On Sat, 17 Jan 2004 19:45:40 GMT, fudog50 wrote:

I read the original thread earlier and had a laff, it just goes to
show how little everyone knows about CWO's and I hope it stays that
way, it's kinda fun!!!

I guess my commissioning decree that I have hanging on my "I love me"
wall from the president of the United States and signed by the SECNAV
is just a mirage, or a fake then? I think you better get your facts
straight, here is some help coming from a (commisioned, there is no
other kind) Chief Warrant Officer in The US Navy...

Well, I'm always willing to get my facts straight. But, can you cut me
a bit of slack and acknowledge that what is current today has not
always been the way it was?

The terminology "Warrant Officer" refers to the fact that he/she holds
the rank by (traditionally) the issuance of a "warrant"--a government
document bestowing rank and authority to conduct certain actions. A
"commission" for a military officer was presidential and with the
authority of congress. A warrant did not require that level of
authorization. Things have obviously changed and I willingly defer to
more current knowledge.

In the Navy, you have to be at least a Chief (E7 or above) to even
apply. On the very moment you are commisioned (you go straight to
CW02, CWO3 if you are selected as an E9, there are no W.O's or even
W01's in the navy, you are a Chief Warrant Officer from day one ). We
have a permanant commission, not temporary. Most Line and Staff
Officers and LDO's have only a temporary commission, until they are
offered a permanant commission after being a LT for 2 years. So this
is at about the 6 year mark for them, and they are considered USNR
until they accept permanant commission and convert to USN.

Well, that's a bit garbled. But, you're on my ground here. Commissions
for officers are not "temporary"--there is no expiration date. They
are "regular" or "reserve", indicating the component to which your
commission applies. The regular component is governed by grade
limitation policies.

One other big difference for us is that our selections and promotions
are only confirmed through the CNO. Other officer ranks are Senate
confirmed. Hope this helps a little to clear up any confusuion.

That's the grade limitation issue.


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
Smithsonian Institution Press
ISBN #1-58834-103-8