The enlisted person who seeks to join the Marine Corps that wants to be a M1 Tank crewman is a person who will have an adventurous and exciting job ahead of them. The Tank crewperson works to keep their tracked vehicle in good repair, and to keep up with all maintenance during both land and amphibious operations. The duty of a M1 Tank operator includes being able to perform basic tasks in a combined environment area inside combat vehicles.
A M1A1 Tank crew or unit crewman knows various skills and performs operations in support of the mission assigned to the tank crew. The Tank crew of a M1A1 functions as a unit, to provide tactical employment, firing, and maneuvering. Tasks of a M1A1 crewman can include preparing the tank, assembling equipment, personnel and supplies for movement, preparation of ammunition for firing, driving the tank, aiming, loading, and firing operations in the M1A1 tank environment, locating targets, and other various tank crew type responsibilities.
Requirements/Prerequisites to serve as an M1 Tank vehicle crewman:
-Combined score on the GT section of the ASVAB tests of 90 or higher.
-Normal Vision correctable to 20/20.
-Normal Color Vision and normal hearing.
Training for an M1Abrahms tank crewman begins as with all Marine enlisted candidates, Basic Combat training. After boot camp a M1 tank candidate will attend the M1A1 Armor course. This is a course of training involving both classroom training and combat skill training. Training is conducted at Ft Knox, Kentucky and consists of both on the job training, as well as modified skills training conducted under simulated conditions. Upon graduation of the M1A1 armor course, a candidate is considered non-MOS qualified.
To become MOS Qualified, the candidate will then attend a training course held also at Fort Knox Kentucky. Called the M1A1 Reserve Tank Gunner/Commander Course, it is a nineteen-day advanced training course that will teach and hone the necessary skills to be a certified M1A1 crewman. After completion of the Reserve Tank Gunner/Commander course, the candidate will have an opportunity to demonstrate their skills to the instructor/inspector of the battalion. Upon successful demonstration of skills they may become billet certified as a M1A1 tank crewman.
If you have good basic mechanical ability and the ability to use tools, and can work successfully in a team environment, and do not mind-closed spaces, this may be the job for you.
March 14th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
[...] The infantry of the U.S. Marine Corps is known across the world scene for its bravery and courage, and courage under fire. Much of the Marine Corps reputation is built on the fact that the Marine Infantry is better than any other force in the world at close combat, and at Combat Arms, Marine style. The MOS field of Combat Arms covers a large area. These areas include; Armor, Artillery specialties, and Infantry. The Marines that choose to pursue this MOS field are considered to be experts in weapons, survival, martial arts, and various battlefield tactics. As a member of Marine Combat Arms, you will join an elite company of soldiers that include: Infantry: Machine gunner, mortar man, Infantry Rifleman, Anti Tank Missile operator. Artillery: Field Artillery Fire Control, Radar operator, Field Artillery cannon operator. Armor: Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewman, and Tank Crewman. [...]