Photo By Senior Airman Frederick Chung | VAN NUYS, Calif. — Warrant Officer 1 Khalis Ibrahim, 261st Cyberspace Operations...... read more read more
VAN NUYS, Calif. – The U.S. Air Force reintroduced the Warrant Officer career path in 2024 for
the first time since 1958. Designed to address the needs of a fast-paced technological environment, the new positions aim to retain and expand technical expertise in communications and I.T. systems operations (17W) as well as cyber effects and warfare operations (17Y).
With nearly 20 years of service and reaching the rank of master sergeant, now Warrant Officer
1 Khalis Ibrahim of the 261st Cyberspace Operations Squadron (COS) did not envision returning to early-morning formations led by military training instructors.
On May 21, 2025, Ibrahim was the first member from the 195th Wing to graduate from the 8-
week Warrant Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He has since
returned to his squadron to apply the technical knowledge and leadership skills gained through
the course.
“In this role, I can provide trusted counsel to the officers of the 195th, supporting tactical,
operational and strategic planning that strengthens the mission and the organization as a
whole,” Ibrahim said.
The learning objectives of WOTS are to produce professional warfighters, credible advisors, and
technical integrators.
“There is tremendous benefit to having Warrant Officers back in the USAF/ANG, specifically in
the Cyber field. These members can focus most of their time and effort in advancing weapon
system capabilities, as well as developing and refining the tactics, techniques and procedures
we use to be effective in our mission operations,” said Lt. Col. Ruben Carrillo, commander of the
261st COS.
The Warrant Officer path is a tool that the Air National Guard can utilize to retain members
serving the cyberspace operations that want further development in their military career.
“One of the greatest benefits of being a Warrant Officer is the freedom to step away from
routine supervisory and administrative duties, allowing us to focus on critical thinking and
problem-solving in direct support of the commander’s intent,” Ibrahim said.
“I aim to cultivate strong, enduring relationships across the Air Force Warrant Officer corps,
creating a network that enables the Wing to rapidly adapt to emerging developments in the
cyber career field through a Warrant Officer’s perspective,” he added. “Additionally, I am
committed to helping codify and formalize the Warrant Officer pipeline within our unit, laying
the foundation for the growth and success of future Warrant Officers at both the unit and Wing
levels.”
Currently, Master Sgt. Raul Obcemea, 261st COS, is attending WOTS and scheduled to return in October. Tech. Sgt. Chaston Davis, also of the 261st, has been selected as a candidate and is awaiting training dates.
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.17.2025 10:09 |
| Story ID: | 548016 |
| Location: | SEPULVEDA AIR NATIONAL GUARD STATION, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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