Warrant Officer

A Warrant Officer is an officer in a military organization who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission, or non-commissioned officer (NCO) who is designated an officer by virtue of seniority.

Use in Starfleet

Warrant Officer (Abbreviated to WO) is the lowest warrant officer rank, above all enlisted rates and below Chief Warrant Officer. Like other warrant officers, these individuals started out as enlisted personnel, and now serve as specialized commissioned officers highly trained in one area (like engineering). Unlike regular commissioned officer who underwent training at Starfleet Academy, warrant officers gained their rank through years of service and obtained their authority through warrant from the President of the United Federation of Planets. Warrant Officers are capable of serving in any junior officer post. Warrants have a minimum of 13 and an average of 17 years enlisted service prior to commissioning.

After the promotion to Warrant Officer there is very little change in duties, due to the nature of their work.