MOS 1812, M1A1 Tank Crewman

[AAV Crewchief]

Do you carry a rifle with you when you're in a tank? I mean the space is probably cramped already in there... and I know every Marine is a rifleman, so I'd figure even tankers would carry an M16.

Also, does being an 1812 include manning the .50 caliber machine gun on the tank? Also, if I chose the 18xx field, what would be the chances of not getting the 1812 MOS?

Until you are the vehicle commander you probably won't ever ride in the hatch where the .50 cal is. You will train on the weapon, but as a NEWB you'll be down below in the innards of the vehicle.

[sapper101]

I'm a tanker and its not that bad. We all get a 9mm and there are weapons racks in the tank. The M1 is pretty much a rolling arsenal. We carry about 40+ main gun rounds, about 10,000 7.62 and as much 50. cal as the racks can carry. Besides the 9mm (4) and M16/M4's we have 1 120mm main gun, 1 50 cal. and 2 M240 machine gunes.

[sapper101]

I'm a tanker stationed at Camp Lejuene. Hit me up with questions you have.