Armour Officer

Overview
As a member of the military, Armour Officers provide reconnaissance and direct-fire support in battle from Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV’s) such as the Leopard main battle tank, or the Light Armoured Vehicle, and a variety of wheeled Light Utility Vehicles. Along with members of the Artillery, Infantry and Combat Engineering regiments, they are members of the Combat Arms.

An Armour Officer is the leader of armoured vehicles in an Armoured Squadron, they will lead either a tank troop or a LAV troop. They are responsible for soldiers’ training, morale, discipline and combat efficiency, and for the operational readiness of their equipment.

As a LAV Troop Leader in a Light or Medium Cavalry Squadron, they employ stealth, flexibility and innovation on the battlefield, using advanced sensors and equipment, to locate the enemy and identify high-value targets for the commander.

As a Tank Troop Leader in a Heavy Armoured Squadron, they employ mobility, protection, and firepower on the battlefield and use armoured direct-fire systems to find, shape and defeat the enemy.

Work environment
Armour Officers serve in any kind of terrain — Arctic tundra, tropical jungle, desert, mountains, urban complex — and any kind of climate. They may be deployed abroad on operational missions or in Canada in support of civil authorities in cases of national emergency. Initially, they are posted to one of three Armour regiments:

The Royal Canadian Dragoons, 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Petawawa, Ontario

Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Edmonton, Alberta

12e Régiment blindé du Canada, 5th Canadian Brigade Group, Valcartier, Quebec

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit.

Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

Direct Entry Options

Paid Education Options

If you already have a university degree, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before being assigned.

Regular Officer Training Plan

Due to the requirement for CAF officer to obtain a university degree, the CAF will pay successful recruits to complete a bachelor degree program in the Royal Military College System. Recruits will receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working in the CAF for a period of time. Typically, candidates enter the Canadian Military College System as an Officer Cadet where they study subjects relevant to both their military and academic career.

In rare instances, based on the needs of the CAF, candidates may be approved attend another Canadian University. A determination will be made on a case by case basis. If you are applying for this program, you must apply to the CAF and it is recommended to apply to other Canadian universities of your choice should you not be accepted for ROTP.

Training
After enrolment, you start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and…