Joan Lunden Behind Closed Doors: US Army Tank School

[@dondalphinjr5953]

When I was at Ft. Knox in 1974, training on the M60A1, the Training was no where near as precise and awesome as this..... I am freaking JEALOUS !!!!

[@mschau7413]

I was a tanker in desert Storm. As a driver, the concussion is worse bc you sit directly under the gun. Goes through your entire body and multiple rounds gotta brace yourself.

[@slayer8actual]

As a driver on a M60A3, it was possible to leave the driver's hatch open while the 105mm main gun fired. I remember driving with my head sticking out of the hatch and helping the gunner spot targets. When I transitioned to the M1A1, I tried that once with the 120mm gun......never again.

[@jusnuts1443]

Tanker?? You boys could tear up some shit. And I don't mean with the main gun!! You were a DAT (Dumb Ass Tanker),and I was a SAM (Smart Ass Mechanic). But, we got the job done! That's what counts.

[@jusnuts1443]

@Jeff Wilkins Bahhhhaaaaa! If you say so. I just glad we were on the same side!

[@coconuts5500]

Slayer Mack oof

[@BuggSmasher]

I'm intrigued what safety's are in place when you drive with the drivers door OPEN, as I've noticed the turret fixed straight ahead with what looks like a recess/clearance at the front of the turret for the drivers head? If that turret started turning . . . . .?

[@cajeich]

"Give it a little gas" floors it

[@jusnuts1443]

Drive it like you stole it!

[@deadmanwalkin_0422]

When the drill sergeant yelled, he was smiling a bit.

[@steelepls]

Well done Joan. Glad you got to enjoy just a little touch of what I loved in the Army. People seem to either love tanks or hate them and as a short young Officer Candidate going thru Armor OCS in 1967-68, I loved it. Firing a tank gun has to be one of the most fun things you can do with serious consequences. I spent more than 27 years in uniform as an Army officer and now wear USAF blues as a senior member of the Civil Air Patrol. Thanks for taking a look at this and enjoying what you did. You could see it on your face so take care and God bless ma'am.

[@GucciManecubus]

So worth the watch. She's so adorable.

[@ellenlevickis]

That is my kid at 5:18!!!

[@jocopowell]

Thank you for his service and your sacrifice.

[@zackscott903]

Thats cool

[@nachtschicht7276]

What rank/position did he achieve since then?

[@mrbeckett3975]

Many thanks from Scotland!

[@bogus69]

nightshift 727 he is now Sgm of the army

[@c.e.p.h.516]

The seargent reminds me of major payne

[@BruteStrength99]

Yeah a little light in the ass. How the hell is he supposed to be intimidating?

[@bestamerica]

hi L W... ' oh see him in the movie video before... good major payne military man... a deaf boy was actor

[@bestamerica]

hi L W... ' he is looking alike JAMES FOXX actor at 536 to 553

[@hansmueller3029]

On a clear quiet night you could hear live fire drills at Knox 40 miles away. Miss the armor school.

[@9995-q1u]

yeah moving the armor school to benning was a big mistake in my book. i miss knox

[@TheHilariousGoldenChariot]

I wish reporters were more like her nowadays, also wish they still did documentary’s this authentic to what they’re reporting on

[@sudaev]

That's sort of cute (1:33) where she already has her own little OD uniform.

[@largol33t1]

I miss this show! I watched every episode. Wish they would convert the old tapes so Netflix can show them. I remember her working at an airport and on an aircraft carrier.

[@Cleared_To_Land]

Joan that was an amazing segment... well done. Excellent look into the school, and you certainly did well. Thank you so much for this post.

[@Denis-bo8ms]

LOL THIS WAS MY DRILL SGT IN 1999!

[@michaelruiz3276]

I was 4th PLT E 2/81 AR JUL-NOV 1999 with DS Jenkins. You?

[@smoothoperator4726]

@@michaelruiz3276 I was 1st PLT Echo 2/81 same time. Drill SGT Aldrich and Ward. Ironmen "treat 'em rough!"

[@eskimojoe37]

Hey, Jenkins was one of the drill sergeants for my company cycle in '97!

[@Trusteft]

When she first appeared on screen I thought she was ready to go through a Stargate.

[@charlesferer3956]

Liked the video and Joan. With out the m1 Abrams during operation desert sabre, I would not be making this comment. 2nd acr, battle of 73rd easting.

[@nicholasspeke7160]

Task force 1/41 2AD fwd here brother 63 echo.

[@jasonhatez3287]

What company

[@jasonhatez3287]

@@nicholasspeke7160 LTC. Hill man was the man.

[@jasonhatez3287]

@@nicholasspeke7160 Hillman

[@hokage64th]

Her genuine reaction when she drove the beast is pretty fuckin wholesome, not gonna lie LOL. She sounded like a litte kid. I dont blame her. I got a chance to just traverse the turrent 360 degrees of a Canadian Leopard 2A6M once and went for a spin in the loader's hole when the crew was driving it to the maintenance hangar while I was on a tasking in our training process. I can only imagine actually driving an MBT.

[@tomb2289]

"To get to do that all day long, would kind of be worth shaving your head!"😂

[@2ndarmoredhellonwheels106]

It's a rush every time you fire the main gun.i trained at Knox 12 july 1979

[@markwebster4845]

I was there in 90. D co. 2/13 and got out there Christmas of 92. I do miss the professional way of doing things and the really fun things that you get to do ( changing track or replacing all the track pads) all in the wet, cold as hell, or sandy places on Earth) lol. I'm going to go get my pic of my tank and just remember the people that I miss and wonder what has been of their lives and I sometimes wonder what would I be like if I would have stayed in. Would have been 30 years in 2019. Wish that I could go back to them days 😎

[@rod2662]

What training do you have to go through to become part of a tank crew? Like do you still go through basic?

[@mrbasshead403]

I was born in 79 , train at Knox in 98

[@2ndarmoredhellonwheels106]

@@mrbasshead403 then we definitely chewed the same dirt up agony and misery lol. Just 19 years apart.

[@mrbasshead403]

@@2ndarmoredhellonwheels106 Oh God lol I went to basic in the summer at knox . Hot muggy. Goood times 😎

[@victorsturdivant4731]

Joan Lunden, I'm truly impressed by your participation with our SF Soldiers. I know it was very abbreviated but hopefully one that will help you respect our troops even more.

[@teller1290]

SF?

[@victorsturdivant4731]

Special Forces

[@teller1290]

@@victorsturdivant4731 but this was Armor branch, not SF - right?

[@lowercase21]

Really wish I could inlist to become a tanker, unfortunately I have health issues that keep me from joining God bless the men and women who serve!

[@governorofthedeathstar1680]

I was US Army 1984/87. Went in delayed entry after graduating H.S. MOS 72 Echo; signal/combat communications. After seeing this video, I should had been an ARMOR SOILDER! Major regret! What a missed opportunity!

[@Hams30236]

Governor, Did three years in Armor and it was a blast, but when the retention NCO came I wanted something that translated to a civilian occupation, but was only offered Armor. Sadly I said "no thanks." So while my time was brief it was very memorable. Sgt. E-5 at ETS with 6 mo time in grade.

[@mississippirebel1409]

Watching her shoot the .50 cal was pretty funny lol. I bet everyone near the tank hauled ass when she started spraying those rounds in every direction. I spent 11 yrs in the US army (2000-2011) and miss those old BDU's! I couldn't stand the ASU's because not only were they ugly, they didn't last long and didn't blend in with ANYTHING, the velcro was a horrible idea.

[@GM8101PHX]

This is what civilians never experience! I served with Security Police in the 92d Security Police Squadron, we were intimate with nuclear weapons as we secured their environment every day 24-7 to ensure they would be available at the command of the President. However our mission would not be successful without all other branches of the military. It takes all 5 branches to successfully complete a mission, not just the bomber loaded with nukes flying at 35,000 feet. This is what creates the brotherhood us veterans share with our active duty military. We do this as a team to protect the nation we love!

[@streetsofcash_com9218]

An awesome, awesome video1 Thanks to these cool tanker guys for allowing Joan to make the clip. Never ever mess with female tankers! Especially with Joan Lunden!

[@Borel-nv5bq]

That beaten zone on the .50, no control hahaha

[@user-uy1rg8td1v]

I'm pretty sure she was firing with the eyes closed.

[@Kafkodesu]

listen, it's an area weapon lmao

[@iamfritz]

Funny thing is I've had a crush on the M1 Abrams and Joan Lunden since the 80s!

[@tomservo5347]

Joan you're one fine lady. I wish more of our politicized media (especially today) would spend more time spotlighting the fine men and women that serve-and please just give us the facts without your own personal opinion or agenda added. That drill sergeant was like so many I saw and had in boot camp-lean and sinewy, demanding, but training you to do your job no matter how bad things could get. Glad I got to wear those old Woodland Pattern BDU's with Class A's.

[@9995-q1u]

I retired a while back and was a TC on M60A3s, IPM1s and M1A1s. I never fired the .50 on a mount like that. We had a CWS which was far more accurate but took more finesse. I would have preferred old school like Miss Joan is firing here Was this a unique version like the M1A1D?

[@u.s.militia7682]

Ft. Knox is one of my old military stomping grounds. I was a Combat Medic there and a Cavalry Scout there and I also graduated PLDC there. 🇺🇸

[@johnwahalla5049]

Great video Joan. God Bless, Happy New Year !!!

[@nicholasspeke7160]

I went through USA auto armor technology 1989 Fort Knox. I had the pleasure to work with one of the old instructors from the school a couple years ago. Andy Sands

[@musketbal]

I was with 4/64 Armor, 24th Mechanized Infantry, Ft Stewart, Ga. It was in the mid 80's. At that time we had the 105mm rounds. Man I miss it so much. Now it's the 3rd ID.

[@9995-q1u]

me too. I was in 2/70 AR which switched to 3/69 AR. I remember Quick Thrust the exercise in the winter when it was always cold even though they had palm trees

[@revbobmartin]

Yep, I was supposed to go do my mos training right there after bt. If not for my first asthma attack in training evaluations .

[@baekdutiger631]

Dang I was stationed there!!!! D co 415th Inf. 194th Armor BDE!!!!

[@teller1290]

This otherwise enjoyable video does two painful things to me: 1) reminds me of what a horrible mistake I made going MI when I had the choice and could've had armor; 2) not getting serious about life and meeting someone like Joan. Alas, poor Yorick.

[@johnharris7353]

I luv Joan now. I already loved the army, everyone in it, and everyone who used to be in it, including me! Wish I could do it all over again! Somehow I'm 66 now.

[@Hams30236]

Ditto, even the age!

[@LeroyLemans]

doesnt your CELL PHONE have more computing power than the first space shuttle?

[@storagecat]

@JAG one time my toster discovered a new planet 😔

[@kennykash6089]

Army Questionnaire: Can you run? No. Can you march? No. Can you qualify with a weapon? No. Can you navigate? No. Can you drive? Yeah, but not very well. You're a tanker

[@mverick5444]

Idk but usually tanks and artillery are heftier than infantry.

[@Kafkodesu]

lol infantry huh?

[@robertstarkey8792]

She's a great journalist

[@Wuelfheze]

Being a tanker is exactly what I'm going for when I enlist.

[@bayoustormryder3823]

My dad was a Drill Sergeant and Scout at Fort Knox

[@ohioemeregncyresponsevehic3381]

I believe the M1A1 Abrams and it's bretherin use ceramic armor if I recall correctly

[@gregoryrush3878]

I was there when they filmed this. Was fun to watch.

[@decimated550]

what year?

[@Denis-bo8ms]

1999. I was there as a recruit

[@xbman1]

Stumble onto this, cool. I think she could of lost her fingers when she loaded the round and then she could of be kill from the recoil. She didn’t sit back at the corner. Lol

[@gregoryrush1643]

@@Denis-bo8ms yes, late spring 1999 or so. I was there as well going through the AOC.

[@megachef0421]

Sabot, more specifically APFSDS(Armor Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) you can see why they shortened it a little😂

[@ellenlevickis]

It was filmed in June 1999

[@gregoryrush1643]

I was there.

[@stevenvaughn7159]

fuck... this video is a month older than I am

[@mjtoodsteem2206]

Thats when i was born damn, i hope the training is the same til this day

[@recklesflam1ngo968]

@@stevenvaughn7159 It's almost a year older than I am, damn..

[@Reub3]

Make it look like so much fun.. Is it really that fun guys? I think I'm off to talk to a recruiter.

[@Thomas-mf6qy]

90% maintenance buddy

[@plombme]

In Germany they called is "Tread Heads"

[@josefstalin4532]

The vast majority of what you do only involes heavy and repetetive stuff. Then you get to shoot a couple of times, maybe.

[@Hams30236]

The best thing about armor is you don't walk anywhere...you ride your tank! When I was driving the XO's jeep I had to do qualifications on the M-16 and M-203 so was sent to the range with an infantry unit, they marched to the range. I was very tired the next day. I probably had more body strength than a Infantry guy of same build as there's lots of heavy lifting in a tank, but I'd never want to challenge any ground pounder (infantry) to a foot race or even a long walk. Yep, I'm a tread head!

[@marksolarz3756]

Joan does a good job. Always enjoy hearing a women who shows respect for our military. Not looking to slam them. Nice.

[@pansarskott1]

Almost taught that they would run her over at 0:46 before they stopped. :)

[@killzxo21]

It’s cool trust

[@okinawanah3463]

this was a great video i’m surprised i never seen her before

[@josephbe1030]

Eight seconds!?!!! More like 1-2 seconds at the very least in todays standards 8 sec is a long time

[@shibblesshalzabot6320]

16:54 Was that a cat I just heard screaming?

[@eebarreto]

Wing man my ass! lol This was done in summer of 1999 at Ft Knox> I was there Station with 2/81 AR it was about one week total film. I was Tank commander and Master Gunner! I retired in 2007.

[@gregoryrush1643]

I'm sure he said that just for the show.

[@alexdill595]

I could be wrong, but don't most crews just keep their hatches open during combat? Not supposed to but don't they?

[@tylortaylor620]

Most Cruise keep them at a safe open which is a half open position if your hatches all the way open it's sitting vertical and if you take a round or an RPG hits the Hat you could cause over pressure inside of the turret causing you to be killed

[@gregoryrush1643]

I was there when they filmed this!

[@ronnrogers9459]

No u wasn't

[@TheCarter_Show]

When she let the .50 go I instantly YELLED 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@coopervlogs__2155]

haha I love Joan she's so cute

[@amramhakohen7474]

I bet she was wet at the end, she was so stoked by the big gun!

[@iskiinthefastlane]

amram hakohen She wanted her wig split and cheeks busted 😉

[@badger_actual8249]

Bro that music in the sim room er mah gerd I gotta dance!!

[@testplmnb]

M1A2 has no AC?

[@kuno7636]

My left ear really enjoyed this video.

[@dondidykes6664]

The m60a3 where the first I think to have the computers on board

[@WilliamHalverd]

Boah, M1A1 is my favorite one, but i would use the M551 Sheridan for airborne tasks

[@dirkfrailey5575]

Fantastic job!

[@jamesclarke0804]

This was my tank company and platoon.

[@friscostreetstories5403]

Joan is a pretty lady and a real class act. Watch her report on the Special forces. I really miss the woodland pattern. None of the guys have Combat badges if you notice, this is pre Gulf war

[@bodyboardingchronicles602]

TANKERS LEAD THE WAY 👊😎

[@meismagiic4779]

these sims should be hooked up to war thunder.

[@tpb815]

Looks identical to the game Squad

[@alexns]

This is awesome!

[@teller1290]

How long ago was this filmed?

[@Zack-dq1bv]

hey Joan this looks really old. what year was this?

[@SuperGeronimo999]

judging by her looks, probably around 1990?

[@CDAT1AD]

Post 1991 Gulf War , Post Bosnia 1992-1994 and Pre September 11, as the BDU's are a dead giveaway. Former Tanker myself so this was old hat to me.

[@Denis-bo8ms]

I had that drill SGT in 1999

[@gregoryrush1643]

1999. I was there for the Armored Officers Course. We had to stop training several times so they could film certain sequences. The one the platoon charging across the mud and one tank getting some air was reshot several times.

[@gerardvoughnfaust4167]

Most of rebels in Afghanistan use RPGs can the the armour of the tank take it? Is it still safe for the crew?

[@mnlaaf9340]

There’s actually an infamous video of an Abrams taking an rpg shot right to the cheek. The video cut just as the main gun looked at the camera guy, and presumably the rpg crew

[@bodieb.1239]

Loved tgis video.... EVERYONE was great and you really respect everyone. I went to artillery school at Fort Sill but tanks a bitchin. Thanks.

[@2ndarmoredhellonwheels106]

Tank table 8 baby

[@jasonhatez3287]

Unless u get hit in the turret ring. Then ur gunner gets cut in half. Hip bone molds to the turret wall.

[@ScubaSteve721]

This made me miss whipping that badass tank in the field

[@TowGunner]

Joan looked better than Dukakis.

[@iamfritz]

Lmaooooo

[@kennydawson265]

Excellent!

[@tazjammer]

A co, 2/64 armor, Schweinfurt Ger. 3rd ID

[@Hams30236]

C co, 2/68 Armor, Baumholder, West Germany, 8th ID 1973-1976

[@WatchlistedByTheFBI]

My recruiter laughed at me when I signed up for this but if I get a call from him I will thank him 5 times

[@rctiger665]

A beauty visits the school of steel beast.

[@adamarmstrong6646]

Crazy how the marine corp has decided to get rid of their tanks, that blows my mind

[@teller1290]

The reality is that the powers that be are having too hard a time changing the Corps, so they will frit it away and then blend it in to the army. The fella who predicted that Suribachi flag raising would "ensure a Marine Corps for 500 years" was mistaken. It may not make 100. The forces of the 1960s counter-revolution are most powerful and they will get Amerika's mind right no matter what. They are so powerful as to somehow get an ass clown bozo like Berger to preside over the dismantlement.

[@teller1290]

@Hammerschlägen M from Gen'l Berger's on words. The Corps is being scaled down to be a force that it was before it began to get committed to army-sized campaigns (Belleau Wood, Pacific, Korea, Vietnam). Besides that, his stated emphasis on pushing thru "female combat commanders" is all you need to know. He's going to ruin Marine Basic thru gender integration finally, while gutting the Corps of it's heavy assets. With the nat'l debt going thru the roof, one can see where this is going. So, do you have any specifics to counter mine...or are YOU the buffoon?

[@teller1290]

@Jay Morgan yeh...too late then, like about two-dozen other fg natl disasters that are in the books now. I remember seeing GI Jane in fall 1997 and telling someone when it ended that, laugh all he wanted, he just saw our military future and a big part of eventual downfall of same. I don't recall if he said I was full of shit or not but was likely thinking it, as he didn't agree at all and told me I worry too much Of course, I don't know where he is now but USMC rifle platoon and company cdrs are Cmmdt's priority. I rest my case on that one. And how about those Ranger tabs blending so well with those hair buns, huh? That tab looks really good on the shoulder of that 37-yr old reservist AUNT who "won" it some few yrs ago.

[@Napoleon1323]

It was General Neller idea and General Berger continued to get rid of the talkers.

[@glennhess6897]

@Hammerschlägen M It's 100% true. All three battalions are going extinct in the USMJ.

[@Jftbonb2]

She got the coolest job in the world!

[@oscarthehellcat]

That aint Patton in that pic. Mad dog is a badass though

[@markmanwaring3823]

it would be accidental if she hit you with the .5

[@spacefx1340]

Funny thing is, it is your farther's tank.

[@rogerbennett9598]

I see the drill sergeant was I. The 24th ID. I was stationed there also

[@Pontan145]

I assume this is not something that happens but if I was driving this I would think of nothing other than having my neck broken by the turret?

[@tomservo5347]

Why are most drill sergeants lean and wiry? Seemed like the ones I had were meaner the leaner. Lean and wiry people have some pretty amazing strength, stamina and speed that often gets underestimated.

[@mississippirebel1409]

when I went through basic training in 2001, my DS's were pretty buff.

[@diablo2elitepvpguides405]

This ain't the movies bud, don't judge a man on his looks, for all we know dude is a war hero cuz they only put the most capable for piolets and armored to train the recruits to be the best because the fact they will be driving multi million dollar equipment

[@HeathLedgersChemist]

An armoured tank? Is there another kind?

[@scorpbyt609]

yes, light tank

[@HeathLedgersChemist]

@@scorpbyt609 So then, which light tank which has no armour? Name a single one. Shouldn't be too hard.

[@scorpbyt609]

​@@HeathLedgersChemist Chi-Ha lG R3 T106 M3 gmc M113/M113a1 M551 Zis 30 YAG-10 AML-90

[@scorpbyt609]

​@@HeathLedgersChemist there are a lot more variants heavy tanks, medium tanks, MBTs, IFVs, SPG, SPAA, tank Destroyers(TD), some have armor some don't depend on the task :)

[@HeathLedgersChemist]

@@scorpbyt609 I couldn't be bothered going past the first two. They are NOT tanks.

[@jonarmedpiandsecurityoffic9051]

Man.... how much the army has changed and technology has changed since then.......

[@killzxo21]

So happy I’m an armor crewman

[@crazehcakes]

I need my medicinal M1 Abrams through the 2nd amendment

[@ComfortsSpecter]

Dude I just got my doctor prescribed emotional support sep v3 and tusk I kit Glad to know there are others out that can enjoy the freebrams lifestyle

[@jeffhoward9186]

I have to disagree with what that Col stated that tank crews deploy more than any other service. Try being sea duty in the Navy, especially forward deployed. I average 9 months out of the year deployed during my 8 years being in a forward deployed unit.

[@Twi11ig]

This fucking Colonel... "You just go off the back deck" Sir, that's where we cooked our food, ate, and (if lucky)slept.. (87-91 4/32AR 3AD and 1-34AR 1st Inf.)

[@neelonghunglow]

Major pain at tank school? 😂😂😂Jk respect!

[@ginos_garage6431]

telling by the uniforms its the late 80s mid 90s

[@quickzilver333]

We still wear that uniform in 2002. I got out in 2002 and I don't know when did they change from BDUs to ACUs.

[@mississippirebel1409]

This was filmed in the early 90's. When I joined the army in 2000, we still had the good old BDUs.

[@Denis-bo8ms]

I had drill SGT Jenkins in 1999

[@gregoryrush1643]

1999, I was there watching them film it while waiting for them to get done. They were holding up training a bit

[@Carslol234]

@@Denis-bo8ms lol same here. Echo company 4th platoon. Reapers!

[@samuelsong5061]

i want to push like button the moment Drill Sgt shouted at her. just too funny. and now i have pasta all over my mac. scheiße!

[@bajiwolf]

Wait, who fires the gun? The commander or gunner? I'm confused in this vid

[@gregoryrush1643]

Either, but normally the gunner. They put her in the TC's position, for easier filming. Also the correct fire command for the TC would be "From my position, On the way"

[@ccvee7287]

Gunner typically

[@alikj6405]

Please, can you help me for the purpose of volunteering in the armored forces because I have a goal of obtaining American citizenship and then completing my university studies so that I become an officer, knowing that I am an Iraqi young man from Baghdad and hope to have contact with the US Embassy there?

[@mississippirebel1409]

What do you want to know? I was in the US army from 2000 to 2010 and did two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

[@robertlee810]

I remember like yesterday in Ft. Knox Cav Training. learn to drive M113, how to become US CAV SCout. spit shine boots...I heard that you don't shine the boots anymore. LOL