First off I wanted to apologize if I'm not allowed to post here. I'm aware that I'm not allowed to start new topics in the infantry forum but wasn't sure if its the same for the Armor Forum also? Just tell me if it is and I wont do it again.

Anyway, I'm really wanting to go tanks in the Marine Corps. I'm just looking for some answers to some questions.

1. I know that there is a brotherhood in the Marines. Do tankers share a "special" brotherhood? Sorry if that sounds corny but I'm just wondering.

2. What are some of the best parts of being a tanker?

3. Do you do night operations with tanks? If so, is it fun?

4. Is there a way I can have a better chance at getting tanks instead of AAV? I mean, I would drive AAV if I had to but would rather like to do tanks.

I think that's all for now. I will update qith questions as they come along. Thanks guys.

I'm not a Tanker but I'll give you my input from being around them this past 2+ years. I'll let KingVoodoo elaborate further.

1. Yes. The Marine Tank community is very small, tight knit brotherhood. However if you are a dirtbag the whole community will know it.

2. I'll let KV answer this, but will add shooting the main gun on a tank was one of the 10 coolest things I've done in my life.

3. Yes, Yes

4. No, unless you go reserves.

1. There are relatively few Marine Tankers, so it is a close community. ABV Gunns was right when he said that such tightness can be detrimental if you carry a bad reputation.

2. The best part is simply being a Tanker. It is a ton of fun, but with that comes some hard work. As ABV Gunns said, firing the main gun is an amazing experience. There isn't a position on the tank that isn't a ton of fun. Also, we don't have to hump anywhere...

3. Night operations are a blast. Tanks are able to function fully at night.

4. Going Reserves, you can enlist expressly as a Tanker, but on the active duty side, you run the risk of being placed anywhere in the Combat Support field. With the Reserves, it can be an issue should you live a good distance from a tank company.

People have said that not doing well on swim qualification will keep you from AAVs and LAVs, but that is not advised. Do the best you can and hope that you can get tanks.

So are you enlisting in the Reserves or Active Duty? That will help tell what your chances are.

Thanks both of you. I plan on enlisting Active right out of high school. When you said that I run the risk of being anywhere in the support field, do you mean I could be artillery too? Or do I just select an armor contract and have a 50/50 chance of tanks or AAV? Or how does that work?

Any MOS thats in that Combat Support Option could be one you end up with. Last I checked it was Tanks, AAV's, Arty or LAAD (Low Altitude Air Defense) Gunner.

For gods sake don't bomb your swim qual hoping to get tanks vice AAV's. You should strive to do your best at everything.

Did that change, because you used to be able to specifically enlist for tanks.

quote:

Originally posted by ABVGunns:
For gods sake don't bomb your swim qual hoping to get tanks vice AAV's. You should strive to do your best at everything.

Of course not. I wasn't planning on doing that. I'm a good swimmer and will do my best in boot.

quote:

Originally posted by SgtShaw86:
Did that change, because you used to be able to specifically enlist for tanks.

You can't enlist for any specific MOS unless you're going reserves.

Tried to send this on email but got an internal server error message...

Well, I don't know when that started, because I signed up for 0151 and that is what I got and I didn't go reserves. I was offered a $3500 bonus for that MOS.

quote:

Originally posted by SgtShaw86:
Tried to send this on email but got an internal server error message...

Well, I don't know when that started, because I signed up for 0151 and that is what I got and I didn't go reserves. I was offered a $3500 bonus for that MOS.

Huh?

quote:

Originally posted by SgtShaw86:
Tried to send this on email but got an internal server error message...

Well, I don't know when that started, because I signed up for 0151 and that is what I got and I didn't go reserves. I was offered a $3500 bonus for that MOS.

Way back in 86 that may have been the case. 22 years later it is not. This is why Marine recruiters are trained to sell prospects on being a Marine first not being an 01XX, 02XX etc.

Damn Gunns! Did you HAVE to make me feel so OLD!

I probably shouldn't tell you what I was doing in 86 then.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ABVGunns,

You all forgot to tell him about how much fun it is to fix a busted track in the middle of summer in 29P during a CAX.

Go LAV, it's much easier plugging a hole instead of breaking down tracks.

And do NOT throw swim qual for any reason.

Just my .02 from back n the day.

I'd gladly break track in exchange for more firepower. 120mm>25mm

So...whats it link inside the tank? I'm 6'1 now, I'll probably be 6'3 when I get to the Marines. Is it crowded?

Also, is AAV fun to drive?

quote:

Originally posted by XxIronman17xX:
So...whats it link inside the tank? I'm 6'1 now, I'll probably be 6'3 when I get to the Marines. Is it crowded?

Also, is AAV fun to drive?

Answer the mail here, and I'll answer your question.

quote:

Originally posted by ABVGunns:

quote:

Originally posted by XxIronman17xX:
So...whats it link inside the tank? I'm 6'1 now, I'll probably be 6'3 when I get to the Marines. Is it crowded?

Also, is AAV fun to drive?

Answer the mail here, and I'll answer your question.

What's that have to do with anything?

quote:

Originally posted by XxIronman17xX:
I had all my questions answered and I'm pretty much done here.

Apparently not because your still asking questions. So you answer their questions and I'll answer yours.

While it is nothing short of thrilling to see someone other than ABVGunns posting here, you do need to answer those questions.

(Not to say that I don't enjoy your posts, Gunny)