ARMY TANK NAMES: HOW SOLDIERS EARN THE RIGHT TO PAINT THE BARREL

They often honor people or notable military events—at least that’s how it started. Army tank names have evolved into a fun, sometimes absurd, tradition that brings Soldiers together in a unique way. Not only is it a source of pride to name your tank but it’s also a test of skill because you need to qualify in order to have the privilege of doing so. Recent changes to the rules are receiving some criticism. However, the basic idea is the same—qualify and you can name your tank. Here’s how the process works.

Why Are Tanks Named in the Army?

Army tank names got started during the 1800s but evolved into their modern form during World War I.

They used to just be the names of people or if a notable event occurred. However, this has evolved. Today, naming traditions vary by unit and Commander.

Still, those Soldiers vary in how they get names on their tanks, as there are shared practices for earning the privilege.

How to Name Your Tank

Army tank crews submit proposed names, which are vetted to avoid any inappropriate choices. Most commonly, units will choose a moniker that begins with the first letter of the crew’s assigned company.

Approval for names may be granted at different levels, from company to brigade. However, it’s only after achieving gunnery qualification, that crews typically gain permission to stencil their chosen name onto the tank’s main gun barrel.

Gunnery Qualification

There are six tests involving integrated weapons strategy for gunnery qualification. These are known as gunnery tables and are as follows:

• Table I: Skills test for gunnery.

• Table II: Simulations.

• Table III: Shows that you can train with live rounds.

• Table IV: Basic platform skills.

• Table V: Practice.

• Table VI: Crew qualification for participating in live-fire exercises.

In order to qualify for combat, crews must have at least 700 of the maximum 1,000 points available. Furthermore, if you have 900 or more, you're designated as “distinguished.”

The III Armored Corps Changed the Rules in 2023

The reason the points are so important when it comes to tank names in the US Army is that due to a change in 2023, only crews that are “distinguished” can enjoy the privilege.

However, Soldiers have pointed out other qualifications and how it’s not fair to take this away from tank crews.

For example, all Rangers earn the title, no matter how many times they’ve taken Ranger School. The policy change is being criticized out of the belief that everyone earns the same rights, even if they don’t score as high of a score.

Army Tank Names Bring Soldiers Together

We continue to see creative names of tanks in the Army. However, it takes a lot of hard work and hundreds of hours of training among tanker crews—the privilege is a rite of passage for Soldiers.

Tank naming builds morale, and teamwork, and shows the pride of tankers who have proven their skills are worthy of combat.

It’s a blend of both official processes and long-standing military customs that bring people together on and off the battlefield.

Army tank names are a peek into the culture and humor tankers have. The tradition is time-honored and continues to build camaraderie and pride across generations.

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