The might and mettle of the military is rooted in a storied history rife with triumph and sacrifice. The brave men and women who’ve served our country know firsthand the risk and reward of defense, each with a dedicated sense of duty to carry out every mission. They train and work under extreme conditions that most of us will never know, using specialized vehicles and weapons that help protect them as they protect us.
It’s not every day we civilians can get up close and personal with military tanks and weaponry. It’s even more rare to experience a ride in one without being a service member.
Tony Borglum, of Kasota, Minn., offers folks a chance to do both. What started as a hobby grew into “Drive A Tank, Inc.” after Borglum discovered that civilians could purchase outdated tanks and combat vehicles. A unique business venture unlike any other in the country was born.
Drive a Tank, Inc.
Drive a Tank allows people to experience rides in military vehicles and battle tanks from around the world. Visitors get history lessons in an exciting, hands-on way that’s not found elsewhere. For an added adrenaline rush, visitors can also add powerful artillery like submachine guns and battle rifles for maximum effect.
Check out what it’s like to drive a tank below.
Fun facts:
- The interiors of these tanks regularly reach 120°F (49°C) on the battlefield.
- The average life expectancy of a WWII tank in action was only about 45 minutes.
- Borglum’s tanks can go through a 55-gallon drum of oil per week, depending on use.
- On the battlefield, an infantry soldier on foot was more feared than an oncoming tank. A single soldier with a bazooka or hand grenade could easily disable or destroy a tank.
- The driver in this video is the granddaughter of AMSOIL founder and decorated jet fighter squadron commander Lt. Colonel A.J. ‘Al’ Amatuzio.
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