Ever since I was little, I've been fascinated by tanks. I'm considering joining the military after high school and I'm wondering which branch would best fit my interest. Does anyone have any insights on this?
The United States Army is the branch that makes the most extensive use of tanks in its operations, which should align with your interests. The main battle tank used by the U.S. Army is the M1 Abrams. This stunning piece of technology is full of advanced equipment - from its 120mm smoothbore gun to the sophisticated armor that keeps crew safe during battle.
In the Army, you would likely be trained as a member of the Armor Branch, which is the segment of the Army responsible for armored and cavalry forces. There, you could train to become an M1 armor crewman, essentially the personnel who work as a team to operate these tanks. This position involves a lot of hands-on experience with handling, maintaining, and operating tanks.
Additionally, the Army offers "tank school" at Fort Benning, Georgia, where you will learn everything from driving a tank to shooting its main gun. Tank school also involves physical training, so staying in good physical condition would be very beneficial.
Another consideration is the US Marine Corps who, despite being primarily amphibious, do make use of tanks in their operations. However, it's essential to note that the Marine Corps recently has begun to phase out tanks from their forces, intending to become a more light and mobile force, focusing more on sea-based operations.
So based on current trends and operations, if you're passionate about tanks, the U.S. Army would likely provide the most opportunities to engage with and operate them. As always, you should research and consider all the demands and responsibilities that come with military service, as well as the variety of roles and opportunities in different branches before making a decision.
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