FORT LEE, Va. – On July 9, sustainment warrant officers of the U.S. Army gathered to celebrate 107 years of their heritage, marking the official establishment of the United States Army Warrant Officer Corps in 1918.
Though the Corps’ lineage extends back to the medieval and renaissance eras, its modern evolution began with the position of headquarters clerk in 1896.
The Act of August 1916 transformed this role into the Army field clerk, initially viewed as a civilian role until determined by the Judge Advocate General to possess military status.
The U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command/Sustainment Center of Excellence held a teambuilding event, culminating with a professional development discussion and the ceremonial cutting of a birthday cake.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Nicholas Laferte, the CASCOM/SCOE command chief warrant officer, emphasized the importance of senior warrant officer professional development as a platform for networking and sharing expertise.
“This collaboration is the cornerstone of moving away from near-term problem solving and into problem prevention,” he noted.
Laferte highlighted that the success of the Army relies on the integration of all functions, emphasizing a cooperative approach to enhance the sustainment ‘eco-system.’
The event featured insights from CW5 Kent Shepherd, U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Command Chief Warrant Officer, who stated that the connection among warrant officers is crucial for fostering teamwork, especially for younger officers in tactical roles and seasoned officers in strategic positions.
Shepherd also stressed the rapid transformation of the Army and the need for warrant officers to adapt and support initiatives across various branches.
As the complexity of military demands increases, warrant officers play a vital role in leading modernization efforts, from standardization to professional development frameworks.
CW5 Belinda Jackson, U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps Command Chief Warrant Officer, underlined the focus on improving sustainment capabilities to provide responsive and efficient support to combat forces through automation and data analytics.
These initiatives align closely with the Chief of Staff of the Army’s priorities, which include building cohesive teams and ensuring combat-ready formations.
Chief Warrant Officer of the Army Aaron Anderson shared his insights at the Sustainment Warrant Officers Forum in May, acknowledging the uncertain environment the Army faces and the varied missions that arise from that landscape.
Anderson spoke to the Army Transformation Initiative and the modernization of Professional Military Education, emphasizing the need to cultivate adaptable warrant officers who are technically skilled and trusted advisors.
He also addressed the need to identify and nurture potential warrant officer candidates within the enlisted ranks, suggesting that early assessments could enhance the current selection process.
“Look at those E-3s, look at those E-4s, look at those folks in that five-year to nine-year window,” said Anderson.
By assessing earlier, the Army can position itself to achieve a higher return on investment through a well-developed warrant officer pipeline.
Army warrant officers are often referred to as ‘quiet professionals,’ known for their technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
With four branches and 22 specialties, sustainment warrant officers support a diverse range of missions across the Army.
Laferte reminded attendees that they stand on the shoulders of a legacy spanning 107 years.
He emphasized that warrant officers are the Army’s technical backbone and play a critical role in ensuring the seamless operation of complex systems.
“The term ‘quiet professionals’ does not imply silence, but rather a focus on action and results,” he explained.
Laferte encouraged warrant officers to engage actively with formations and utilize their voices to guide and mentor soldiers and officers through the rapid changes confronting the Army today.
Their unique combination of technical and tactical expertise is crucial to enhancing the Army’s lethality and agility on the battlefield, making the warrant officer corps an invaluable asset to military readiness and effectiveness.
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