In October 2023, the Secretary of the Army announced the establishment of the 420T Talent Acquisition Technician Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the Army’s Recruiting Enterprise. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize how the Army identifies, attracts, and acquires top talent.
Leading the development of this new MOS were CW5 Chad G. Bowen and CW4 Matthew D. Collins Sr., two distinguished Adjutant General (AG) Corps professionals. They played a pivotal role in creating the accession criteria and managing the review and processing of hundreds of application packets, ultimately facilitating the initial selection and assignment of 420Ts across the Army.
The initial accession process was divided into three distinct cohorts:
Cohort 1 included currently serving warrant officers.
Cohort 2 focused on enlisted Soldiers holding the 79R Army Recruiter MOS, which has since been reclassified as 42T, Talent Acquisition Specialist.
Cohort 3 consisted of high-performing, MOS-immaterial NCOs with demonstrated potential in data analytics and leadership.
All selected candidates completed the newly established 420T Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC), forming the inaugural class of a specialized talent acquisition community poised to lead in a dynamic operational environment.
Since graduation, 420Ts have been strategically placed across all seven brigades and most battalions within the United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC). These warrant officers are already delivering tangible results by enhancing recruiting operations, optimizing marketing efforts, and advancing the use of data analytics and market intelligence. Positioned at the nexus of analysis and execution, 420Ts serve as trusted advisors to commanders, providing actionable, data-driven insights that shape decisions and improve operational effectiveness. They also play a vital role in mentoring subordinate command teams and field recruiters.
In addition to operational assignments, four 420Ts are currently serving at the Soldier Support Institute (SSI)—one as the MOS proponent, two as instructors, and one as a training developer. This team is instrumental in building the institutional foundation of the 420T MOS, leading accession planning efforts, refining doctrine, and evolving course content and delivery. The 420T WOBC continues to develop into a rigorous, forward-looking program covering key areas such as recruiting operations, data analytics, USAREC intelligence analysis, marketing fundamentals, and integration of the Army Targeting Process into brigade- and battalion-level planning.
The future of the 420T MOS is bright. Later this month, CW5 Chad G. Bowen will make history by becoming the first officially appointed Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO) for USAREC, establishing warrant officer representation at the highest level of the recruiting enterprise. Over the next 12 months, 420Ts are projected to expand into key positions within the United States Army Recruiting Division Headquarters, United States Army Cadet Command Headquarters, and the Army Innovation Directorate—further embedding their expertise across the enterprise.
Although still in its early stages, the 420T MOS is already proving to be a cornerstone of the Army’s accession transformation. By blending analytical acumen with operational experience, these AG professionals are shaping a more efficient, informed, and agile recruiting force for the future.
