About This Career

Armored assault vehicle officers direct the operation of tanks, light armor, and amphibious assault vehicle units on land or in aquatic environments. They direct crew members in the operation of targeting and firing systems and manage the operation of advanced onboard communications and navigation equipment. They also direct the transport of personnel and equipment during combat, formulate and implement battle plans, and coordinate with infantry, artillery, and air support units.

This career is part of the Government and Public Administration cluster National Security pathway.

A person in this career:

• Commands or assists in commanding, assault amphibian (AA) units; provides recommendations to the supported unit leader for the tactical employment of AA units
• Directs assault amphibian units on maneuvers, tactical problems, and in combat
• Commands or assists in commanding, tank units; provides recommendations to the supported unit leader for the tactical employment of tank units
• Evaluates intelligence and the operational situation; formulates, coordinates, and executes operational orders
• Performs tank and cavalry leadership roles which require skills involving general armor field knowledge
• Plans, directs, and assists in the deployment and tactical employment of light armored reconnaissance (LAR) units
• Inspects weapons organic to a light armored vehicle (LAV) battalion
• Monitors preventive maintenance checks and service on the LAV
• Evaluates intelligence; estimates the operational situation; formulates, coordinates, and executes appropriate plans for offensive/defensive maneuvers, reconnaissance, fire support, nuclear, biological and chemical defense, directed energy warfare, communications, and operational logistics and maintenance

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
• Requires getting into awkward positions
• Conditions are very hot (above 90 F) or very cold (under 32 F)
• Exposed to conditions such as high voltage electricity, combustibles, explosives, and chemicals more than once a month
• Exposed to hazardous situations involving possible injury such as cuts, bites, stings, and minor burns more than once a month
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
• Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time
• Work in this occupation involves use of special protective items such as a breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suit, or radiation protection

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
• Moving the arms, legs and torso together when the whole body is in motion
• Judging how far away an object is, or which of several objects is closer or farther away
• Short periods of running, jumping, or throwing
• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Seeing clearly in low light conditions
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Irregular hours
• Overnight travel