The Sullivan Cup best tank and Bradley crew competition, hosted biennially by the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, home to the U.S. Army Armor School, will be held April 29 to May 3. During the competition, armored vehicle crews will compete against one another in technical, physical, and mental challenges — all vying for the prestigious title of best armor crew in the world. This year’s Sullivan Cup competition consists of crews from various U.S. Army and international partner armored formations. Competition events are held in a controlled, high-pressure environment where crews endure and overcome physical and mental strain while emphasizing mastery of individual tasks and a range of maneuver, sustainment, and gunnery skills crucial to combat effectiveness.
“Armor Week is a celebration of what we do in the Armor community. Sullivan Cup is a chance for Abrams and Bradley crews to show their mastery of combat skills and demonstrate the lethality of our maneuver force. These competitions breed excellence; they have a direct impact on delivering combat-ready forces. We want crews to feel a sense of accomplishment. This competition helps build Armor pride, driving home that we are an integral part of the combined arms formation,” said Brig. Gen. Michael J. Simmering, U.S. Army Armor School Commandant and Chief of Armor.
Competition success hinges on the training provided at competitors’ home stations by unit non-commissioned officers where competitors serve in the roles of master gunners, tank commanders, and as advisers to the crews. Competition tank commanders oversee crew training, ensuring proficiency in assigned roles and conduct cross-training in alternate positions. The Sullivan Cup provides an opportunity for crews to validate tactics, techniques, and procedures, evaluate the latest doctrine, highlight Army Armor initiatives, and build esprit de corps through competition and camaraderie. Points are awarded based on factors such as time, precision, and successful completion of each task.
The competition pays homage to retired Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, who served as an Armor officer and commanded various Armor formations during his esteemed military career. Sullivan retired from the Army July 31, 1995, after more than 36 years of active service, rising to the position of the 32nd Chief of Staff. This will be the first competition since he passed away earlier this year. Events like the Sullivan Cup provide a platform for the Armor School to certify and refine instructional programs, ensuring their courses effectively prepare both Abrams main battle tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle crews to meet operational demands and become the most proficient and lethal mechanized Soldiers in the Army.
