The Ultimate 2025 Guide To 19K MOS Duty Stations: Where M1 Abrams Crewmen Get Stationed
The US Army’s M1 Armor Crewman (MOS 19K) is one of the most critical and demanding combat roles, placing soldiers directly inside the world-class M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. For any new tanker graduating One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), the single most pressing question is: Where will I be stationed? As of December 25, 2025, the assignments for 19K soldiers are dynamic, reflecting the Army’s current global posture and the ongoing modernization of its Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs).
The duty station you receive will dictate everything from your daily life and training tempo to your potential for deployment and the quality of your family's experience. While the list of installations housing heavy armor units remains relatively stable, recent force structure changes and the Army’s focus on large-scale combat operations mean that the operational tempo for 19K M1 Armor Crewmen is higher than ever, making your first assignment a pivotal moment in your career.
The Definitive List of CONUS 19K MOS Duty Stations
The majority of M1 Armor Crewmen are assigned to major installations across the Continental United States (CONUS) that house Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). These locations are the heart of the Army’s heavy armor capability, providing the vast training areas necessary for M1 Abrams operations. Your assignment will place you in one of the four primary roles within the tank: Driver, Loader, Gunner, or Tank Commander.
Fort Cavazos, Texas (Formerly Fort Hood)
Fort Cavazos is arguably the single largest concentration of armor units in the US Army. Home to the legendary 1st Cavalry Division, this installation offers a high-tempo environment with extensive training areas. A 19K soldier here will experience a constant rotation of field exercises and gunnery ranges, making it an excellent place to quickly gain experience and move up the ranks from Loader to Gunner. The sheer size of the post and the number of Armored Brigade Combat Teams guarantee a robust and demanding experience.
Fort Riley, Kansas
Home of the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One), Fort Riley is a classic armor post. The post offers a more tight-knit, community-focused feel compared to the larger Texas installations. 19K soldiers at Fort Riley benefit from the post's focus on maintaining combat readiness and its frequent participation in major training rotations. The climate and landscape are ideal for M1 Abrams maneuver training, providing a quintessential tanker experience.
Fort Bliss, Texas
Located in El Paso, Fort Bliss is a large installation that provides a unique blend of desert training and city access. The post is home to the 1st Armored Division (Old Ironsides). For a 19K M1 Armor Crewman, Fort Bliss offers challenging desert training environments, which are crucial for replicating potential combat zones. The proximity to El Paso and the New Mexico mountains provides numerous off-duty opportunities, a significant factor for many soldiers.
Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia
As the home of the 3rd Infantry Division (The Marne Division), this installation is a major power center for the Army. While known for its infantry and mechanized units, it maintains significant armor capability. 19K soldiers here train in varied terrain, from dense woodland to open fields, preparing them for a wide range of operational environments. The post’s location near the coast offers a different lifestyle than the inland desert posts.
Fort Carson, Colorado (Status Change Alert)
Fort Carson has historically been a key duty station for armor units, but a previous announcement suggested its armor presence was being phased out or significantly reduced for the 19K MOS. While some units may remain for a transitional period, new 19K recruits should be aware of this potential elimination of long-term armor assignments here. The base is known for its beautiful mountain setting, but the future for a new M1 Armor Crewman here is less certain than at other major ABCT posts.
Specialized and Rotational 19K Assignments
Not all 19K assignments are to traditional ABCTs. Some assignments offer unique training or operational experiences that can be highly beneficial for career progression, especially for those who aspire to become a Master Gunner or a highly proficient Tank Commander.
Fort Irwin, California (National Training Center - NTC)
The National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin is one of the Army's premier combat training centers. While not a permanent ABCT base, the NTC requires a permanent element of 19K soldiers to act as the Opposing Force (OPFOR). This is a highly sought-after assignment. As an OPFOR tanker, you will spend your time fighting "fake tank battles" against rotating units, gaining unparalleled tactical experience and a deep understanding of enemy doctrine. Furthermore, the base’s location offers access to Los Angeles, beaches, and various outdoor activities during off-duty time.
Fort Moore, Georgia (Training and Doctrine Command - TRADOC)
Fort Moore is where all 19K soldiers begin their journey, completing the 15-week One Station Unit Training (OSUT). While most soldiers move on, a small number of high-performing 19K NCOs and officers are selected to remain at the post for TRADOC assignments. These roles involve training the next generation of tankers, developing doctrine, or serving as Tank Commander in a training environment.
OCONUS Assignments: Europe and Korea
For the M1 Armor Crewman, OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) assignments are highly competitive and often rotational, reflecting the Army’s shift in global strategy. These assignments provide invaluable experience in joint and multinational operations.
Europe (Germany and Rotational Deployments)
Europe remains a critical area for US heavy armor. A significant portion of 19K soldiers, estimated to be around 18% of the MOS, are stationed in Europe. The primary location is Germany, which serves as a hub for US Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF). Assignments here are often with permanently stationed units or with units that support the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI). This includes rotational deployments to countries like Poland, where Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs) maintain a persistent presence to train with NATO allies.
Korea (Rotational Support)
While permanent Armored Brigade Combat Teams are generally no longer stationed in South Korea, the region still requires 19K support. Approximately 6% of the 19K force is assigned to Korea, often in rotational or support roles. This is an excellent opportunity for a soldier to experience a unique culture and operational environment, though the assignment length may be shorter than a typical three-year OCONUS tour.
Key Entities and LSI Keywords for the 19K MOS
To truly understand the 19K MOS, a soldier must be familiar with the key components, units, and terms that define the role. These entities are essential for career progression, from a low-echelon Loader to a high-ranking Tank Commander.
- M1A2 Abrams: The main weapon system, continuously upgraded with variants like the SEP V2 and SEP V3.
- Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT): The primary unit structure for 19K soldiers, containing the tank battalions.
- CMF 19 (Career Management Field 19): The overarching career field that includes the 19K M1 Armor Crewman, 19D Cavalry Scout, and 19C MGS Crewman.
- Tank Crew Roles: The four distinct jobs within the M1 Abrams: Driver, Loader, Gunner, and Tank Commander.
- Gunnery: The critical annual training event where crews qualify on the tank’s weapon systems.
- Tinnitus and Back Problems: Common occupational hazards for tankers due to the noise and vibration of the M1 Abrams.
- 19K2O / 19K30: Enlisted skill levels indicating increasing responsibility, from crewman (2O) to senior NCO/Tank Commander (30).
The choice of duty station is often one of the first major decisions a 19K M1 Armor Crewman must make. Whether you prefer the high-tempo, massive training grounds of Fort Cavazos or the tactical immersion of Fort Irwin’s OPFOR, your assignment will set the stage for a career of operating one of the world's most sophisticated and powerful combat vehicles. The key to success is embracing the demanding nature of the role and capitalizing on the unique training opportunities each location provides.
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