Final answer:
A chief petty officer must have a minimum of 12 years of service to apply for the chief warrant officer program, which ensures significant experience and leadership skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
To apply for the chief warrant officer program, a chief petty officer must have a minimum of 12 years of service. This is according to the most commonly accepted requirements in the U.S. Navy, where the role of a chief warrant officer is a technical specialist who functions as a focused manager and leader. Candidates must demonstrate both technical expertise and leadership ability, having served sufficient time to acquire the necessary experience. This ensures that those selected have a deep understanding of their field and the maturity and leadership skills necessary to fulfill the role effectively.