Armor Officer (MOS 19B, 19C)

Armor Officer (MOS 19B, 19C) Description / Major Duties:

The Army's Armor Branch is responsible for all the tank and cavalry / forward reconnaissance operations on the battlefield. The role of an Armor Officer is to be a leader in operations specific to the Armor Branch and to lead others in many areas of combat operations.

As an Armor Officer, you may either work with tank units that utilize the M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams Tanks (as a 19B Armor Officer), or cavalry units responsible for forward reconnaissance operations (as a 19C Cavalry Officer).

The responsibilities of an Armor Lieutenant may include:

  • Leading and controlling the Armor and combined armed forces during land combat.
  • Coordinate employment of Armor Soldiers at all levels of command, from platoon to battalion and higher, in U.S. and multi-national operations.

Training
Armor Officer training includes completion of the Armor Officer Basic Course (AOBC), where you will learn leadership skills, tactics, maintenance and operational aspects of weapons and vehicles used in an Armor platoon. Training for a Cavalry Officer includes completion of Scout Leaders Course and Cavalry Leaders Course.

Helpful Skills
Being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities. A leader exhibits self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence. They are physically fit and can perform under physical and mental pressures. Leaders make decisions quickly, always focusing on completing the mission successfully, and show respect for their subordinates and other military officers. Leaders lead from the front and adjust to environments that are always changing. They are judged by their ability to make decisions on their own and bear ultimate moral responsibility for those decisions.

Advanced Responsibilities of an Armor Officer
Beyond the Captain level, Armor Officers can continue in the Operations career field, serving in the Armor Branch at ever increasing levels of leadership and responsibility.

Responsibilities of an Armor Captain may include:

  • Commanding and controlling Armor units and combined armed companies and company-sized units (200-300 Soldiers).
  • Coordinate employment of Armor Soldiers at all levels of command, from company to division level and beyond, in U.S. and multi-national operations.
  • Develop doctrine, organizations and equipment for unique Armor missions.
  • Instruct Armor skills at service schools and combat training centers.
  • Serve as an Armor advisor to other units, including Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve organizations.

Related Civilian Jobs
While there is no directly related job for an Armor Officer in the civilian world, the leadership skills you acquire as an Army Officer will help you in many types of civilian careers. An Officer in the Army is most closely related to a vital manager in a corporation.

Article Last Modified: February 17, 2011

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