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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
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 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
Advanced Responsibilities
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
Related Civilian Jobs
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.
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Check promotion Cut-off for MOS 19K