WC Missouri News

The Air Force is now accepting applications, from April 25 to May 31, for Airmen aspiring to become the inaugural cohort of warrant officers in the information technology and cyber career fields.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We need operational units with all the capabilities they need to deter and compete with our pacing challenges and ready to enter a conflict on short or no notice.” This move aligns with the Air Force's plan to enhance its capabilities in information technology and cyber domains.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin highlighted the significance of reintroducing the warrant officer career path, stating, “The reintroduction of the warrant officer career path reflects the Air Force's commitment to expanding and retaining technical excellence, essential for maintaining a strategic advantage in an era defined by Great Power Competition.”

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David A. Flosi emphasized the critical nature of the skills warrant officers will bring, stating, “These are highly in-demand, and also extremely perishable, skills in today's rapidly-evolving landscape.”

The application process for the first cohort of warrant officers includes specific requirements such as holding the rank of at least staff sergeant and having one year of active federal service. Applicants must also meet experience and proficiency criteria outlined for each warrant officer specialty to ensure a highly skilled and capable cohort.

Candidates for the newly created Air Force specialty codes for warrant officers, 17W – Warfighter Communications & IT Systems Operations, and 17Y – Cyber Effects & Warfare Operations, will play essential roles in providing technical guidance, managing communication assets, and integrating cyberspace capabilities into warfighting functions.

The selection board process, scheduled for June 24-28, will identify top candidates for the first cohort, who will undergo training at the Warrant Officer Training School starting in the fall of 2024 or early 2025. Graduates will then be reassigned to operational units across the Air Force to maximize their effectiveness in enhancing technical readiness and operational effectiveness.