Armour Soldier

Overview

As an Armour Soldier within the Canadian Armed Forces, you will operate, manage, and maintain armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), including their weapon and communication systems. These soldiers form part of the Combat Arms alongside Infantry, Artillery, and Combat Engineering units.

Your career will begin operating one of two Armoured Fighting Vehicles: the tank or the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV 6). Within a crew, you may serve as a driver, operator, or gunner, responsible for tasks such as driving and maintaining the AFV, firing and loading its main guns and machineguns, operating surveillance technology, maintaining communications, gathering intelligence on enemy positions and terrain, and engaging enemy targets directly.

Work Environment

Armour Soldiers face unique challenges working both in the field and while deployed abroad. Regular Force members will be stationed at their first base after training, with postings likely throughout their career requiring relocation. Conversely, Primary Reserve Force members serve part-time at specific Reserve units, typically one weeknight and some weekends, with the possibility of full-time employment. Reserve members generally do not relocate for postings.

Entry Requirements and Training

No prior work experience or specific career skills are necessary to apply. Recruiters help assess your compatibility with this trade. You must have completed Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec; foreign education credentials may be acceptable.

Initial training begins with the Basic Military Qualification course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, a physically challenging program that prepares recruits with core military skills.

Armour Soldiers then attend a 12-week Combat Training Centre course in Gagetown, New Brunswick, covering army fitness, reconnaissance patrolling, weapon handling, driving and maintaining tanks and LAVs, weapon systems operation, identification of military vehicles and equipment, communication systems, armour tactics and doctrine, and Royal Canadian Armoured Corps history.

Specialization and Advanced Training

Opportunities exist to acquire specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including roles such as Uncrewed Aerial System Operator, Assault Troop member, Direct Fire Gunnery Instructor, and Arctic Operations Advisor.

Experienced Armour Soldiers with demonstrated abilities may pursue advanced courses in areas like Direct Fire Specialist, Chemical Biological Radiation Nuclear Defence Advisor, Assault Troop Leader, UAS Detachment Commander, and Crew Commander.

Part-Time Opportunities

The position is also offered part-time in the Primary Reserve across Canada. Reserve members train to the same standards as Regular Force soldiers, serve their home units mostly on scheduled evenings and weekends, and may be offered fixed-term full-time roles. They receive pay at 92.8% of Regular Force rates, benefits, and eligibility for pension contributions. Posting or relocation is generally not required, but deployment opportunities are volunteered for.

Related Trades

• Gunner
• Combat Engineer
• Infanteer