SEPULVEDA AIR NATIONAL GUARD STATION, Calif. -- The U.S. Air Force reintroduced the Warrant Officer career path in 2024 for the first time since 1958. Designed to address the needs of a fast-paced technological environment, the new positions aim to retain and expand technical expertise in communications and I.T. systems operations (17W) as well as cyber effects and warfare operations (17Y).
With nearly 20 years of service and reaching the rank of master sergeant, now Warrant Officer 1 Khalis Ibrahim of the 261st Cyberspace Operations Squadron (COS) did not envision returning to early-morning formations led by military training instructors.
On May 21, 2025, Ibrahim was the first member from the 195th Wing to graduate from the 8-week Warrant Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He has since returned to his squadron to apply the technical knowledge and leadership skills gained through the course.
“In this role, I can provide trusted counsel to the officers of the 195th, supporting tactical, operational and strategic planning that strengthens the mission and the organization as a whole,” Ibrahim said.
The learning objectives of WOTS are to produce professional warfighters, credible advisors, and technical integrators.
“There is tremendous benefit to having Warrant Officers back in the USAF/ANG, specifically in the Cyber field. These members can focus most of their time and effort in advancing weapon system capabilities, as well as developing and refining the tactics, techniques and procedures we use to be effective in our mission operations,” said Lt. Col. Ruben Carrillo, commander of the 261st COS.
The Warrant Officer path is a tool that the Air National Guard can utilize to retain members serving the cyberspace operations that want further development in their military career.
“One of the greatest benefits of being a Warrant Officer is the freedom to step away from routine supervisory and administrative duties, allowing us to focus on critical thinking and problem-solving in direct support of the commander’s intent,” Ibrahim said.
“I aim to cultivate strong, enduring relationships across the Air Force Warrant Officer corps, creating a network that enables the Wing to rapidly adapt to emerging developments in the cyber career field through a Warrant Officer’s perspective,” he added. “Additionally, I am committed to helping codify and formalize the Warrant Officer pipeline within our unit, laying the foundation for the growth and success of future Warrant Officers at both the unit and Wing levels.”
Currently, Master Sgt. Raul Obcemea, 261st COS, is attending WOTS and scheduled to return in October. Tech. Sgt. Chaston Davis, also of the 261st, has been selected as a candidate and is awaiting training dates.