For reference, fully-loaded semis in the United States are limited to just 40 tons. In addition, tanks are equipped with massive, rifled cannons and usually two or three light machine guns for anti-personnel operations. The M60 it replaced weighs anywhere from 50 tons to nearly 55 tons. They lead mechanized infantry companies straight into the fray, seeking out and pulverizing other tanks, artillery, and reinforced positions-pretty cool stuff.īy necessity, tanks are heavy: today’s M1 Abrams main battle tank tips the scales at nearly 68 tons. Once lumbering and slow, basically a stationary target that could take enormous amounts of small arms fire while providing cover for mechanized infantry, main battle tanks are now really the tip of the spear. The Army itself states the purpose of armor better than I can: “The role of the Armor company is to fight and win engagements through speed, firepower, and shock effect.”Īs technology has advanced, so has the main battle tank. But, strategically, they are employed by ground forces (Army and Marines) as a primary offensive weapon in ground combat strategy and doctrine. We all have a good sense of a tank it is an armored military vehicle armed with a large main gun affixed to a rotating turret.

Can you buy tank from the military