SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- The Air Force has brought back warrant officers for the first time in decades, and a Utah Air National Guardsman is among the first to complete the historic transition.
Chief Warrant Officer Austin Walje, a cyber operations specialist with the 130th Engineering Installation Squadron, was selected to join one of the first Air Force warrant officer classes since the rank was phased out in the 1950s and has since graduated from Warrant Officer Training School. Walje previously served as a senior master sergeant prior to his selection. The program, announced in late 2023, is part of a broader modernization effort to sharpen the service's cyber and information technology capabilities.
“This is a proud moment in my career,” Walje said. “But it’s just that, a moment. I’m focused on being the best leader, follower, and teammate I can be, and I’m excited to help pave the way for future Air Force warrant officers.”
Walje enlisted in the Utah Air National Guard in 2009 to gain technical training and skills that would translate into civilian opportunities. A friend in the 130th EIS helped him get started, and his training in the Guard led to a successful civilian career as a telecommunications specialist for Williams Companies, a natural gas transmission company.
“I maintain, install, and troubleshoot a complex LAN/WAN distribution system, including microwave and point-to-point radios, fiber optics, copper systems, and voice and data systems,” he said.
When the Air Force announced the return of the warrant officer program in October, Walje said he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“I’ve always been intrigued by the role of warrant officers in the other branches,” he said. “Being a subject matter expert, someone who is deeply knowledgeable and directly supports mission success, is a unique and valuable position.”
The selection process was rapid. After submitting a package through the National Guard Bureau, vetted candidates were returned to their units for in-house board interviews. Within a few short months, selections were made, and accessions began.
Walje attended Warrant Officer Training School from June 3 to Aug. 1 and graduated as part of the fourth class since the program’s return.
While the full scope of the warrant officer role is still being defined, Walje is expected to work within the engineering shop, supporting commissioned engineers and helping to shape the new rank structure within the 130th.
“There are still a lot of unknowns,” he said. “But that’s part of the excitement — we get to help build this from the ground up.”
Air Force leadership sees the reintroduction of warrant officers as a key move in the broader effort to maintain strategic advantage. In a December statement, then-Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall emphasized the urgency of staying ahead in the face of rising global threats.
“The need for modernization against capable, well-resourced strategic adversaries never stops,” Kendall said. “But modernization isn’t the only thing we must do to compete. Today, we are announcing 24 key decisions we have made to improve the current force’s readiness and our ability to stay competitive over time.”
Walje echoed those sentiments, especially regarding staying current in cyber and IT environments.
“We need to be ingrained in current and emerging technologies, not stuck 25 years in the past,” he said. “Warrant officers will be critical in keeping the Air Force informed, capable, and prepared.”
To other Airmen interested in following the same path, Walje recommends focusing on relevant education and certifications, such as those on the Cyber Workforce Exchange, and staying current on readiness requirements.
“Keep your PME done. Your fitness is good, and your readiness is current,” he said. “You never know when the next opportunity will come along.”
While the historic selection and graduation mark a significant milestone, Walje is already looking ahead.
“This is an exciting step,” he said. “But more than anything, I’m looking forward to helping shape the future of this role, for myself and those who come after me.”
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