What is the maximum number of years of active duty military service a Chief Petty Officer should have to apply for the CWO program?

A Chief Petty Officer must have a maximum of 24 years of active duty military service to be eligible to apply for the Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) program. This requirement is established to ensure that candidates have ample firsthand experience and knowledge gained from their service before transitioning into a commission officer role. The limit of 24 years facilitates a balance between experience and the ability to complete the necessary training and service requirements as a CWO. It ensures that the military is able to cultivate leaders who are both seasoned and have a reasonable amount of time left in their careers to contribute effectively in a commissioned capacity.