What does a warrant officer do in the military?

I'm considering the military as a path after high school, and I've heard about warrant officers. Can someone explain what their job entails and if it's a good option to consider?

In the United States military, a warrant officer is a highly specialized expert and trainer in their field of expertise. This role sits between the highest enlisted ranks and the lowest officer ranks. There are five grades, WO1 to CW5 - Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) to Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5). Unlike commissioned officers who are generalists that may specialize in a certain combat arms branch, the specialty of a warrant officer remains constant throughout their career.

Their responsibilities can be quite vast. For example, in the Army, warrant officers might fly helicopters or work in technical fields such as intelligence, logistics/supply, and technology. In the Navy, they might serve as technical specialists and leaders who manage and maintain many of the Navy’s vital combat systems, weapons systems, vehicles and networks.

If you're considering this path, it's important to note that you can't join the military as a warrant officer right after high school. Most warrant officers have already served in the military as enlisted personnel or junior officers before they become a warrant officer. It requires a significant amount of experience and technical knowledge in your chosen field.

However, if you're interested in reaching the highest level of technical expertise in your field and you're committed to a long-term military career, working towards becoming a warrant officer could certainly be a good option to consider. It could offer you the opportunity to continually develop your skills while taking on more leadership roles. But it's a big decision, and one you might want to discuss with a military careers counselor or do more research into.