hmmm.
Im not in the US Army, but a tank is a tank and tank troopers are tank troopers.
well here is what i think:
Your not too tall to be in a tank, i ve seen guys over six feet in tanks. Ive also seen very big guys(fat as well as masculer) who at first were a little uncomfy, but after a couple of months sleeping, eathing and basically living in a tank, everyone seems to get along with out big problems. Some of the best loaders ive seen were huge guys but after a while they can preform very elegently. and being strong is always important, makes handling the weapons and maintaining your tank much easier.
as for deployment and time in training, ive no idea how it goes in your Army.
Tank troopers, like all field units, are very tight. Whyen you eat sleep live and fight with the same other 3 people inside a small space, you become closer than family. You soon find your self knowing their ex-girlfriends, what they like to eat, what they smell like(for better or usually worse), what music they like, what makes them pissed off or makes them happy.
As far as advice- like any other military unit- work hard, give respect, be there for other people.
"From the joy of a crew sitting togather,
From days of rain and harsh wind,
From fire and dust and smoke
From pieces of home at heart"
Sounds better in hebrew but its a song about where the bond between tankers to other tankers and to their machines comes from...
Have fun and always remember, If you cant run over it, shoot at it, or cook it in the field, its not worth thinking about!