Letter to the Editor - CCW—What?
By CW5 Jeremie J. Zabko, G3 Avaition, US Army Pacific
Article published on: in the April-June 2024 Edition of the Warrant Officer Journal
Read Time: < 4 mins
Let’s embark on a slightly more enlightening journey through the tangled forest of military acronyms, particularly focusing on the Warrant Officer realm. The mission, should we choose to accept it (and we do, with a flourish of sarcasm), is to decode the cryptic alphabet soup of “CCWO”, “CWOB”, and “SWOA”. This isn’t just for kicks; it’s a noble quest to shine a beacon of wisdom across the confused landscapes of ranks and MOSs. Imagine, if you will, the sheer chaos of witnessing folks brazenly flaunting titles like CCWO and SWOA in their email signoffs, as if these were trendy accessories rather than esteemed positions. And yes, this is happening despite the existence of MILPER message 23-399, a document apparently as popular as a dentist appointment.
For those intrepid souls seeking knowledge beyond the elusive MILPER message, salvation can be found within the sacred scrolls of AR 600-20, AR 600-3, and DA PAM 600-3. These texts, soon to be graced with the wisdom of MILPER 23-399, are akin to the guidebooks for the perplexed, outlining the paths through the dense jungle of Army regulations and officer development.
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter, shall we?
CWOB, or Chief Warrant Officer of the Branch, is a title not to be tossed around lightly. This acronym is reserved for the elite, not a free-for-all badge for anyone feeling particularly important in their battalion or brigade. With the Army’s 26 branches, only 17 have the honor of boasting a CWOB, making it a title of distinction and not a casual moniker.
Enter the CCWO, the Command Chief Warrant Officer, a beacon of leadership in the warrant officer community. This isn’t a title you stumble into; it’s earned through a mix of expertise, selection by a command list, and a hefty dose of professional military education. The CCWO is the tactical and operational sage, a key adviser, and an integral part of the command team, listed proudly on the unit’s Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E) or Table of Distributions and Allowances (TDA). To aspire to this role without the proper credentials and selection is akin to declaring oneself a king in a land of equals – ambitious, but fundamentally flawed.
And then there’s the curious case of self-proclaimed CCWOs, a phenomenon as baffling as it is misguided. It’s crucial to understand that being the sole warrant officer in your department does not a CCWO make. Such declarations are not just incorrect; they’re a faux pas of the highest order, a misstep in the intricate dance of military decorum.
Lastly, the SWOA, or Senior Warrant Officer Advisor, emerges as a figure of wisdom and guidance. Unlike its counterparts, the SWOA is an additional duty rather than a position carved in stone, designated to offer sage advice on the myriad aspects of warrant officer life within the organization. This role is appointed by commanders at the battalion level and above, ensuring that the SWOA’s wisdom is not diluted by a plethora of unnecessary titles.
In summary, this paper isn’t just a sarcastic romp through the world of military acronyms; it’s a clarion call to all Warrant Officers to wield their titles with care, respect, and a deep understanding of their true meaning. Let us navigate these waters with the dignity and precision they deserve, ensuring that each acronym is a badge of honor, not a mere ornament.
Jeremie J. Zabko CW5, AV Senior Warrant officer of the window cubicle Senior Warrant Advisor to anyone who will listen
Author’s Note: CW5 Zabko is the Pacific Theater Standardization Officer, US Army Pacific, G3 Aviation.
Editor’s Note: CW5 Zabko forwarded this message to warrant officers throughout the Pacific Theater with positive response. He offered to share the message with our Journal to both enlighten and entertain our community. Works like this generate interest, dialogue, and potentially debate vital for professionalism and ethics. The Harding Project and this Journal want to hear from you. Do not hesitate to submit your works to the WO_Journal@army.mil for consideration.
Graphic: Logo of the United States Army Pacific and Moto of One Team.