Chief Warrant Officer Rank

Warrant Officers and Specialists in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) form the backbone of the SAF.  They develop key competencies in small unit leadership and tactical war-fighting expertise. They play key roles as trainers and repositories of the values, skills and knowledge necessary for maintaining a credible and professional SAF.

Over the years, various steps have been made to enhance the development of SAF personnel and under the Enhanced Warrant Officers' Scheme, there are increased opportunities for warrant officers to upgrade themselves and take on greater responsibilities.

The Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) rank is the new pinnacle rank of the Warrant Officer Corps. The Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) rank is awarded to warrant officers in recognition of their demonstrated and exemplary performance to make significant contributions in higher appointments.  It also serves to recognise the warrant officers' increased responsibilities.  Along with the introduction of the new rank, the SAF will be enhancing the professional development of warrant officers to equip them to meet the demands of a dynamic career.

Design of Rank

The design of the new CWO rank insignia builds on the Senior Warrant Officer rank insignia, with the addition of laurels around the coat of arms. The laurels were a feature of the original Senior Warrant Officer rank insignia that was introduced in 1983 for the Non-commissioned Officer Corps then.

The first batch of servicemen will be promoted to the CWO rank with effect from 1 Jul 2012.