The Cavalry School
Introduction
The Cavalry School (TCS) is a 1st Battalion (Arma 3) School operated as part of S7 - Training, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion. The Cavalry School delivers individual training at the crew level, from basic crew duties to advanced vehicle commander and leadership courses. The School is staffed primarily by 19K and 19D Troopers, however all MOS's are permitted to instruct, if they are qualified on the vehicle and course they are instructing. The School is designated the Functional Center of Excellence (FCoE) for all Armored, Mechanized Infantry, and Cavalry doctrine, tactics, and training.
The Cavalry School was renamed from "The Armor School", and "School of Armor" previously. The designation "SOA" was used until 2017, and in late 2018, the School was re-designated The Cavalry School to reflect the many roles of the School, teaching Armored, Cavalry, and Mechanized Infantry courses. The School is considered Platoon Strength, with the Commander also functioning as an Armored/Cavalry Platoon Commander if required.
The School delivers training along three broad pathways: Armored, Mechanized Infantry, and Cavalry Training.
Mission and Vision
The Mission of the Cavalry School is listed as: The Cavalry School will train and develop Armored, Mechanized Infantry and Cavalry Troopers and leaders in all aspects of mechanized and armored warfare in support of the Combined Arms Battalion for employment throughout the Spectrum of Conflict, in all environments including the worst case scenario- at night, in urban environments against a conventional adversary.
The Vision of the School is listed as: The Cavalry School will remain the functional Center of Excellence (FCoE) for all armored and mechanized operations. The Cavalry School will develop and maintain our knowledge of the capabilities of all armored fighting vehicles, from armored, armored reconnaissance, to mechanized forces. The School consists of the Army's best leaders and mentors, who strive to impart their expertise in the field of armored warfare on the next generation of Troopers and leaders through the delivery of high quality training at the individual level, from crewman to commander. The school will maintain the armored warfare doctrine and contribute to warrior lethality through development of further armored warfare material.
Armored Training Section
In the Armored Training Section, Troopers are instructed on all manner of operations related to the M1A2 SEP V1 Main Battle Tank (MBT). The goal of the Armored Training Section is to train individual Troopers on all crew roles in the M1A2, tactics, and capabilities of the platform. This training is delivered via three courses, The Basic Armor Crewman Course (BACC), Advanced Armor Crewman Course (AACC), and the Tank Commander Course (TCC).
Basic Armor Crewman Course (BACC)
The Basic Armor Crewman Course instructs Troopers in the 19K MOS field on the operation of the M1A2 SEP V1 Main Battle Tank as a Driver, Gunner, or Loader. The course is not limited to 19K Series MOS, however Armor Crewmen have priority for this class. Students are taught the capabilities and limitations of the M1A2, and all crew commands for driving, gunning, and loading. The course focuses largely on practical application, including on and off-road driving, and static gunnery against various types of targets. Students learn the different types of ammunition and weapons on an M1A2, and what ammunition is appropriate for each target. The Course is 2 hours long, delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Individual Training |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
Pre-Requisite Exemption
19K MOS Soldiers applying to BACC are exempt from the following pre-requisite courses:
| Pre-Requisite Exemptions |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Individual Training |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
Advanced Armor Crewman Course (AACC)
The Advanced Armor Crewman Course is designed to take qualified M1A2 SEP V1 crewmen and instruct them on the tactics of Armored Warfare. The course does not focus on crew commands, but the application of those skills in various engagements. Students are tested as both Driver, Gunner, and Loader on executing Action Drills, and Battle Drills. Troopers execute hull and turret down position occupation, in the context of defensive and offensive operations. Students also apply Battle Drills in live engagements under the command of a Platoon Leader, with the majority of emphasis on immediate reaction to commands and application of fire. The course is 2 hours long, delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Individual Training |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Basic Armor Crewman Course |
Tank Commander Course (TCC)
The Tank Commander Course trains Troopers who are already experienced Armor Crewmen to command an M1A2 as part of a Section and Platoon. The course consists of the capabilities and limitations of the M1A2, and navigation and route planning. New commanders are taught how to plan and execute movement, taking into account terrain, enemy, and time and space. The course also refreshes all crew commands previously taught on BACC. The course includes a substantial practical portion, where students are mentored and act as M1A2 Commanders by their instructors. The course concludes with Students taking command of an M1A2 SEP V1 without interruption from instructors, except for hot-washes at various points during the exercise. The course is 3 hours long, delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Individual Training |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Basic Armor Crewman Course |
| Advanced Armor Crewman Course |
Mechanized Infantry Training Section
The Mechanized Infantry Training Section is responsible to deliver and develop training and doctrine for the Regiment's mechanized infantry forces. The Section currently delivers training on both the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) and M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV). Mechanized Infantry Training is similar to Armored training, and the crew skills taught are largely based upon those used on a Main Battle Tank. The main difference is that the Mechanized Infantry Section also teaches the skills required by Mechanized Infantrymen, including dismounting, mounting and operating alongside Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV).
Basic Mechanized Infantryman Course (BMIC)
The Basic Mechanized Infantryman Course teaches Troopers to safely mount, dismount, and operate alongside Infantry Fighting Vehicles. The course is delivered with a short theory portion, followed by a practical application of the skills. Students learn dismount patterns, the basic formations used when dismounting an IFV. Students also practice communicating with an IFV crew prior to mounting and dismounting. The course concludes with students applying the learned skills in a live-fire cumulative Field Training Exercise (FTX). The course is 2 hours long, and is delivered in one day.
| Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Individual Training |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
Pre-Requisite Exemption
19D MOS Soldiers applying to BMIC are exempt from the following pre-requisite courses:
| Pre-Requisite Exemptions |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Individual Training |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
Cavalry Training Section
Cavalry Scout Course (CSC)
The focus of Cavalry Training is to train Troopers to act as Cavalry Scouts, the eyes and ears of the Combined Arms Battalion Commander. This Section only delivers one course, the Cavalry Scout Course, or CSC. This is considered an advanced course, which combines knowledge from both Mechanized Infantry and Armored Training. Students learn the fundamentals, types, and categories of reconnaissance. Reconnaissance Troopers also learn their role, and the capabilities of various reconnaissance platforms. The practical portion begins with an overview of all the tools available to Cav Scouts, such as Global Positioning Systems, Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), and HUNT-IR 40mm fired sensors. The practical portion also covers the fundamentals of occupying, and establishing an Objective Rally Point (ORP). Once an ORP has been established, students practice reconnoitering an objective. The practical portion concludes with students executing an Area Reconnaissance on a live objective. The course is 5 hours long, delivered over 2 days. Attendance on the first day is a pre-requisite for attending the second day.
| Day 1 Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Individual Training |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Advanced Individual Training |
| Basic Leader Course |
| Basic Mechanized Infantryman Course |
| Day 2 Pre-Requisites |
| Basic Land Navigation |
| Basic Individual Training |
| Basic Radio Communication Course |
| Advanced Individual Training |
| Basic Leader Course |
| Basic Mechanized Infantryman Course |
| Cavalry Scout Course Day 1 |
Awards and Decorations
The Cavalry School awards two distinct awards for completion of training pathways: The Master Gunner Badge, and the Cavalry Spurs.
| Award | Name | Description |
 |
Master Gunner Badge | Completion of all Armored Pathway courses, including the Basic Armor Crewman Course, Advanced Armor Crewman Course and Tank Commander Course grants a Trooper the Master Gunner Badge. |
 |
Cavalry Spurs | Also known as the Order of the Spur, the Cavalry Spurs are a ceremonial device worn on the combat or dress boots of a qualified Cavalry Soldier.Awarded for completing both days of the Cavalry Scout Course, the Spurs represent the final achievement of the Cavalry Scout Pathway. |
Course Request Form
If a soldier requires a course at a specific time or date, they may submit a request to the Cavalry School at the following link:
| https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9hK2yaf67BVR6Ycz-Y6z-5MA0nobinRuCHsi1CHWpUKxkMQ/viewform |
School Standard Operating Procedures
Instructor Qualification Policy
All new instructors to the school will start as assistant instructors - that is to assist others in the running of their courses. To become qualified as a full colours instructor and run their own courses the instructor must do the following:
- Discuss with the Section Leader which courses you will be qualifying as an instructor for
- Attend the course as a student and gain the qualification
- Attend as an Assistant Instructor with a qualified Instructor present
- Once you then feel comfortable, the instructor in training will schedule their own course, being observed by the current Section Leader. The Section Commander List can be found here: https://7cav.us/threads/tcs-lead-instructors.32423/
Once this has been completed, and the lead instructor is happy with your performance, you are then able to run your own course, without oversight.
Guidance to Instructors
Instructors already qualified must remain current with the material and assist other instructors as required. They must remain proficient with the tools of administrating a course, namely posting and scheduling classes, posting the graduation work and recommending medals for courses that award any badge or award. Instructors should take the time to develop instructors in training, allowing them to conduct the necessary administration as training as part of the qualification process. Instructors should refer to this document for any future queries.
Guidance to Section Leaders
Section Leaders are responsible to ensure that the courses under their section are being instructed in a professional, effective, and engaging manner. They are responsible to the School Commander to pass information relating to the performance of their section as required. They must notify the TCS School Commander once an instructor has reached "fully qualified" status. When observing an instructor in training, Section Commanders will be the primary Instructor for a course.
Guidance to TCS Commander
After receiving the PM regarding the new full-fledged instructor, the TCS Commander will add the instructor's name to the respective course staff here: https://7cav.us/threads/tcs-lead-instructors.32423/. The TCS Commander must audit classes whenever possible to ensure the TCS standard is maintained.
Assigning a new Fully Qualified Instructor to a course
Section Leaders are responsible for evaluating and passing Instructors in Training. Once the Instructor in Training has displayed the ability to lead that course effectively, the Section Leader will:
- Ensuring that the Instructor in Training is familiar with the correct graduation post and forum post formats and locations.
- Verify the Instructor in Training shows effective leadership
- The Section Leader will inform the Instructor in Training that they are now a fully qualified instructor.
- The Section Leader will inform the TCS Commander regarding this assignment in the TCS communication thread
New Instructor In-Clearance Routines
The Lead Instructor will:
- Conduct an in-person Initial Counselling Statement (ICS), and discuss:
- Minimum requirement of attending one course per month
- Discuss instructor interests to assign the correct section
- Explain the process to becoming fully qualified
- Review the S7 Wiki Page, as well your school’s Wiki page
- Review relevant information and S7 SOP’s with them
- Encourage the new Instructor to bookmark this information
- Explain the course scheduling policies
- Review the Regimental Calendar app
- Review the S7 Department - Class Posting SOP
- Review how to post a graduation announcement
- Add the Instructor to your school’s S7 Tracker
- Add the Instructor to your school’s S7 Google Drive with “Viewer” access
- Review your S7 Google Drive with the Instructor so they can find Lesson Plans
- Let the new Instructor know to look through the S7 Forums after S1 process their position announcement
- Encourage the new Instructor to bookmark and review the S7 Forums once available
- Create a new position assignment in the Position Announcements forum