Warrant Officer Prerequisites and Duty Description
255N - Network Systems Technician
 
 
Duties:
Network Systems Technicians transport the voice, video and data networks establishing and maintaining the transport layer environment of Army’s portion of the Cyberspace domain through network management/enterprise systems management (NM/ESM) functions to include fault management, configuration management, auditing and accountability measures, maintaining performance standards, and implementing security measures at all levels in support of combat information superiority and command and control. They supervise and manage the operation and internetworking of telecommunications networks, network systems equipment, network nodal transmission and transport systems, network management system platforms, networked information systems and associated personnel at both the local area and wide area network level. They plan, install, administer, manage, maintain, integrate, operate, service, secure, optimize and troubleshoot communications networks and networked-systems connectivity and capacity in order to transmit information as an element of combat power. They supervise and oversee network security planning and the implementation and use of electronic keys and frequency management to support communications networks and networked-systems. They manage the training of personnel on the planning, installation, administration, management, maintenance, integration, operation, servicing, securing, optimization and troubleshooting of communications networks and networked-systems. They develop policy recommendations and provide technical guidance and advice to commanders and staffs on the management and operation of Army, joint, intergovernmental, interagency and multinational communications networks and networked-systems. 
***Applicants must meet all Administrative Requirements to become a Warrant Officer.***
 
  • 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 Management Technician - 255N.
  • Check out this interview to learn more about becoming a Signal Warrant Officer
Minimum prerequisites (all general prerequisites apply):
  • Be a SGT (E5) 2 or above. (NO WAIVERS)
  • BLC Graduate. (NO WAIVERS)
  • Hold a DoD 8570.1M IAT Level II / IAM Level I or IASAE Level I certification (CCNA Security; SEC+; CASP; or CISSP)  (NO WAIVERS)
  • 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. (NO WAIVERS)
  • 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. (NO WAIVERS)
  • 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/. (NO WAIVERS)
  • 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
Preferred Prerequisites:
  • ALC Graduate
  • AA/AS Degree
  • Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance
  • Additional industry technical certifications: Network+; Linux+; CCNA, CCNP, CCENT; or CCDA.
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.  Please contact the proponent POC below only for questions regarding ANY qualifications.  Address all other inquiries to your Regional Warrant Officer Recruiter.
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)
Points of Contact: 
CW4 Brandon M. Wilson
Signal Warrant Officer Career Program Manager (Proponent)
U.S. Army Signal School
COM: (706) 791-6545
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
 
CW4 Mark A. Chambers
USAR Career Program Manager (Proponent)
COM: (706) 791-2081
DSN: (312) 780-2081
Cell: (706) 691-3865
       
Last Updated: 22 May 2022