Armored Assault Vehicle Officers

Background

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

What They Do

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

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

Physical Demands

Tank officers must meet the same demanding physical requirements as the troops they command. They must be physically fit and able to hold up under the stress of combat conditions.

Special Requirements

A four-year college degree is normally required to enter this career. 

Helpful Attributes

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

Helpful School Subjects

No information available.

Helpful Fields of Study

Helpful fields of study include:

• Business administration
• Engineering
• Geography
• History
• Physical sciences
• Public administration

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.

Services offering this career:

• Army
• Marine Corps

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for officers.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of four to 20 weeks of classroom and field training. Training length varies depending on specialty.

Course content typically includes:

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

Further training occurs on the job and through specialized courses.

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.

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 4,500 armored assault vehicle officers. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year, the services 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.