Army Reserve

Careers

Crewman Driver

The Job

An Armoured Crewman (or trooper) is a highly specialised soldier who is trained to operate and service a 13-tonne M113A1 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), operate UHF/VHF radios and fire the APC's .30 amd .50 calibre machine guns.

Crewman, like their forebearers in the Light Horse, transport soldiers onto the battlefield and fight alongside the Infantry once they get there. The APC can move at 60 km/h with 10 soldiers protected in the hull's interior. That's a lot of responsibility, but that's why we put in a lot of effort to ensure that your training is detailed and professional.

Troopers also train to use the F88 Austeyr rifle, F89 Light Support Weapon and other infantry weapons.

The Training

After completing your Common Recruit Training (CRT) at Kapooka, you will be ready to start your Initial Employment Training. A crewman's job requires a variety of challenging skills, so we take the time to train you effectively. If you have the time, you can attend the ten-week course at the Mounted Combat Division, Puckapunyal, Victoria. Alternat-ively, you can do the ten modules in two and three week modules within 24 months.

Remember all the pay is TAX FREE, and you are entilted to other benefits such as subsidised housing loans after eight years of service. All travel meals and accommodation are also free.

The Skills

Servicing and driving a six-cylinder car may be one thing, but a 13-tonne APC is definately another!

A Crewman of an M113A1 works as part of a troop of APC's, navigating their vehicles in tactical formation over areas ranging from the Victorian countryside to the "Wet" and "Dry" of Australia's top end. Teamwork, training and mateship make your team a formidible and professional armoured force.