Inaugural holder Robert Osside | ||
The Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer or CFCWO is the senior non-commissioned member appointment in the Canadian Forces. The post was created in 1978, with the first appointment of CWO Robert Osside. Chief Warrant Officer Robert Osside was the first Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer – a position created by the Chief of the Defence Staff in 1978 to assist the CDS in his duties and advise him on all issues relating to non-commissioned members.
Rank and Insignia
The CFCWO holds the substantive rank of Chief Warrant Officer (if Army or Air Force) or Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (if Navy). Even if the incumbent is a Naval Chief Petty Officer, the appointment title remains "Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer".
The rank insignia of the CFCWO is the Coat of Arms of Canada in coloured thread, surrounded by a wreath of twenty maple leaves in gold thread, worn on the lower sleeve of the Service Dress jacket. The cap badge is the Coat of Arms of Canada, in full-colour metallic thread.