Fort Benning | Armor Crewmember | Week 12

Welcome back for your week 12 update. Get excited—your Soldier is well on their way towards graduating from the U.S. Army’s Armor Crewman OSUT! They are deep into Black Phase now, with just one final phase standing between them and the finish line. Graduation is getting closer every single day, and soon you’ll be cheering as they proudly earn the right to call themselves a Tanker in the United States Army. The transformation is real, the momentum is building, and their moment of triumph is right around the corner. Stay proud, stay motivated—your Soldier is making history! Hooah!

Week 12 Expectations: Black Phase

This week your Soldier will continue building their skills and confidence with more hands-on time in the Motor Pool and logging critical hours in the M1 Abrams Tank Driver Simulator, bringing them even closer to mastering the beast of the battlefield. Every moment spent training is fueling their readiness for the real thing—and you can bet the excitement is growing!

The highlight of the week? The epic 9-mile Foot March! This is a true test of endurance, grit, and determination. Loaded down with full gear, your Soldier will push through every step, showing just how far they’ve come since Day One. It’s a huge accomplishment and a massive boost to their confidence as they march closer and closer to becoming a fully qualified U.S. Army Tanker!

Preventive Maintenance Checks And Services (PMCS)

This week your Soldier is diving into one of the most crucial skills of being an M1 Abrams Tanker: Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS)! In the Army, keeping a tank in top fighting shape is mission critical, and your Soldier is learning exactly how to make sure their vehicle is always ready for battle. They’ll get hands-on inspecting everything from fluid levels, track tension, suspension systems, communication gear, to the mighty weapon systems themselves! Guided by technical manuals and strict checklists, they’re building a laser-sharp attention to detail and the disciplined mindset that every successful tanker must have.

But PMCS isn’t just about checking a few boxes—it’s about accountability, teamwork, and mission success. Your Soldier is learning how to spot and document any issues and report them up the chain to keep their tank—and their crew—safe and ready for action. Mastering PMCS is every bit as important as firing the main gun or maneuvering through rugged terrain. It’s about owning the responsibility of operating one of the Army’s most powerful machines. With every inspection and every checklist, your Soldier is getting one step closer to becoming a fully capable, battle-ready Tanker!

Foot March

Completing the 9-mile foot march in Army OSUT is a physically and mentally demanding milestone that pushes trainees to demonstrate endurance, resilience, and teamwork. Carried out in full combat gear—including rucksack, weapon, helmet, and body armor—the march is designed to simulate the type of sustained movement Soldiers may face during missions or in combat zones. The Company will step off before sunrise, maintaining a steady pace as a unit while instructors monitor their performance, hydration, and safety. Along the way, they practice ruck discipline, proper foot care, and mental toughness, reinforcing the importance of preparation and determination in overcoming physical challenges.

The 9-mile ruck marks a significant point in training. It not only proves that your Soldier can carry the load and keep pace, but also builds pride and camaraderie among the platoon. Many Soldiers view it as a personal achievement—an early taste of the grit and stamina required in the Army. By completing the march, your Soldier will build confidence in their ability to push beyond comfort and embrace the hardship that comes with becoming a Soldier, setting the tone for the greater challenges still to come.

Letters From Home = Morale

Your words matter. Letters from home are fuel for the fight—they lift spirits, inspire grit, and remind your Trainee they are never alone. In your letter this week, ask them how the Foot March went, I am sure they are exhausted, but ready to face the next challenge.

Sandboxx makes letter writing easy—with next-day delivery, return stationery, pre-addressed envelopes, photos, and even gift card options. But whether you use Sandboxx or send a handwritten card, your support means everything. Every letter is a lifeline.

The Making of Your Soldier

The journey is just beginning, and the road ahead will be tough—but your Soldier has risen to the challenge. Next week, they’ll learn all about vehicle identifcation and fire commands.

In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for inspiration, contests, and encouragement for your Soldier-in-the-making. And if you ever need anything, reach out to me through the Sandboxx app or email us at happiness@sandboxx.us—just ask for Kris, and I’ll be there.

We’re honored to be part of your family’s journey. Let’s keep the fire burning.

Hooah!

SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Ret)