The military grade of “warrant officer” dates back two centuries before Columbus, during the fledgling years of the British Navy. At that time, nobles assumed command of the new Navy, adopting the Army ranks of Lieutenant and Captain. These royal blood officers often had no knowledge of life on board a ship, let alone how to navigate such a vessel or operate the guns. They often relied on the technical expertise and cooperation of a senior sailor who tended to the technical aspects of running the ship and operating the cannons. These sailors, sometimes referred to as ‘Boat Mates’ or ‘Boswans Mates’ became indispensable to less experienced officers and were subsequently rewarded with a Royal Warrant. This Royal Warrant was a special designation, designed to set them apart from other sailors, yet not violate the strict class system that was so prevalent during the time. https://usacac.army.mil/organizations/cace/wocc/woprogram#history
As cited in www.goarmy.com, Warrant Officers make up the technical foundation of the U.S. Army and the Mississippi National Guard. Throughout their careers, they specialize in a technical area like intelligence, aviation, or military police. Although they make up less than three percent of total Army strength, Warrant Officers have a great job responsibility that includes training Soldiers, organizing and advising on missions, and advancing within their career specialties.
In the Mississippi National Guard the Warrant Officer is an indispensable member of our ranks. Each year we honor their service with the Warrant Officer of the Year Award.
