Originally Posted by Blackhawk
1. Warrant officers are NOT enlisted, they are officers. They are initially appointed as WO1s instead of commisioned, but they are still officers and given the respect due officers. I won't go into the differences between the two here (commisioned verses warrant), as it is besides the point and delves into history. When a warrant officer is promoted to CW2 they become commisioned, however, with the authority under the Uniform Code of Military Justice that all commisioned officers have. This is why in the Army warrant officers are able to command ships and other units, although there are very few commands for them.
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No bad intended on warrants or enlisted guys at all, just describing the economic realities. I know plenty of helo guys and fast-mover guys, and the fast guys are simply used to making well over $100K/year in the service. The rotor guys are used to less money, and often retire $$, which does effect what they will work for on the outside.