the Australian army, what is the difference between armoured corps officer and infantry officer?

Gotta have more explosions!

Simple - Armoured Corps Officers belong to armoured, cavalry and light cavalry units, Infantry Officers belong to infantry units.

An Infantry Officer starts off leading an infantry platoon, more often than not in a regular infantry battalion.

An Armoured Corps Officer may start off leading a Troop (mobile equivalent to a platoon) of Abrams Tanks, Bushmasters, ASLAVs or light cavalry (for most reserve units).

If you're after deployments, you can't go wrong with either choice. Officers invariably take up new appointments and responsibilities as they get more promotions and experience, appointments that take them away from the "teeth" of a combat unit. But as a junior Officer, you'll likely get what you're after.

I can give you a general perspective from a former US Army Officer.

>"i want to be in the action"

I think you may need a reality check. The Australian army just like the US and other modern Armies in Europe is a professional army, not just a bunch of "partisans" or "para-military" groups or mercenaries. If you want to be a professional Officer you will learn how to lead and move large groups of soldiers. There's lots to be done, and much of it is hurry up and wait. Being in the "action" is only one small piece of the whole picture. Don't be to hasty to get "trigger time"! As a leader you're responsible for the lives of the people under you.

Just like all modern armies, units deploy together. As a new LT, you'll be put on a very short leash, the NCOs run the the day to day stuff (what we call "pushing troops"). They'll even show you where to stand so you don't get run over or anyone else in your unit. So I would suggest you pay attention and listen to them. In the Field there are times when the highest ranking person is NOT tactically in charge. If your soldiers don't trust you, they won't follow you! At the company and platoon level, it's respect and experience that puts someone in charge, especially "in the action".

You'll be spending a good chunk of time learning maintenance and logistics regardless of what type of Army officer you become (specialty).

As far as Infantry or Armor, you won't be bored. When not deployed, your unit will be always training. And yes, you will be dealing with a lot of administrative stuff, whether you're in the Field or in Garrison, keeping your superiors happy and off the backs of your soldiers. Your immediate unit comes first, and then up the line!

Flip a coin, as far as specialty or branch, it's what you make of it!

Ari

As an Armoured Corps Officer you will command and lead soldiers who operate some of the most high-tech mobile weapon systems in the world. Such as M1A1 Abrams Tanks, ASLAVs, M113 APCs and
Bushmaster IMVs.
http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/ArmouredCorpsOfficer/

Infantry Officers command elite soldiers in challenging, diverse and sometimes very remote environments. Your team will depend on you, as you will on them, and your role will be essential to the operations of the Army. This is a highly sought after role and best suited to those that have high standards of mental and physical toughness.
http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/InfantryOfficer/

Also, when you graduate RMC Duntroon, you don't get to choose what Corps you go to. You could end up in a Corps completely opposite of what you were hoping for. ie. leading men in women in the art of culinary cuisine, Catering Corps. You have to be seriously competitive, smart, intelligent, strong both physically and mentally, and a cut above the rest of your peers at RMC Duntroon to get the Corps you want.

I've also learnt from others, you don't spend long in the field as an Officer, before being promoted and positioned behind a desk, so be prepared for that, if your main ambition is to lead men in battle and other operations then why not enlist and work your way up to a NCO (Non Commissioned Officer) position? They're the most respected and most experienced among the soldiers, sailors and airmen. And then there is always the possibility to apply for ADFA from the enlisted ranks, which is what I plan on doing. Best of luck with your ambition!

Mark F

1 commands tanks, the other commands infantry. If you want to lead men in combat you should have figured that out on your own.

Celsus

The fact that you WANT to get into action is frightening. No one WANTS to get shot at, you should be a clerk or a bin-rat, something like that. Gung-ho gets people killed, and normally not the gung-ho new Lt.

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