Join the Army > M1 Armor Crewman

The Armor Crewman works as part of a team to operate armored equipment and fire weapons to destroy enemy positions. During peacetime, tank and armor units must stay ready to defend our country anywhere in the world. During combat, their role is to operate tanks and amphibious assault vehicles to engage and destroy the enemy. Tanks like the M1A2 Abrams use mobility, firepower and shock effect to close with and extinguish enemy forces. Some of your duties as an Armor Crewman may include: Assisting in target detection and identification Loading and firing guns Operating two-way radios and signaling equipment to receive and relay battle orders Placing turrets in operations Operating main gun controls and firing controls Operating tracked and wheeled vehicles over varied terrain Securing battle positions Operating internal communications equipment Selecting tank routes Positioning vehicles in firing positions Reading maps, compasses and battle plans

Requirements Armor Crewmen must be in good physical condition and have exceptional stamina. They must be able to work inside the confined area of a tank for long periods of time. Good vision and normal color vision are required in order to read maps, drive vehicles around obstacles and locate targets.

Training Job training for an Armor Crewman consists of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and Advanced Individual Training for a total of 15 weeks of One Station Unit Training (OSUT). Part of this time is spent in a classroom and part in the field under simulated combat. Tank crews take part in war games, which simulate combat conditions. Some of the skills you learn are: Tank operations Armor offensive and defensive tactics Map reading Scouting techniques Field combat strategy

Helpful Skills Helpful attributes include: Ability to work as a team member Readiness to accept a challenge and face danger Ability to stay in top physical condition Interest in medicine and science Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

Advanced Skills Advanced level Armor Crewmen supervise and train other Soldiers. As an advanced level Armor Crewman, you may be involved in: Assisting tank commander in training tank crew Preparing, filing and distributing operations maps, situation maps and overlays Reading and interpreting maps and aerial photographs Indicating location, strength, tactical deployment and emplacement of friendly and enemy units Assisting in maintaining the gunnery proficiency of subordinate gunners and loaders