Wisconsin Guard command chief warrant officer promoted to highest rank

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Chief Warrant Officer 4 Craig T. Krenz of Tomah, Wis., command chief warrant officer for the Wisconsin Army National Guard, was promoted to the rank of chief warrant officer 5 in a Monday (Sept. 19) ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Madison.

The rank of chief warrant officer 5 is the highest attainable as a warrant officer.

"I’m humbled and I’m honored," Krenz said. "I’ve had the fortune of having a great career."

During the ceremony, Krenz imparted lessons learned throughout his career. "The best thing I can pass on to anybody is know your commander’s intent."

Krenz enlisted in 1980 with the Headquarters Company, 724th Engineer Battalion located in Superior. He served as a vehicle driver, unit clerk, personnel staff non-commissioned officer and reconnaissance sergeant until 1990, when he transferred to the Headquarters State Area Command in Madison.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Craig T. Krenz, the command chief warrant officer for the Wisconsin Army National Guard, is promoted to the rank of chief warrant officer 5 in a Sept. 19 ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Madison. His father, Bruce Krenz, and wife Jeanine, help pin on the new rank. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez 

Krenz was appointed as a warrant officer in1992 after completing the Warrant Officer Candidate Course at Fort McCoy, and served as a military personnel technician in both the Headquarters State Area Command and 232nd Personnel Services Company.

In February 2009, he mobilized for active duty with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and served in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Upon his return, he rejoined Joint Force Headquarters and was selected as the command chief warrant officer for the Wisconsin Army National Guard where he serves as the principal advisor to the adjutant general on Warrant Officer policy, career management and assignments.