Warrant Officer

A warrant officer (WO) is a member of a military organization holding one of a specific group of ranks. In most countries they are effectively senior non-commissioned officers, although technically in a class of their own between NCOs and commissioned officers. In the United States military system, however, officers at the Chief Warrant Officer level are in fact commissioned officers and are afforded the same privileges and courtesies, such as terms of address and salutes, as other commissioned officers.

Related Topics:
Ranks - Non-commissioned officer - Commissioned officer - United States

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The warrant officer corps began in the 13th century in the nascent English Royal Navy. At that time, nobles assumed command of the new Navy, adopting the Army ranks of lieutenant and captain. These officers often had no knowledge of life on board a ship—let alone how to navigate such a vessel—and relied on the expertise and cooperation of a senior sailor who tended to the technical aspects of running the ship. As cannon came into use, the officers also required gunnery experts.

Related Topics:
13th century - Royal Navy - Lieutenant - Captain

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These sailors became indispensable to less-experienced officers and were rewarded with a royal warrant. This warrant was a special designation, designed to set them apart from other sailors, yet not violate the strict class system that was prevalent during the time.

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