Armor Officer Inquires (Another, "What's insert branch here Life Like" post)

[rainstorm26]

Armor has always been something that greatly appealed to me and is something which I find fascinating. If I get the pleasure of commissioning as an Armor Officer, I hope to get the opportunity to work with Strykers (or whatever the equivalent will be when I commission). I know that you can request your first duty station by opting for more time in your ADSO, but nothing is guaranteed. If I do not get to work with Strykers, my next choices are as follows: Abrams, Bradley, and Cav. Anyway, I just had some general questions about life as a 19, any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Aside from the normal deskwork and such that every officer has, what is the daily life of an armor officer like? Do you get much time to do practice runs with your guys other than the occasional FTX or pre-deployment training? (I imagine that it requires a lot of paperwork and coordinating with other officers to get time out at the ranges and acquiring the necessary targets/ munitions)

What does a day outside the wire pertain of? Do Stryker teams just chill and keep watch while the infantry squads that ride with them do their thing?



Anyway, I want to thank all you wonderful people for your service, and any help, insight, or advice that you can provide.

 

[GoArmyBeatNavy]

Most Stryker crew members are Infantry Soldiers. The MGSs are manned by Armor Soldiers. Scouts also man recon platoon Strykers.

 

[scoutpilot]

Most Stryker crew members are Infantry Soldiers. The MGSs are manned by Armor Soldiers. Scouts also man recon platoon Strykers.

With the further realignment of all Mech Infantry battalions and Armor battalions to Combined Arms Battalions, the lines are becoming more and more blurred. Theoretically, there will be more opportunities for Armor officers to commander in Stryker formations. Additionally, the 2nd SCR and the RSTA squadrons within the regular SBCTs offer more opportunities for armor officers to be on Strykers.

That being said, OP, GABN is quite correct that Strykers are largely the provenance of the Infantry. If you're an armor officer, you should expect to be on a tank, or perhaps a Bradley.