The Army's mounted combat arm. Armor and Cavalry Soldiers operate tanks, fighting vehicles, and conduct reconnaissance to close with and destroy the enemy by fire, maneuver, and shock action.
The 19-Series is the Army's armored combat force. From M1 Abrams tankers to Cavalry Scouts on the forward edge, Armor Soldiers deliver overwhelming firepower and shock action in every fight.
Leading the Army's heavy metal. Armor Officers plan and lead missions to destroy enemy forces using tanks and scout platforms.
Leading the Army's reconnaissance and security missions. Cavalry Officers plan and lead scouting operations forward of friendly lines.
The 19K M1 Armor Crewman operates the M1 Abrams. Tankers deliver devastating firepower and shock action on the modern battlefield.
The eyes and ears of the battlefield. Cavalry Scouts conduct reconnaissance and surveillance forward of friendly lines.
The pinnacle of enlisted Armor leadership. 19Zs serve as operations sergeants major and first sergeants at battalion and brigade level.
Junior enlisted Armor Soldiers begin their career as loaders and drivers on the M1 Abrams or as scouts in a cavalry troop. Promotion to SPC/E-4 typically occurs within 2-3 years and brings increased responsibility as a gunner or vehicle commander trainee.
This is the time to master your platform, qualify on gunnery tables, and build the foundation for NCO leadership. Pursue additional schools and volunteer for deployment opportunities.
The NCO corps is the backbone of Armor. Sergeants (E-5) serve as tank commanders or scout section leaders, while Staff Sergeants (E-6) lead sections and platoons. This is where Armor leaders are forged — directly responsible for crew training, vehicle maintenance, and tactical employment in combined arms operations.
Completion of BLC (Basic Leader Course) is required for E-5, and ALC (Advanced Leader Course) for E-6. Master Gunner School and Ranger School significantly improve promotion potential.
Senior NCOs represent the most experienced and capable leaders in Armor. Sergeants First Class (E-7) serve as Platoon Sergeants, Master Sergeants/First Sergeants (E-8) lead at company/troop level, and Sergeants Major/Command Sergeants Major (E-9) serve at battalion, brigade, and higher.
These positions are highly competitive and board-selected. A record of combat leadership, Master Gunner qualification, advanced school completion, and consistent top-block evaluations are essential.
Enlisted Armor Soldiers with leadership potential and a bachelor's degree (or willingness to earn one) can pursue commissioning through Officer Candidate School (OCS) or the Green-to-Gold program. OCS is a 12-week intensive course at Fort Moore, while Green-to-Gold sends soldiers to college full-time with an ROTC scholarship.
Former enlisted Armor soldiers who commission as Armor Officers bring invaluable tactical and gunnery experience that sets them apart from their peers. Understanding crew dynamics and vehicle operations from the ground up makes for exceptional platoon leaders.
| Installation | Location | Division / Unit | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Moore | GA | Maneuver Center of Excellence | TRADOC |
| Fort Carson | CO | 4th Infantry Division | FORSCOM |
| Fort Stewart | GA | 3rd Infantry Division | FORSCOM |
| Fort Cavazos | TX | 1st Cavalry Division | Armored |
| Camp Humphreys | South Korea | 2nd Infantry Division | OCONUS |
| Grafenwoehr | Germany | 2CR / 3-4 CAV | OCONUS |
Armor Soldiers serve at major Army installations with armored brigade combat teams and cavalry squadrons. Duty station assignment depends on unit needs, platform qualification (Abrams/Bradley/Stryker), and soldier preference.
The Army's mounted combat power. From the plains of Fort Cavazos to the training grounds of Grafenwoehr, Armor Soldiers stand ready to close with the enemy by fire, maneuver, and shock action.
Explore Training Courses19K tankers crew the M1 Abrams — 70 tons of American firepower. OSUT at Fort Moore teaches you to drive, load, gun, and command the most lethal main battle tank on the planet.
19D Scouts are the eyes and ears of the battlefield. 19K Tankers bring the thunder. Both share the same Armor branch and OSUT location, but the mission and platform are different. Choose your path.
Gunnery qualification is the defining skill in Armor. Master your fire commands, engagement techniques, and target identification. Table VIII crew qualification is what separates good crews from great ones.
The Master Gunner Course is the premier technical school for Armor NCOs. Master Gunners are the unit's gunnery experts, advising commanders on weapons employment and managing gunnery programs.
19Ks crew the M1 Abrams tank. 19Ds typically operate Bradleys, HMMWVs, or Strykers depending on the unit. Both platforms are lethal — your MOS determines which you'll master first.
Armor promotion to E-5 averages 3-4 years. BLC completion, a strong NCOER, Master Gunner qualification, and Ranger tab dramatically accelerate the timeline.
Armor is the Army's mounted combat arm — lethal, mobile, and decisive. Whether you crew an M1 Abrams or scout the battlefield in a Bradley, the 19-Series puts you at the tip of the spear in armored warfare. Arrive ready to learn your platform, master gunnery, and never quit on your crew.
Start Armor PrepTreat 'Em Rough.
I am Armor.
I am the combat arm of decision.
I close with the enemy
by fire and maneuver
to destroy or capture him.
I am the mounted warrior,
the eyes and ears of the battlefield.From the horse cavalry to the M1 Abrams,
I carry the legacy of speed, shock, and firepower.
I am always forward, always ready.
My crew is my family. My tank is my home.Treat 'Em Rough!