LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The Air Force announced today the first cohort of 78 Total Force Airmen to attend the new Warrant Officer Training School.
Master Sgt. Jonathan Bower, 19th Communications Squadron plans and programs flight chief, was the sole selectee from the 19th Airlift Wing.
“I wanted to apply for the Warrant Officer program because it offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of advancing our capabilities, especially in the cyber domain,” said Bower. “It also presented an avenue to leverage my experience in mentoring and advising current and future Air Force leaders, especially during critical decision-making moments.”
The reintroduction of the Warrant Officer Corps career path in the Air Force aims to address critical operational needs, while maintaining highly perishable skills, and leverage the unique expertise and capabilities of warrant officers. They will serve as technical experts, functional leaders, advisors, professionals and risk managers, contributing to the overall proficiency of their organizations.
“These Airmen are poised to assume critical roles as technical experts, functional leaders, and advisors within their specialized domains,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “They possess the cutting-edge skills we need to address the multifaceted challenges of today's dynamic security landscape. Their selection is not only a testament to their talents, but also to our commitment to rapidly reoptimize the U.S. Air Force for our strategic environment.”
This decision signifies a pivotal moment in Air Force history, representing a strategic shift towards bolstering technical proficiency and operational effectiveness.
“My goal as a Warrant Officer is to help develop the program into a successful and integral part of the Air Force,” Bower said. “[I’m hoping to] pave the way for hundreds, if not thousands, of Airmen who are willing and eager for the opportunity, not just in cyber but across all Air Force Specialty Codes.”