Modernizing PME for 420A WOBC: Warfighting, Readiness, and the Future of HR Leadership with CW2 Josh Ricker

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
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🔗 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

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• 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!