In the United States Army, there is a group of leaders who exist in a unique space. They are not Enlisted soldiers, though many started there. They are not standard Commissioned Officers, though they hold commissions.
They are the Warrant Officers. The "Cohort." The Subject Matter Experts. The "Chiefs."
Whether they are flying Apaches, managing massive logistics chains, or serving as technical wizards in intelligence and cyber, Warrant Officers are the quiet professionals who make the Army run. When a Commander needs a problem solved immediately and correctly, they look to the Warrant.
Because their career path is unique, finding a gift that properly honors their service can be confusing. The traditions for Warrants are distinct from the rest of the Officer Corps. Here is a guide to finding a meaningful gift for the "Chief" in your life, from WOCS graduation to retirement.
1. The Saber Conundrum: Why the Universal Display is Essential
Buying a sword display for a Warrant Officer is tricky because the regulations change as they rank up.
Warrant Officer 1 (WO1): Upon graduating from WOCS, a WO1 is an officer appointed by warrant. Traditionally, they carry the Model 1840 NCO/Cavalry Saber (curved blade).
Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) and above: Upon promotion to CW2, they receive a commission and transition to the Model 1902 Army Officer Saber (straight blade).
This creates a dilemma. If you buy a display specific to the NCO saber for their graduation, it won't fit their sword when they promote.
This is why we recommend the Universal Sword Display for all Warrant Officers.
Future-Proof Design: Its open-cradle architecture is engineered to securely hold both the curved WO1 saber and the straight Officer saber. It adapts to their career.
The Executive Look: We offer this display in Walnut. This deep, rich finish matches the "Chief" aesthetic perfectly—serious, professional, and commanding respect in an office or den.
Shop the Universal Sword Display
2. Honoring the Transition: The "Mustang" Plaque
Most Warrant Officers start their careers as NCOs. They have already served as Sergeants or Staff Sergeants before crossing over to "The Dark Side." This transition is a moment of immense pride.
Our Personalized Commissioning Plaque is the perfect way to capture their graduation from Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS). Frame a photo of them in their dress blues with their new "dot" rank, alongside the Army Crest and a custom message.
Pro-Tip on Engraving: Acknowledge their prior service.
WO1 Michael Davis
Formerly SFC, USA
Appointed 14 Nov 2025
3. The Networker’s Collection: The Coin Display
Warrant Officers are the ultimate problem solvers, often working across units and echelons to get things done. As a result, they accumulate an impressive and eclectic collection of challenge coins from the people they have helped.
A Solid Maple Coin Display is a standard fixture on a Chief’s desk. It turns that pile of "thank you" coins into a visual resume of their technical expertise and the network they have built.
4. Retirement: The CW4 and CW5 Legend
By the time a Warrant Officer reaches the senior ranks of CW4 or CW5, they are legendary figures ("Unicorns"). Their retirement marks the end of decades of specialized service.
For these senior leaders, a Universal Sword Display holding their Officer Saber is the ultimate tribute. It serves as the centerpiece of a retirement shadow box arrangement, signaling a career spent mastering their craft.
Honor the Experts
The Army operates on orders, but it runs on the expertise of the Warrant Officer Cohort. Whether they are a brand new WO1 or a seasoned CW5, give them a gift that recognizes their unique and vital role in our nation's defense.
Eagle Rising.
- The Blades Raised Team
