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About the Job
An Armoured Vehicle Crew Trooper (Armoured Cavalry) is the only person trained to be an expert in mounted and dismounted manoeuvre. During your Initial Employment Training (IET) you will be trained to utilise the following:
- FN MAG (MSMG MAG 58)
- M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun (12.7mm M2 HB QCB Machine Gun)
- Carl Gustav Recoilless Rifle (84mm MDFSW M3)
- M72 LAW (66MM M72A6 LDSFW)
- Browning 9mm Pistol (Mk3 9mm SLP)
- M18 Claymore and
- M203 40mm GLA.
Once you are proficient on all of these weapon systems you will be trained to drive and maintain the tank, APC or CRV.
The Armoured Cavalry Regiment (ACR) provides Army the core element of its high-end war fighting capability through the provision of armoured protection, mobility and firepower on the battlefield. Currently it is equipped with the M1A1 Abrams tank (M1A1) and the Australian Light Armoured vehicle (ASLAV) CRV. These vehicles provide mobility, communications, endurance and combat power to Army.
Main Job Functions
During your role as an Armoured Vehicle crew driver you will employ night fighting equipment, communication systems, navigate terrain during the day and night, apply basic field craft, maintain personnel fitness and participate in dismounted operations. You will work closely with your vehicle crew consisting of between 2 to 4 personnel as part of an AFV Troop to carry out your duties. There are three specialist roles in an ACR and are as follows:
Armoured Vehicle crew- tank: Suitably trained full-time Armoured Corps soldiers employed within a Tank Squadron whose primary role, in coordination with other arms, is to close with and destroy the enemy using firepower, manoeuvre and shock action. The Tank Squadron is currently equipped with the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle tank (MBT) and the M113AS4 APC family of vehicles (FOV). The APC is used to enable command and control, fighting echelon logistics and fighting echelon maintenance and repair support.
Armoured Vehicle Crew- Combat Reconnaissance vehicle (CRV): Suitably trained full-time Armoured Corps soldiers employed within a CRV Squadron whose primary role, in coordination with other arms is to locate, dislocate and disrupt the enemy through the conduct of offensive, defensive, reconnaissance and security operations. The CRV Squadron is currently equipped with the Australian Light Armoured vehicle (ASLAV) FOV, which enables the fighting echelons with fighting, command and control, echelon logistics and echelon maintenance and repair support.
Armoured Vehicle Crew- APC: Suitably trained full-time Armoured Corps soldiers employed within an APC Squadron whose primary role, in coordination with other arms is to provide close combat mobility for dismounted fighting elements of Army during defensive, offensive and security operations; and conduct mounted or dismounted reconnaissance operations. The APC Squadron is currently equipped with the M113AS4 APC FOV, which enables the fighting echelons with close combat mobility, command and control, echelon logistics and echelon maintenance and repair support.
In-Service Information
This role is known as Armoured Cavalry within the Army.
Employment Category Number (ECN): 060
Employment Category: Combat
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Key Information
Preparing for Your Recruitment Process
This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.
Salary & Allowances
In the Army you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.
In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.
For more details download our
Salary Scales.
Locations
Armoured Vehicle Crew Troopers are employed within the Armoured Cavalry Regiments (ACR) and the School of Armour. Army's ACRs are based in several locations throughout Australia in Brisbane QLD, Townsville QLD, and Adelaide SA. The School of Armour is located in Puckapunyal, VIC.
Requirements
Age
Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).
Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.
Education & Experience
Completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English and Mathematics.
If you have not achieved the appropriate passes for this role, an education assessment can be conducted to determine your eligibility. Employment history and other qualifications will be considered. Speak to your ADF Careers Centre representative to discuss options.
Medical & Fitness
To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.
Period of Service
Females will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of two years and males for a period of four years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.
Additional Requirements
In addition to being able to pass the Army swim test, applicants must be capable of passing the Armoured Corps swim test which involves duck diving twice through at least two underwater obstacles two metres apart at a depth of not less than 2.5 metres and not more than 3.5 metres measured from the bottom of the obstacle. Applicants are to swim 30 metres in fresh water, or 50 metres in salt water and without leaving the water, remain afloat out of depth for three minutes.
Applicants need to be able to withstand being confined in restricted spaces for extended periods of time.
Civilian Licence:
If an applicant has a civilian licence that is under suspension or has been cancelled, that applicant is not eligible to enlist as an Armoured Cavalry (ECN 060) until such time that the suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
Aptitude
The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.
The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.
Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.
To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.
Citizenship
To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.
If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.
Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.
Security Requirements
The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have security clearances appropriate to their employment.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.
The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1, and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years. Required information includes:
- Residence
- Employment
- Education
- Credit
Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.
NOTE: The security clearance is critical to an applicants successful progression through the Army training system. If an applicant is unable to obtain the required security clearance in time, they will not be allowed to continue their training and may need to be re-allocated to another employment category. As such, it is strongly recommended that all applicants obtain the required documentation as soon as possible to provide the best opportunity to be employed in their preferred employment category.
Training
Military Training
As a General Entry recruit, you’ll be required to complete the Recruit Course.
Army Recruit Course
Duration: Approximately 12 weeks.
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW.
Duration: Approximately 12 weeks.
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW.
During training, you will take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
For more information, visit Soldier Training at Kapooka.
Employment Training
Following completion of recruit training at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion (1RTB) in Kapooka, you will undertake Initial Employment (IET) training at the School of Armour Puckapunyal VIC.
Vehicle allocation for trainees - Upon arrival at the School of Armour you will be assigned to conduct tank, APC or CRV driving and servicing training based on Service needs. However, no matter which vehicle you are assigned to, all Armoured Vehicle Crew trainees will undertake the Armoured Crewman Common Course first.
Armoured Crewman Common Course: 71 days
The Armoured Crewman Common Course is a 71-day course where you will be taught the skills of an Armoured Vehicle Crew Trooper. This includes dismounted field skills, combat communications, and more advanced weapons training on a variety of weapon systems used by Armoured Corps.
During your course you will be trained to utilise the following;
- FN MAG (MSMG MAG 58)
- M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun (12.7mm M2 HB QCB Machine Gun)
- Carl Gustav Recoilless Rifle (84mm MDFSW M3)
- M72 LAW (66MM M72A6 LDSFW)
- Browning 9mm Pistol (Mk3 9mm SLP)
- M18 Claymore and
- M203 40mm GLA.
Following completion of the common training you will begin your vehicle specific training which will take between 21 and 41 days to complete on either tank, APC or the CRV. The vehicle you are assigned to will be dependant on the service needs of the Armoured Vehicle Crew Regiments.
Note: Course duration may vary depending on public holidays or other Army requirements.