This is something that has interested me for some time now, but most information I find about it is vague or not detailed enough about what goes on.

So Totse, anyone know how the training would be like to become one (U.S Army). How long/selective is training?

What are the physical requirements?, Army's webpage basically repeated itself for ever single combat role. (Physically fit, can handle stressful situations, blah blah)


Anybody know how its like? From what I heard it gets damn hot and you live for days at a time in it. If you have been one yourself or knew someone can you share experiences?

Well training is at Ft Knox, Those things don't have AC so in Iraq they get to 130 inside the bitch. They are loud. Cramped. But dam near invulnerable there has been an instance were one was hit by 50 RPG's and it kept on trucking.

Well training is at Ft Knox, Those things don't have AC so in Iraq they get to 130 inside the bitch. They are loud. Cramped. But dam near invulnerable there has been an instance were one was hit by 50 RPG's and it kept on trucking.

Holy crap 130 degrees?! Hope its at least not too humid in there. Yeah from what I heard the RPG's are no real threat but the IED's supposed to be.

You just brought up more questions, that I am not sure many people on this forum can answer. You mention that its cramped and that reminded me of how T-72 tankers can't be taller than 5'6 because of the very low profile. Anyone know if there are any height/size requirments? Also how about vision do you need to have 20/20 to be a gunner? Something I'd prefer considering you don't need any of the higher ranks for that or mechanical skills like the driver is required to have.

Anyways thanks for some of the insights, I know I'm not asking asking easy questions.

Well training is at Ft Knox, Those things don't have AC so in Iraq they get to 130 inside the bitch. They are loud. Cramped. But dam near invulnerable there has been an instance were one was hit by 50 RPG's and it kept on trucking.

just the right conditions for hot buttsecks

Yeah from what I heard the RPG's are no real threat but the IED's supposed to be.

RPGs, no. In fact under battlefield conditions, tankers will travel in such a formation as to allow them to spray each other with coax fire should infantry start climbing on the tanks.

The only IEDs that might pose a problem are really big ones (like mortar shell IEDs and 155s), and EFPs. Then there's purpose made anti armor weaponry, such as Javs and TOWs.

I remember something about a Russian made, shoulder fired, KEP weapon making it through the front armour and a crew member before lodging in the rear armour. There was a bit of a fuss because Australia had just bought 80 Abrams and people were concerned about their viability.

I remember something about a Russian made, shoulder fired, KEP weapon making it through the front armour and a crew member before lodging in the rear armour. There was a bit of a fuss because Australia had just bought 80 Abrams and people were concerned about their viability.

Unless Australia got the new Merkava they'd probably have that problem with any tank they bought.

I know they upgraded the armor on the new versions. I don't think there has been more then an mobility kill on an abrams in iraq.

I'd hate to be in there for days... living, sleeping, eating... passing gas.

:mad:

Holy crap 130 degrees?! Hope its at least not too humid in there. Yeah from what I heard the RPG's are no real threat but the IED's supposed to be.

You just brought up more questions, that I am not sure many people on this forum can answer. You mention that its cramped and that reminded me of how T-72 tankers can't be taller than 5'6 because of the very low profile. Anyone know if there are any height/size requirments? Also how about vision do you need to have 20/20 to be a gunner? Something I'd prefer considering you don't need any of the higher ranks for that or mechanical skills like the driver is required to have.

Anyways thanks for some of the insights, I know I'm not asking asking easy questions.

It can get over 130 degrees in Iraq. An abrams in those conditions it can get well over 140 degrees in there. I knew some tankers when I went on our last field problem. There is restrictions on how tall you are and no you don't have to have 20/20 vision to be a tanker, but you to have to be not color blind. Usually you start out as the driver and work your way up to the loader and then abrams cheif. Atleast thats how it works on a bradly. Yes you will spend a long time in an abrams if your in a combat situation. I.E. eating, shitting, and being in a small ass tank compartment for days at time. Also don't expect to eat a hot meal in one because they don't let you use MRE heaters inside of closed compartments. If you want to blow shit up go 13f, 13b, 19d or 11c. But if you want to see shit blow up go 13fox. Thats what I do, I love it. If You have more questions about the army get ahold of me. Don't take too long though because I go to NTC on 4th of Sep. for 34 days, Then a few weeks back in garison and then muzul Iraq for a combat tour.


B_I

Ahhh. So you are a "fister" bongit? I am currently in ft. carson. 13b baby. if you want to blow shit up i suggest 21b. 13Bs get to blow shit up but it is usually miles away and you cant see it let alone here the explosion. and btw if you do want to be a tanker dont expect to jump right in as a gunner. you have to prove yourself first. if it is anything like artillery it is usually an e5 or a really really squared away e4 gunning, with a ssgt. as a crew chief/section chief.

myy job is advanced party/ number one man. i do the job that no one else wants to do; recon the position where the gun will be layed, pick a nice flat spot, use the m2 compass to get the AZ of fire and sight to crest, refer to aiming circle for initial deflection, run wire for communications, and bring the howitzer into position. during live fire missions i load the rounds and make sure thebore is clear and safety selector is in the right postion.

onetime during live fire our chief gave the order to fire and the safety selector was on safe. our gunner was like "fuck!" trying to pull the firing lever back when it was on safe...yeah i got chewed pretty good for that one.

I'd imagine it would be immensely satisfying to know you have the biggest gun on the ground and you could FUCK anything up.

I'd imagine it would be immensely satisfying to know you have the biggest gun on the ground and you could FUCK anything up.

Sure, if they let you shoot it, which given today's political climate, won't happen. You even have to call in if you have to shoot your .50. Besides, artillery is typically moar bigger, and I'd hazard gets shot moar than MBT cannon rounds. For the same reason that battleships were obsolete in WW2, I'd think that MBTs are obsolete in 4th generation warfare.

I'd think that MBTs are obsolete in 4th generation warfare.

Hell no! Someone has gotta teach a motherfucker about parking laws!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJC1unnuwds&feature=related

Hmm... what was the name of the documentary the clip was from?

The A/C statement is exactly true. Depends on the tank. On the M1A2 SEP you have A/C that runs through a plastic hose that you can stick in your coveralls. Boy does that feel nice. As for being a Tanker, I recommend it, plus once you shoot table 8 gunnery, you get to wear cool boots. The loader has the most physically demanding job so he is going to load rounds. The driver in my opinion has it easy because he gets to set in a reclined position. The coolest job is the Gunner because thats where you get to have the most fun. The Tank Commander gets to tell the rest of the crew what to do.