Armored Assault Vehicles Officer
Why it Interests/suits me.
I think this career would suit me for several reasons. First and foremost, my intended college, the United States Military Academy (West Point) would allow me to be directly commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into Armor, which is the combat branch in which Armored Assault Vehicle Officers would fall. I have always wanted a career in the Armed Forces, to lead troops in the defense of this great nation. The pay is decent, but the benefits, allowances, and the retirement pension plan are excellent. It would be an awesome opportunity to lead soldiers into battle against America’s enemies.
I think this career would suit me for several reasons. First and foremost, my intended college, the United States Military Academy (West Point) would allow me to be directly commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into Armor, which is the combat branch in which Armored Assault Vehicle Officers would fall. I have always wanted a career in the Armed Forces, to lead troops in the defense of this great nation. The pay is decent, but the benefits, allowances, and the retirement pension plan are excellent. It would be an awesome opportunity to lead soldiers into battle against America’s enemies.
Nature of the work.
Armored Assault Vehicle Officers lead tank and armor units in combat, seeking out and destroying enemy armor, artillery, supply lines, and fortified positions. As a 2nd Lieutenant detailed to Armor I would lead a platoon of 4 tanks or other armored vehicles and 14-16 soldiers. I would have both physical and administrative duties to fulfill. In the field I would sleep and live in a tent with the troops while in the field. This career would also open a door to the upper levels of the military high command, and perhaps eventually a job in the Pentagon or White House.
Armored Assault Vehicle Officers lead tank and armor units in combat, seeking out and destroying enemy armor, artillery, supply lines, and fortified positions. As a 2nd Lieutenant detailed to Armor I would lead a platoon of 4 tanks or other armored vehicles and 14-16 soldiers. I would have both physical and administrative duties to fulfill. In the field I would sleep and live in a tent with the troops while in the field. This career would also open a door to the upper levels of the military high command, and perhaps eventually a job in the Pentagon or White House.
Required Training/Education
To be an Armored Assault Vehicle Officer you must be an commissioned officer in the Army or Marines. There are four main ways to become an officer. You can take the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program offered at most 4 year universities, upon graduation you receive a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Another option is Officer Candidate School (OCS), which also offers 2 different options. The first is the college route, candidates must apply before the age of 30 but after earning a college degree. The second option is to enlist and request being sent to OCS. Unless you have a very high test scores and other desirable traits, this option is very unlikely. Either route results in candidates being sent to a 9 week "boot camp", then to a officer training school lasting from 10 to 16 weeks. Graduates receive a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. The third option is one of the federal military academies, either West Point for Army or Annapolis for Marines (Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard have no armor branch). After four years of free college (valued at $225,000), you receive a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. The fourth option, a direct commission, does not apply in this situation (is commonly only offered to lawyers, doctors, and priests). Officers must then go through a several week course for Armor specific training before becoming an Armored Assault Vehicle Officer.
To be an Armored Assault Vehicle Officer you must be an commissioned officer in the Army or Marines. There are four main ways to become an officer. You can take the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program offered at most 4 year universities, upon graduation you receive a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Another option is Officer Candidate School (OCS), which also offers 2 different options. The first is the college route, candidates must apply before the age of 30 but after earning a college degree. The second option is to enlist and request being sent to OCS. Unless you have a very high test scores and other desirable traits, this option is very unlikely. Either route results in candidates being sent to a 9 week "boot camp", then to a officer training school lasting from 10 to 16 weeks. Graduates receive a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. The third option is one of the federal military academies, either West Point for Army or Annapolis for Marines (Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard have no armor branch). After four years of free college (valued at $225,000), you receive a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. The fourth option, a direct commission, does not apply in this situation (is commonly only offered to lawyers, doctors, and priests). Officers must then go through a several week course for Armor specific training before becoming an Armored Assault Vehicle Officer.
Job Outlook
Opportunities look generally positive into the future. However, recent talk of military budget cuts and reductions in force cast some uncertainty into the future.
Opportunities look generally positive into the future. However, recent talk of military budget cuts and reductions in force cast some uncertainty into the future.
Earnings
The entrance level wage for a 2nd Lieutenant stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia; where the Armor School is located makes $4,112 a month, for a total entrance level yearly wage of $50,000.
Related Occupations
Military-
Infantry Officer
Artillery Officer
Special Forces Officer
Civilian-
No equivalent civilian careers.
Military-
Infantry Officer
Artillery Officer
Special Forces Officer
Civilian-
No equivalent civilian careers.
Information and Images Courtesy of goarmy.com