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Military Career: Armored Assault Vehicle Officers

 

Overview

In peacetime, armored units stay ready to defend the country anywhere in the world. In combat, they operate tanks, armored vehicles, amphibious and other types of assault vehicles to engage and destroy the enemy. Armored assault vehicle officers lead tank and armor units. They normally specialize by type of unit, such as armor, light armor (cavalry), or amphibious assault.

What They Do

Armored assault vehicle officers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Gather and evaluate intelligence on enemy strength and positions
  • Formulate battle plans
  • Coordinate actions with infantry, artillery, and air support units
  • Plan and direct communications
  • Direct operations of tanks, amphibious assault vehicles, support equipment, and troops
  • Plan and supervise tactical and technical training of an armored unit
  • Direct unit administrative activities

Branches of the Military

Army
Marine Corps

Helpful Attributes

Helpful fields of study include engineering, geography, physical sciences, history, and business or public administration. Helpful attributes include:

  • Ability to motivate and lead others
  • Ability to work well under stress
  • Decisiveness
  • Interest in armored equipment and battlefield strategy
  • Willingness to accept a challenge and face danger

Training Provided

Job training consists of 4 to 20 weeks of classroom and field training. Training length varies depending on specialty. Further training occurs on the job and through specialized courses. Course content typically includes:

  • Weapons and equipment maintenance
  • Armor operations, principles, and tactics
  • Night maneuvers
  • Role of the platoon leader

Work Environment

Tank officers work and train in all climates and weather conditions. To remain ready for combat, tank units must regularly train under simulated combat conditions. During these exercises, tank officers are on the move, working, eating, and sleeping outdoors and in tents. When not in training, tank officers perform administrative duties in offices.

Civilian Counterparts

Although the job of armored assault vehicle officer has no equivalent in civilian life, the leadership and administrative skills it provides are similar to those used in many civilian managerial occupations.

Opportunities

The services have about 4,500 armored assault vehicle officers. Each year, they need new armor officers due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. New tank officers are assigned to tank and armor units as platoon leaders. Advancement in armor is based on ability to lead. Armor officers with proven ability to lead may assume command positions.


Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Washington D.C.