Cohort Mr. Merritt 🤙🏽
Thank you 🤙
Anyone in the avation, what airframe are you looking to get ? I'm trying to get the C12
Sir, as a fellow Merritt myself I have submitted my packet for NOV board I hope to earn my dot as you have. Congradulations and thank you for the insight.
Let's go cuz. Glad you said what's up. Keep in touch as it goes forward.
Congratulations and you are a natural leader. I am curious as to your contract upon completion of of WOCS. For example, there is a family emergency or a medical reason you are unable to continue with WOFT. Is there a new contract upon completion of WOCS, and what will the Army do if this is the case.
I totally depends on the severity of the event and where I'm at in training....but it's not like I'm going to end up being an E-3 MP or something. They'll recycle you or work with you to find a different branch WOBC or something of that nature. (or so I've been told 🤷♂️)
@@merrittorius Once commissioned as a WO 1 from WOCS, it seems as the Army will keep you as a Warrant Officer, should anything happen during the course of your Flight Training based on past training or your original ETS Date. You are doing a great service in answering the questions a lot of us have. old retired parents like myself included.
I pinned WO1 in 1985, among the last direct appointments (Signal, no WOCS). I still did WOBC. I retired as CW5 in 2007. So much has changed! Have a great career!
Thank you sir! Congrats on your retirement. Grateful for your comment on the channel. Any words of wisdom for us just getting started?
@@merrittorius Constantly study and prepare yourself for your next promotion. Life long learning. Stay out front. Collect contacts and know where they are; One thing I found out was that many problems too difficult to solve across chains of command were often solved by a couple Warrants making a "drug deal". As much as possible seek joint assignments; Thats where "the fish are biting". My last two deployments (Iraq and Afghanistan) were with joint and coalition units.
@user-dq5jd8ns3m Really great stuff all around. I get excited thinking about doing deals to move things along 😄!!
What class were you in? I graduated in Nov 85, I was in Royal Blue. I retired in 2011.
@@danielrelinski5665 I did WOTTC (What is now WOBC) at Fort Gordon, first class of 1987.
Sir, great video. Love your enthusiasm.
I gotta ask, is it possible for someone in their 40's to be picked up for WOFT? Have you seen an older guy make it? Im PS with 10 years. Ive been all over the warrant recruiting website and I understand the required waivers and other packet requirements. Dealing with enlisted recruiters is difficult and most of them dont want to deal with warrant officer packets. Or they simply dont know. Im at Fort Bragg (now Liberty).
I really want to do this, but realize it may be too little too late. Is this a hopeless endeavor for me? Appreciate your thoughts and advice please. Thank you.
You HAVE to make them tell you no. I'd look at the Guard/Reserves and get in touch with a "warrant officer strength and retention" POC. All 50 states should have one.
Will do. That's a good place to start.
My mentality is when someone tells me NO, I say YES. And when someone says impossible, I say possible. Thanks for the advice. 🤘
Sitting in the clinic awaiting my second dilation to approve my astigmatism. Debating going outta pocket for prk if this doesn’t go accordingly. My packet seems solid, so I just gotta keep betting on myself.Cool to see you got picked up for this program. Hopefully we’ll cross paths. Semper fi from a greenside corpsman.
DOC!! Get it brother. I hope you see you on the other side of all this dude. Get it done. Would love to hear if it works out with the vision and specifically what you have had to get done up to this point to get around the sight obstacle!! A lot of folks ask. Good luck brother.
I’m back for my third and final dilation hoping that my astigmatism is minimal. My options from here if it doesn’t work out will be lasik/prk outta pocket but then I would have to wait 6 months and apply for a waiver. My dream is to fly and so I just keep pushing ahead, trying to will it. My packet feels strong. Have a navy and marine o-5 and a marine o-6 for references. 59 on the sift. Bachelors degree and prior service. Based on what you’ve seen how would this packet stand up on the boards? What’s the update on your side?! Have you finished wocs and are you on to flight school? Congrats btw watching your journey has helped me with my own. It can be quite a lengthy process as you know.
@HMbeav8404 appreciate the update and intel. People ask me on the sight thing and it's good to know what folks have to go through with it. You'll get through no doubt. I'm good. Down here at ft novosel about to start flying. It's worth it. The work is worth it. I haven't touched an aircraft and can already say that confidently. You need a LOR from a couple CW4 Or 5s and they need to be army aviators. They want to see recommendations from inside the organization. The navy/marine stuff is fine but they want to see someone from their own culture and place give you the nod.
@@merrittorius when at the end of the day it’ll get me to where I’ve wanted to go then swimming upstream feels worth it. It also just feels like constantly having to come upon a new door and knocking it down. Thanks I’ve heard this as advice, the cwo lor thing. But I needed to hear it as a non negotiable like you laid it out. Now to come up with creative ways to cross paths with an air unicorn lol
I'm a 1stLt in the Marine Corps as a SupO and definitely looking into tranferring / getting out so I can go WOCS and go pilot. How long did it take to build you WO packet?
I’ve just recently been selected for street-to-seat WOFT. I started putting together my packet in late March, and submitted it late August.
However, I was lucky enough to have a recruiter who was immediately on board with the idea. And my dad also works with a guy who was a CPT and pilot in the Army, and went to West Point. He got me in touch with three of the six people who wrote my recommendations. The other three I managed on my own - two from veteran neighbors, and the third who I reached out to on Instagram is a former Night Stalker pilot.
My situation was very lucky, and I’m only 18 and I didn’t need any waivers, so my packet was a little bit faster than average. At least based on what I see online. Some people can take up to a year if they need waivers. But a 1LT like yourself should be pretty competitive.
I do have a little suggestion though. If you can, enroll in a local private pilot ground school. You don’t need to get a private pilot’s license or even any flight hours, but if you attend ground school, it looks good on your packet and I’m sure it would impress anyone you ask for an LOR.
I'd watch a couple of my other vids to get some more context, there's more to it, but it took me 2.5 months to put it all together and submit.
Naw, I went through WOC(D), completed Flight School, got my bar, applied myself to retire as a CW5.
Thanks for checking in sir. Hope retirement is treating you well!
Just submit my packet to the recruiter. It should hit the May board. Fingers crossed. As a mechanic, I've menteed under a lot of great WOs.
It's an exciting time. Expect good things. 👍
1993 graduation from Ft. Rucker….Hueys in Korea
Appreciate you saying hello. Hope life is well.
Hi Merrittorius, I am looking forward to start with my packet. Would there be any chance I can get into an interview with you? Thank you and congratulations!!
Message me.
Current 11B in the Guard looking to go the same route. How does it work after WOCS? Do you get stationed at a unit in your home state/do you already know where you'll end up when you start the process?
Also can you speak to having a family at the same time as this? Wife/kids, how much time you're away from them during different parts of the process, etc. Thank you
You're away from your wife and kids as much as you are right now in the Guard. It isn't a different time commitment that I know of outside of normal Army Guard obligations. If you're flying you must meet the Army aviator requirements for your platform. Doesn't matter if you're Guard or Active, it's all the same. So you'll be at your unit once a week most likely so having a job that can facilitate that is a must.
After WOCS, just depends on your WOBC, state and job. Our state has a holding company for warrants prior to attending WOBC and then after WOBC you hit your unit.
Thanks!
whats your vision got to be? and how old do u think u could be with an age waiver with no prior service? thanks for your vids!
Vision usually has to be perfect but can be corrected and waived. Age waiver required at 32.
I was an 0311, now a 15A. We check bws Friday. Maybe I'll catch you at the gym.
Would love that brother. Please say what's up. SF
Just did a video on common core, it's not what I would call "good" but it is existing.
thanks battle bud
🤝
Hey, I know this guy! Go do great things!!
Thanks brother. Back at ya 🤙🇺🇸
Hi I’m Ethan. I just have a quick question. I know you’re a warrant officer which I think is badass but I want to commission as officer. I’m currently 24 years old and my bday was on the 12th of August. You think I’ll be old compare to other Lt’s or officer if I become an officer? I think and I could be wrong that majority of officers are usually 22 or 23. So if I go talk to a recruiter once I’m done studying for the asvab, it will take at least almost a year to be fully accepted to OCS and that is if I do get accepted cus I know you have to go through a process so when that happens I’ll be 26 and OCS and bootcamp is idk how long and I’ll still probably be 26 but probably won’t become an Capt at age 30. What’s your take? Thank you and have a bless day!!
You're literally a few years older than the average. It's a non factor. I'm a decade older at least than most of the aviators I'll be in school with. I wouldn't think of it for a second and if I did consider it I'd perceive it as a positive that you have maturity to follow through etc.
Been in the army 3.5 years, I am a SGT/E5. I’ve only been a SGT for 6 months, and know I have to have a year of NCOERs before I am able to apply for WOCS. I want to be a 131A and I’ve been getting help with the knowledge of that field by my CW2. I didn’t want to ask him, but what are my odds of getting accepted as a SGT with only 1 year in grade if I got distinguished honor grad in BLC?
Simply put, it depends on how much your leadership wants to advocate for you, how many slots there are for your MOS, and how much you advocate for yourself when you can.
Do you have to be enlisted first or can you join the warrant officer force from the beginning ?
If your aspiration is to fly you can go "WOFT" and basically straight to being a warrant officer. It's a competitive program but it's possible. If it's anything outside of being an aviator, being enlisted for ~ 6-15 years is usually where the Warrant Officer Corps gets their folks from.
Prior active army now air national gaurd, how would I go about finding a recruiter to go warrant, at this moment I have no idea west to start
Each state has a warrant officer strength and retention shop. Find that POC.
Im looking to do 11B if I was to go to. WOCS would I be in the command structure or still out in the field as I would be as a E1 and up.
It would probably be you making your own schedule.
I’m currently serving I’ve been in for almost ten years and I’m about to end my college career and earn my degree. I can’t decide between OCS or WOCS all I know is I want to be a pilot and that’s all really care about is flying I’ve heard good and bad things about being an officer. I just wanted to know the difference between being a pilot as an officer and a warrant officer.
I'm at flight school. Half our class is LTs, and the other half are warrants. Im a warrant, obviously, and im new in the process, so everything i know is anecdotal and heresay. Their pay is going to be better. They're going to have way more responsibility outside of flying. So if you want to "lead" or have the responsibility to manage organizations that's the LT route. If you want to fly and are more of a technical person who wants to just execute the plans its the Warrant route. I've got my degree and went warrant, but I knew that would align more with who I am.
Currently building packet, awaiting a date for SIFT, young soldier, older PFC, would love some insight if possible , thank you
I'd watch a couple of my other vids. There's about 30 minutes of perspective on the board, interviews, what they're looking for, how to network etc. Good luck
just waiting on my flight physical to get back to me from rucker. how long did it take you to get a stamped physical for phase 1?
What do you mean phase 1? I honestly don't know because my age waiver took approx 6 months so i wasnt concerned with the physcial. I've heard flight physicals can be 1-3.
@@merrittorius sorry I meant the class 1 physical. the first physical you need to do to put your packet in for woft selection. I have no waivers on my end for anything so I hope its fast sailing. And congratulations on making!!! Trying to get this done at 29 as a prior service army medic of 4 years. but the last thing I'm waiting on is this flight physical to get back to me and I should be good to put my packet in for selection.
@@GWOlukasr1 love it. Good luck.
Hey, this is WO1 Queen. Charlie Company!
QUEEN! What's up man. You getting through WOBC? Glad to hear from ya.
I don’t go till July.
@quintinqueen9594 Well Merry Christmas to everyone up in Baltimore. All our best ❤️🤝
How can I go about scheduling a flight physical and what do I need to do
You need to talk to a recruiter, preferably one who has put someone into an aviator job before.
They call it a Thousand Dollar Dot for a reason.
Perfect 👌
I am a recently retired enlisted Naval Aircrewman and currently considering civilian flight training to be ready to fight if recalled back to active duty. Can you tell me the current age requirements for being an Army Aviator Warrant Officer? Thank you friend.
It's 32. It's waivable, especially in the Guard.
Congrats on retirement. August 2024 would've been my 20 😅
Thank you brother. We might have another chance to serve if everything keeps getting more out of hand.
@@merrittorius
What happened the Interservice warrant officer college. Was it founded
I'm not sure.
The interservice warrant officer college was suppose bachelor's and masters degrees for warrant officers from all service branches
Im 17 now planning to go 11b opt 40 in the army and I don’t know when I go to reenlinst if I try to go for WOCS or OCS any one have any input?
As far as I'm concerned becoming and officer should be the goal if you're making it a career.
@@merrittorius thanks for the response, know I’m going to do 20 at least, might even follow it my dads foot steps and do 30 like he did and he retired march of 21 as a SGM
When my son was your age he told me he was interested in becoming an infantry officer. He wanted my opinion on weather he should enlist first and then go to college or just go to college ROTC and then commission. I suggested he go to college and then commission. I was enlisted for six years and despite what youtubers or old crusty NCO's tell you, being enlisted before becoming an officer doesn't make you a better leader. You either have what it takes or you don't. Just take it take it step by step. My son thought he would do it for 20 years until he decided to get his MBA...$$$.
xoxoxox, sHUGS
Retired Unicorn here.
🤝🫡
How likely is it for a 33 year old that's been in 15 years to be accepted to fly? Seems like a lot going against me
This is all anecdotal but active is tougher than Guard to get an age waiver. Their main concern is ROI and how long you'll stay. You've got the age waiver going against you and the afs waiver going against you (the fact that you'll be eligible to retire as soon as your first ADSO is up).
With that being said I'd bet on yourself, your ability to network, meet the right folks, and sell that you'll be here for the long haul. Make them tell you no and go for it. THEY WANT GOOD PEOPLE.
@merrittorius yeah I'm really concerned with how many years in the military I have in and my age. I'm assuming with the interview, I can express my want to stay for a 30 year career? That should help correct?
@williambarth6751 Hit me up on IG and I can give a little more context.
@@merrittoriusdm'd you whenever you got time!
Fireside chat. Get some
Mr. Merritt, I have some questions regarding the process and I wanted to reach out to you directly. Do you have an email address which I can contact? I understand if you choose not to share it, but I would greatly appreciate a minute of your time. Also, great content, super helpful! Thanks!
Do you have something that I would be able to reach out to you on? Something like a instagram or an e-mail.
I'm on IG if we haven't talked already