Armor

CMF 19 is the Army’s armor and cavalry career field. It covers two distinct combat roles: operating the M1 Abrams main battle tank and conducting mounted reconnaissance as a Cavalry Scout. Both are combat arms MOSs that require a minimum Combat (CO) line score of 87 on the ASVAB and place soldiers in direct contact with the enemy. The difference between them comes down to mission. Tank crewmembers close with and destroy targets using 120mm cannon fire and the protection of 70 tons of steel. Scouts go first, moving ahead of the main force to gather intelligence and report what they find. One role is about firepower; the other is about information.

At a Glance

CMF 19 has two enlisted MOSs. Both require the same ASVAB line score, train at the same installation, and carry the same physical demand category. The missions differ sharply.

Who This Career Field Is For

Armor suits people who want to be in the fight rather than behind it. Both MOSs are physically demanding, team-focused, and built around machines. You will spend a significant part of your career in a motor pool maintaining vehicles before you ever fire a weapon at a real target.

The 19K is a better match if you prefer structured crew operations, don’t mind confined spaces, and want to work on and fight from one of the most powerful combat platforms in the world. The 19D fits people who like operating independently in small teams, reading terrain, and making quick decisions with limited information. Scouts also have more flexibility in unit types, from Stryker brigades to airborne divisions, compared to the heavier footprint of armor units.

Both roles involve frequent field rotations, regular deployments, and regular moves. Neither offers a predictable 9-to-5 schedule. If you want a high-intensity, physically demanding combat arms career and you’re comfortable with machines and small-team dynamics, CMF 19 is worth a serious look.

Common Entry Requirements

Both CMF 19 MOSs require a high school diploma or GED, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and a minimum Combat (CO) line score of 87 on the ASVAB. Before shipping to training, you must pass the Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) at the Heavy (Black) physical demand level: the highest category the Army uses. That means meeting minimum standards on the standing long jump, seated power throw, strength deadlift, and interval aerobic run. Neither MOS requires a security clearance at entry, though certain follow-on assignments may require one later. All initial training takes place at Fort Moore, Georgia, home of the Army’s Armor School. See each role’s profile below for specific ASVAB scores, training details, and additional requirements.

Career Field Directory

19D Cavalry Scout: Scouts perform mounted and dismounted reconnaissance to locate enemy forces and report battlefield conditions ahead of the main force. You operate the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Stryker, or JLTV and carry crew-served weapons including the M240B, M2 .50-cal, and Javelin missiles. The 19D OSUT runs 22 weeks at Fort Moore, Georgia. Scouts serve in cavalry squadrons across all brigade combat team types, giving you more variety in assignments than most combat arms MOSs.

19K M1 Armor Crewmember: Armor crewmembers operate and maintain the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank as part of a four-person crew: driver, loader, gunner, and tank commander. You progress through each position as you gain rank. The 19K OSUT is also 22 weeks at Fort Moore. Tank units are concentrated at installations like Fort Cavazos, Fort Carson, and Fort Stewart, and the 19K is eligible for up to $40,000 in enlistment bonuses depending on current Army needs.

Related Resources

Both MOSs require a CO composite score of 87 on the ASVAB. That score combines performance on verbal, mechanical, and auto and shop knowledge sections. Our ASVAB study guide covers exactly what to study for that composite and how to approach each section.

If you’re preparing as a first-time tester, the PiCAT lets you take a full practice version of the ASVAB at home before your official test at MEPS.

Soldiers choosing between combat arms often compare CMF 19 to Army infantry careers. The core difference is crew-served versus dismounted: Armor soldiers fight from vehicles with significant firepower and protection advantage; Infantry soldiers close with the enemy on foot in terrain where vehicles cannot follow. Both are direct combat roles with demanding physical standards and frequent deployments.

Explore more Army enlisted careers to compare CMF 19 against other combat arms and technical career fields.