M1 Abrams Career
M1 A1 A2 Tank System Maintainer

See Also:
Tank
Tank history WW1 WW2
List of tanks WW1, WW2, Modern
US Army List of Tanks WW2 M4_Sherman
US Tank Production World War 2
WW2 German Tank Production Panzer 3 III
Panzer 4 IV Pz4
Tiger 1
King Tiger 2
Maus (Tank) - Panzer VIII WW2 world largest tank
Matilda Infantry Tank
T-34 T34 Soviet medium tank IS-2_Soviet_Tank
ISU-152
T-35 Soviet Heavy Tank,
T-55 Tank,
T-62 Soviet Medium Tank,
T80 Main Battle Tank,
T-90 Main Battle Tank
T-72 Tank
M60 Patton
M1 Abrams M1A1 M1A2

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M1 ABRAMS Tank System Maintainer


Army forces use a wide array of weapons, from small field artillery to large ballistic missiles. Most of these weapons have electronic components and systems that help locate targets, aim weapons and fire those weapons. The ABRAMS Systems Maintainer is an integral member of the team that's responsible for keeping these weapons operating properly.

The M-1 Abrams Tank System Maintainer is primarily responsible for supervising and performing maintenance on Abrams tanks. Some of your duties as an M-1 Abrams Systems Maintainer may include:

* Performing major assembly replacement, including the turret and fire control systems
* Diagnosing and troubleshooting malfunctions
* Performing organizational maintenance and on-board direct support tasks on the suspension systems, steering systems, hydraulic systems, auxiliary power units, fire extinguisher/suppression systems, gas particulate systems and fire control systems
* Repairing and maintaining Abrams weapon systems and infantry weapons
* Cleaning and lubricating gyroscopes, sights and other electro-optical fire control components
* Repairing and maintaining missile mounts, platforms and launch mechanisms
* Testing and adjusting weapons firing, guidance and launch systems

Training
Helpful Skills
Advanced Responsibilities
Related Civilian Jobs
Related Army Positions
Civilian Certifications Earned

TRAINING

Job training for an M-1 Abrams Tank Systems Maintainer consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you learn are:

* Electronic and mechanical principles and concepts
* Use of electronic, electrical and mechanical test equipment
* Use of schematics, drawings and wiring diagrams
* Operation, testing and maintenance of weapons systems

HELPFUL SKILLS

Helpful attributes include:

* An interest in science and math
* An interest in working with electronic or electrical equipment
* An ability to do work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
* An interest in working with diesel engines

ADVANCED RESPONSIBILITIES

Advanced level M-1 Abrams Tank Systems Maintainers supervise and train other Soldiers within the same skill level. As an advanced level M-1 Abrams Tank Systems Maintainer, you may also be involved in:

* Diagnosing and troubleshooting malfunctions
* Performing organizational maintenance and on-board direct support tasks, including major assembly replacement

The Commander's station is equipped with six periscopes which provide all round 360 degree view. The Independent Thermal Viewer (ITV) from Texas Instruments provides him with independent, stabilized day and night vision with a 360 degree view, automatic sector scanning, automatic target cueing of the Gunner's sight with no need for verbal communication, and a complete back-up fire control system - the Commander is capable of firing the main gun independent of the Gunner.

The Gunner's Primary Sight-Line of Sight (GPS-LOS), was developed by the Electro-Optical Systems Division of Hughes Aircraft Company. The night vision Thermal Imaging System (TIS), also from Hughes, creates an image based on the differences of heat radiated by objects in the field of view. The thermal image is displayed in the eyepiece of the Gunner's sight together with the range measurement to within 10 meters of accuracy, from a Hughes laser range finder, which is integrated into all of the fire control systems. The Abrams also has an onboard digital fire control computer. Range data from the laser rangefinder is transferred directly to the fire control computer, which automatically calculates the fire control solution. The data includes 1) the lead angle measurement, 2) the bend of the gun measured by the muzzle reference system of the main armament, 3) wind velocity measurement from a wind sensor on the roof of the turret and 4) the data from a pendulum static cant sensor located at the center of the turret roof. The Gunner or Commander manually inputs the data on the ammunition type and temperature, and the barometric pressure and the weapon is prepared for engagement.

The Loader's station is located on the left side of the turret and has no special fire control equipment.

The Driver's station is located at the center front of the hull. The Driver is in a semi-reclined position when his hatch is closed, as it must be whenever the vehicle is in operation. His station is equipped with a standard array of gages and monitors reflecting the condition of vehicle fluid levels, batteries and electrical equipment. The Driver has either three observation periscopes or two periscopes on either side and a central image intensifying ("Starlight") periscope for night vision. The periscopes provide 120 degrees field of view. The Driver's night vision equipment enables the tank to maneuver at normal daytime driving speeds in darkness and in poor visibility conditions such as in the dust and smoke encountered on the battlefield.

The turret is fitted with two six-barreled M250 smoke grenade launchers, one on each side of the main gun. The standard smoke grenade contains a phosphors compound that masks thermal signature of the vehicle to the enemy. A smoke screen can also be laid by an engine operated system.