The Guts of Tank Gunnery

Self Test Did all platoon leaders and commanders in your unit qualify on tank table VIII? 0 Was each crew in your unit tracked by record, and has each made progress through the UCOm matrix? Did your unit execute a complete run with all of your crews in the allocated range time? Did any of your crews lose points because of boresight error, or because of wrong ammunition or range being input in the computer? 0 Did your crews quickly react after a target miss and still qualify the engagement? In your opinion, did obscuration significantly lower the scores of your crews on Tank Table VIII? 0 Were your crews slow or did they miss targets for unexplainable reasons? If your answers to any of these questions disturb you, this article may be worth your time. Introduction The purpose of this article is to follow-up the recommended M1 tank gunnery training program with suggested techniques and tips to use while executing it. The specific areas to be covered include techniques of: I Leadership (gunnery specific) 0 Conducting training 0 Engaging targets 0 Weapons system manipulation/ switchology. There is a wealth of text describing or referring to the rinciples of killing an enemy target, but virtually nothing available that extracts detailed, step-by-step analysis of the techniques involved. This article will attempt to logically present techniques which have heretofore been passed only by word-of-mouth among master gunners and experienced tank commanders, and not collected in any one spot. The target audience includes new platoon leaders and commanders 4 who are stepping into M1 Table VI11 gunnery for the first time. Experienced leaders, may use this article as a quality control check on training already in progress, and above all, realize this is one commander's viewpoint based on experiences of two Level 1 Table VI11 densities at Grafenwoehr in 1985/86. Tips and training techniques that you have come upon need to be publicized so we all can perfect the art of putting steel on target. Leadership Technique Given the complex level of today's weapons systems, it is more difficult for leaders to achieve and maintain an adequate proficiency level and be combat ready because of the time and resources involved. The commander and platoon leader must be intimately involved with all training and should strive to reach the highest individual proficiency level possible. This can only be done by leading the particular unit through all facets of gunnery training. They should not only be "present" at all gunnery training, and not only participate in the training, but the officers should shoot and be tested the same as other vehicle commanders. Cavalry commanders should qualify on both M1 and M3 Table VI11 in order to fully appreciate the

. d to be direcVevaluate the training of their subordinate platoons. It is important that leaders - commanders, platoon leaders, and platoon sergeants - conduct the after-action review. That is where the learning (reinforce the good, adjust or change the bad) and, by inference, the training, take place. That is where we earn our pay. Hands-on weapons proficiency is, in the author's opinion, an important, if not the most critical eleriterrt, of "warrior"-style leadership. awn& t u p v p i n j aiiu,Ilvroughly A note here on crew stabilization. Try as we might, it is inevitable that there will be some crews that cannot be stabilized, due to unforeseen reasons (i.e. emergency leave, injury, disciplinary action/reduction). Although unproven by hard data, the author postulates that time normally measured as being adequate for crew stability can be shortened by emphasizing that a high number of hours out of the available time be spent in the UCOm, on TCPC, or studying together. In other words, the crew that spends, over the course of two weeks, 4-6 hours per day together in intensive gunnery training can have the stabilization benefits equivalent to a crew that has been together for a few months in low-intensity general training. In this manner, crew stability measured on a calendar basis can be deceiving - the statistics can be beat, to a certain extent, by maximizing high-intensity, gunnery-oriented training with time available. Training Technique UCOm. By now, all agree that UCOFI' is a tremendous benefit to tank crews, but the use of the simulator has become a matter of controversy. In one camp are those that advocate matrix progression, and in the other are those that favor Table-VI 11-like exercises extracted from the matrix? Assuming that UCOFT is available year-round, the best gunnery results are obtained by "... By now, all agree that UCOFT is a tremendous benefit to tank crews..." matrix progression. There is a high relative correlation, in the author's experience, between certification/ matrix progression and live-fire Table VI11 results? Table VIII-equivalent exercises should be run only after certification or in a periodic competition (given a training schedule which constrains time available per crew in UCOFI'). TCPC. A tip here is to use MILES full-up and include target interface devices, Hoffman devices, and blank 7.62-mm machine gun ammunition to better simulate the conditions. The implied requirement is that the chain of command must be trained to a high proficiency level on the use and installation of MILES in order to minimize preparation time. A little time invested on learning to use this valuable training aid will reap big dividends in developing gunnery skills and is the best way to ensure integrity in the gunner'slay in what is normally a dry-fire rehearsal. Range Time Management. Techniques lor efficient and effective use of available live-fire range time and ammunition should be emphasized. Although being able to put more crews downrange does not necessarily equate to higher scores, it is a good indicator of whether or not a unit is prepared, motivated, and in a high state of combat readiness. The best technique is to line three or four vehicles up in a ready line behind the firing vehicle. These tanks should be checked for communications one last time before proceeding to the firing position (especially when using the "jump" radio system - test the system on an alternate "jump" frequency). The usual rule on European ranges is that the crew is given two minutes to fm any maintenance problem or it is pulled off the firing position. The commander and platoon leaders must be ruthless in enforcing this rule on preparatory tahles because it does help to keep tanks moving through a range. Leaders should be held accountable for the complete readiness (prep-to-fire checks, communications, maintenance) of each vehicle and the alertness of the crew waiting in line. In exceptional situations during preparatory tables, or when it is the gunner's first time on alive-fire range, each engagement should be run dry-fire quickly, once or twice, to ensure the gunner is ready, and a little coaching should be taken care of on TCPC, but the 45 to 60 seconds it takes to execute is not a serious blow to range time. It settles any butterflies, works out any last-minute problems and greatly enhances the training value of each live round by giving the gunner more confidence through success and repetition, which is what we are getting more and more into in these times of constrained resources. This could be compared to a rookie batter in baseball taking a practice swing before stepping into the box. Again, the time involved in doing this for a few selected crews throughout the squadrodbattalion should not significantly impact range time utilization. Lastly, the critical activity for range time usage is not the actual shooting, which usually goes by quickly, but is the time it takes t o "come up on the jump net," load and test-fire weapons, and most importantly of all, the time it takes to clear the vehicle. Prep-to-fire checks and radio checks on alternate jump nets should minimize time on the first two, and a technique now being used at Grafenwoehr 30

The author contends that cavalry commanders should qualify on both M1 and M3 Table VIII. by 7th ATC on the qualification table can take care of the last one. The procedure is for the clearing tank to use a parallel lane to exit the course and stop even with the next firing tank to clear. In this way, both tanks are "on line"; one can be cleared while the second is test-firing weapons. Engagement Technique Prep-To-Fire, Roresight Inspections. Nothing further needs to be said here ahout the importance of quality prep-to-fire checks and boresight. A further technique is to require the leaders to inspect these checks with the master gunner prior to firing. Also, boresight data and computer data should be recorded (the author's squadron uses a preprinted 2404) and kept on file, which will allow most errors to be quickly exposed during the inspections. There is a fine line here between training value and "inspecting" this area on the one hand and actually "preparing" or boresighting the tank for the crew on the other. Better training results are achieved by inspecting preparatory checks and boresight to ensure the crew fires live rounds with a tank fully prepared - the intent being to get your money's worth out of each round. Pre-Engagement Checks. The following may also be perceived as heresy by some, but results achieved using this technique justify any minor drawbacks. During intensive training on the UCOIT, it was found to be necessary to always check all switches and knobs to ensure proper index (i.e. ammo, gun select, laser armed, battlecarry index) and to identify the left and right limits of the sector of fire (learned through experience) prior to each engagement in all exercises. It was also found, during live-fire exercises, that it was helpful for the crew to quickly review the possible target arrays for the upcoming engagement. Combining these checks and including them in the crew report ensures complete preparation of the vehicle and also relaxes new crews. After receiving instructions from the tower to battlecarry, it sounds like this: TC: "Watch for two moving tanks, Battlecarry one five hundred indexed, crew report!" Gnr: "SABOT indexed, gun select to main, laser armed last return, identified TRP 1, 2, 3, (done as he looks through the sight to the range fans). Gunner up!" Ldr: "SABOT loaded, loader up!" Drv: "I'min drive, driver up!" Advanced Engagement Procedures Reengagement. Amazingly, when many units conduct TCPC, they train exclusively on the basis of all target hits and are unpleasantly surprised when, "down-range", they are confronted with the unforeseen situation of a target miss. The TC is shaken, stumbles on the subsequent fire command, and panic sets in among the crew as voices increase in pitch and become excited. After achieving proficicncy in the "crawl" and "walk" type tasks, training should focus on integrating subsequent fire commands and re-engagement actions/drills. Crews should have these memorized and practice them on TCPC so that they can instinctively react to kiO any target missed on the first attempt. Proper manipulation of the vehicle and system will make it possible to still score 100 points after a first round miss. Techniques of this type are: 0 In the defense, immediately backing into turret-down after engaging all targets presented, thereby stopping the engagement time, and reengaging as the vehicle rolls back into the hull defilade (see below). 0 Having the gunner scan after engaging all targets and "verbalize" that each target is down. 0 On the MOA3, automatically reengaging the rear set of troops, after both sets have been engaged once, if there is any doubt at all that target effect was achieved - no penalty here as time stops on target effect. 0 Immediately reengage all targets standing and not assume or guess about target malfunctions. MisfiWStoppage. The same philosophy as mentioned above must be applied here - practice and rehearse all the possibilities (there are not too many) until it is instinctive. Main gun misfire procedures are generally standard, but actions on machine gun stoppage vary. On the caliber S O engagements, the gunner should check the coax during pre-engagement checks to ensure it is ready to cover the troop target for the tank commander. On the M60A3, the TC should align the and destrov the enemy..." lrss coax reticle on a seiectea w-meter target, in this way being prepared to engage troop targets in the event of a coax stoppage. UCOFT teaches and trains required preparation and manipulation skills, and if the crew has certified, they should be able to implement the above easily. Visual and Laser Obscuration. In any temperate climate, local and target obscuration will be present in dry weather. A condition noted by the author at Grafenwoehr is that, at certain times, the crew can identify the target but the laser will not penetrate the dust, left from prior engagements, which is "hanging" on the range. Cross-wind, if present, diminishes the effect of this occurrence as the dust is blown off the range faster. Actions on visual obscuration are easy to remember and rehearse - in the defense, simply backing up while announcing "target obscured" and reengaging when the target can be identified; on the offense, moving through the obscuration, if local, or announcing "target obscured" if the obscuration is in the vicinity of the target. For laser obscuralion, UCOFT is art irtvahiable aid. Obviously, the battlecarry technique is the answer, but more is involved than just giving it "lip service." Crews must index the appropriate battlecarry range for each engagement - the midpoint for target ranges possible or listed in the tasks and conditions - as part of the pre-engagement checks. Next, the crew must be rehearsed enough that the tank commander pushes the button quickly once the reticle is in the area of the target so that lead input will be normal, just as if the gunner had lased. This sounds complicated, but UCOFT trains the crew to be extremely proficient in this technique in scenarios with LRF failure and moving targets on offensive engagements. If conditions are bad, take into account wind direction when planning target engagement sequence - for instance, you may want to engage the far target first so the impact of the round will not obscure the near target; or left target first so the wind blows dust to the left and away from the right target, etc. Rehearsal is of paramount importance. Menipulation Techiques The collection of tips and ideas Figure 1. Correlation Between CertiKcation/Matrlx Progression and Live-Fire Table VI11 Results -June 1!%6 Certified Crews Crews In Way Through Matrix Completed Delense Engagements) Crew Average 940 Distinguished 8 Superior 3 Qualified 3 Unqualified 0 795 3 6 5 7 Top 4 crews (including two lo00 point scores) and 7 out of top 9 crews were certified on UCUFT. that follow deal mainly with "switchology", which is the single most important element (excepting leadership) in tank gunnery: Warm-up. During UCOm training, a phenomenon was noticed: rarefy did crews do well on their first one or two exercises. Once they were warmed-up, however, they progressed at normal rates. This can be attributed to reacquainting the gunner with the "feel" of the power control handles, rate of traverse and elevation, and tracking technique. The solution is to have the gunners and tank commanders either conduct tracking and manipulation exercises, or ideally, dry-fire each engagement (in track park or ready line, as range time should not be wasted). They should practice switching from three to 10- power magnification, tracking the target, firing, and so forth, in the sequences called for by each engagement. System Use Override. Traditionally, the tank commander designates the parget and lays the main gun for deflection, with the gunner taking over once he has identified the target in his sight. A great deal of confusion is caused under stressful conditions using the traditional method when the TC hands off to the gunner - especially on the move. Another technique ol laying the main gun is for the tank commander to instruct the gunner, using "traverse right" or "traverse left," "steady," and "on." From a position where the sector of fire is restricted - i.e., a gunnery range, heavy vegetation, urban terrain, assigned TRPs located close together, elc. - best results are achieved by letting the gunner have complete control of the turret traverse and using the latter method. A proficient gunner can 32 traverse and make a precise lay on a target much faster than with the tank commander controlling the turret. Defensive lasing. Crews, especially those training intensively on UCOFT, should ensure that, in the defense, all lasing is executed and evaluated while turret-down - when engagement time is not running and the vehicle is not exposed. Subsequent changes in range, from the tank moving to a hull-down position or when shooting moving targets, are not significant enough to materially affect the strike of the round. The gunner should identify

Abbott. Thompson. and Ulmer. "Winning the Peacetime Battle."

ARMOR.

March-April 1987. (Hereafter "Winning.") 2 EM 17-12-1 (final draft) Tank Combat Tables: Chapters 5-6: "Winning." Footnote 1. 3 FC 17-12-7-1. Unit Conduct of Rre Trainer (UCOFQ. Training device support package. Aug 1985. pp. B-28-B-31.

4. See Fig. 1 5 %M 17-12-1, p. 1-6. Although the manual indicates that the lead solution "appears to be a virtually continuous correction" the technique of lasing to the target. followed quickly by a shot, seems to give a greater probability of target miss doubtful left or right. If, after the lase. the reticle is kept center mass. then steadily tracked center mass (same sight picture) for 3-3 seconds. the lead input by the gunner appears to be more accurate. 6 A quick reading of FSKM 17-3-2. Armor In Battle, Armor School, 1985. should convince anyone that company grade officers need to be gunnery experts. and lase to the target in turret-down and only then should the TC give the command, "Driver move out, gunner take over." Shooting on the roll. Shooting the first round of a defensive engagement while the tank is rolling into hull-down (after, of course, the gun has cleared the berm) makes for a quick opening time and is no less accurate than waiting for the tank to come to complete stop. On those engagements with one target, a tank can get two or three shots off (in the rare event of a first-round miss) with an engagement time still under the 100-point time standard, by shooting on the roll, followed by rapidly backing up into a turret-down position (therehy stopping engagement time immediately after the shot). Gunner Techniques. A summary of well-known techniques which, if not watched, will cause more than their fair share of missed shots: Aiming Point. Always at the center of visible mass. When engaging moving targets, ensure the gunner aims center mass on the hull portion of the target. This puts more surface area within the normal area for round dispersion and minimizes any lead input inaccuracy from tracking. Tracking. Watch for gunners, especially inexperienced ones, who "ambush" targets. The most successful techniques, whether or not it is scientifically based? is for the gunner to track a target (either a moving target or when engaging a stationary target while on the move) laying center mass with the same sight picture for 2-3 seconds before firing. This seems to provide the most accurate lead solution to be fed into the computer. Dump lead. Ensure gunners dump lead when going from target to target. The best way is to release the palm grips immediately after the shot is Bred, then traversing to the next target without lead input which makes it easier to adjust the reticle on target.

With the officer corps representing between 25 percent and 33 percent of the tank commanders in the Army, all armor officers must be highly skilled in the employment of the M1 tank. To be proficient with the tools of our trade is paramount? If there is one area of training in which attention must be focused, it is training to hit and kill enemy targets. Tactical genius for maneuver and a pcrfect (2% complex are wasted effort if our tanks cannot close with and destroy the enemy. Take the time to learn about the tank, become proficient with it, and lead your soldiers from the turret.

KRlS P. THOMPSON was commissioned in 1979 upon graduation from Kansas State University and also graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1982. He served as a scout platoon leader in the 2/137th infantry Bn (Mech), 69th Brigade, in the Kansas Army National Guard. He was a distinguished graduate of the Armor Officer Basic Course. He served as support platoon leader, troop executive officer, S4, and troop commander with 1st Squadron, 11th ACR. He is currently troop commander of

4th Squadron, 1 Ith ACR.