A. AR 135-100 (Appointment of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the Army), 1 September 1994.
B. AR 135-101 (Appointment of Reserve Commissioned Officers for Assignment to Army Medical Department Branches), 15 February 1984.
C. AR 40-501 (Standards of Medical Fitness), 27 June 2019.
D. AR 600-9 (The Army Body Composition Program), 16 July 2019.
E. AR 600-8-2 (Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions (Flags)), 5 April 2021.
1. This MILPER message will expire no later than (NLT) 18 June 2027.
2. Purpose: This message solicits applications from qualified active duty and reserve personnel for the FY27 Veterinary Corps Food Safety Warrant Officer Training Program. Command support in disseminating this message to ensure timely submission of applicants is appreciated. Applicants that are not requesting waivers must submit application packets NLT 9 April 2027. Applicants requesting a waiver must submit application packets with the associated waiver request NLT 19 March 2027.
3. Selection Process: HQ USAREC RCHS-SVD will convene a competitive selection board on or about 17 May 2027. All applications will be considered based on individual merit and documentation as specified in Section 9. Applicants in OCONUS assignments selected for this program will have their Foreign Service Tour curtailed to meet training report dates. Individuals will receive official notification of selection following the board.
4. Program Overview: Applicants selected for this program will attend the Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) at Ft. Novosel, AL prior to attending the Veterinary Corps Food Safety Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) at Ft. Sam Houston, TX. Candidates will incur a six (6) year service obligation upon graduation from the Veterinary Corps Food Safety Officer WOBC. The Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), 640A, will be awarded upon completion of WOBC at Ft. Sam Houston, TX.
5. Course Information:
WOCS
Course # 911-09W
Class: 010Report: 23 Feb 2028
Start: 24 Feb 2028
End date: 29 Mar 2028
WOBC
Course # 6G-640A
Class: – 281
Report: 02 Apr 2028
Start: 03 Apr 2028
End date: 26 May 2028
Note: Active duty candidates must attend the above course dates. USAR candidates must attend WOCS and WOBC within two years of selection.
6. Basic Prerequisites:
a. Must meet general eligibility requirements in accordance with AR 135-100, paragraph 1-6.
b. Must meet physical requirements for Warrant Officer appointment as prescribed in chapter 2, AR 40-501, and meet height/weight standards or compliant with the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) as prescribed by AR 600-9. Applicants must pass the standard 5 event AFT without any restrictions or alternate events.
c. Active duty applicants must currently hold the 68R or 68S Army Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) for a minimum of 60 months.
d. U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) applicants must currently hold either the 68R or 68S PMOS for a minimum of 60 months.
e. Calculation for time in PMOS is based on the graduation date at which the PMOS was awarded and 9 April 2027.
f. Active duty applicants must have no more than 12 years of active federal service (AFS) as of the date the DA Form 61 (Application for Appointment) is signed by the applicant. Calculation is based on initial entry into basic training. This does not apply to USAR applicants.
g. All applicants must be a Sergeant in a promotable status or higher (E-5/P) or above) and a graduate of the Advanced Leaders Course (ALC). Applicants currently enrolled in ALC must graduate NLT 9 April 2027.
h. All applicants must have a minimum of an associate degree and show completion of a college level writing course. Preferred applicants should have courses in Biological Sciences, Food Technology/Science, Epidemiology, Public Health, or related scientific fields that provide knowledge directly related to the 640A MOS and assist in meeting the requirements for a B.S. in Food Science. Degree completion along with all course credit hours must be reflected on an official transcript from an accredited college or university.
i. Must have a GT score of 110 or higher.
j. All applicants must have documented experience in their evaluation reports indicating performance and/or supervision in food safety, sanitation, food defense, and/or food inspection tasks.
k. Basic prerequisites listed in section 6 are non-waiverable unless specified below in sections 7 and 8.
7. Active Duty Applicant Waivers:
a. Waivers for rank/grade, minimum time in PMOS, ALC, and AFS will be considered if the applicant holds a Bachelor of Science degree or higher from an accredited U.S. university that include at least 30 semester hours in one or a combination of the following: Biological Sciences, Food Technology/Science, Epidemiology, Public Health, or related scientific fields that provide knowledge directly related to the 640A MOS. Waivers will only be considered if the applicant has completed their initial service obligation, has reenlisted, and has held the 68R or 68S PMOS for a minimum of 36 months.
b. Waivers for time in PMOS and/or AFS will be considered for applicants with prior service in another MOS. In such cases, the minimum time in PMOS must be no less than 48 months and the AFS must be no more than 168 months.
c. Waivers for AFS will also be considered for applicants with special circumstances such as detailed duty as a recruiter or drill sergeant, which delayed the applicant’s eligibility to apply for Warrant Officer MOS 640A. In such cases, AFS must be no more than 168 months.
d. Unless specified in this section there will be no other waivers for active-duty applicants exceeding 144 months of AFS.
e. Waivers for civilian education (associate degree) will be considered for applicants currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. Applicant’s transcript must show current active progress. The estimated completion date must be included in the waiver request.
f. All other waiver considerations can be found at https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/WAIVERS_ETP/
8. Reserve Applicant Waivers:
a. Waivers for PMOS (any MOS from any service/branch), time in PMOS, ALC, and rank will be considered if the applicant holds a Bachelor of Science degree or higher from an accredited U.S. university that includes at least 30 semester hours in one or a combination of the following: Biological Sciences, Food Technology/Science, Epidemiology, Public Health, or related scientific fields. In such cases, the applicant must also have documented experience in the food safety profession.
b. Waivers for ALC will be considered for USAR 68R or 68S applicants who have served in a leadership role on at least one deployment. Food protection, food inspection, or sanitation duties must be reflected on NCOERs during the deployment period.
c. Waivers for civilian education (associate degree) will be considered for applicants currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. Applicant’s transcript must show current active progress. The estimated completion date must be included in the waiver request.
d. All other waiver considerations can be found at https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/WAIVERS_ETP/
9. Application Preparation.
a. USAR applicants must contact ARCG at the e-mail address in section 11d. to find their local Officer Accessions NCO for assistance with packet preparation.
b. Application forms and samples can be downloaded from
https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/PACKET_DOWNLOADS/. Application packet documents must include:
c. Application Checklist. Use the “640A, VC Food Safety Warrant Officer Application Checklist” found on the 640A page https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/640A/. Do not use the USAREC Warrant Officer Application checklist. A Field Grade Warrant Officer must review packet and sign off on checklist before submission.
d. Basic Application Memorandum. The memo must include the statement “IAW MILPER Message xx-xxx (DTG of MSG) subject: FY28 Warrant Officer Applications for Active Duty and Reserve Veterinary Corps (VC) Food Safety Officer (MOS 640A), I hereby make application for the Veterinary Corps Food Safety Officer Training Program. Upon successful completion of the Warrant Officer Candidate School, I will, if tendered, accept appointment as a Warrant Officer in the USAR with concurrent call to active duty as described in said MSG.”
Note: USAR applicants must remove “with concurrent call to active duty” from the above statement.
e. DA Form 160-R (Application for Active Duty). For active-duty applicants only.
f. DA Form 3575. Certificate of acknowledgment and understanding of service requirements for appointment in the USAR under the provisions of AR 135-100.
g. Statement of Understanding. As part of the Warrant Officer application, applicants must date and sign the statement of understanding memorandum acknowledging agreement if selected for the Warrant Officer program.
h. Favorable Local Record Check. Statement from Military Personnel Service Center verifying that favorable local records check has been made to ensure applicant is administratively qualified for admission to WOCS, appointment as a Warrant Officer, and that application is not in contravention to AR 600-8-2.
i. Security Clearance Verification Memorandum. Statement from Unit Security Office Manager that the applicant has a secret security clearance, at a minimum. NOTE: Interim clearances will not satisfy this requirement.
j. HQ USAREC Form 3.1 (Results of Medical Examination).All physicals must have been initiated within 6 months of the application suspense date.
k. Prior Service Records (if applicable). Submit any DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 forms contained in applicant’s official military personnel file.
l. DA Form 61 (Application for Appointment). Applicants are required to include the following fitness statement in block 41 of the DA Form 61:
“I certify that (applicant’s name) successfully passed the Army Fitness Test, maximum dead lift (MDL), hand-release push-up (HRP), sprint/drag/carry (SDC), plank (PLK), and 2-mile run (2MR) with (score), on (date). The verified height was (inches) and the verified weight was (lbs). (Applicant’s name) is within body fat standard according to AR 600-9.” Unit Commander must certify the statement.
m. College Transcripts. Collegiate studies listed on resume and individual’s Soldier Talent Profile (STP), must be documented on transcripts that bear the official stamp/seal of the institution. Transcripts must be included in the application packet. Transcripts must also be sent directly from the issuing institution to the email or physical address listed below NLT the application packet deadline:
(1) Active-Duty applicants: Official transcripts must be emailed directly from the institution to the group email in Section 11c. or mailed directly to HQ, USARD, RCHS-SVD-VC (ATTN: MAJ Virginia Bailey), 1307 Third Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40121-2726. Transcripts must be received by USAREC NLT the application packet deadline.
(2) USAR applicants: Official transcripts must be emailed directly from the institution to
the group email in Section 11d. or mailed directly to USARMY ARCG (USA), Officer Accessions, 85 Chamberlin St, BLDG 6579, Fort Knox, KY 40121. Transcripts must be received by ARCG NLT the application packet deadline.
n. Resume. Resume should briefly depict military assignments pertinent to MOS 640A and any military training and/or civilian education the applicant considers qualifying for favorable consideration as a candidate for the Veterinary Corps Food Safety Warrant Officer. Resume must include DoD email address. Utilize USAREC Form 3.2, Warrant Officer Resume. Clearly indicate motivation and intent to becoming a Veterinary Corps Food Safety Officer in the summary section of the resume.
o. Soldier Talent Profile (STP). Local military personnel service centers will review each reproduction for accuracy and legibility and will certify them as true copies. The following statement must be included on the original documents: “I have reviewed my STP. It is current and accurately posted.” STP must not include the applicant’s photo, gender, race, or ethnicity.
p. Evaluation Reports. Submit all evaluation reports (to include academic evaluation reports) in historical order (newest to oldest). Applicants must have documented experience in their evaluation reports indicating performance and/or supervision in food safety, sanitation, food defense, and/or food inspection tasks.
q. DA Form 705 (Record AFT). AFT must be taken within 6 months of the application suspense date.
r. Endorsement Memo. An endorsement memo is required from the current Unit Commander recommending approval/disapproval of the applicant to apply for appointment as a Warrant Officer Candidate (i.e. I recommend approval of SSG John Doe to apply for appointment as a Warrant Officer Candidate).
s. Letters of Recommendation. Factors for consideration include duty performance, self-improvement achievements, oral and written communication skills, and applicant’s tact, diplomacy, character, and similar quality characteristics that are compatible with being a Veterinary Corps Food Safety Officer.
(1) Three letters of recommendation are required as follows:
(a) A letter of recommendation from a current Veterinary Corps Field Grade Warrant Officer (CW3 – CW5).
(b) A letter of recommendation from either a current VeterinaryCorps Field Grade Officer or Warrant Officer, LTC and above or CW3-CW5.
(c) A letter of recommendation from an active, reserve, or retired officer from any of the Services.
(2) All active duty military recommenders must use USAREC Form 3.3 with a digital signature. All other recommenders may use a format of their choosing.
(3) Applicants must include all letters of recommendation in the packet. Recommenders are not required to mail or email LORs directly to USAREC.
10. Application and Waiver Submission:
a. Active-duty applicants must scan and e-mail packets and waivers to the VC Program Manager group email address in Section 11c and the POC in section 11a.
b. USAR applicants must scan and e-mail packets and waivers to the ARCG
email address (in Section 11d and the POC in section 11a) as well as to the VC Program Manager group email address (in Section 11c and the POC in section 11a).
c. Packets with no required waivers must contain the following email subject line: “FY27 640A Application: Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial”.
d. Packets with required waivers must contain with the following subject line: “FY27 640A Application with Waiver: Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial”.
e. If waivers are requested, the associated waiver requests must be submitted with the application packet.
f. For all medical waivers only include the HQ USAREC Form 3.1 (Results of Medical Examination) in the application packet. Additionally, applicants requesting a medical waiver must email the HQ USAREC Form 3.1 (Results of Medical Examination) and the entire physical (DD Form 2808) to:usarmy.knox.usarec.list.rchs-cv-mc-vc-mgr@army.mil for review with the Subject line “DOE, JOHN – 640A – MEDICAL Waiver”.
g. Applicants must scan all the documents as one file in Portable Document Format (PDF). Do not submit packet with separate attachments.
h. All applications submitted after the application suspense date will be returned to the originator without action.
11. Points of Contact:
a. Active Duty VC 640A Food Safety Officer Deputy Consultant, CW4 Mekisha W. Cunningham, at 808-260-7840, mekisha.w.cunningham.mil@health.mil.
b. USAR VC 640A Food Safety Officer Consultant, CW4 Maurico Ripley, at 210-771-1999, maurico.e.ripley.mil@army.mil.
c. VC Program Manager, USARD, LTC Virginia Bailey, at 520-684-0937 (Teams), virginia.b.bailey3.mil@army.mil
Group Inbox: usarmy.knox.usarec.list.hq-hsd-640A-vc3@army.mil.
d. Army Reserve Career Group (ARCG), Inbox: usarmy.usarc.arcg.mbx.hq-ops-spcmsn-organizational-mailbox@army.mil.