By David Spunt Reporter
News 3 On Your Side
Compared to the Infantry, tank warfare is a fairly new concept. It began after the American forces saw its successful use by the British in World War I. News 3 On Your Side
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Stumble It!Since then the Armor Force has been a key part of the United States Military, and its move to Fort Benning will bring even more changes for the future.
“The Armor School, kind of like the Infantry School is the center or hub for all of our training,” says Major General Robert Williams.
The Armor School trains enlisted soldiers, officers and non-commissioned officers the ins and outs of tank warfare.
Students attend the school for approximately 1-5 months, depending on the course they take. Courses include simulations where soldiers maneuver their way through a virtual world.
Master Gunners Jason Villiasana and Sean Allison support the school’s move to Fort Benning.
“They work side by side, and eventually the Infantry is going to need more support for Armor and fire power and the tanks can move unlike the Artillery and get a better range of target, so it's a good support for the Infantry,” Villiasana said.
“I think it's a great idea, because when you go to combat, the Armor and the Infantry both fight together so a big thing we say is train as you fight and that right there spells it all out,” Allison said.
Pete Rose has been with the Armor Community for 30 years. He now works to design the future of the Armor Force.
“I think that if we get together, there should be some power and efficiency as we both try and capture the same vision for the future and so we're on the same sheet of music and I think that will carry on to when new units are activated and fielded,” Rose said.
General Williams says he has 40 different courses and functions to move to Fort Benning. He also is expected to transfer 220 main battle tanks and approximately 150 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. But he's not worried. He's more excited than anything else.
“We'll be better for it. Our army will be better for it. Both the Infantry will be better for it and so will the Armor. It's just a terrific opportunity,” Williams said.
