reduced service eligibility requirements and simplified application procedures. Since 1968, the military education
available to warrant officers has been markedly expanded. Before then, no formal progressive military schooling program
existed for warrant officers.
14. ESTABLISHMENT OF A TRILEVEL MILITARY EDUCATION SYSTEM
a. By the end of 1972, the Army had established a trilevel military education system for its warrant officers. This
system provided formal training for warrant officers at the basic or entry level in 59 specialties, at the intermediate level for
53 specialties, and at the advanced level for 27 specialties.
b. In 1973, the three levels were changed from "basic," "intermediate," and "advanced" to entry, advanced, and
senior, respectively. Simultaneously, as a result of successful testing of the concept, the Warrant Officer Senior Course
was established at Fort Rucker, Alabama, to provide all warrant officers with access to the highest level of professional
education. During 1973, the Department of the Army also began to close the gaps in the warrant officer military education
system by directing the expansion or modification of existing advanced courses to accommodate all warrant officer
specialties.
15. CIVILIAN EDUCATIONAL GOAL UPGRADED
Civil schooling opportunities were also increased during this period. The educational goal for warrant officers was
upgraded from a two-year college equivalency to the attainment of an associate degree, preferably in an MOS-related
field. In 1974, for the first time, warrant officers were authorized entry into fully funded civil schooling programs. To help
warrant officers achieve their goals, cooperative degree programs were established with nearby colleges and universities
so warrant officers attending a career course could pursue college-level studies. In keeping with increased educational
opportunities, duty positions requiring warrant officers with master's degrees were validated by the Army Educational
Requirements Board.
16. WARRANT OFFICER INCORPORATION INTO THE HQDA PROJECTED REQUISITION AUTHORITY
a. As a means of forecasting and controlling their assignment and training, warrant officers were incorporated
into the HQDA projected requisition authority, a management tool long used to control commissioned officer assignments.
By the close of 1975, the Army had significantly expanded the professional development of the Warrant Officer Corps.
Warrant officers in the modern program were being offered opportunities their predecessors never enjoyed.
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