19K M1 Armor Crewman

About the Role

As an M1 Armor Crewman, you’ll keep your unit ready to operate and engage the enemy. You will operate tanks like the M1A2 Abrams—one of the most sophisticated pieces of military equipment in the world—and other amphibious assault vehicles to engage and destroy enemy forces or positions.

Responsibilities

• Operate tracked and wheeled vehicles over various terrain
• Use communications equipment to receive and relay battle orders
• Read maps, compasses, and battle plans
• Drive armored equipment
• Identify and pursue targets
• Fire weapons to take out enemy forces or positions

Skills You’ll Learn

• Armor offensive and defensive tactics
• Map reading and scouting techniques
• Field combat strategy

Helpful Skills

• Readiness to accept a challenge
• Top physical and mental shape

The discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills you develop as an M1 Armor Crewman can be applied in any civilian career, including mechanics and repair industries.

Training

Instead of paying to learn these skills, you will be paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance. Job training for an M1 Armor Crewman requires 15 weeks of One Station Unit Training, which consists of Basic Training to learn basic Soldiering skills, and Advanced Individual Training to learn your specialty in depth. Part of this time is spent in a classroom and part in the field under simulated combat.

Benefits

• Paid training
• A monthly paycheck
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Federal and State tuition assistance
• Retirement benefits for part-time service
• Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
• 401(k)-type savings plan
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
• Health care benefits
• VA home loans
• Bonuses, if applicable

Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change.

Requirements

• Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
• Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)

Programs and benefits are subject to change. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.