Armour Soldier

Overview

Armour Soldiers serve as operators and maintainers of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), including tanks and Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV 6), along with their weaponry and communication systems. As integral members of the Combat Arms team—which includes Infantry, Artillery, and Combat Engineering units—they undertake varied military roles.

Main Duties

• Operate and maintain AFVs
• Fire the main guns of AFVs
• Load and manage the main gun and machine guns
• Use surveillance and reconnaissance devices
• Maintain communications equipment
• Collect and transmit intelligence on enemy forces and terrain
• Engage and neutralize enemy targets using direct fire

Work Environment

Armour Soldiers encounter distinct experiences and challenges working in field operations and deployments internationally. Regular Force members are assigned to bases post-training, with potential relocations throughout their careers, while Primary Reserve members serve part-time at specific Reserve units and typically do not relocate. Reserve duties generally include weekly evening and some weekend commitments, with potential for full-time service.

Entry Requirements and Training

No prior work experience or specific career skills are necessary to apply. Prospective candidates must meet a minimum educational standard of Grade 10 or Secondary 4 (Quebec), with foreign education considered. Initial training begins with Basic Military Qualification at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Quebec, focusing on core military skills and physical fitness.

Following this, Armour Soldiers undertake a 12-week training program at the Combat Training Centre in Gagetown, New Brunswick, covering:

• Physical fitness for army operations
• Reconnaissance both mounted and dismounted
• Advanced weapon handling techniques
• Fieldcraft on an individual level
• Driving and upkeep of tanks and LAVs
• Weapons firing and maintenance specific to Canadian AFVs
• Identification of military vehicles, aircraft, and equipment
• Use of tactical command and control communications
• Understanding armour roles, organization, doctrines, and tactics
• History and customs of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps

Specialized skill development opportunities exist via additional courses and on-the-job training, which include:

• Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Operator
• Assault Troop roles
• Direct Fire Gunnery Instruction
• Arctic Operations Advisory

Advanced leadership and specialist courses may be available as careers progress, such as:

• Army Direct Fire Specialist
• Chemical Biological Radiation and Nuclear Defence Advisor
• Assault Troop Leader
• UAS Detachment Commander
• Crew Commander

Part-Time Opportunities

The position can also be pursued part-time within the Primary Reserve Forces at various Canadian locations. Reserve members train to the same professional standards as Regular Force members, beginning with basic training at their home unit followed by a 12-week trade-specific qualification course. Part-time service generally entails weekly evening and weekend shifts with possibilities for full-time temporary postings.

Reserve members receive payment at approximately 92.8% of Regular Force rates, enjoy benefits, and may contribute to a pension plan. They are not obligated to relocate but can volunteer for deployment or base transfers.

Related Positions

• Gunner
• Combat Engineer
• Infanteer