Limelight of the Ground Force

Photo By Spc. Brenda Salgado Morales | Spc. Vidar Rios, left, Spc. Chandler Amick, center, and Spc. Jacob R. Hatton, right, M1 Armor Crewmen assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stand together for a photo in front of their tanker after a routine day of maintenance at Fort Carson, Colorado on Aug. 22, 2023. The crewmen maintained readiness by ensuring all functions of their tanker were ready for combat. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brenda Salgado)  

FORT CARSON, CO, UNITED STATES

08.22.2023

Story by Spc. Brenda Salgado Morales 

14th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- The gunners are the eyes, ears and muscle of a tanker and are essential for the success of any mission. Positioned at the top of the vehicle, the gunner is able to see and scan the area better than anyone. Pfc. Jacob R. Hatton had a huge responsibility when selected as the tanker’s gunner, a rare occurrence for a young private. He proved he was the right choice when he shot a 399 out of a 400 night score a month later, on what would be his first deployment. He came back from deployment having earned himself a new rank.
“I felt privileged to be part of the deployment mission, to be part of something greater than myself,” said Spc. Jacob R. Hatton, an M1 Armor Crewman assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Hatton, a Miamisburg, Ohio native was deployed just seven months after arriving to his first duty station. A driver or loader would be the typical job for a new Soldier in this field, but Hatton, being a private first class at the moment, was given the gunner position. He showed discipline, physical and mental stamina, tactical and technical proficiency, and the ability to work as a cohesive team; all the characteristics required to be a gunner in a military armor crew.
“I chose this job because it's not an infantry or a desk job, it has its own armor world,” said Hatton. “There is no other unit that I would rather deploy with.”
Up until this very moment his proudest achievement was graduating high school. Hatton grew up in a single parent home and graduating high school was not something that many in his family got to accomplish. What many take for granted, Hatton still values earning a high school diploma, till this day. He owes his work ethic to his mother. She worked two jobs while raising Hatton and his older sister. His mother has supported Hatton through his military career, she had no idea the impact she herself had on his growth.
“She never ceases to amaze me about what one person could really do and I think that inspired me to become the man I am today,” said Hatton.
Not really having much purpose after high school, he sought out to join the military. He wanted to be part of something bigger and the Army gave him that. He entered the military as an introverted young man and after training he gained the confidence he never had. He gained a new perspective on life and now had a purpose.
“Not only did the Army give me a place to stay, but a place where I feel I belong,” said Hatton. “When I put on my uniform I am part of the greatest combat force in the world.”
There are four positions in a armor crew; driver, loader, gunner, and commander. Hattons current crew are consistently working to ensure their tanker is combat ready. They maintain readiness by continuous maintenance and testing of their tanker and gear. They are very flexible in assuring they can maneuver and work different positions. Spc. Chandler Amick, an M1 Armor Crewman assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, once held the same gunner position. He enjoys working with Hatton, as he transitions out of the Army.
“Hatton is a very knowledgeable guy and we have learned alot from each other,” said Amick. “He’s one of the best leaders I've ever had.”
Hatton will be seeing a new rank in the coming week as he gets to pin the rank of Sergeant. He understands that with a higher rank comes more responsibility, but he welcomes it. His focus is to get the job done, regardless of what that means. He is proud of his accomplishments and continues to move forward. He continues to feel privileged to wear the uniform and to be part of the world’s greatest combat force.
“It really feels good, I worked really hard to earn it. It's the culmination of my leader's advice as well as my own ambition,” said Hatton.
-30-

• Date Taken: 08.22.2023
• Date Posted: 08.31.2023 13:48
• Story ID: 452013
• Location: FORT CARSON, CO, US
• Hometown: MIAMISBURG, OH, US