CWO Indoctrination School

As early as January 1930, members of the Association recognized the need for formal indoctrination training to assist warrant officers in transitioning from enlisted to commissioned status. Over the decades, the issue resurfaced repeatedly in discussions, but no formal program was established.

In April 1984, Association President CWO4 Robert L. Lewis formally wrote to the Chief, Office of Personnel, requesting that the Coast Guard conduct a needs analysis to determine what type of training would best prepare newly appointed chief warrant officers for their expanded responsibilities.
The Coast Guard responded positively, acknowledging the challenges inherent in the enlisted-to-officer transition. Indoctrination training was added to the list of topics for review by the Offices of Research and Development and Personnel and Training. However, due to funding constraints and competing priorities, the proposed study was never initiated.
In 1990, Association President CWO4 George W. Borlase, Jr., renewed the effort. What followed was a four-year campaign of meetings and correspondence with senior Coast Guard leadership, including Commandant ADM J. William Kime; Chief of Staff RADM Robert E. Kramek; Chief, Office of Personnel and Training, RADM James M. Loy; and Chief, Training and Performance Improvement Division, CAPT Gregory L. Shaw.
These leaders were receptive to the proposal and quickly acknowledged the importance of structured indoctrination training. Their support marked a significant step forward in the Association’s long-standing effort to professionalize and formalize the transition process for chief warrant officers.