Developing Tank Crew Collective Tasks

Developing Tank Crew Collective Tasks by Sergeant First Class John M. Duezabou As tankers, we have some work to do to comply with FM 25-1O I, Battle Focused Training. That manual, in its chapter on development of mission essential tasks, taIks about selecting squad collective tasks to support the platoon collective tasks that in turn support the company METL.· For some career fields, this simply means opening the ARTEP-MTP and picking which squad tasks support the platoon's tasks. It's not that easy for us, because there are no standard tank section or tank crew collective tasks in our platoon MTP.2 Some may argue that we don't need collective tasks any lower than tank platoon level. After all, a platoon has only 16 soldiers. Besides, we have the tank tactical tables.3 Tables B and C cover tank crews and Tables D and E deal with sections. Aren't they enough? Platoon Collective Task List 17-3-0100 Perform Tactical Planning 17-3-0101 Prepare for Tactical Operations 17-3-0102 Perform Precombat Checks 12-3-C021 Perform Consolidation & Reorganization Activities 17-3-0105 Employ Command & Control Measures 17-3-0209 Execute Travelling 17-3-0210 Execute Travelling Overwatch 17-3-0211 Execute Bounding Overwatch 17-3-0212 Conduct Tactical Road March 17-3-0217 Perform Fire & Movement 17-3-0219 Perform Attack by Fire 17 -3-0220 Assault an Enemy Position (Mounted) 17-3-0221 Execute Actions on Contact 17-3-0225 Defend 17-3-0227 Conduct Hasty Occupation of Battle Position 03-3-C011 Prepare for Chemical Attack 03-3-C015 Respond to Chemical Attack 03-3-C016 Perform Chemical Decontamination Figure 1

July-August 1994 I submit that the tactical tables aren't enough. While they are excellent exercises, they don't cover many essential collective tasks. Besides, if the tactical tables were sufficient, we wouldn't have a platoon ARTEP-MTP, because Tactical Tables F and G already cover platoon collective training. My unit also felt that the platoon ARTEP tasks weren't the whole answer, either. While we found no need for separate section-level tasks, the same couldn't be said for crew tasks. Some platoon tasks cover crew actions adequately, but others don't go into enough detail to properly train and evaluate crews. PM 25-10 I seems to agree, as it includes a tank crew collective task, Prepare Firing Position, as an example.4 Another reason for having crew collective tasks is that platoon tasks don't really apply to the two tanks in a company or battalion headquarters section. Anyone who has tried to train headquarters tank crews using a platoon ARTEP knows how difficult it is. While we suspect that standard crew collective tasks are being developed, we felt we needed them right away to train properly for combat. With that in mind, we developed our own. The Process We began with the platoon collective task list developed by our platoon leaders and platoon sergeants, and approved by our company commander (Figure I). The platoon leaders and platoon sergeants got together with the wing tank commanders and analyzed each of the 18 tasks on the list. They looked at each critical sub-task and determined what a crew had to do for the platoon to be successful. Where the platoon task didn't spell our crew actions in enough detail, we wrote our own tasks. We derived conditions from those of the associated platoon tasks, and set standards so that meeting them allowed the platoon to meet its standards. In some cases, we incorporated actions from the B- series tactical tables. We used several references to try to meet doctrinal requirements with our tasks, conditions and standards. The most helpful were the platoon manuals and MTP, the 19K-series STPs, and FM 17-12-1, as well as our own tactical SOP. We also used the company manual6 and associated MTP,7 plus the old H-series cavalry squadron ARTEp,8 which includes tank crew collective tasks. The Results We ended up with 12 crew tasks to accomplish our 18 platoon tasks. We found one platoon task, Employ Command & Control Measures, requires no actions at crew level. Five other platoon tasks cover crew actions in enough detail to train and evaluate crews. For seven others, we had to write one crew task each. This was usually just a case of spelling out crew duties to accomplish the platoon task and setting a crew standard. The remaining five platoon tasks required more than one crew task to accomplish. Often, the same crew task applied to more than one platoon task. The relationship between crew and platoon tasks is shown in Figures 2 and 3. Our crew tasks are listed as follows. Other units would probably have to modify them to fit their own SOp, as well as adding or deleting tasks to fit their platoon list and company METL. Developing these crew tasks helped us decide which leader and soldier individual tasks were really mission essential. They have been very valuable in battle focusing our crew training. Task: Prepare For Tactical Operations (Ref: FM 17-15, PLT SOP) Conditions: The crew is operating tactically and has been ordered to be 31

PLATOON TASKS

Perfonn Prep for Perfonn Perfonn Con-Employ ~lIecute Execute Conduct Tactical Tactical Precombat 5Olidatlon & Command Execute Travelling Tactical

CREW TASKS

Planning Operatlona Checks Reorganization & Control Travelling Overwatch Boundln" Overwatc Road March PJatoon task Is enough X None X Prepare for Tactical Opna X Perfonn Precombat Checks X Consolidate and Reorganize X Participate In Tactical Road March Rgure 2. Platoon Task to Crew Task Matrix, Part 1 ready for a mission at a given time. Threat situation is as stated in

OPORD.

Standard: Crew is ready for mission at time stated in the OPORD. Subtasks and Standards

1. Crew maintains security per OPORD readiness condition (RED-

CON).

2. Crew performs preparation tasks in order shown in SOP, or as otherwise directed by higher.

a. Crew performs before-ops maintenance on tank: per TM & corrects all deficiencies or reports them on DA Form 2404 to PSG.

b. Crew cleans and checks weapons per TM. Crew corrects all deficiencies or reports them on DA Form 2404 to PSG.

c. Crew refuels vehicle.

1) Positions vehicle as directed by fueler crew.

2) Mans portable fire extinguisher from a position where immediate response is possible.

3) Attaches ground connection near fuel fiUer nozzle.

4) Tops off all fuel tanks.

5) Records quantity received in log book.

6) Returns to assigned position within 20 minutes.

d. Crew loads ammunition to basic load.

1) Positions vehicle at rearm point.

2) Unpacks and loads ammo per TM and load plan. Time limit: 1 minute per main gun round, plus extra 5 minutes if semi-ready door must be opened, plus 1 minute per box of small arms ammo. 32 e. Crew loads supplies, bulk POL products, water, and food.

1) Positions vehicle near supply point, or sends a crewman for supplies while vehicle is refueling.

2) Secures parts, supplies and POL products per load plan.

f. Crew completes loading of vern-cle per load plan.

g. Crew prepares individual equipment per SOP.

h. Crew implements sleep plan. Task: Perform Precombat Checks (Ref: FM 17-15, PLT SOP) Conditions: The crew is operating tactically and has received a warning order for an upcoming mission. The crew has enough time to prepare. Threat contact is not expected. Standard: Tank commander (TC) completes precombat inspection (PCl) per SOP. All deficiencies are corrected before the platoon PC!. Subtasks and Standards

1. TC conducts PCI per platoon SOP.

a. Inspects crewmen per SOP.

b. Inspects tank per SOP.

c. Inspects communications equipment per SOP.

d. Inspects

NBC

equipment per

SOP.

2. Crew corrects all deficiencies before platoon PCI. Task: Consolidate And Reorganize (Ref: FM 17-15, PLT SOP) Conditions: The crew has taken part in a successful platoon or company assault on an objective. The unit has been ordered to prepare for a Threat counterattack. X X X X Standard: The crew takes all steps necessary to secure the objective (consolidates) and prepares to continue fighting (reorganizes) before the Threat counterattacks. Subtasks and Standards

1. Crew participates in consolidating on the objective.

a. Crew helps eliminate any remaining resistance. .

1) Provides covering fire for friendly dismounted infantry per leader's orders, OR

2) Dismounts crewmen with small arms to eliminate resistance wrnle covering them with tank: weapons.

b. Crew occupies hasty firing position per crew task of same name as directed by higher.

2. Crew reorganizes to sustain the fight.

a. Crew reloads machine guns and redistributes main gun ammo to ready areas.

b. Crew gives first aid to crewmen wounded in action and moves them to a covered position.

c. TC sends modified SITREP to PSG by runner stating situation and status of ammo, fuel, vehicle, and crew (casualties).

d. Crew conducts essential maintenance.

e. Crew cross-levels supplies, equipment, and personnel as directed by higher. . Task: Perform Tactical Road March (Ref: FM 17-15, PLT SOP) Conditions: The crew is part of a larger force that has been ordered to conduct a tactical road march. Threat contact is not expected.

PLATOON TASKS

Assault Perform Perform Enemy Execute Fire & Attack Position Actions on

CREW TASKS

Movement by Fire (Mounted) Contact Defend Platoon Task i. Enough Consolidate and Reorganize X (also shown in Fig 2) Execute Halt in Formations X Execute Moving Formations X X X Respond to Section or X X X X X Platoon Fire Command Occupy Hasty Firing Position X X X X Participate in Mounted Assauit X React to Initial Contact X Prepare for Chemical Attack Respond to Chemical Attack Figure 3. Platoon Task to Crew Task Matrix, Part 2 Standard: The crew performs its duties so that the road march is executed within time requirements. Subtasks and Standards

1. TC receives the Warning Order/OPORD and briefs crew.

a. Departure time and SP time.

b. Formation, order of march, interval and speeds.

c. Route and locations of halts/critical points, and actions to be taken at them.

2. Crew prepares for tactical operations per crew task of same name and is at proper REDCON for departure time.

3. Crew moves with the unit.

a. Crew orients weapons and scans sector directed by higher or

METT-T/SOP,

reports enemy contact per crew task React to Initial Contact.

b. Crew maintains formation per crew task Execute Moving Formations.

c. Crew maintains order of march and reports critical points if required by order or SOP.

4. Crew performs proper actions for contingencies.

a. If the tank breaks down:

I) Driver attempts to clear the road if possible.

2) Loader waves other vehicles around and places safety warning indicator behind vehicle.

3) TC notifies higher or another . crew of problem.

4) Crew posts security and attempts to repair tank while waiting for maintenance assistance.

5) When tank is repaired, crew rejoins march at rear of column.

b. If unit deviates from route or there is a break in the column, TC informs higher.

c. If TC loses sight of vehicle to his front and is unsure where to go, he stops and requests instructions from higher.

5. Crew performs actions at halts per crew task Execute Halt in Formation.

6. Crew communicates with other vehicles using hand arm signals whenever possible. Task: Execute Halt in Formations (Ref: FM 17-15, PLT SOP) Conditions: The crew is part of a larger force moving tactically. The leader orders, or METT-T/SOP dictates, a coil or herringbone. Threat contact is not likely. Standard: The crew halts in the proper position to observe their sector and cover it with fire. Subtasks and Standards

I. Crew recognizes hand and arm signal, radio message, or tactical situation that requires a halt and acknowledges.

2. TC orders halt and selects best covered and concealed position per formation ordered and METT-T/SOP. Conduct Hasty Prep for Respond to Perform Occupation Chemical Chemical Chemical of BP Attack Attack Decon X X X X

3. Driver occupies directed position.

4. Loader dismounts to provide local security or act as runner if directed by higher or METT-T/SOP.

5. Crew orients weapons and scans sector directed by higher or METT- T/SOP, reports enemy contact per crew task React to Initial Contact.

6. Crew prepares to fLre on targets in their sector as directed by higher.

7. If a scheduled halt, crew performs required actions.

a. Maintenance b. Refuel/resupply.

8. If an unscheduled halt, crew performs required actions.

a. Determines cause of halt.

b. Relays information per SOP.

c. Prepares to resume movement when ordered.

9. Crew performs above actions for each type of halt formation (coil or herringbone) . Task: Execute Moving Formations (Ref: FM 17-15, PLT SOP) Conditions: The crew is part of a larger force moving tactically. The leader orders, or METT-T/SOP dictates, a specific formation. Threat contact is possible, expected, or in progress. Standard: The crew assumes the proper place in the formation and covers its assigned sector. 33

Subtasks and Standards

1. Crew recognizes hand and ann signal, radio message, or tactical situation that requires a specific formation and acknowledges.

2. TC orders that formation and orders proper speed and interval as directed by higher or METI-T/SOP.

3. Driver assumes proper speed, position, and interval.

4. Tank commander stays oriented and knows his location.

5. Crew orients weapons, scans sector directed by higher or METI-T/SOP, reports enemy contact per crew task React to Initial Contact.

6. Crew prepares to fire on targets in sector as directed by higher.

7. Driver uses alJ cover and concealment consistent with METI-T.

8. Crew perfonns above actions for each type of formation (Column, Staggered Column, Wedge, Vee, Line, and Echelon.) Task: Respond to Section or Platoon Fire Command (Ref: FM 17-15,

FM 17-12-1, PLT SOP)

Conditions: The crew is part of a section or platoon conducting a tactical operation. The leader issues a section or platoon fire command. Standard: The crew engages the correct target in the proper way. Subtasks and Standards

I. Crew recognizes when alert element applies to them.

a. "CONTACT' or platoon color (ex: "RED") alerts the whole platoon.

b. "ALFA" alerts platoon leader's section only.

c. "BRAVO" alerts platoon sergeant's section only.

2. Crew fires weapon!ammunition and number of rounds announced. If none announced, uses standard weapon! ammo per FM 17-12-/' a. Machine guns for troops or unarmored vehicles within range.

b. Main gun for all other targets.

c. Fires battle-carried round first, then switches to preferred type of ammo for subsequent rounds.

3. Crew fires at proper target. 34 a. Crew recognizes target description.

b. If multiple targets, crew fifes at correct target first and remaining targets in correct sequence.

c. Crew fires in fire pattern announced. If no fire pattern announced, crew uses "frontal" fire.

4. Crew fires at the proper time.

a. If "AT MY COMMAND" is announced, crew lays on target and TC announces "READY" when crew is prepared to fire.

b. As soon as leader says "FIRE," TC repeats "FIRE" and crew engages target.

5. If fife conunand is for Support by Fire/Suppress mission, crew fires the number of HEATIHEP rounds and machine gun bursts per minute announced until it sees a specific target at the suppressed position.

a. For example, with the fire command "RED - HILLTOP - TRP 2

- SUPPORT - TWO AND FOUR

FIRE!,"

crew fires two HEATIHEP rounds per minute and four machine gun bursts per minute at the hilltop.

b. If crew acquires a specific target in the target area, it engages using the type of ammo and rate of fire needed for destruction, then returns to suppressive fife.

6. Crew fires until target is destroyed or "CEASE FIRE" is announced. Task: Occupy Hasty Firing Position (Ref: FM 17-15, PLT SOP) Conditions: The crew is part of a larger force in the offense or defense. The leader has ordered, or MElT- T/SOP dictates, that the crew must rapidly occupy a hull-down firing position. Standard: The crew occupies a hull-down position from which it can observe and fire into the appropriate sector. The crew moves to alternate firing position if necessary. Subtasks and Standards

I. If tank is exposed: a. TC orders driver to seek hide position and employs smoke as necessary to cover movement.

b. TC orders driver to move to turret-down position and crew scans sector for targets.

2. If tank is not exposed, TC orders driver to move to turret-down position and crew scans sector for targets.

3. On order of higher, crew moves to hull down and prepares to engage targets.

4. TC ensures his tank can place effective fifes into appropriate sector.

S. TC orders tank to alternate firing position to avoid accurate antitank fire as necessary. Task: Participate In Mounted Assault (Ref: FM 17-15, PLT SOP) Conditions: The crew is part of a larger force ordered to assault a Threat position. A base of fire element is in position to support the assault. The assault may be through an obstacle breach. Standard: The crew participates in assault so that all Threat resistance on objective is destroyed and objective is secured. Subtasks and Standards

I. Crew moves with the unit to the last covered and concealed position as per crew task Execute Moving Formations.

2. Crew prepares for the assault.

a. Driver brings tank on line while remaining in turret-down position.

b. Crew scans Threat position to determine Threat force size and type, locations of mines and obstacles, and best route to objective. Reports results to higher.

c. Crew conducts last minute check of weapons systems, vehicle, and equipment.

d. TC reports to leader when tank is ready for the assault.

3. Tank moves out with unit for assault when ordered.

a. If assaulting through obstacle breach, moves through breach in column formation per crew task Execute Moving Formations.

b. If no obstacle, or once past obstacle, goes to line formation per crew task Execute Moving Formations.

4. Crew assaults Threat position firing all weapons to destroy or suppress all resistance.

5. Crew occupies hasty firing position as ordered per crew task of same name to await counterattack.

6. Crew consolidates and reorganizes on objective as ordered per crew task of same name. Task: React To Initial Contact (Ref: FM 17-15, PlT SOP) Conditions: The tank is moving independently or is part of a larger force conducting an offensive operation. A Threat force engages the tank. Standard: The crew reacts immediately and completes initial actions on contact within I minute. Subtasks and Standards

I. Crew member who first observes Threat force gives acquisition report (ex: "TANKS - TEN O'CLOCK").

2. TC issues fire command to engage Threat. Crew returns fire.

3. Driver takes evasive action to seek cover and concealment and to avoid missiles.

4. TC orders/fires smoke to conceal tank if appropriate.

5. TC alerts higher with contact report. Task: Prepare For Chemical Attack (Ref: FM 17-15, PlT SOP) Conditions: The tank is part of a larger unit operating tactically. The leader issues a warning order that chemical warfare has started or intelligence suspects that it will start soon. Threat direct fire is not expected, but incoming Threat artillery is possible. Standard: The crew assumes the required MOPP level within the time standard and is ready for chemical attack before it happens. Crew members, mission essential equipment, food, and water are protected. NBC duties are performed. The crew is able to continue the mission. Subtasks and Standards

I. TC passes chemical warning order to crew.

2. Crew members prepare for chemical attack.

a. Assume MOPP level per warning order within time standard.

b. Wear headgear at all times.

c. Ensure that mISSIOn essential equipment, food, and water are protected.

2. TC supervises preparation, ensuring that: a. Crew is at proper MOPP level.

b. Crew knows NBC attack signals.

c. Equipment, food, and water are protected.

3. If tank is NBC tank, crew performs appropriate NBC duties.

a. Deploys chemical alarm and chemical detector paper to give platoon maximum warning.

b. Inventories chemical supplies and orders resupply through PSG (if not already done).

4. If tank is supporting an observation post (OP), helps provide OP with dug-in position with overhead cover. Task: Respond To Chemical Attack (Ref: FMs 17-15 & 17-12-1, PlT SOP) Conditions: The tank is part of a larger force operating tactically. Chemical alarm sounds, detector paper changes color, or other automatic masking event occurs. Direct Threat contact is not expected. Standard: Crew members mask within 15 seconds, then complete other protective actions within 1 minute and 26 seconds elapsed time. Crew performs other necessary NBC actions and continues mission. They initiate unmasking procedures when appropriate and restock chemical supplies as necessary. Subtasks and Standards

1. Crew members recognize NBC attack symptom or warning.

2. Crew members mask within 15 seconds, position hood within additional 6 seconds (21 seconds elapsed).

3. Crew members give alarm, close tank hatches, replace CVC helmet and plug into intercom within additional 30 seconds (51 seconds elapsed).

4. Crew members hook into and tum on gas particulate filter system within additional 35 seconds (I min and 26 seconds elapsed).

5. Crew members perform individual skills decon and assume MOPP level 4.

a. Administer nerve agent buddy aid if needed.

b. Decontaminate skin.

c. Assume MOPP level 4.

d. Wipe down/spray down critical equipment (handles, hatch edges, etc).

6. If tank is NBC tank, crew performs appropriate NBC duties.

a. Determines presence/nature of chemical agent with M256 kit.

b. Prepares NBC-l report and sends to higher.

7. Crew continues mission.

8. TC initiates unmasking procedures with or without M256 kit.

9. TC request replacement of used NBC supplies from PSG. Notes IFM 25-101, Battle Focused Training, 1990, pp 2-8 & 2-9. 2ARTEP 17-237-IO-MTP, Mission Training Plan for the Tank Platoon, 1988. 3FM 17-12-1 w/Change 3, Tank Combat Tables, M /, Base FM 1986, Ch 12. NOTE: Tables were not published in the new two part FM 17-12-1, but will be moved to the new FM 17- 15 when it comes out "PM 25- 10 I, Figure 2-35, p 2-22. 5FM 17-15, The Tank Platoon, 1987. ~ 71-1, The Tank and Mechanized Infantry Company Team, 1988. 1 ARTEP 71-I-MTP, Mission Training Plan for the Tank and Mechanized Infantry Company and Company Team, 1988. 8ARTEP 17-55. The Armored Cavalry Squadron, 1982. Sergeant First Class John M. Duezabou holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, where he was a Distinguished Military Graduate from Air Force ROTC. He holds a Master's Degree from the University of Nevada. He served as a USAF Intercept Controller and Training Officer from 1968 to 1973. Since 1981, he has been a Montana National Guardsman. He is currently Readiness NCO for Company A, 1-163 Cavalry. 35