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:

• Assist in target detection and identification
• Load and fire guns
• Operate two-way radios and signal equipment to receive and relay battle orders
• Place turret in operations
• Operate main gun controls and firing controls
• Operate tracked and wheeled vehicles over varied terrain
• Secure battle positions
• Operate internal communications equipment
• Select tank routes
• Position vehicles in firing positions
• Read maps, compasses and battle plans

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.

Job training for an Armor Crewman requires 15 weeks of One Station Unit Training (OSUT), which consists of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and Advanced Individual Training. 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 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 level Armor Crewmen provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Armor Crewman, you may be involved in:

• Assist tank commander in training tank crew
• Prepare, file and distribute operations maps, situation maps and overlays
• Read and interpret maps and aerial photographs
• Indicate location, strength, tactical deployment and emplacement of friendly and enemy units
• Assist in maintaining the gunnery proficiency of subordinate gunners and loaders

The skills you learn as an Armor Crewman, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose. The experience you gain from operating and servicing the tanks and their equipment will no doubt prepare you for a future in the mechanics repair industry.

• Cavalry Scout (19D)
• Fire Support Specialist (13F)
• Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS/HIMARS) Crewmember (13M)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.