Army M1 Armor Crewman (MOS 19K) is a military occupational specialty within the United States Army. This Military Occupational Specialty has been in existence since 2004 as part of the Army’s conversion from the U.S. Army Armor Branch to Combined Arms as a whole. Soldiers in this MOS provide mobile, protected firepower to front-line units. This is accomplished by loading and firing an M1A2 SEP (Abrams tank), which is the primary combat vehicle used by the U.S. Army. The primary armament of this vehicle is a 120mm smoothbore cannon capable of firing high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) or armor-piercing ammunition rounds. A secondary weapon system can be installed on top, such as a .50 Caliber Machine Gun or 40mm Grenade Launcher. This article will provide further information on MOS 19K.
Army M1 Armor Crewman MOS 19K is a part of Complete List of Army Enlisted MOS.
Table of Contents
MOS 19K Requirements: Qualifications and Skills
In order to become MOS 19K, there are a few requirements you need to satisfy:
Qualification
Applicants should be GED graduates. ASVAB scores must be valid at the time of application to qualify for consideration. To be a MOS 19K, applicants will undergo rigorous training, including the U.S. Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for 15 weeks. An 87 score on the Skill Combat segment is required.
Required peak physical and mental condition
It is mandatory that the Soldier meets Army standards for a physical fitness test, demonstrating their strength, stamina, and cardiovascular capacity, including running for extended periods of time at intense levels. This requires a healthy diet and exercise regimen. They must also be prepared to manage intense conflicts and respond to dangerous circumstances without fear or hesitation.
Ready to accept a challenge and face danger
Army M1 Armor Crewman (MOS 19K) is required to think quickly in hazardous situations, make decisions on the spot when rules of engagement change quickly, and efficiently assess dangers when they threaten their team or mission. All these skills require courage and bravery, which will be essential for success throughout training and service opportunities for this position. You must also be able to follow orders from superiors even if it means disobeying an order that you know is not right.
An interest in medicine and science
Army M1 Armor Crewman (MOS 19K) must have a broad knowledge base from a medical perspective, as this is one of the most advanced military occupations now available to those who desire a career as an Army medic. Army M1 Armor Crewman (MOS 19K) will need to work closely with personnel in field hospitals, casualty collection points, evacuation teams, and transportation units. Army M1 Armor Crewman (MOS 19K) must understand how one medical treatment can affect another when treating patients in a combat zone. Achieving proficiency with what little equipment exists is a necessity for survival. Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), battlefield first aid, and combat lifesaver techniques are essential skills one must learn to be qualified as an M1 crewman.
Ability to work well in a team
Army M1 Armor Crewman’s duties require them to work closely with other military personnel in order to complete their jobs effectively. It takes a certain type of Soldier, one who is selfless and able to put others’ needs before his or her own wants or desires because they know what sacrifices it means for others. The crewman must be able to work cooperatively and in unison with other members of the unit and support and assist them in any way necessary.
Job Responsibilities
A U.S. Army M1 Armor Crewman is responsible for the operation of the tank, navigation, communications, and machine gun functions. The crewman must have a high level of following orders to remain effective because he also has to be able to maintain the tank’s actions even while being shot at by opposing forces. This Soldier would typically serve in a medium armored battalion which includes 38 tanks, while maintaining several smaller infantry units in order to create dominance over ground-based combat operations. A Crewman’s main responsibility is to ensure that the tank commander has the information he needs to make decisions on the battlefield. The crew member must be able to determine if their vehicle or its weapons are safe for continued use and if it is safe to return fire on an enemy target. A Crewman must be able to determine if they have been spotted by another enemy unit and what actions may be required to avoid detection.
Tank Operation
The primary function of an Army Tank Crewman is to operate, maintain, and repair armored vehicle systems. These systems include the main gun, armament controls, ammunition storage racks, power train components, and hydraulics. Some of these components are controlled automatically by the tank, while others are manually operated by the crew members. Tank Crewmen conduct their primary duties in three primary areas:
Maintenance includes performing preventive maintenance tasks to keep the tank in good working order; troubleshooting malfunctions or unmet needs; assembling or disassembling parts for repair or replacement; preparing spare parts kits and tools for transport into combat zones; loading basic spares into a vehicle’s cargo bed before a mission is launched.
The crew includes operating tank systems manually or automatically; monitoring vehicle components; passing information to the rest of the crew; coordinating crew tasks to maintain smooth operations; monitoring tracking systems; advising the Tank Commander on changes in ground conditions; recording gun barrel wear, and other tank maintenance information.
Combat includes operating radios and sensors to detect enemy tanks, friendly armor, or aircraft; communicating enemy positions to allied commanders (for example, using Troop Commanders Tactical Displays (TCTD) or a digital datalink); firing anti-armor weapons at enemy units.
Ammunition
Ammunition includes high explosive anti-tank rounds (HEAT), which are used primarily against armored vehicles and structures but can also be used against infantry targets that are in fortified fighting positions. The crewman must ensure that the tank is properly prepared for combat before moving out – this preparation includes ensuring that the turret has sufficient ammunition and the main gun is free of any obstructions. HEAT rounds are more effective against enemy vehicles, as they penetrate through most tank armor at short to medium range.
Ammunition is stored in ammunition racks that are located inside the hull of a tank. Ammunition racks provide storage for 1-2 rounds per ammo station. These ammo stations contain ammunition that is used by all main weapon systems mounted on tanks. Each station has its own set of 1-2 racks which hold an equal amount of rounds depending on their size and intended application. Ammunition racks are angled to allow for easy access; they are connected together in groups called ammunition stowages.
Communications
The crewman must be able to communicate effectively with other infantry units throughout his mission via radio communications, even while under attack by enemy tanks or heavy weapons. The tank’s communications setup includes a satellite communications receiver that receives digital voice, data, and text messages for transmission over secure military networks such as MILNET (military network) or FMN (fleet ethernet). The crewman also has access to NAVSTAR GPS receivers which allow him to plot his position by triangulating GPS signals from orbiting satellites.
A Tank Commander relies on his crew’s ability to understand his orders, pass those orders down the chain of command, and follow those orders by maintaining smooth, effective communication throughout the tank. Communication involves understanding who or what is being communicated with, how much time is required to communicate information from one person to another, and how far away from each other they may be located.
These radios are tuned to specific frequencies in order to avoid communications congestion on the battlefield. Heavy tanks have sophisticated communications equipment that permits the crew to communicate with other units and headquarters over a secure radio link. The M1’s radios include an EHF (microwave) radio that permits wireless voice and data transmission for echelons above division, while the VHF (very high frequency) radio set permits communications between tank platoons and the battalion/task force C.P.s (command posts).
The M1’s navigation equipment consists of a tank-mounted GPS receiver and a compass, which are used in conjunction to navigate across the terrain accurately. GPS receivers provide highly accurate position information that can be displayed on a digital map. They also provide precise time and velocity data needed to navigate. The crewman must be able to operate this equipment without disrupting the tank’s movement or seeing the display, as it is mounted at eye level directly in front of the driver. The tank’s systems augment these basic military navigational tools by providing precise digital maps, which allow the crew to pinpoint their location at any time during the movement.
Once they complete the mission, the crewman will use the tank’s communications equipment to report that they have arrived. This communication with the command is especially important for tank crews, as many of their missions do not end at a specific time or date but rather are completed once all targets have been destroyed. For example, if an enemy artillery weapon is accurately striking friendly troops with indirect fire, the tank crew would be called in to eliminate this threat. This mission can take hours or even days if it is far away from friendly lines.
Salaries
As in the Army, the salary depends largely on the individual’s rank or time in service. Here is a list of Pay Grade, Rank, and Minimum Monthly Pay:
Private (E-1), Min Pay: $1785
Private Second Class (E-2), Min Pay: $2001
Private First Class (E-3), Min Pay: $2104
Specialist (E-4), Min Pay: $2330
Corporal (E-4), Min Pay: $2330
Sergeant (E-5), Min Pay: $2542
Staff Sergeant (E-6), Min Pay: $2775
Sergeant First Class (E-7), Min Pay: $3208
Master Sergeant (E-8), Min Pay: $4480
First Sergeant (E-8), Min Pay: $4480
Sergeant Major (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Command Sergeant Major (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Sergeant Major of the Army (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Benefits
There are several benefits associated with MOS 19K, including medical insurance, paid sick time, vacation time, free housing and food, as well as tuition assistance:
Medical Insurance
The Army MOS 19K provides a wide variety of medical benefits, including mandatory health and accident coverage. Medical coverage is obtained through the special Program. The Program offers a wide variety of medical services at participating facilities where you can visit for routine checkups, routine hospitalization and inpatient care, and outpatient care. Service members’ dependents may qualify for coverage too!
Paid sick time
Active-duty soldiers and airmen receive paid sick leave in the service, which is vital for physical, mental, and emotional health. The Soldier may use up to three days of sick leave for minor illnesses such as colds, flu, and upset stomachs. Paid sick leave may be used concurrently with any other paid leave time the Soldier is entitled to receive in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Vacation Time
Sick leave and annual leave earned as a Soldier or as an Officer may be used as vacation (vacation leave). Vacation hours earned as a soldier may be used for any purpose the Soldier desires, except those military obligations that require immediate retention on active duty. Vacation hours earned as an officer cannot be carried over to the next calendar year.
Free Housing and food
The Army MOS 19K provides a wide variety of benefits, including housing and food allowances. Soldiers are eligible for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The BAH is paid into your bank account each month and will cover rent, utilities, furniture rental, and other miscellaneous expenses related to quarters. This allowance can be used to help offset any housing expenses not covered by the BAH, such as mortgage or interest payments on loans secured by Army-owned real estate.
Tuition Assistance
The Army MOS 19K is eligible for Tuition Assistance (T.A.) to help pay for college courses. The Soldier must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a qualifying institution. The tuition assistance courses must lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree or another credential such as a vocational certificate that will make the Soldier more valuable to the Army and U.S. society in general or improve the Soldier’s performance of his or her duty assignments.
Clothing Allowance
All enlisted active-duty soldiers and airmen receive a clothing allowance to replace clothing that is lost or damaged while in the service. The Clothing Allowance (C.A.) is paid into your bank account each month and will cover any necessary replacement costs for uniforms, work clothes, etc.
Job Opportunities
MOS 19K, Armor Crewman, deploys as a member of an Armored Vehicle crew serves as a mechanized infantryman on armored personnel carriers and is responsible for its operation, maintenance, and general upkeep of all Army combat vehicles and operate the vehicle to transport troops and equipment according to Army doctrine. Some of the job opportunities are available for MOS 19K as follows:
Explosives workers
The largest group of jobs in the Army is explosives workers, who work with high explosives, rocket propellants, and other dangerous materials. They assemble and handle weapons; test munitions; manufacture chemical, biological, and radiological warfare agents; maintain storage areas for these materials; operate detonation devices that trigger mines or bombs remotely or automatically to blow up enemy facilities.
Heavy equipment operators
Most heavy equipment operators run air compressors, bulldozers, graders, and dump trucks. They also may assemble tactical airstrips in combat zones to expedite the flow of supplies to troops. These workers drive vehicles equipped with special tools to clear battlefield obstacles or dig fighting positions for troops on the front lines.
Broadcast engineers
Broadcast engineers, who supervise stations and stations that record and broadcast information during battle, also may be assigned to heavy equipment operations. These workers perform many of the same functions as broadcast technicians or may advise on audio and video equipment.
Security guards
Generally, security guards work in pairs while on sentry duty at overnight guard posts, logistical supply points, and bases. They are armed with rifles for protection. They are also often charged with the task of guarding certain munitions or high-security areas. The Army has units that train enlisted soldiers in radio security systems that allow them access to radio traffic when needed during combat operations.
Truck drives
Driving a truck can be hazardous duty. Truck drives will deliver supplies to remote areas and to the front lines, which means that they must be prepared to handle emergencies. The drivers also must know how to recognize IEDs, as well as tactics to avoid them. In addition, these workers may be required to conduct limited repairs on vehicles and vehicles used for driving in combat zones.
First-line supervisors
First-line supervisors perform the same duties as those listed above but under the supervision of an officer who is responsible for their actions. These workers also possess a thorough knowledge of the MOS in which they work. Some heavy equipment operators, for example, will be supervised by a heavy equipment mechanic.
Summary of MOS 19K
Army M1 Armor Crewman (MOS 19K) is primarily responsible for the mission capable status of the Army’s combat vehicles. They have to be able to perform a wide array of tasks, including maintenance and recovery operations that require extensive training and experience. The focus on a crewman is primarily on the mobility, protection, firepower, and sustainment aspects of Army combat vehicles. One thing Army M1 Armor Crewmen have to have is a high degree of physical fitness. These Soldiers are expected to go through a number of training courses. From the perspective of career path, a wide range of opportunities is waiting for MOS 19K, as mentioned in the article, including explosives workers, equipment operators, or first-line supervisors.
FAQs
What is 19K MOS?
The 19K MOS is the Army’s armor crewman MOS. It is a motorized unit responsible for the maintenance and operation of the M1A2 main battle tank. The 19Ks primary mission is to maintain and operate the M1A2 main battle tank, but due to the nature of warfare, it may be required to direct tank fire from inside or outside of a vehicle. They must be prepared to perform emergency repairs on a vehicle under difficult circumstances. An armored crewman must also be prepared to operate radios and navigation equipment inside a tank, as well as inspect tanks for damage and load ammunition into the tanks’ breech.
Is 19K a combat MOS?
The 19K (armored crewman) is not a combat MOS. The 19K’s primary mission is to maintain and operate the M1A2 main battle tank.
What does an M1 armor crewman do?
On some occasions, an armored crewman may be required to ride in the turret while directing tank fire on targets outside of the vehicle. Other than that, their duties involve inspecting tanks for damage, loading ammunition into the tanks’ breech, refueling vehicles when necessary, operating radios and navigation equipment inside the tank, and conducting routine checks on weapons systems. Armored Crewmen must also be prepared to perform emergency repairs on vehicles in transit or garrison locations under difficult circumstances.
How much does an M1 armor crewman make?
The base pay for an armored crewman is $40,502 per year but can vary depending upon increased hostile territory and increased hazard pay.