Photo By Sgt. Edward Balaban | Chief Warrant Officer 5 John Vitt, the command chief warrant officer of the Arizona...... read more read more
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PHOENIX – Four Arizona Army National Guard soldiers took a step forward in their military careers when their families and loved ones pinned them as warrant officers during a graduation ceremony at Russell Auditorium on the Papago Park Military Reservation Oct. 2.
Warrant Officer John Barber, Warrant Officer Michael Facemire, Warrant Officer Kirk Johnson and Warrant Officer Anthony Sheedy completed three phases of Warrant Officer Candidate School and took the oath of office before being pinned.
“You’ve worked hard, proven yourselves and that comes with a lot of responsibility,” said Col. Matthew Brown, the director of the Arizona Army National Guard, during his address to the graduates. “This organization needs your leadership, expertise and for you to set the example; be soldiers of integrity.”
The four soldiers completed two of the WOCS phases during their drill weekends and the last phase was conducted in Fort McClellan, Ala. The first phase focuses on the history of warrant officers, the second consists of teamwork training and the third phase contains practical and field training exercises.
“This was a very demanding course and it took a lot of dedication and teamwork,” said Warrant Officer Anthony Sheedy, who will be assigned to the 365th Signal Battalion. “It’s not easy, but if you remain focused and determined you can get through it.”
After completing WOCS and being pinned as warrant officers, these four soldiers have one year to complete the Warrant Officer Basic Course, or additional training for their specific career field.
A warrant officer is a position of responsibility and leadership as specialists within their specific career field. There are 14 different branches in which warrant officers can choose to become subject matter experts. Prior to becoming a warrant officer the soldier must have been a non-commissioned officer.
“Remember your roots as a member of the non-commissioned officer corps, sharpen your skills, talk with your mentor often and grow yourself to be a mentor,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 John Vitt, command chief warrant officer for the Arizona Army National Guard, in his speech to the graduates. “To each of you, I wish the best as you enter on your new career in the Warrant Officer Corps.”
The training is difficult, but it can be a rewarding step in a soldier’s career.
“It’s a new chapter in my life and my military career; it’s exciting,” Sheedy said.
| Date Taken: | 10.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.13.2010 14:13 |
| Story ID: | 58029 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 917 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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