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2nd Battalion - 81st Armor Regiment
19K One Station Unit Training (OSUT)

The 2nd Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, conducts the 19K One Station Unit Training which is a 15 week program of instruction designed to prepare new Army recruits to become crewmen on the world's most sophisticated, devastating piece of equipment -- the M1A1 & M1A2 Main Battle Tank. Training is divided into four phases. Each phase successively introduces the solier to increasing levels of responsibility, additional tasks, and military skills they must master. Each phase also introduces more sophisticated training on the M1A1 Main Battle Tank.

Training in the first, Red, Phase is focused on inculcating Army values, traditions, and ethics, as well as beginning the development of individual basic combat skills and physical fitness training. White Phase then continues to provide soldiers with additional training in basic soldier skills. Soldiers are also introduced to the M1A1 Tank where they will spend the next three to four weeks learning about the Drivers station and the responsibilities that pertain to the drivers position.

The emphasis in the third phase, Blue Phase, is on training shifts from primarily basic soldier skills to mostly Armor Crewman specific skills, but soldiers continue to reinforce the basic soldier skills training they have received. Soldiers learn about the Loaders Station as well as some basic Gunners station tasks.

The Gold Phase is the final phase of 19K OSUT training, and focuses on M1A1 tank subjects. During that phase, soldiers take part in a week-long Field Training Exercise in which they will perform a multitude of tasks such as assembly area procedures, living in a tactical environment, and guard duty. The soldiers also drive, load, and fire the M1A1 tank. During the Basic Driving Course, soldiers drive the M1A1 tank individually and as part of a convoy while negotiating a variety of obstacles. Soldiers load and fire the 120mm main gun during day and night conditions, as well as in offensive and defensive engagements. They also fire the 7.62mm machine gun. Each soldier also drives the M1A1 tank in day and night simulated combat conditions during the Field Training Exercise.