Becoming a Tanker | Episode 1

Combat power on the battlefield.
The Armor Branch started its lineage with Cavalry forces, and in WWI the idea of an outfitted mechanized vehicle that could work with Infantrymen to get across no man's land was created.
When it comes to the evolution of tanks, there are the "big three" features: protection, mobility, and firepower.
#TankTuesday

[@carlhicksjr8401]

Former tanker and forever cavalryman here. I rode with the Blackhorse patrolling the Trace back before many of you were born.
That's fine, btw. You will do things that I never did in your lives, and more power to you.
Here's the thing about that treadhead life:
1. It's hard work. The Armor/Cavalry Branch fully endorses and happily follows the old cavalry adage, 'The horse, the saddle, the man'. When you roll in after a hard FTX, the first thing that gets cleaned and returned to operational condition is your track. And that's before you spend a couple hours [most often more] cleaning every single weapon you know how to use before the Armorer accepts it back into the cage. Once all that is done, maybe then you can think about getting some sleep...
2. Your primary mission in life to Lift Heavy Shit. Everything on a tank is heavy, from the armor to the ammo.
3. Tank crews are a VERY tight environment. You will be living in each other's grill on a day to day basis. Do NOT let your crewmates down. Ever. Stick up for them in a fight, drag their ass out of the bar before the cops get there, whatever you have to do. Remember, they are literally the only things between you and burning to death. Totally not kidding.
4. Tanking is a temporary thing. There are NO armored vehicle jobs on the outside. Trust me, I've looked. So get some education while you're in and it's still cheap. The time you spend using your your brain cells [and not killing them] will pay off in spades.
5. DO NOT get married before you make E-5.
That's all from me. Good luck, Godspeed, and a respectful tip of the Stetson to you.

[@nazilaarastoo7484]

thank you for service 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@trudoug]

In 1971, I as an rto/rtt operator was ordered to accommodate a tanker on a 2 man mission, one tank. I sat on the side, don't recall which tho, and we guarded a water hole for a few hours. Sat in the shade of the side of the tank. Hot day but not in the shade!! He went by the name Shorty.