Warrant Officer Prerequisites and Duty Description
255N - Network Operations Warrant Officer
 
Network Operations Warrant Officers are subject matter experts responsible for designing, building, configuring, operating, maintaining, and sustaining data networks comprising the Army’s portion of the Department of Defense Information Networks (DODIN) within the cyberspace domain. (DCWF Code – 441)
 
Duties:
  • Design, configure, operate, maintain, and sustain networks to include sensors, network perimeter (including Zero trust environments), network operations, and boundary defensive tools. (DCWF Code – 521)
  • Maintain cybersecurity compliance of all network and system components of the DODIN-A. (DCWF Code – 801 and 802)
  • Enable secure reliability of Army networks and information to enable mission command and enterprise operations. (DCWF Code – 441)
  • Train and supervise cyberspace information technology personnel in designing, building, configuring, operating, maintaining, securing, and sustaining networks and equipment. (DCWF Code – 732)
  • Lead frequency management to support the engineering of communications networks free of congestion or interference. Develop policy recommendations and provide technical guidance and advice to commanders and staff for operation on Army, joint, intergovernmental, interagency, and multinational communication networks and transport systems. (DCWF Code – 752)
Army General Prerequisites:
​SIGNAL Proponent Minimum Prerequisites:
  • Junior accessions pilot applicants click here for modified prerequisites.
  • Be a SGT (E5) 2 or above. 
  • BLC Graduate. 
  • Hold a DoD 8140.3 certification.
  • Applicants with a Secret security clearance may apply but will initiate procedures to obtain a Top Secret (TS) clearance with special compartmentalized information (SCI) access immediately upon selection to the MOS 255N.  Failure to obtain an adjudicated TS/SCI clearance will disqualify an individual from holding the MOS.
  • Applicants with a TS/SCI security clearance requiring periodic reinvestigation (PR) must submit their PR paperwork prior to submitting a Warrant Officer Accession Application.
  • A letter from a Senior Signal Warrant Officer3 (CW3-CW5) is required.
  • Four (4) years of documented practical experience1 in voice and data internetworking, local and wide area networks (LAN & WAN), include terrestrial, satellite and aerial systems and/or network planning.
  • A minimum of 36 months of rated time2 documented in NCOERs.  This is the minimum prerequisite; all NCOERs are required for consideration.  ARNG and USAR applicants may request a waiver for NCOER time, but must provide civilian performance appraisals in conjunction with their NCOERs or in lieu of not having NCOERs.
  • A minimum of six (6) semester hours of College Composition from an accredited institution, English 100 or higher, such as English Composition, Technical Writing, Business Writing, etc.  Speech and public speaking courses are not considered as meeting this requirement even if administered by the English department of an institution.  Successful completion of the CLEP College Composition examination in English (not Composition Modular) or an Associate's degree or higher are the only acceptable alternatives.  Transcripts comprised of only military training credit are not acceptable. The Department of Education maintains a database of accredited postsecondary education institutions and programs at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
  • A minimum of three (3) semester hours of College Algebra or higher is the only accepted college course from an accredited academic institution.  Successful completion of the CLEP College Algebra examination or an Associate’s degree or higher are the only acceptable alternatives.
SIGNAL Proponent Preferred Prerequisites:
  • ALC Graduate
  • AA/AS Degree
  • Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance
  • Additional industry technical certifications: Network+; Linux+; CCNA, CCNP, CCENT
  • We want to hear from you! Please consider completing a brief survey (less than five minutes) that will assist the Warrant Officer Recruiting Company in learning more about why you want to become a Network Systems Technician - 255N.
  • Check out this interview to learn more about becoming a Signal Warrant Officer
NOTE 1: Practical experience documented through NCO evaluation reports and award citations.  In some instances, practical experience acquired from civilian employment may be acceptable through employee evaluations, performance appraisals, or statements of work equivalent to military experience. Applicants from other military services (Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy) who can substantiate their qualifications with performance evaluations, awards, and certificates are encouraged to apply for MOS 255S.
 
NOTE 2: Reserve Component Only: Waiver requests for E4s or the minimum of 36 months of rated time on NCOER's are considered on a case-by-case base.  The applicant must have documented comparable managerial or leadership experience in the government service and/or civilian sector.
 
NOTE 3:  Signal Proponent can assist in establishing an interview with a Senior Signal Warrant Officer, once the applicant completes the following actions:
  • Ensure your application is complete (minus the LOR) as the Senior Signal Warrant Officer will need to assess you based primarily on your application and phone interview
  • Ensure that any waivers you may require are complete and included in the packet
  • Ensure you meet the administrative and MOS prerequisites
  • Be prepared to conduct an in-depth phone interview (technical & professional)
Address all warrant officer application questions and inquiries to a Regional Warrant Officer Recruiter.  Please visit the "How Do I Apply" page for required forms and examples. Contact the proponent POCs below for any questions regarding technical qualifications.
 
CW5 Brandon M. Wilson
Signal Warrant Officer Career Program Manager (Proponent)
U.S. Army Signal School
COM: (520) 674-0471
DSN: (312) 780-6545
Email: brandon.m.wilson28.mil@army.mil
 
CW5 Jorge Roman, JR
ARNG Senior Warrant Officer Advisor/Liaison
COM: (706) 791-6643
DSN: (312) 780-6643
Cell: (706) 825-7242
 
CW5 Ramil F. Francisco
USAR Senior Warrant Officer Advisor/Liaison
Cyber Center of Excellence
COMM: (706) 691-3865
Last Updated: 05 March 2024