Any Army Warrant Officers out there?

[Ponyracer1]

I'm AD USAF currently and possibly thinking about going blue to green as a 120A MOS. After some research it's a direct transfer with my AF career field.

Question is what do you like about being a warrant officer? Drawbacks?

I can't seem to find how long you can stay, what is HYT for a W-3?

I'm thinking of doing this for 3 reasons.

1. My son wants to join the Army in the spring, (not sure why that is affecting my decision, protection thing?)
2. I'm bored. I've done pretty much everything I can do in my current career and the chances are getting slimmer that I'm going to make E8.
3. #2 leads me to my final reason, $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. A warrant makes significantly more once you hit W-2/3 and the retirement is obviously a lot more.

Before you start with the "chair force" jokes, I've done multiple tours in Red Horse (AF version of the SEABEEs), deployed with the army multiple times, etc. Basically I'm not some desk marshmallow that can't hold his own.

Thoughts?

 

[TaraFirma]

I did almost 5 years enlisted time prior to going Warrant. It's a much better gig. I've been flying Blackhawks for almost 12 years now. It's the best job I've ever had. Love it and can't see myself doing anything else. As far as pay, it's hard to find something on the outside that matches my W3 pay and benefits.

 

[cleghornm]

The best job I ever had, wish I could go back. You will never regret going the Warrant Officer route. There are no draw backs. Warrant Offcers are respected from both enlisted soldiers and commissioned officers. Your a specialist and therefore the expert on what you do. Warrant Officers earned a respect that has been handed down from previous generations and is continued being built by the outstanding officers still serving today. You will never regret doing to the best job in the military.