School of Armour (Australia)

School of Armour (Australia)
Unit name	School of Armour
Dates	1949 – present
Country	Australia
Branch	Australian Army
Type	Training establishment
Role	Armoured warfare training
Command structure	Royal Australian Armoured Corps
Garrison	Puckapunyal, Victoria
Garrison label	Location

School of Armour (Australia). The School of Armour is the Australian Army's premier training establishment for armoured warfare and the central institution of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. Located at the Puckapunyal military training area in Victoria, it is responsible for developing the tactical and technical proficiency of the Army's armoured vehicle crews and leaders. The School delivers a wide range of courses, from initial employment training for tank and cavalry soldiers to advanced command and instructor qualifications, ensuring the operational readiness of Australia's armoured forces.

History

The origins of the School of Armour trace back to the post-World War II reorganisation of the Australian Army, formally established in 1949. Its creation was driven by the need to consolidate and professionalise armoured training following the experiences of units like the 2/6th Armoured Regiment during campaigns such as the North African campaign. Initially based at Armoured Fighting Vehicles School sites, it found a permanent home at the major training facility of Puckapunyal. The School's curriculum and focus have evolved significantly, shaped by Australia's involvement in conflicts including the Vietnam War, where units equipped with the M113 saw action, and more recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Key developments include the introduction of the Leopard 1 and later the M1 Abrams main battle tank, each necessitating major shifts in training doctrine.

Role and function

The primary role of the School of Armour is to train all personnel of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps in the core skills of mounted close combat and reconnaissance. It functions as the Corps' central instructional and doctrinal development hub, setting the standards for employment of armoured fighting vehicles across the Australian Defence Force. The School is responsible for fostering leadership and tactical expertise, from individual crew members to troop and squadron commanders. It works in close conjunction with other Army training establishments like the Royal Military College, Duntroon and the Combined Arms Training Centre to ensure integrated land warfare capability.

Organisation and structure

The School of Armour is commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel and is organised into several specialist wings and squadrons, each focused on a specific armoured discipline. Key sub-units typically include a Tank Wing, responsible for main battle tank training, and a Cavalry Wing, which handles instruction for reconnaissance and light cavalry units. An Instructor Wing manages the development of teaching staff and course validation. The School falls under the broader command of the Headquarters Royal Australian Armoured Corps and is a key component of the Army's Training Command. It maintains strong links with operational units such as the 1st Armoured Regiment and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

Training and courses

The School delivers a comprehensive suite of courses ranging from initial entry training for soldiers to advanced tactical courses for officers. Foundational courses include the Armoured Crewman Basic Course, which qualifies soldiers on vehicles like the M1 Abrams and the ASLAV. For officers, the Armoured Corps Officer Basic Course is a critical gateway. Advanced training includes the Armoured Cavalry Commander Course and the prestigious Tank Commander Course. The School also runs specialised instruction for adjutants, regimental sergeant majors, and vehicle mechanics. Training emphasises live-fire exercises on the ranges at Puckapunyal, simulated engagements, and combined arms manoeuvres with elements from the Royal Australian Infantry Corps.

Equipment and vehicles

Training at the School is conducted on the in-service fleet of the Australian Army. The primary platforms include the M1 Abrams main battle tank and the ASLAV family of light armoured vehicles, which succeeded the M113AS4. For driver training and support tasks, vehicles such as the M88 Recovery Vehicle and the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle are utilised. The School also employs a range of simulation systems and training aids to replicate complex battlefield scenarios. The introduction of new platforms under projects like LAND 400 will see future training incorporate next-generation infantry fighting vehicles.

Notable personnel

Throughout its history, the School of Armour has been led and staffed by many distinguished members of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. Notable former commanders and instructors include senior officers who have later commanded the 1st Brigade or served as Commander Forces Command. Renowned soldiers such as Victoria Cross recipient Keith Payne have connections to the armoured corps, though not directly to the School. The institution has trained generations of leaders who have served with distinction in units from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment to the Royal Australian Regiment on operational deployments worldwide.

Category:Australian Army Category:Military education and training in Australia Category:Royal Australian Armoured Corps