Battlefield 4 Basic Armor Crewman Course - 2nd Battalion School of Armor - Student Manual
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7CAV FM.2.1.BF4.TNKR
2nd Battalion School of Armor
Battlefield 4
Basic Armor Crewman Course
Student Manual
Developed by Major Aaron Fox
and
Sergeant First Class Ken Bowmore
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................2
Chapter One - Introduction ......................................................................................................................................3
2.1 – Terrain Features...........................................................................................................................................5
2.2 – Route Planning.............................................................................................................................................9
2.2.1 – Terrain Association Technique .............................................................................................................9
Chapter Three – Tanker Communication .............................................................................................................. 10
3.1 – Nato Phonetic Alphabet ........................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 – Crew Commands ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter Four – Equipment .................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 - Main Battle Tank ....................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 - M1 Abrams- Specifics ................................................................................................................................ 12
Chapter Five - Armament And Equipment ............................................................................................................ 13
5.1 - Kit............................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.2 - Tank Crew .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Chapter Six – Movement And Maneuvers............................................................................................................. 16
6.1 - Formations................................................................................................................................................. 16
6.2 - Terrain ....................................................................................................................................................... 18
6.3 - Overwatch ................................................................................................................................................. 19
6.4 - Maneuvers ................................................................................................................................................. 19
Chapter Seven – Gunnery ...................................................................................................................................... 22
7.1 – Gunner's Primary Sight – Line Of Sight ..................................................................................................... 24
7.2 - Engaging Targets ....................................................................................................................................... 25
7.3 – Sensings/Shot Adjustment: ...................................................................................................................... 26
7.4 Engagement Process.................................................................................................................................... 28
7.4.1 Target Acquisition ................................................................................................................................. 28
7.4.2 Target Detection ................................................................................................................................... 28
7.4.3 Target Identification ............................................................................................................................. 29
7.4.4 Target Confirmation ............................................................................................................................. 30
7.4.5 Suppressive Fire .................................................................................................................................... 31
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Chapter One -
Introduction
Welcome to the Basic Armor Crewman Course for Battlefield 4. The
purpose of this course is to introduce students to the main battle
tank and provide training for its effective use on the battlefield. At
the end of this course, students will be able to:
Operate a main battle tank in an efficient and safe
manner.
Coordinate and communicate as part of a cohesive tank
crew.
Work with infantry and light armor assets to maximize
effective firepower.
React to threats with appropriate force to ensure vehicle
and soldier safety.
Completing this course will further your career within the 7th
Cavalry Regiment and prepare you for duties as a tank commander
or tank driver.
Good luck, and welcome to armor training.
7th Cavalry Regiment Recruit Training Command
United States Army Armor School
Fort Benning, Georgia
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Unsafe Acts Any unsafe acts on any of the ranges or during the classroom
portion could result in you being removed from the course, or have
further negative action. Unsafe acts are, but are not limited to:
- Negligent Discharge
- Misuse or Unsafe Usage of Explosives
- Friendly Fire (Blue On Blue)
Always ensure you point your weapon system away from the
cadre and instructors. Do not operate, move, or otherwise
commandeer any armored vehicle until instructed to do so.
Honor Code Violations As stated in the 7th Cavalry Rules and Regulations, lying and
cheating is not allowed at any time. If you do not understand the
material, do not lie to your instructors. When we reach a
qualification phase and you have no idea what to do, this is a good
indicator you did not pay attention and lied that you did. This
behavior will not only result in removal from the course, but a
Negative Counseling Statement as well.
Honor Graduates Some troopers that perform above the standard may be selected as
an Honor Graduate. Honor Graduates can be considered for special
duties within their platoon.
Go/No Go Exercises Receiving a “No Go” on an exercise means you must retry this task,
and are not eligible for completion of the course. You must receive a
“Go” to move on to the next phase.
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1. Hill: A point or small area of high ground from which the ground
2.1 – Terrain Features slopes down in all directions; Contour lines forming concentric
circles. The inside of the smallest closed circle is the hilltop. Good
point for reference for movements, but would leave a tank open for
observation and fire.
2. Ridge: A line of high ground with height variations along its crest;
contour lines forming a “U” or “V” with the closed end pointing away
from high ground. You do not want your vehicle to be silhouetted by
crossing over a ridge as it exposes the vehicle to observation and
fire.
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3. Saddle: A dip/low-point along a ridge crest; either lower ground
between two hill tops or a break in the level crest. A saddle is not
necessarily the lower ground between to hilltops; It may simply be a
dip or break along a level ridge crest. If you are in a saddle, there is
higher ground in two opposite directions and lower ground in the
other two directions. A saddle is normally represented as an
hourglass or a figure-eight shaped contour lines.
4. Valley: Reasonably level ground bordered on the sides by higher
ground. Contour lines form a “U”. Lines tend to parallel stream
before crossing. Contour lines crossing a stream always points
upstream. Generally has maneuver room and might contain a
stream.
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5. Depression: Low point or hole in the ground with higher grounds
on all sides; closed contour lines that have tick-marks pointing
toward low ground. Usually only depressions that are equal to or
greater than the contour interval will be shown on the map. Useful
for hull-down or, in some cases turret-down positions.
6. Draw: Like a valley but normally has less developed stream
course than a valley. No level ground and little or no maneuver
room. Ground slopes upward on the sides and toward the head of
the draw. Contour lines form a “V” with the point of the “V” toward
the head of the draw. These present the quickest travel speeds up
an inclined position.
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7. Spur: Short, continuously sloping line of higher ground jutting out
the side of a ridge; often formed by two roughly parallel streams
cutting down a ridge. Contour lines depict a spur with the “U” or “V”
pointing away from high ground. Good area to have forward
observer, but leaves vehicle exposed to enemy observation and fire.
8. Cliff: A vertical or near-vertical slope; it is an abrupt change of
the land. A cliff may be shown on a map by contour lines being
close together or touching, or by a ticked carrying contour line. The
tick always points toward lower ground. Cannot be traversed up and
will make vehicle combat ineffective if driven off of.
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When you receive a movement order, your first three concerns are:
2.2 – Route Planning
Speed/Urgency: How quickly am I needed there? How quickly can
I get there?
Cover/Concealment: How can I evade detection? How can I deny
the enemy my movement?
Survivability: How can I ensure that we can bring our fire power to
the destination in fighting condition?
Terrain Association is navigation technique that uses terrain or man-
2.2.1 – Terrain made features to serve as land markers or checkpoints for
Association Technique maintaining direction of movement. It can be used anywhere, day
or night, as long as there are distinguishable terrain features. You
use terrain association when moving from the unit area to the motor
pool. You walk down the road or sidewalk using intersections or
buildings to steer or turn on (landmarks or checkpoints). In the field,
with few roads and buildings, you use features for your axis and
checkpoints.
When planning or adjusting your route, you should consider the
following:
Tactical. You must select the route that provides the most
favorable tactical advantage and meets the mission
requirements. Avoid sky-lining open areas and danger areas
like streams or crossing on roads and hilltops. Your tactical
concern is survival. The mission is causing you to move to
your objective. Cover and concealment is most tactically
important aspect of planning your route.
Ease of movement. Always pick the easiest route that the
tactical situation will allow. However, you achieve surprise by
doing the unexpected. A difficult route increases your
chance or getting hung up or lost. A difficult route may be
noisy, may damage or make combat ineffective the fighting
vehicle before you get to your objective.
Boundaries. It is impossible to travel in a straight line, with
or without a compass. Pick an axis or corridor to travel
along. Pick boundaries you will be able to spot. Hard-top
roads, streams, high grounds, and railroads all make good
boundaries. If you start to wander too far off course, you will
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know it.
With boundaries to keep you straight, you need to know where
along your corridor you are. You do this with checkpoints. The best
checkpoint is a line or linear feature that you cannot miss. A linear
feature across your corridor, or axis, is crossed no matter where you
are in the axis. Use hard-top roads, railroads, power lines,
perennial stream, rivers, and valleys.
Determine the distance between checkpoints. Distance is the
cause of the most navigation errors. Estimate or measure the
distance from one checkpoint to another where possible.
Chapter Three –
Tanker
Communication
Pronunciation of letters and numbers varies based on the native
3.1 – Nato Phonetic language and habits of the speaker, or even agency. To eliminate
Alphabet this, a standard of pronunciations have been developed and shared
amongst NATO units. See Table 3.2 for Letters and Digits.
A B C D
ALPHA BRAVO CHARLIEDELTA
(al fah) (brah voh) (char lee)
(del tah)
E F G H
ECHO FOXTROTT GOLF HOTEL
(ech oh) (foks trot) (golf)
(hoh tell)
L
I J K
LIMA
INDIA JULIET KILO
(lee
(indee ah) (jewlee ett) (key loh)
mah)
P
M N O
PAPA
MIKE NOVEMBER OSCAR
(pah
(mike) (no vem ber) (oss cah)
pah)
S T
Q R
SIERRA TANGO
QUEBEC ROMEO
(see air (tang
(keh beck) (row me oh)
rah) go)
U X
V W
UNIFORM XRAY
VICTOR WHISKEY
(you nee (ecks
(vik tah) (wiss key)
form) ray)
Y Z 1 2
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YANKEE ZULU ONE TWO
(yang key) (zoo loo) (wun) (too)
3 4 5 6
THREE FOUR FIVE SIX
(tree) (fow er) (fife) (six)
7 8 9 0
SEVEN EIGHT NINE ZERO
(sev en) (ait) (nin er) (ze ro)
3.2 – Crew Commands
CREW COMMANDS
ALERT COMMAND RESPONSE
“CREW “MOUNT TANK” Crew Mounts Tank
”
Crew Dismounts Tank And Meets At The
“DISMOUNT TANK, RALLY ”
”
Respond In Order:
“CREW “CHECK”
” “DRIVER READY”
“GUNNER READY”
“LOADER READY”
“TC READY”
TC Will Then Add:
“TANK READY”
Possible alternate responses for “CREW CHECK” are: “READY”,
“NOT READY”, or “INJURED”, proceeded by station name.
e.g.: “DRIVER READY”, “DRIVER NOT READY”, “DRIVER
INJURED”
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Chapter Four –
Equipment
In this chapter will explore
4.1 - Main Battle Tank the type of equipment you
will use during the course
of your training. You will be
introduced to the tank and
its armaments, plus what
you should carry in your kit
when operating a tank in
the field.
The main battle tank fills the heavy direct fire role of the United
States military. It is employed by both the United States Army and
the United States Marine Corps. Carrying a bigger gun and
employing thicker armor than any other vehicle in the United States
Armed Forces, the main battle tank is an extremely powerful
weapon. The primary main battle tank of the United States military
is the M1A2 Abrams.
Designer: Chrysler Defense
4.2 - M1 Abrams-
Specifics Crew: 4
Powerplant: Honeywell AGT1500C gas turbine engine
Speed: 56 km/h
Weight: 68 tons
Length: 32 feet (gun forward)
Width: 12 feet
The M1 Abrams was
designed in 1972 to replace
the aging M60 Patton medium
tank and was developed on
the canceled West German
MBT-70, first designed in
1962. Introduced into the US
Army's inventory in 1980, the
M1 first saw combat service in
1991 during Operation: Desert
Storm and has since seen
service during Operation:
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Enduring Freedom and Operation: Iraqi Freedom.
Chapter Five -
Armament And
Equipment
As a third-generation main battle tank, the M1 Abrams is
capable of fielding a variety of different armaments and can be
quickly adapted to any combat situation.
ARMAMENT
The main weapon of the M1A2 is the M256 120mm smooth-
bore cannon, designed by the Rheinmetall Corporation of Germany.
Engagement ranges approaching 4,000 meters were successfully
demonstrated during Operation: Desert Storm. It is possible to shoot
beyond visual range with this weapon. The primary ammunition is
the armor-piercing, fin-stabilized, discarding sabot (APDS-FS)
round, which features a depleted uranium penetrating warhead.
Several other types of ammunition are available, such as the
XM1111 laser-guided shell (Guided Shell) and the M1028 Anti-
Personnel Round (Canister Shot). A fifty-caliber Browning M2
machine gun is located in a powered mount at the Commander's
station and is equipped with a 3x magnification sight. An M240 is
mounted co-axially with the main gun (Co-Axial LMG). It is in a
fixed mount and is aimed with the main gun to suppress enemy
ground troops. It can also be replaced with an M2 fifty-caliber
machine gun (Co-Axial HMG). There are several types of advanced
rounds available to the gunner. One is the High-explosive anti-tank
(HEAT) warhead, which is made of an explosive shaped charge that
uses the Munroe effect to create a very high-velocity partial stream
of metal in a state of superplasticity that can punch through solid
armor.
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Another is the Smart Target-Activated Fire and Forget (XM943
STAFF), an American-made experimental 120mm tank gun shell
that engages targets from above.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
The M1 Abrams is able to mount a variety of gadgets and
equipment to aid in the destruction of enemy forces or defense of
the tank and its crew. The turret can be fitted with two six-barreled
M250 smoke grenade launchers, one on each side of the main gun
(IR Smoke). The standard smoke grenade contains a phosphorus
compound that masks the thermal signature of the vehicle to the
enemy and will defeat incoming guided missiles.
Sensors, integrated into the hull and turret of the tank, are able to
detect obstructions and personnel moving within the vicinity of the
tank (Proximity Scan). An improved loading system can be
installed to improve loader speed and reduce crew fatigue
(Autoloader).
The Gunner's Primary Sight-Line of Sight (GPS-LOS) can be
outfitted with a 3x zoom function (Zoom Optics) or a Thermal
Imaging System (Thermal Optics), and the commander has access
to the Independent Thermal Viewer that provides him with
independent, stabilized day and night vision with a 360 degree view,
automatic sector scanning, and automatic target cuing of the
gunner's sight. (CITV Station). The hull of the tank can be fitted with
the TUSK system of reactive armor bricks (Reactive Armor) or a
special anti-thermal coating to mask the tank from thermal sensors
(Thermal Camo). Other equipment includes:
Thermal Camo
Fire Extinguisher
Gunner Soflam
Reactive Armor
Gunner Thermal
Sabot Shell
Gunner Incendiary
Active Protection
Experiment with each to test how they behave and synergize with
the other equipment
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Selection of additional equipment will be at the discretion of the task
force commander. If no commander is present, you are able to field
equipment at your discretion.
As a tanker, you must always ensure that your personal
5.1 - Kit equipment is at hand at all times. Survivability of the tank and its
crew is paramount in any combat engagement. Assuming you are
not operating with other infantry forces, your personal kit should
contain the following:
A carbine, such as the M4, to engage troops if forced
from the tank.
Your standard issue sidearm.
A blowtorch to repair the tank in the field.
A compact anti-tank rocket launcher, such as the MBT
LAW or SMAW.
These weapons and tools correspond with the Engineer kit
and should be utilized if you are operating without infantry support.
If you are to be operating with infantry support and field engineers
are present, you may utilize your preferred kit.
Due to the simplified nature of main battle tanks in Battlefield
5.2 - Tank Crew 4, only two crew positions are represented. These two positions are
Tank Commander and a combination of Driver and Gunner.
TANK COMMANDER
The TC is responsible to the operation commander and his own
equipment, the reporting of logistical needs, and the tactical
employment of his tank. He briefs his crew, directs the movement of
the tank, and submits all reports. He is an expert in using the tank's
weapon systems and executing land navigation. The TC must know
and understand the mission and operation commander's intent. He
must be prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of the
operation commander in accordance with the succession of
command. These requirements demand that the TC maintain
situational awareness by using all available optics for observation
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and by eavesdropping on radio transmissions. The absence of a
loader also means the TC assumes a greater degree of
responsibility for air and anti-tank missile watch. When operating
independent of direct supervision, the TC will be in command of the
mechanized force, including any infantry and light armor operating
within. On top of this, the TC is also responsible for the deployment
of the M2 HMG when engaged. If unlocked, the TC can also employ
the CITV station to lock onto targets for the Driver/Gunner.
DRIVER/GUNNER
The driver/gunner moves, positions, and stops the tank. He
also searches for targets and aims and fires both the main gun and
the co-axial machine gun. While driving, he constantly searches for
covered routes and for covered positions to which he can move if
the tank is engaged. He maintains his tank's position in formation
and watches for visual signals.
Chapter Six –
Movement And
Maneuvers
The fundamental mission of the tank is to close with and destroy the
enemy. The tank's ability to move, shoot, communicate, and provide
armored protection is a decisive factor on the modern battlefield. It
moves, attacks, defends, and performs other essential tasks to
support the company team or troop mission. The tank can survive
and win in battle, however, only if its crew is well trained, effectively
led, and highly motivated. You must be aggressive, and your tactics
must reflect the tempo and intensity of maneuver warfare. Training
will prepare you to operate in hostile territory with the enemy to your
front, flanks, and rear.
Formations are specific arrangements of men, material, or vehicles
6.1 - Formations to maximize their effectiveness. Formations have many uses and
the ability to quickly change formation to adapt to a changing
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tactical environment is paramount to the success and safety of the
tank platoon. Depending on the number of tanks participating in the
engagement, any number of formations can be used. The most
common formations are listed below.
Echelon
The echelon is considered by many to be the oldest tactical
formation in the history of warfare. In an echelon, units are station
diagonally, with each unit behind and to the right (or left) of the lead
unit. Echelon formations are used because of the excellent range of
vision offered to each participant in the formation and the large,
overlapping fields of fire that it gives to each tank in the formation.
This formation is especially useful if attacks are expected from the
flanks.
Wedge
The wedge formation is most typically seen when an armored
force is attacking an objective due to the large amount of firepower
brought to bear in front of the formation. In a wedge, units are
arranged to form a triangle with the lead unit at the apex.
Column
A column is a movement formation in which units are
arranged one behind the other. This formation provides excellent
coverage of the flanks but leaves the front and rear of the column
poorly defended. In urban combat that takes place on roads or in
major cities, this is typically the only formation tanks can achieve.
Line
Also called the “basic squadron advance,” the line is most
often used by tanks traversing open terrain in which the threat is
expected from the front. Units are arranged next to each other and
move as one cohesive line.
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6.2 - Terrain
Analysis of the terrain within the combat area will greatly influence
how a tank platoon is deployed and utilized. Knowing what your
tank can traverse, what obstacles will hinder its movement, and
what terrain elements could be used for cover will greatly increase
your chances of survival.
Of all the limiting factors that inhibit tank operations, none has a
more decisive effect than terrain. Terrain may dictate the number of
tanks that can be employed, but it will seldom prohibit their
employment entirely. The full striking power of tanks is best
achieved over rolling terrain that permits massing and exploitation of
their cross-country mobility. Nevertheless, between the extremes of
terrain – rolling terrain as opposed to impassable terrain – there is
considerable ground that can be negotiated by tanks.
Roads provide one of the most common routes for battlefield
transportation. They are used for delivering supplies and other
needed materials to units on the front lines. Paved, well-maintained
roads allow for the greatest speed and mobility, while unpaved
roads allow moderate speeds and mobility.
Traversing terrain off-road will provide the slowest top speed and
least stability.
Tanks should always utilize the best possible ground for
movement. Good terrain provides cover while allowing a fast
advance. Dead ground (ground that cannot be seen into) and backs
of hills allow this type of movement. Tanks should always move
around hills and never over them. Moving a tank over a hill is called
“going tracks up” and allows a belly shot on the tank. Before
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moving, decide where you want to go, how will you get there, and
what obstacles will impede your advance. Never stop in the open,
but only in some form of cover. Cover can be a slight depression or
behind a building.
The main type of movement tanks use today is called “overwatch”.
6.3 - Overwatch Overwatch is when one tank moves while another provides support.
It is particularly useful when only two tanks are operating or when a
tank platoon has been split up. Overwatch can be utilized in many
ways.
LEAP FROG
To execute a leap frog maneuver, the covering tank will inform the
tank to move and how far he can support him with effective fire. The
moving tank will then advance to the best firing position possible,
take up position, and inform the covering tank how far he can then
support him. The covering tank will then move forward and past the
the new covering tank as far forward as possible while staying
under covering tank effective fire range. This is continued as long as
necessary.
CATERPILLAR
The caterpillar method of overwatch is very similar to leap
frog, varying only in one way. With caterpillar, the rear supporting
tank moves forward to the same position that the forward tank has
moved into and takes over his position. The forward tank will move
forward again, take up position, and then the rear covering tank will
move forward and take up the forward tank’s position again.
TRAIL
The trail method of overwatch is when both tanks move at the
same time, one a distance away from the other. The rear tank
covers the forward tank while moving at the same time.
While this method allows for the quickest movement, it also
provides the least security. This method should only be used when
contact is not likely. Also, both tanks must still move with cover in
mind so if contact is made they can quickly take cover and get into a
firing position.
Keeping the tank in operation is vital to the success of any
6.4 - Maneuvers mission. Survivability of the vehicle depends solely on the crew and
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its ability to respond to threats, position the tank in such a manner
as to deny the enemy a shot, and maneuver out of harm's way.
Understanding how to maximize the survivability of the vehicle while
maintaining tactical advantage is paramount. The following
maneuvers can be used to that end.
HULL DOWN
A tank is “hull down” when the hull, or main body of the tank,
is below a hill or otherwise behind cover while the turret remains
exposed. This allows the crew to continue putting rounds
downrange while providing minimal exposure to enemy fire. When
hull down, the tank is able to quickly retreat from combat should it
begin taking fire.
TURRET DOWN
A tank is “turret down” when both the hull and the turret are
below a hill or otherwise behind cover. Though this does not allow
the crew to engage targets, it does allow the vehicle to maneuver
without being observed by the enemy.
SMOKE SCREEN
The smokescreen provides excellent concealment when
engaged in combat. In addition, the smoke grenades will defeat
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incoming guided missiles and break the lock of any enemy targeting
system. Use of smoke should be chiefly to cover the retreat of the
vehicle from a hostile situation or to prevent a solid lock by enemy
systems. It can also be used to cover the advance of infantry
RETREAT
If a tactical situation has turned sour and the tank is at risk of
being overrun by troops on foot or other armor, it is always best to
retreat to a safer position. The retreat should be done in the
straightest possible route from the enemy so as to keep the forward
armor facing the enemy. Smoke should be employed to cover the
retreat. At the earliest possible time, once the tank is out of combat,
the commander should dismount and repair the tank. Care must be
taken before dismounting; the area around the vehicle should be
clear of threats.
URBAN COVER
Buildings of any kind and construction provide ample cover
for anti-tank infantry to engage the tank without being seen. This is
especially true for buildings that overlook the tank, as the main
battery cannot angle high enough to engage targets well overhead.
it is the commander's responsibility to cover any and all points on
contact to prevent an ambush
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Chapter Seven –
Gunnery
Your ability to effectively engage targets on the battlefield is a
matter of life and death. To that end, you must be proficient in all of
the weapons systems mounted to your tank. This includes the
120mm main battery, the co-axial machine guns, and the
commander's mounted machine gun. Knowing your weapons
systems inside and out will ensure you land the first shot every time.
The Gunner's Primary
Sight – Line of Sight
(GPS-LOS) is the main
aiming apparatus of the
M1A2 Abrams.
Developed by
Raytheon, the GPS-
LOS is a complex
network of sensors,
cameras, and computers that display all pertinent information on the
gunner's main display. This enables the gunner to effectively
engage his targets without using the primitive telescope optics of
previous-generation tanks. The elements of the GPS-LOS, from top
moving clockwise, are:
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COMPASS
A standard compass tape to determine the direction of the
main battery in relation to the map. It corresponds to the same
compass tape on the minimap.
SPEED
The speed of the tank displayed in kilometers per hour.
SIGHT MAGNIFICATION
A text indicator of the current magnification of the sight. It
also displays the current viewing mode. “60HZ” is standard, while
“IR” is infrared.
MASTER WARNING
A visual and audible cue that the tank has been damaged. It
can only be silenced by repairing the tank.
GUN POSITION
A graphic representation of the gun's position in relation to
the hull. The point represents the front of the hull. The long line
indicates the main battery's position. The smaller line indicates the
machine gun's position in relation to both.
RANGE
The range, in meters, of the target centered in the reticule. It
only reads up to two hundred meters before displaying a zero
range.
LOADED SHOT
A text indicator of the loaded shot type and the gun's status.
RDY indicates the weapon is ready to fire. WAIT indicates that the
weapon is being loaded. AP indicates armor-piercing rounds. AGM
indicates guided shells. CANISTER indicates canister shot. LMG
and HMG denote the co-axial machine guns.
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SMOKE
A visual representation of the smoke grenade launcher's
status. READY indicates ready to discharge. WAIT indicates the
launchers are being loaded.
GUN ANGLE
The angle, in degrees, the gun is currently at. Ninety degrees
is perfectly level. The gun can be depressed twelve degrees
(seventy-eight, indicated) or elevated twenty degrees (one hundred
and ten, indicated.)
RETICULE
The main aiming reticule. The hollow circle in the center
indicates the impact point of the main battery on a target within one
hundred meters. The lines above and below the hollow circle, called
mils, are used to determine the ballistic trajectory of rounds fired
beyond one hundred meters. Each additional one hundred meters is
represented by half a mil. For example, a target two hundred meters
away will be successfully hit if positioned between the mils. For
ranges beyond four hundred meters (the absolute lowest point of
the indicated reticule), the gunner must have a spotter.
The horizontal lines on either side of the hollow circle, also
called mils, are used to determine the amount of lead to give a
target. Assuming the target is moving ninety degrees to the main
battery, the first set of mils indicate one hundred meters, and the
second set indicates two hundred meters. In essence, you must fire
when your target is within the specified area to achieve a hit.
Terrain, visibility conditions, vehicle positioning, and fire distribution
7.1 – Gunner's planning dictate the distance (depth and width) a tank crew, section,
Primary Sight – Line or platoon must cover. Each tank’s sector of fire and observation
Of Sight must overlap with the sectors of adjacent tanks. Based on these
factors, the TC and gunner must coordinate how they will cover the
tank’s assigned sector, for both the offense and defense.
Sectors of responsibility are areas assigned to each crew member
for search and target acquisition. Standard sectors of observation
depend on turret orientation for all crew members except the driver.
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Crew members must know their assigned sectors of observation to
ensure 360-degree coverage of the battlefield. When operating with
the section or platoon, each tank’s 360-degree coverage will create
overlapping fields of observation.
During buttoned-up operations, the tank crew’s ability to acquire
targets is reduced by at least 50 percent. The crew must make sure
all vision blocks and sights are clear and free of obstruction
Sectors are normally assigned as follows:
• The TC’s sector of responsibility is 360-degrees. However,
when the loader observes from the hatch, the TC observes from the
left front of the gun mantle, clockwise, to the left rear of the turret.
• The gunner’s sector is along the axis of the main gun, within
the limits of the GPS in 3X magnification.
• The loader’s sector is from the right front of the gun mantle,
clockwise, to the right rear of the turret. The loader should be
designated as primary air guard when he is not inside the turret.
• The driver’s sector is forward, with the limits of his periscope
between the front fenders.
Targets acquired by a crew member are immediately reported to the
7.2 - Engaging Targets TC with an acquisition report. This target hand-over procedure may
take place during any of the three target acquisition phases
(detection, location, or identification) and must take place before the
classification step of the target acquisition process.
An acquisition report consists of three elements: Alerts (optional),
description, and location (optional for gunner only).
e.g.: “LOADER REPORT – MOVING TANK – LEFT FLANK.”
When a target is spotted, it is imperative that whomever
spots the target call out what it is, how far away it is, and where it is
in relation to the tank. You must then wait for the gunner (or
commander if the gunner spotted the target first) to also spot the
target. The actual cadence would look like this:
TC: Contact! Tank, four hundred meters, one o'clock!
G: Identified!
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The commander then makes the decision to hold fire or
engage the enemy. Vehicles or infantry that are directly assaulting
the tank or the tank's position should be dealt with first. Attacking
vehicles or infantry who have not yet spotted the tank and prove to
be no threat should not be engaged unless no other targets are
available. Engaging targets of this nature require first-shot hits to be
effective. Once the commander has decided to fire, he gives the
gunner the command.
TC: Fire!
G: On the way!
The main battery is then discharged. The commander
observes where the round lands and instructs the gunner to correct
as necessary. If the target was hit, the commander calls out
“Target!”
This informs the gunner that his current angle is correct and
subsequent shots should strike the target. When the main battery is
loaded, the gunner calls out, “Up!” The commander can order
subsequent rounds with fire commands or may give the gunner the
option to fire at will.
When discharging the main cannon, it is important to keep track of
7.3 – Sensings/Shot the shot through the barrel discharge to gain an understanding of
Adjustment: shot corrections, especially if engaging targets from long to extreme
ranges.
Let’s take a look at the gunner/driver GUI once again.
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The small crosslike
projection in the
center of the screen
is called the reticule.
In Battlefield 4, each
vertical line
represents roughly a
5 meter vertical drop
in height at 100
meters for a standard
HEAT round. Each horizontal line represents a 5 meter disparity at
100 meters.
Since there is no direct way to calculate leads and elevations in
Battlefield 4, and since firing decisions are often made very quickly,
tankers in Battlefield 4 will use Sensings to determine appropriate
shot corrections.
As a rule: the shot correction at any distance is equal to the
optical distance between the impact point of the last shot and
the intended impact point, as noted by the gunner.
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7.4 Engagement
Process
7.4.1 Target Acquisition
Acquiring a target is a series of progressive and interdependent
steps (or actions) that include searching, detecting, locating, and
identifying it. Effective target acquisition requires a constant
combined effort from each crewmember and squad member.
SEARCH
Crew and squad search (observation) is the act of carefully
watching designated areas. The TC assigns a sector of observation
(and target acquisition) to each crewmember and squad member. If
the Bradley vehicle is in a hide position with the squad inside, then
the TC positions an observer (or two) forward of the vehicle.
Ground Search Techniques
Rapid Scan. Use this method first to detect obvious signs of enemy
activity quickly.
(a) Center Out, Near to Far. From center of sector, scan rapidly,
near to far.
(b) Left and Right to Center, Near to Far. Orient left or right; scan
rapidly, near to far. Overlap center of previously scanned sector.
(c) Reverse. After completing one side, scan other side the same
way.
(d) TC Far to Near, Gunner Near to Far. The TC and gunner scan
as this title implies.
7.4.2 Target Detection
The crew searches for personnel, vehicles, equipment, or objects of
potential military significance on the battlefield. A crewmember
locates a target by searching, observing, and detecting. Once he
does so, he gives all personnel the target location. How he does this
depends on his specific position, unit SOP, and time available.
When the TC locates a target, he can lay the gun and issue a fire
command. This fixes the target's location for the gunner. The
following paragraphs describe the eight most common target-
location methods:
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Clock Method. The TC and gunner can use the clock method to
locate the target.
Twelve o'clock represents the direction of vehicle movement while
traveling or the hull’s orientation (the direction the front of the
vehicle is pointing) while stationary, for example, BMP, NINE
O'CLOCK. The TC or gunner can use the turret position indicator or,
on the A3, use the one in
the biocular display.
Sector Method. The
sector method is similar
to the clock method--it is
quick and easy to use.
The TC is most likely to
use the sector method to
indicate the target's
direction of movement
relative to that of the
Bradley or, if the Bradley
is stationary, relative to its
hull orientation. Center
sector is always to the
front, for example,
THREE TANKS, LEFT REAR.
Traverse Method. The TC can use this fairly quick method to locate
the target for the gunner. However, when his handstation
malfunctions, the TC can use this method to guide the gunner on
target, for example, TRAVERSE LEFT (OR RIGHT),
STEADY, ON.
Target identification consists of classifying a potential target by type,
7.4.3 Target describing it by nomenclature, and discriminating it as either friend
Identification or foe. For example, the gunner might identify a potential target by
classifying it as a tank, describing it as a T-55, and discriminating it
as a foe.
a. Classification. In classifying a target, the crew identifies a target
by vehicle type (truck, tank, APC). Soldiers can quickly scan the
target’s key recognition features, then classify it accordingly. For
example, the gunner classifies a target as a tank because of the low
silhouette, large gun tube, and tracks.
b. Description. In describing a target, the crew identifies a target by
nomenclature (M998, T-55, BMP) based on key recognition
features. For example, they look at the target and note that the
turret is smooth and rounded, that the gun tube's evacuator is at the
end of the tube, and that the suspension system has no support
rollers. He therefore describes the target as a T-55 tank.
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Confirming a target means rapidly verifying its initial identification
7.4.4 Target and discrimination.
Confirmation The TC confirms a target after he initiates the fire command, at the
same time the gunner completes the initial lay, and before he issues
the execution element. The gunner also confirms the target. As he
makes his final precise lay, he checks one last time to ensure that
the target is hostile before he announces "IDENTIFIED."
a. The TC finishes evaluating the nature of the target based on its
identification and on the tactical situation.
b. If the gunner confirms that the target is hostile, he completes his
final lay and engages the target on order.
(1) If the gunner determines that the target is friendly or unknown,
he announces his confirmation to the TC as "FRIENDLY" or
"UNKNOWN."
(2) If he cannot determine the nature of the target, he announces
"DOUBTFUL."
(3) The TC then determines whether to continue or to end the
engagement.
c. The TC must know the tactical situation in order to help confirm
targets. He gains his battlefield situational awareness from
subordinates and higher elements. On ODS models that have
FTCB2 and on the A3, the TC gets his battlefield situational
awareness (SA) from the CTD, while the squad leader's display
(SLD) provides battlefield awareness for the Bradley crew or squad.
Observations. Everyone tries to observe where the round strikes
relative to the target. If the gunner sees where the round goes, he
announces at once that he does so, using specific terms (Figure 6-
26, page 6-30). This tells the TC that the gunner has control of the
engagement and needs no subsequent fire command. It frees the
TC to perform other tasks such as acquiring more targets,
controlling the driver, navigating, or communicating. Only if the
gunner announces "Lost," indicating that he did not see where the
round went or where it struck, does the TC announce what he saw.
If he does, he uses the same terminology. If the TC must also
announce "Lost," then the driver must announce what he saw. The
crew uses the following terms to describe where they
observed the round go:
(1) Target. The crew sees the round hit any part of the target with
direct fire.
(2) Lost." The crew says this if they see neither the round nor its
effects relative to the target.
(3) Over. The crew sees the round, tracer, or their effects pass over
the target.
(4) Short. Somewhere between the firing vehicle and the target, the
crew sees the round, tracer, or effects.
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(5) Doubtful. The crew sees the round, tracer, or effects appear to
the left or right of the target, but at the correct range. Although the
observation "Doubtful" might not require a range correction, it
always requires a deflection shift. When a crewmember observes
"Doubtful…" he does so as "Doubtful Left" or "Doubtful Right."
Suppressive fire is defined as "direct fire on known or likely target
7.4.5 Suppressive Fire locations to degrade one or more of the enemy's basic combat
functions: moving, shooting, observing, and communicating." For
effective suppressive fire, the gunner or commander must fire three
to four distinct bursts into the target area. To conserve 25-mm
ammunition, the crew uses the coax machine gun for suppressive
fires up to 900 meters against unarmored vehicles or troops.
Machine gun suppressive fire is usually effective in bursts of 10 to
15 rounds.
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