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!