Making a Tanker

We followed seven recruits as they traveled the path from civilian to Soldier.

This is Pvt. Janella Morales’ story.

Her journey first begins at 30th Adjutant General (Reception) Battalion.

Morales and other trainees pay close attention to instructions from drill sergeants on the first official day of Armor One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Morales joined to serve as a U.S. Army Tanker or 19 Kilo. She will spend the next 20 weeks here training.

Morales attempts to "zero" the M4 carbine rifle using the backup iron sights. During Week 2, the trainees begin to fire rifles with live ammunition. Up to this point, weapons training focused on breathing and trigger squeezing through digital simulation classes. The standard is to zero an M4 with the backup iron sight. Zeroing a firearm is adjusting the sights so the bullet hits where aimed.

"I’m making a lot of mistakes and it’s stressing me. I am confident, however, that I will make it through. Talking to my family really lifted me up. I know they are all proud of me."

Morales spends some of her personal time washing. For 30 minutes daily trainees get "personal time" in which they can do what they choose. Generally the trainees spend the time washing clothes, writing or reading letters or cleaning weapons.

"I struggle with push-ups but I’m still taking it day by day."

Morales, center with crutches, and other trainees from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, listen as drill sergeants give instructions on administering medical aide to an injured squad member. Trainees like Morales, who are injured during training are given the opportunity to make up lessons missed during their recovery.

The trainees of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, receive a lesson in the armor history at the Armor Museum Restoration Shop. The facility houses tanks, armored vehicles and weapons from the National Armor and Cavalry collection.

Morales and other trainees of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, are instructed on general maintenance and the components of the U.S. Army’s M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. Trainees spend several days learning the ins and outs of the vehicle that they will crew.

The trainees of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, drive M1 Abrams tanks around the Ground Mobility Division's course at Sandy Hook Range. The M1 has a maximum speed of 42 mph and a range of 256 miles.

Under the watchful eye an instructor, Morales and fellow trainees work to provide medical care and evacuate a casualty during a tactical combat casualty care exercise. The intent of this training is to reduce preventable combat deaths in a way that allows a unit to complete the mission while providing the best possible care for casualties.

Morales and the trainees of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, fire the main gun on the U.S. Army's M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. The M1 Abrams uses a 120 mm smoothbore gun that fires a variety of rounds capable of destroying enemy armor from great distances.

After a 12-mile ruck march, the trainees of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, receive their U.S. Army Armor insignia, at a transition ceremony on Harmony Church. The insignia features an M26 Pershing tank with its gun slightly raised, superimposed on two crossed cavalry sabers in scabbards.

After 20 weeks of Armor One Station Unit Training, Pvt. Janella Morales, along with the men and women of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, graduate. They are now officially 19 Kilos or U.S. Army Tankers. They will now join U.S. Armored divisions around the world.

"Morales said from 30th AG to graduation, her self-confidence has increased and she feels like she can accomplish any mission. "