MCB Camp Lejeune, N.C. - After serving as an enlisted Marine, some may decide they want to become an officer. Once they decide to make the change, they can go through the chain of command or contact their unit’s administration office to request information on how to become a warrant officer.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kenneth H. Glass received his bars Feb. 2, 2004, after serving more than 16 years in the Marine Corps. He said the board looks at the military occupational specialty credibility and leadership ability along with the basic training record of each Marine applying when they evaluate the packages.

Many Marines applying to become a warrant officer must seek recommendations from a senior Marine they have worked for.

When Glass applied, he said there were 183 packages selected to be reviewed by the board. Although there were several sergeants, most of the packages were from staff noncommissioned officers. Glass was a gunnery sergeant who completed a tour on the drill field.

A board consisting of senior Marines begins to review selected officer packages every January. The selected Marines for warrant officer are promoted Feb. 1.

There is a minimum of eight years of active service required to put in a warrant officer package, Glass said. Those applying must also pass the swim qualification with a Class 2. It also looks good to have extra Marine Corps Martial Arts experience and as much training as possible, he said.

The board focuses on experience in the Marine Corps and level of leadership ability when making a decision.

The package must include past military records such as record of service, basic individual record, basic training record and education record. This information is taken into consideration along with a report of the Marine’s medical and dental history.

“It is a different mindset going from a staff noncommissioned officer in charge of troop handling to an officer-in-charge,” Glass said. “The focus on different areas is the ultimate responsibility.”