Armour Officer

Overview

As a member of the military, Armour Officers provide reconnaissance and direct‑fire support in battle from Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) such as the Leopard main battle tank, 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 lead either a tank troop or a LAV troop, 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.

Armour Officers serve in any terrain – Arctic tundra, tropical jungle, desert, mountains or urban complex – and any climate.

They may be deployed abroad on operational missions or in Canada in support of civil authorities during national emergencies.

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 choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training you will be assigned to your first base. There is some flexibility with regard to postings, but relocations are often required.

Joining the Primary Reserve Force is a part‑time commitment through a specific Reserve unit. Reserve members work one night per week and some weekends, with possible full‑time employment. They typically do not relocate and can volunteer to move.

Options include:

• Direct entry – candidates are assessed for a university degree match and may be placed into the required on‑the‑job training programme following basic training.
• Paid education – the CAF pays successful recruits to complete a bachelor's degree in the Royal Military College System, providing full‑time salary, medical, dental and vacation pay in exchange for service.

After enrolment, candidates start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (12 weeks) covering military knowledge, leadership, regulations, weapons handling, first aid and fitness.

Official second language training (2‑9 months) may be offered after basic training.

Graduates then attend the Infantry School and the Armoured Troop Leaders Course at RCACS, where they develop crew commanding and troop leading skills. Topics include communications, weapons, armoured tactics, maneuvers and crew commanding techniques.

Specialised courses available:
Assault Troop Leader, Joint Tactical Airspace Controller, Chemical Biological Radiation and Nuclear Advisor, Technical Staff Officer.

This role is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at selected locations across Canada. Reserve members usually serve part‑time at a community base or armoury while possibly pursuing civilian work or studies, and may volunteer for deployment.

Reserve Force members receive 92.8% of Regular Force rates, a reasonable benefits package, and may contribute to a pension plan. Full‑time reserves share the same training and professional standards as regular officers.