COHORT W – Season 5: A Legacy of Service

Welcome to Season 5 of COHORT W! I am your host, CW3 Marcus Harvey, an Army Warrant Officer, educator, and Warrant Officer Historical Foundation Fellow with a long-standing interest in Army history and the Warrant Officer profession.

Across the season, I will chat with historians and today’s Warrant Officers to explore how experience, trust, and technical expertise have shaped the Army across branches and generations. The conversations connect past lessons to present-day service and look ahead to the future of the force.

Produced in partnership with the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation, A Legacy of Service isn’t just about history; it’s about understanding where the profession comes from and why it continues to matter, often outside the spotlight.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about military history, leadership, and the people who keep complex systems running, this season is worth a listen.

🎵 Credits

🎼 Theme MusicComposed by SFC (Ret) Joshua DiStefano🔗 https://www.joshdistefano.com/

🎺 Ceremonial Music

Provided by The United States Army Band🔗 https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guide

🎙️ Editing Support

DeAndre Gaines

Point of Contact: Deandre.m.gaines@gmail.com

🔥 Top Resources for Warrant Officers

📖 Strength in Knowledge – Warrant Officer Journal

Explore current ideas, innovations, and research from across the Warrant Officer cohort.

🔗https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Warrant-Officer-Journal/

🏛️ Warrant Officer Historical Foundation (WOHF)

Learn more about the legacy and future of the Warrant Officer Cohort—and how you can support programs like this podcast.

🔗 https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/

📲 Follow WOHF on Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wohf1918

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WOHF1918

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warrant-officer-historical-foundation/

🏫 United States Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC)

Explore Warrant Officer education, training, and course offerings.

🔗 https://armyuniversity.edu/wocc/courses?p=Overview

🤝 United States Army Warrant Officer Association (USAWOA)

Stay connected with your professional association.

🔗 https://usawoa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesArmyWarrantOfficerAssociation co

https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/

Preserve and educate!

In this Season 4 finale, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jessie Morlan returns with a unique perspective—as both host and student. After completing the eight-week 420A Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) alongside newly appointed Warrant Officers from across all Army components, CW4 Morlan captures a moment of transformation within Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME).

This episode introduces the WOBC Project, a two-phase effort to document and reflect on the experiences of current WO1s—the very generation of Warrant Officers who will be most impacted by PME modernization. You'll hear directly from students in the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve as they share candid insights from their early PME journey.

📌 Phase 1 captures their thoughts during the initial weeks of the course—expectations, surprises, and first impressions.
📌 Phase 2, recorded two weeks after graduation, reflects on what they've learned, how it's applied in their new assignments, and their recommendations for shaping PME to meet the demands of future warfighting and sustainment.

From fresh perspectives to experienced reflections, this episode amplifies the voices of those who matter most in the evolution of Warrant Officer training—the students themselves.

🔥 Top Resources for Warrant Officers

📖 Strength in Knowledge Journal – Warrant Officer Journal
Explore current ideas, innovations, and research from across the cohort.
🔗 Read Now

🏛️ Warrant Officer Historical Foundation (WOHF)
Learn more about the legacy and future of the Warrant Officer Cohort and how you can support programs like this podcast.
🔗 Visit warrantofficerhistory.org

📲 Follow WOHF on Social Media

• Instagram: @WOHF1918
• Twitter: @WOHF1918
• LinkedIn: Warrant Officer Historical Foundation

🏫 United States Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC)
Explore Warrant Officer education, training, and course offerings.
🔗 USAWOCC Overview

🤝 United States Army Warrant Officer Association (USAWOA)
Stay connected with your professional association.
🔗 Visit usawoa.org
Facebook: United States Army Warrant Officer Association

🎵 Credits

🎼 Theme
Composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano
🔗 joshdistefano.com

🎺 Ceremonial Music
Provided by The U.S. Army Band
🔗https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guide

https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/

Preserve and educate!

In this powerful episode of COHORT W, we spotlight one of the key voices behind the future of 420A Professional Military Education, Chief Warrant Officer Two Josh Ricker.

A combat-proven Human Resources Technician with assignments across the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Special Forces Command, and the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), CW2 Ricker brings unmatched experience from both the operational force and the classroom. Currently serving as an instructor at the Adjutant General School at Fort Jackson, he's leading from the front in transforming how the Army trains its HR Warrant Officers.

CW2 Ricker has just completed teaching the final WOBC class under the legacy curriculum and is now preparing to launch the new, modernized 420A program of instruction this October. As a contributing member of the Critical Task Site Selection Board (CTSSB), he played a direct role in identifying what needed to change and shaping how the next generation of 420As will be prepared for warfighting and combat-readiness.

In this episode, CW2 Ricker shares:

• What's changing in the new 420A PME—and why it matters
• Firsthand insight from the field and how it's influencing doctrine
• The importance of systems mastery, data fluency, and digital readiness
• A candid reflection on teaching today's Warrant Officers for tomorrow's battlefield
• His advice for PME designers, skeptics of change, and future HR leaders

Whether you're a new Warrant Officer, PME instructor, AG senior leader, or simply passionate about readiness and transformation, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Army HR education is evolving from one of the AG Corps' most thoughtful and battle-tested instructors.

🔥 Top Resources for Warrant Officers

📖 Strength in Knowledge Journal – Warrant Officer Journal
Explore current ideas, innovations, and research from across the cohort.
🔗 Read Now

🏛️ Warrant Officer Historical Foundation (WOHF)
Learn more about the legacy and future of the Warrant Officer Cohort and how you can support programs like this podcast.
🔗 Visit warrantofficerhistory.org

📲 Follow WOHF on Social Media

• Instagram: @WOHF1918
• Twitter: @WOHF1918
• LinkedIn: Warrant Officer Historical Foundation

🏫 United States Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC)
Explore Warrant Officer education, training, and course offerings.
🔗 USAWOCC Overview

🤝 United States Army Warrant Officer Association (USAWOA)
Stay connected with your professional association.
🔗 Visit usawoa.org
Facebook: United States Army Warrant Officer Association

🎵 Credits

🎼 Theme
Composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano
🔗 joshdistefano.com

🎺 Ceremonial Music
Provided by The U.S. Army Band
🔗https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guide

https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/

Preserve and educate!

🚨 Applications Now Open – FY2026 WOHF Non-Resident Fellowship 🚨

The Warrant Officer Historical Foundation (WOHF) is proud to announce that applications are now open for the FY2026 Non-Resident Fellowship. This is our fifth year offering this unique opportunity to U.S. Army Warrant Officers (CW3–CW5).

The FY2026 Fellow will join the WOHF in creatively telling the continuing story of the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Cohort and be part of our mission to preserve and educate.

Why Apply?
✅ Explore your interests: pursue a doctrinal exploration, warfighting function review, leadership-focused, or some other project that inspires you.
✅ Help the WOHF and contribute directly to preserving our rich Warrant Officer legacy.
✅ Help others learn by sharing your insights with the next generation of leaders through the COHORT W Podcast, now heard in 75 countries and 1,900 cities worldwide.
✅ Meet senior WO leaders and network with influential Warrant Officers across all components and branches.

Eligibility

• U.S. Army Warrant Officer (CW3–CW5)
• Any component / any branch
• Bachelor’s degree

Key Dates
📅 Sept 15, 2025 – Application deadline
📅 Oct 1, 2025 – Fellow announced
📅 Oct 28, 2025 – Official recognition at the 53rd Annual WOHF Meeting

Application Requirements
Résumé / CV / Officer Record Brief / Soldier Talent Profile
Sample of creative work (print, audio, visual, video, or digital)
Letter of recommendation

📩 Submit applications to: warrant.officer.history@gmail.com or dr.russell.houser@mail.com

Help us preserve our history. Shape our future. Apply today.

🔥 Top Resources for Warrant Officers

📖 Strength in Knowledge Journal – Warrant Officer Journal
Explore current ideas, innovations, and research from across the cohort.
🔗 Read Now

🏛️ Warrant Officer Historical Foundation (WOHF)
Learn more about the legacy and future of the Warrant Officer Cohort and how you can support programs like this podcast.
🔗 Visit warrantofficerhistory.org

📲 Follow WOHF on Social Media

• Instagram: @WOHF1918
• Twitter: @WOHF1918
• LinkedIn: Warrant Officer Historical Foundation

🏫 United States Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC)
Explore Warrant Officer education, training, and course offerings.
🔗 USAWOCC Overview

🤝 United States Army Warrant Officer Association (USAWOA)
Stay connected with your professional association.
🔗 Visit usawoa.org
Facebook: United States Army Warrant Officer Association

🎵 Credits

🎼 Theme
Composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano
🔗 joshdistefano.com

🎺 Ceremonial Music
Provided by The U.S. Army Band
🔗https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guide

https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/

Preserve and educate!

In this inspiring and insightful episode of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan sits down with CW5 Chad Bowen, 9th Chief Warrant Officer of the Adjutant General (AG) Corps and former Chief Warrant Officer of the AG School, to explore the modernization of Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME) through the lens of a decorated 420A with over three decades of service.

From his early days as a 75F Personnel Information Systems Specialist to his pivotal leadership roles at NATO, V Corps, and the Soldier Support Institute, CW5 Bowen shares stories of growth, leadership, and the lessons PME must carry forward. As a key voice in shaping the AG Corps’ PME path, he offers practical insight on what works, what’s changing, and what we must preserve.

Whether you’re a WO1 just starting the journey or a senior WO navigating the strategic fight, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and forward-looking guidance.

🔊 Tune in to hear:

• Career-defining PME lessons from tactical to strategic levels
• The challenges and triumphs of influencing PME as the AG CWOB
• How to better prepare 420As for leadership and command integration
• What CW5 Bowen believes are the top 3 competencies every HR technician must master

🔥 Top Resources for Warrant Officers

📖 Strength in Knowledge Journal – Warrant Officer Journal
Explore current ideas, innovations, and research from across the cohort.
🔗 Read Now

🏛️ Warrant Officer Historical Foundation (WOHF)
Learn more about the legacy and future of the Warrant Officer Cohort and how you can support programs like this podcast.
🔗 Visit warrantofficerhistory.org

📲 Follow WOHF on Social Media

• Instagram: @WOHF1918
• Twitter: @WOHF1918
• LinkedIn: Warrant Officer Historical Foundation

🏫 United States Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC)
Explore Warrant Officer education, training, and course offerings.
🔗 USAWOCC Overview

🤝 United States Army Warrant Officer Association (USAWOA)
Stay connected with your professional association.
🔗 Visit usawoa.org
Facebook: United States Army Warrant Officer Association

🧠 Leadership Writing Resources

📝 The Harding Project
A community dedicated to building better writers and leaders.
🔗 Learn More

📘 CGSC Professional Writing Guide
Helpful guidance for military professionals looking to write and publish effectively.
🔗 Download PDF

🏛️ ARMYU Press
Home to professional military publications including NCO, Warrant Officer, and Military Review journals.
🔗 Visit Army University Press

🎵 Credits

🎼 Theme
Composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano
🔗 joshdistefano.com

🎺 Ceremonial Music
Provided by The U.S. Army Band
🔗https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guide

https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/

Preserve and educate!

In this special Warrant Officer Birthday edition of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan welcomes CW5 LaShon P. White, the 9th Command Chief Warrant Officer of the United States Army Reserve, to help commemorate the enduring legacy and future of the Warrant Officer Cohort.

With a military career spanning nearly four decades, CW5 White brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the conversation. From his enlistment in 1986 as a machinist in the Army Reserve to his transition into the active component and eventual commissioning as a Warrant Officer in 2000, his journey reflects dedication, adaptability, and service excellence. Now serving as the senior Warrant Officer for the Army Reserve, CW5 White leads mentorship, development, and readiness initiatives that shape the future of the Cohort.

In this brief but meaningful episode, CW5 White delivers a powerful birthday message to Warrant Officers past, present, and future—highlighting the Cohort’s evolution, values, and the critical role Warrant Officers play in the Army’s readiness and transformation.

Join us as we reflect, honor, and celebrate the professionals who serve as the technical and tactical experts of the force. Happy Birthday to the Warrant Officer Cohort—107 years of excellence and counting.

🔥 Top Resources for Warrant Officers

📖 Strength in Knowledge Journal – Warrant Officer Journal
Explore current ideas, innovations, and research from across the cohort.
🔗 Read Now

🏛️ Warrant Officer Historical Foundation (WOHF)
Learn more about the legacy and future of the Warrant Officer Cohort and how you can support programs like this podcast.
🔗 Visit warrantofficerhistory.org

📲 Follow WOHF on Social Media

• Instagram: @WOHF1918
• Twitter: @WOHF1918
• LinkedIn: Warrant Officer Historical Foundation

🏫 United States Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC)
Explore Warrant Officer education, training, and course offerings.
🔗 USAWOCC Overview

🤝 United States Army Warrant Officer Association (USAWOA)
Stay connected with your professional association.
🔗 Visit usawoa.org
Facebook: United States Army Warrant Officer Association

🧠 Leadership Writing Resources

📝 The Harding Project
A community dedicated to building better writers and leaders.
🔗 Learn More

📘 CGSC Professional Writing Guide
Helpful guidance for military professionals looking to write and publish effectively.
🔗 Download PDF

🏛️ ARMYU Press
Home to professional military publications including NCO, Warrant Officer, and Military Review journals.
🔗 Visit Army University Press

🎵 Credits

🎼 Theme
Composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano
🔗 joshdistefano.com

🎺 Ceremonial Music
Provided by The U.S. Army Band
🔗https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guide

https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/

Preserve and educate!

Welcome to a special Independence Day episode of the COHORT W Podcast. I'm your host, CW4 Jessie Morlan, and today, we celebrate the 4th of July with a message of pride, patriotism, and purpose from one of our most respected senior leaders in the Warrant Officer Cohort.

Joining us is CW5 Brian Searcy, the 8th Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Army National Guard, who brings decades of service and insight shaped by a career spanning intelligence, readiness, and leadership at the highest levels. From his beginnings as a cannon crewmember in the Utah Army National Guard to becoming the senior warrant officer advisor to the Director of the Army National Guard, CW5 Searcy has embodied the strength and resilience of the Citizen-Soldier.

In this Independence Day episode, CW5 Searcy reflects on what it means to serve in the world's most capable land force, how the Army National Guard supports our communities and our nation, and the enduring values that unite us on this day of celebration. His words serve as a reminder of the role that each Warrant Officer plays in preserving liberty and leading through service.

Whether you're in uniform, a proud veteran, or someone who supports those who serve—this message is for you. Happy Independence Day from the entire COHORT W team.

🔥 Top Resources for Warrant Officers

📖 Strength in Knowledge Journal – Warrant Officer Journal
Explore current ideas, innovations, and research from across the cohort.
🔗 Read Now

🏛️ Warrant Officer Historical Foundation (WOHF)
Learn more about the legacy and future of the Warrant Officer Cohort and how you can support programs like this podcast.
🔗 Visit warrantofficerhistory.org

📲 Follow WOHF on Social Media

• Instagram: @WOHF1918
• Twitter: @WOHF1918
• LinkedIn: Warrant Officer Historical Foundation

🏫 United States Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC)
Explore Warrant Officer education, training, and course offerings.
🔗 USAWOCC Overview

🤝 United States Army Warrant Officer Association (USAWOA)
Stay connected with your professional association.
🔗 Visit usawoa.org
Facebook: United States Army Warrant Officer Association

🧠 Leadership Writing Resources

📝 The Harding Project
A community dedicated to building better writers and leaders.
🔗 Learn More

📘 CGSC Professional Writing Guide
Helpful guidance for military professionals looking to write and publish effectively.
🔗 Download PDF

🏛️ ARMYU Press
Home to professional military publications including NCO, Warrant Officer, and Military Review journals.
🔗 Visit Army University Press

🎵 Credits

🎼 Theme
Composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano
🔗 joshdistefano.com

🎺 Ceremonial Music
Provided by The U.S. Army Band
🔗https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guide

https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/

Preserve and educate!

In this powerful episode of COHORT W, host CW4 Jessie Morlan sits down with a true legend in the Warrant Officer Cohort—Chief Warrant Officer Four (Ret.) Bob Cooper—to reflect on his 30-year military journey and the timeless lessons of professional military education (PME). From enlisting in 1957 and becoming a dual-rated Master Army Aviator with over 4,000 flight hours—including 1,100+ in combat—to shaping key safety initiatives in Army Aviation, CW4 (Ret.) Cooper's story is both inspiring and instructive.

As a former Director of the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation and lifelong advocate for the Warrant Officer Cohort, Mr. Cooper shares candid reflections on what PME looked like in his era, which elements stood the test of time, and what modern leaders should preserve as PME continues to evolve.

🔹 Topics Covered:

• CW4 (Ret.) Cooper’s early Army experience and transition to Warrant Officer
• The value of PME in the 1960s and ’70s
• Key takeaways from aviation safety reforms and major Army studies
• Timeless advice for the next generation of Warrant Officers

Whether you’re new to the Cohort or a seasoned leader, this episode is filled with stories and insights that will leave a lasting impact.

🔥 Top Resources for Warrant Officers

📖 Strength in Knowledge Journal – Warrant Officer Journal
Explore current ideas, innovations, and research from across the cohort.
🔗 Read Now

🏛️ Warrant Officer Historical Foundation (WOHF)
Learn more about the legacy and future of the Warrant Officer Cohort and how you can support programs like this podcast.
🔗 Visit warrantofficerhistory.org

📲 Follow WOHF on Social Media

• Instagram: @WOHF1918
• Twitter: @WOHF1918
• LinkedIn: Warrant Officer Historical Foundation

🏫 United States Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC)
Explore Warrant Officer education, training, and course offerings.
🔗 USAWOCC Overview

🤝 United States Army Warrant Officer Association (USAWOA)
Stay connected with your professional association.
🔗 Visit usawoa.org
Facebook: United States Army Warrant Officer Association

🧠 Leadership Writing Resources

📝 The Harding Project
A community dedicated to building better writers and leaders.
🔗 Learn More

📘 CGSC Professional Writing Guide
Helpful guidance for military professionals looking to write and publish effectively.
🔗 Download PDF

🏛️ ARMYU Press
Home to professional military publications including NCO, Warrant Officer, and Military Review journals.
🔗 Visit Army University Press

🎵 Credits

🎼 Theme
Composed by SFC(R) Joshua DiStefano
🔗 joshdistefano.com

🎺 Ceremonial Music
Provided by The U.S. Army Band
🔗https://www.usarmyband.com/ceremonial-music-guide

https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/

Preserve and educate!