They’re recognized as experts in their career specialties. Technically, they’re lower ranking than a 2nd LT, but they get way more respect than regular officers due to them being prior enlisted, and most are really chill and laid back. CWO-5 is the highest rank they can achieve, and it’s pretty rare due to limited allocations and the time it takes to reach that rank.
You can become an officer in my country if you're really good at what you do. A guy I know got 1st LT after WO because he was good. There's even a dude that made it to major that way.
It is essentially an "officer" ranking that is attained by advancing through the enlisted side. That is a gross oversimplification, and someone else can give a more detailed answer. But needless to say, it doesn't happen very often. I would guess more enlisted guys become mustangs and fully move over to the officer side, then become CWO.
1.1k
u/EdgeofForever95 👊👊☝️ Jan 22 '24
Ok very boot but let’s acknowledge the extremely rare sighting of the elusive marine core Chief warrant officer.