About the Army
West Point Cadets

OFFICERS

Officers are the managers and planners of the Army. There are two types of Officers: traditional commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Officers are responsible for planning missions and operations and commanding units. Most importantly, they are entrusted with the lives of the Soldiers under their command. The path to becoming an Officer is much different than enlistment, and requires a college degree and outstanding leadership skills. 

Learn more about becoming an Officer

WARRANT OFFICERS

Warrant Officers have an expertise in a focused, technical career path. While an Officer’s job may be more focused on staff duty and commanding and organizing large numbers of enlisted Soldiers, Warrant Officers are more focused on advancing within their own career specialties, and training other Soldiers in those specialties.

Learn more about being a Warrant Officer