The inaugural class of the U.S. Air Force’s Warrant Officer Training School graduates from Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Dec. 6, 2024. This historic cohort of 30 graduates marks the reintroduction of Warrant Officers to the Air Force following the dissolution of the Warrant Officer Corps in 1958. The inaugural class consisted of 22 Active Duty, 6 Guardsmen, and 2 Reservists. (Air Force photo by Trey Ward) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: FEDweek StaffThirty warrant officers graduated from the Air Force’s newly established training program – the first since the rank was reestablished several months ago.
“This class has come to an important milestone but the task they have before them is even more important,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said, during their Dec. 6 graduation ceremony in Arlington, Virginia. “And as going on into the Air Force and establishing the value that [warrants] bring to our service, I am absolutely confident that you’re going 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.”
The Air Force has phased out the warrant officer rank in 1959. While most of their roles as technical experts and advisors were absorbed by enlisteds and commissioned officers, at least two warrants were still serving in the reserve component in the 1990s.
The new class will specialize in fields such as cyber, intelligence and space.
They assumed their new ranks after completing eight weeks of training that included leadership development, advanced technical skills, operational integration and mentorship.
The service intends for them to serve as a bridge between enlisteds and commissioned officers. Tasks would include mentoring enlisteds, implementing commanders’ directives, and performing their duties in highly specialized operational environments.
They expect to report to their new duty stations early next year, with the next class slated to graduate in March.
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