Army
Full Time

Armoured Vehicle Crew

Full Time
In-service title: Armoured Cavalry

As an Armoured Cavalry Crew member, you’ll drive, maintain, command and work with high-tech military vehicles as you undertake reconnaissance, surveillance, offensive, defensive, security and stability operations. You’ll be equipped with the Abrams Tank, Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, or the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle to provide communications, combat endurance shock action and firepower.

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An Army member exits the hatch of a tank.

What you'll do

You’ll work closely with your vehicle crew consisting of between 2 to 4 members as part of an Armoured Fighting Vehicle Troop to carry out your duties. You’ll be trained to be an expert in mounted and dismounted combat and will be trained to employ the following weapons additional to all-corps weapons:

  • FN MAG (MAG-58 GPMG)
  • M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun (12.7mm M2 HB QCB Machine Gun)
  • Carl Gustav Recoilless Rifle (84mm MDFSW M3)
  • M72A6 LAAW (66MM M72A6 LDSFW)
  • Browning 9mm Pistol (Mk3 9mm SLP)
  • M18A1 Claymore
  • SL-40 40mm GLA.

Once you’re proficient on all these weapon systems, you’ll be trained to drive and maintain the Abrams Tank, or ASLAV.

Your duties may include:

  • locating, identifying and destroying or capturing the enemy using fire and manoeuvre
  • conducting offensive, defensive, security and reconnaissance actions during time of conflict
  • driving, maintaining, operating a turret or command the ASLAV Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle or Abrams Main Battle Tanks
  • operating advanced surveillance and reconnaissance equipment
  • navigating terrain during the day and night
  • utilising high-tech communication equipment
  • applying basic field craft
  • employing dismounted anti-armour weapons
  • participating in dismounted operations.

Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training to strengthen your skillset. This will help you to command and run a highly skilled team of soldiers and the employment of their equipment. 

Once suitably trained, there are 2 specialist roles in an Armoured Cavalry Regiment (ACR) you can progress to:

  • Armoured Vehicle Crew, Tank - in coordination with other arms, the primary role is to close with and destroy the enemy using firepower, manoeuvre and shock action. The Tank Squadron is currently equipped with the Abrams Main Battle tank (MBT) and the M113AS4 APC family of vehicles. The Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) is used to enable command and control, fighting echelon logistics and fighting echelon maintenance and repair support.
  • Armoured Vehicle Crew, Cavalry - the primary role of Cavalry is to locate, dislocate and disrupt the enemy through the conduct of offensive, defensive, reconnaissance and security operations. The Cavalry Squadron is currently equipped with the Australian Light Armoured vehicle (ASLAV) family of vehicles which enables the fighting echelons the ability to fight and to facilitate command and control. Cavalry Squadrons will be equipped with the Boxer CRV from 2027 and mark a significant leap forward in capability for the Cavalry Squadrons.

Following training, you could be 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. From early 2025, Tank Squadrons will only be located at the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Townsville and the School of Armour in Puckapunyal as a result of Army’s restructure under the National Defence Strategy.

Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map. 

Requirements and training

About entry methods
No experience required
General Entry: Non-technical
Requirements
Citizenship

You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.

Age

You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 56 years (males) and 58 (females).

Licences

You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.

Security requirements

All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.

For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.

Education and experience

Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.

Health and fitness

To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.

Female

  • Sit-ups (feet held): 45
  • Push-ups: 8
  • Shuttle Run Score: 7.5.

Male

  • Sit-ups (feet held): 45
  • Push-ups: 15
  • Shuttle Run Score: 7.5.

By the end of your initial employment training, you must also be capable of passing the Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) swim test which involves duck diving twice through at least 2 underwater obstacles, 2 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. You'll also swim 30 metres in fresh water or 50 metres in salt water, and without leaving the water, remain afloat out of depth for 3 minutes. Don’t worry, you’ll receive the necessary training and guidance to make sure you’re ready when the test arrives.

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

You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 years (males) and 2 years (females). Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation. 

You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.

Training
Military training

Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW

During training, you'll 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 accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.

Key components of the course include:

  • Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
  • Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
  • Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
  • Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
  • First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
  • Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
  • Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.

On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.

Employment training

Course: Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) Common Course

Duration: 8 weeks
Location: School of Armour, Puckapunyal, VIC

At the beginning of the RAAC Common Course you will be taught about the two Armoured Vehicle Crew specialisations, Cavalry Trooper or Main Battle Tank Trooper, and will provide your preferred platform to staff. During your course, you will be taught dismounted field skills, dismounted tactics, and further all-corps skills applicable to both roles. You’ll also be trained to use advanced weapons such as the:

  • Carl Gustav Recoilless Rifle (84mm MDFSW M3)
  • F9 Sidearm Weapons System (F9 SWS)
  • Remington 870 Shotgun
  • M18A1 Claymore
  • SL-40 40mm GLA.

Before the completion of the course, you’ll be allocated to Cavalry Trooper or Main Battle Tank Trooper training based on your performance, preference and position availability.

Specialisation: Cavalry Trooper
Course: Armoured Cavalry Trooper Course
Duration: 9 weeks
Location: School of Armour, Puckapunyal, VIC

You’ll be taught the skills of an Armoured Cavalry Trooper, focusing on vehicle communications, driving and servicing, and advanced weapons training for the ASLAV (Australian Light Armoured Vehicle). Training includes platform-specific maintenance, day and night driving, and tactical vehicle operation. You will also be qualified in the following additional weapon systems:

  • FN MAG (7.62mm GPMG MAG 58)
  • M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun (12.7mm M2 HB QCB Machine Gun)

Specialisation: Main Battle Tank Trooper
Course: Main Battle Tank Trooper Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: School of Armour, Puckapunyal, VIC

You’ll be taught the skills of a Main Battle Tank Trooper, focusing on vehicle communications, driving and servicing, and advanced weapons training for both the M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carrier and the M1A2 SEPV3 Main Battle Tank. Training includes platform-specific maintenance, dual-platform licensing, and tactical employment of heavy armour in combat scenarios. You will also be qualified in the following additional weapon systems:

  • FN MAG (7.62mm GPMG MAG 58)
  • M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun (12.7mm M2 HB QCB Machine Gun)