How long would it take to train Ukrainian soldiers to use Abrams tanks? – Technology Org

Tanks are not simple vehicles. You cannot just hop from one model to another – even if it is Abrams – and fly straight into the battle.

A U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams tank participates in training. Image credit: Army Sgt. Joshua Wooten/U.S. DoD

Training soldiers to use tanks typically involves theoretical classroom instruction, participation in simulated scenarios, and, of course, hands-on training with the actual vehicle.

How long does it take to prepare crewmen for Abrams tanks?

The amount of time it takes to train a soldier to use an Abrams tank can vary depending on the individual’s prior experience and aptitude, as well as the specific training program being followed.

In general, it can take several weeks to several months to train a soldier to operate an Abrams tank at a basic level. And even after the initial training is finished, soldiers may continue to receive additional training and practice to maintain their skills and proficiency with the vehicle.

In the case of Ukraine, training to use American Abrams tanks would also pose a question about the location of the training grounds. Performing training in the territory of the United States would be a very tempting option but not effective in the long term, because the aim is to achieve the highest possible autonomy for the Ukrainian Army.

Therefore, a more realistic scenario would be to conduct such training in one of the European NATO members.

The opening ceremony of the Abrams Tank Training Academy at Biedrusko, Poland, Aug. 10, 2022. American Abrams tanks can be seen in the background. U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Hassani Ribera

Training Abrams operators: experience from Poland

For example, since the beginning of August 2022, Abrams training facilities have been operating in Poland, on the territory of the Ground Forces Training Center in Poznan, and at facilities in the town of Biedrusko. Here, the Polish military is trained to fight using tanks of this type and to perform all the necessary technical maintenance.

The training course is being implemented by the Polish Ground Forces and their colleagues from the US Army. 28 Abrams M1A2 SEPv2 tanks leased from the US Army were used for training. After graduation, the trained personnel achieve qualification allowing them to immediately use Abrams on the battlefield.

According to the Polish portal Defense24, 150 tank operators have been trained in these facilities over the past 3 months. All of them will operate used Abrams tanks that will be transferred to Poland by the U.S. in exchange for the T-72M1 tanks sent as military aid to Ukraine.

How long would it take to train Ukrainian soldiers to use Abrams tanks?

The example from the Polish Army clearly shows that if the White House decides to transfer Abrams M1 tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it would take at least 3 months to train Ukrainian tank crewmen and service personnel.

It is difficult to expect any more “acceleration” in the training process.

The reason is that Poland had the opportunity to proceed faster in training its tankers, because the Polish military had previously had more than one opportunity to “get acquainted” with the Abrams M1 live, during various kinds of bilateral exercises or as part of joint NATO maneuvers.

Of course, for now, no such decision to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine has been taken. But if this happens, we can be nearly 100% certain that the crew training would be conducted as close as possible to the territory of Ukraine.