Originally Posted by T. A. Gardner

For all the would be tankers: Just remember, at the end of the day, you are just starting. You still have to maintain your tank. This means you get to check the tracks for correct tightness. Make sure all the links and pins are intact and in good conditon, replacing any that are worn or damaged. The engine will need a check and likely oil and gas. Ammunition will have to be replinished. Overall, there are a hundred and one things to do after your day should already have ended.
Then there other things to do each day as well. Eating. Finding a reasonable place to sleep. Getting orders and mission requrements for the next day. Briefings. Standing your turn as guard. You are lucky if it is just a 16 hour day!
Also, tanks are not known for their creature comforts. In the summer they are sweat boxes of heated steel. In the winter colder than a freezer. Then there is the dust that gets everywhere. Mud is worse. Crossing a river or stream means likely flooding the inside of the vehicle to some degree, tanks are not watertight contrary to what the engineers who built them say.
Wearing headphones for hours really wears on you too. Your ears get hot and itchy. They are uncomfortable. The static and cacophony of voices in them drives you nuts. It's even worse when someone gets hit and you can listen to the terrified panic.