1. CneNce FM t7-t2
No.r
TANK GUNNERY
Effectiveuponrcceipt.This changeupdatesFM 17-12,21March19?7.Changedmaterial
is indicated by a colored bar in the margin or star (*) preceding the material,
Make the following pagechanges.
C1
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENTOFTHE ARMY
Washington,DC,29September1978
Insert
i, ii
2-5,24
3'3,34
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4-13,4-14
4-21th 4-23
6-9
7-3thru 7-8
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8-9,8-10
9-1thru 9-4
9-?,9€
9-13,9-14
9-17thtrL 922
9-25thru S29
10-3,104
11-5,11-6
11-11,11-12
12-3thru 12-10
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77-',7,r7-8
A-1
Index 1 thru Ind€x 16
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4-9,4,10
4-13,4-14
4-21tbtu 4-23
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?'3 thru 7€
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A-1
File this change sheetin ftont of the publication for referenceplrposes.

2. 8yOrderottheSecretaryoftheArmy:
BERNARDW. ROGERS
Genetal, United StatesAmy
. Chiefofstafl
Official:
J. C, PENNINGTON
BI iqadieI GeneI aI, United StatesAmy
TheAdjutant General
DISTRIEUTION:
ActiveAmy, USAR,and,4Rlyc- TobedistributedinaccordancewithDAForml 2-l 1A,Require-
mentsfor EngineerBattalion,Armored,Infantry,and Infantry(Mechanized)Divisions{Otyrqr
blockno.28);andTankGunnery(Otyrqrblockno.128).
Additionalcopiescanberequisitioned(DAForm17)lromtheUSArmyAdjutantGeneralPublica-
tionsCenter,2800EasternBoulevard,Baltimorc,MD2122O.

3. Field Manual
No. U-12
*FM 1712
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Wa,shington,DC, 21 March 197?.
TANKGUNNERY
Page
PARTONE. INTRODUCTION,THREAT,
AND STANDARDS
INTRODUCTION.
THREAT
GUNNERYSTANDARDS
PARTTWO. PRINCIPLESOF TANK GUNNERY
CHAPTER PREPARETO FIRE
CREWDUTIES
TARGETACQUISITION AND IDEI{TIFICATION
RANGEDETERMINATION
FIRING POSITIONS
DIRECTFIRE
STABILIZATION
RANGECANDSAND INDIRECTFIRE
AMMUNITIONAND TARGETDESTRUCTION
SPECIAI,GUNNERYTECHNIQUES.
MACHINEGUNS
PI-A.TOONFIREDISTRIBUTIONANDCONTROL
AERIAI ENGAGEMEI{TTECHNIQIJXS.
CHAPTER 1.
2.
3.
+ Thi6 fi€ld manul Bup€ilede3 FM 17-12,10 November 1972,
TC 17-!2-2, Ocaober 1574,
TC 17-12-3,30 Jue 1975,
TC 17-12-5, 19 S€pt€mber 1975,
DA Pa.E360-1a,
aDdAsubiscd 1?-12.
1-1
4-l
'7-1
6-l
9-1
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
1G1
11-1
12-l
1&1
14-1
16-1

4. c1, FM17-',t2
PART THREE. TANK GUNNERY TRAINING
CHAPTER 1?. ARMOR IJNIT GUNNERY TRAIMNG PROGR.A.MS
18. INNOVATIW TRAININGTECHNIOUES
19. RANGES
Page
18-1
:. 19,1
20. TANK GUNNERYTABLES
APPENDD( A. REFERENCES
*rNonx
SUPPLEMENTS (issuedseparately)
* Fut tl-tzl, ranh Gunnery (XMI) (tn be vtblis]ned)
FM 17-12-2,Tank Guntuery(M60/M6041/M60AI AOS/M48A5)
FM 17-12-3,Tank Gunnery(M60A3,(tobe published)
FM 17-12-4,Tank Gunnery(M60A2)
Fa417-12-5,Tank Gunnery(M551/M551A1)
FM 17-12-6,Tanh Gunnery(M728CEV)
FM 17-12-7,Tank Gunnery(TraininEDeuices)
Tocomply with guido,nceof the Assists,ntSecretatyof Defense(Manpower
atud.ReserueAffairs), this Field Ma.nuaLhas beenreuiewed.for the useof
neutral languaga Unlessotheruise noted.,uhere the third person singular
is used.in thispublieation,theword"he"wiLlbeunderstoodtostand,for both
matcuLineantl femininegenders.
2Ul
1-16
u

5. CHAPTER 1 FM 17.12
r.1. PREFACE
What w;lLthe nett war be lihe?
How will tankers have to fight on its
battlefields? While no onecan answer these
questions for certain, tankers must have
someideaof whai to expect-what *'eapons
are likely to be on the battlefield, and
important chaEcteristics of enemy forces
that might beencountered.
About ueapons, hno thinga are certarin:
E Lo.rg range, high velocity tank
cannon and longer raage, accu-
'
rate, antitank glided missiles
dominate today's battlefield.
They are so accurat! that anythiEg
they can fire on can be hit;so lethAl j
that an,4hing they can hit can be'
INTRODUCTION
Becauseof these codsidemtions,any
vehicle or unit that exposesitself on the
battlefield will be destroyedunless: Q .
enemyweaponsthat can fire on the exposed
elementhave beendestroyed.or l)
"uppressed.or @ theenemys.abilityt6fire on
the exDosedelementhas beensomehow
inhibiied-by lhe cleveruseof lerrain,
, smoke,night, fog,badweather,
$Ltilg-of any or*all of these.
i;:.,
,/,t:2rkilled.
tr Long range air defens€ cannon
and miesilee dominaae the air
over today'e bsttlefreld. Any'
thing th€y can fire on cao be hit;
what they hit can be killed,
A bout the enern!, trto things are certain:
tr llis equipment ie good, and, in
spiteof somedifferencesin sophisti-
catio4 and quality, pmbably nearly .
as goodas outs,
E IIe will outnumber us; he believesA'..
in using ma66esof men and ei
his foes,
I -1

6. FM 17-12
We can aleo be certain that US Armv
forcesthat have to 6ght the first battle oi
battles of the Dext war will be Feady
ortnumbered.Wecan expeo early battlesof
tbenextwa! tobeshortand violeDt,with each
sidetrying L wir_an advantage thar will give
lDe upper hand tn hegotiahonsto end the
conflict. Therefoie,
WiDning the filst battle or batfles ofthe
neit war ia easential.
In order to win, US tank crews must
outtnaneuver tbe eneby and outghoot
him at least 6 to l.
Winning agabst heavy oddsand outkill-
ing theeneby 5to I will not beeasy,butit can
be done. It can bedonebv:
tr knowing the enei
E understaDding tie battlefield
El knowing how to ioaximize the effec-
tiveness of our o*n weapon6,while
einimizing their I'ulnelability
E being absolut€ly convinced that we
can alrd will win
Four time€ out offrve, the side that fireg
6rst in a tank battle x'ill qrid.
th
rflg
Tankplatooninroverso
slope positions
engagingThEat First
Echelon Fo.ce3
attacking undsr
artillery bar16ge;
S eco nd Echelon
tollowing.
7'.i
THE MODERITIBATTLEFIELD

7. FM17-12
1-2. PURPOSE
Thie manual descdbes:
E T'heenemy threat.
tr Standarrls and tests to measure
individual, crew, sectioD, and pla-
toon pioficiency.
E Tadk gunery principles,methods,
and t€chniques.
D Saople schedulee and suggestion8
for tank glnnery tlairring programs.
! New gunnery tables with tabulated
ammunition requirements.
i How to setup and usetank range8.
tr Tank6 in the US Arroy inventory.
D Stantlards and tests to measuE
individual, crew, 6ection, arrd pla-
toon prcfrciency in conjunction with
the apFopriat€ Army Tlaining and
Evaluation Ploglam (ARTEP).
1-3. SCOPE
This manual has three paytsand sevelal
supplements.Part I outlinesthepurposeand
soope of the manual, describes the enemy
(called the "Thrcat"). and 6et€forth stand-
aral-sfor measuring gunnery profrciency.
Part II plesent6 tank gunnery principles
comrnonto all types of tanks. Part III
discussestank gumery fiaining, emphasiz-
ing year-rcund proficiency, descibes the
Tank Crew Gunnery Skills Test which
replacesthe PreliEinary GunneryExamine-
tion (PGE),and explains tank gunnery tableg
stressingepeedof engagementand accula-
cy. Supplementsaddress features unique to
eachtype tank currently iDtlte Army invento-
ry and the combat engineer vehicle (CEv).
Also in this seriesis FM 17-12-?.which deals
with tank gulrnery devices.
M6OAl
| - J

8. FM17-12
R€levantparts of TC 1?-12.1,"Tips for
Tanke*," TC 17-12-2,"Tlaining Tahk and
Sheridan Crews to Shoot," TC 17-12J,"Bat-
tlefreld Gunnery Techniquesfor Tanke," ald
TC 17-125,"Tahk Gunnery Tlainitg," have
beenincorporated in this manual.
Thie manual ehouldbeueedwith approp-
riate vehicle technical manuals. Information
found in t,|e vehicle techdcal matnal, such
a8 staps for boEsighting, sl,a[dard ?,emmg,
and slmchronizatioD of l,an} weapoDssjr$
tems will not be rcpeat€din this manual.
Nomal tlistribution of this manual will
consist of Parts I tiru III with appendix A,
"R€ferences," and the supplement for the
type tanL assignedto the unit. The looseleaf
format facfitat€s adding not46 and posting
change6. Supplementsdescdbing other
fanks may be requestedfron the US Army
Adjutant Genera.lPublications Centrr, 2800
Eastern Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland
n2m.
Users of this manual are elrcoutagd to
s€nd recommendedchangesor colttdrentsto
improve the publication to: Assistant Com-
mar!dant, US Army Ardo! School,
ATTN: ATSB-TD, Fort lhox, KY 40121.
1-4

9. CHAPTER 2
THREAT
2-1. INTRODUCTION TO THE THREAT
The Tbreat Aimy is one of the largest,
and oneofthe bestequippedand besttmined
armies in th€ world. Basically a mounted
force,it is heavy in tanks and artillely. Its
weaponscomplementeach other i$ battle,
andThreatra.ticsstressmassingweaponsih
depth to overpower the opposition- This
chapter describesthe Threat in sufficient
detailsothat UStankerscantrain to counter
Threat strengths and take advantage of
TANKS
115-mmSmoothboreGunT-62
Threat weaknessesto win th€ first battle of
the next war-outnumbered. Threat weap-
ons the US tanker is likely to facein great
nr]mbels are discussed,including weapon
descriptions, strengths, and weaknesses.
Suggestionsfor deleatingeachThreat weap-
on will be given. These weaponswill be
shown tog€ther in a_ttackand defenseset-
tirlgs to givethe US tanker a morecomplete
pictureof Threat capabilities.
2.2. THREAT WEAPONS
a. Tanhs and Aseault Guns. ltre
following pagesillustate Thleat tanks and
assault guns, and descibe their strengths
aIrdweaknesses,
FM 11-12
+6 rolndsperminule
30 nph {48lmph)
310miles(600km)*
'Crursingrangew'thinternalfuellanksonly-

10. FM 17.12
10O-mmSmoolhboreGunT-55
3 5 roundsperminute
122-mmGunT-10
25 nph (42kmph)
1s5miles(250km)t
2-2
inrernaltuel tanks only.

11. FM 17-12
76-mmcun PT-76
0-8 rcundsp€. minuta
25 mphl4Oknph)
160mires{260kh).
SELFPROPELLEDASSAULTGUNS 85-mm Antitank GunASU.85
I roundsp€r ninut€
27 mpfi1,14knphl
155miles1250ro)'
57-mm AntitankGunASU-57
30 (mainsun)
28 mph{45 lmd,l
155milesl25Okmf
'Cruisinsrangewathinie,oaltuetranksonty.

12. FM 17 12
2-4

13. c1,FM17-12
At battlesighi ranges, he will see this:

14. c1,FM17-12
Thleat main battle tank6 aresEaller than the
US M60A1. They have a cruising mnge of
500h without external fuel tanks and caD
attain speed8of about 30mph. The T-62,the
bain8tay tank in the Tbreat srmor€d forceis
equipped with a 115-mm smoothbore gun
which files boti high velocihr, armoi-
pierciug, fin-stabilized, discading-sabot
(HVAPFSDS), high explosive(HE), aDdhish
explosive antitank (HEAT) rouDds.
IMPFSDS is considered the maia tanL-
defeating round. T.55tsnks mount a 100-nm
gun, which also fues a sabot-t}'pe rcund.
Thleat force heary tanks have a slightly
shorter crui8ing range than meabumtanks,
are much moreheavily armored,and mount a
122-mm gun which fires armor-piercing
cappedtlacer ammunition (APC-T)aBwell as
HEAT and high explosive (HE). The PT-76,
BMP, and BRDM compleErentthe striLing
might of the Tlueat tanks. Well.arned fot
their size snd weight, airbome assault guns
such a6 ASUSS provide mobile armored
stliking pow6rto Tbreat airbome and ground
fotces. Threat taDk fire conhol ie relatively
simple compared to t}rat on US tanle.
Currently, most mount Dorangefitrder siroi-
lar to US tanks. All Threat tanks are
equippedwith excellent inftared night vrew-
ing devices,and have a superior underwater
snorkeling capability.
THREAT

15. FM11 12
Strengths of Threat Main Battle Tanks-
Low silhouetle
Self-screencapabi|ity...................
Simplefire conlrol
IR night ision devices..................
Underwa(ersnorke|ing.................
High velocity 115-mm APFSDS round
makes them harder to hit,
makes them hard to acquire,
makes them easier to operate and maintain,
increase effectiveness at night,
permits them to closs water barriers quickly,
gives them tank'defeating clout. This round
travels one mile every second. Its accuracy
gives the T€2 tank crews a better than 50/50
chance of hitting a fully-exposed, frontal,
stationary tank in the open with the fiIst
round at rangeslo 1,800melers,or a moving
target haveling in the open atconstant spe€d
at ranges to 1,000meters.
lP..
l. I
il.l,I
'
Snorkelcanbeattached
in 15 q|inlltes.
J tA'.--. -hF.-
t:;;Y''-':.
*iF"
J{ole. Threatforcesareintroducinga newmediumtank,theT-72. Basicallyamuchimproved
versionof the T€2, it has a rangefindet,six setsofroad wheelsand track supportrollers,and
crewarrangementsimilar to US tanks. Severaldifferentprototypesexistin limited numbers.
2-7

16. FM 17
BUT_
Threat tanks do have weakne6ses.
* Their fighting compadments are
.onsiderablysmailerlhan thosein
US tanks. The crewis crampedand
freedomto mov€is restricted. Crew
fatit{uecanbea biggerfactorthanrn
US tanks which have moreroom.
* Smaller turret interior and larger
main gun ammunition (115-mmus
105mm) meansa slowerrate of fire
than US tanks.
* Becauseof its small fighting com-
paltment, the Threat T-62tank has
23fewerroundsof main gun ammu
nition than the M60A1. In tank
duels,therefore,Threat tanks may
run out o{ ammunition soonerthan
US tarks.
* Some main gun ammunition rs
strappedalong the tunet walls, and
hits abovethe tunet ring may cause
secondaryammunition explosions.
* Mosi Threa(lanksslnwa combina-
tion of ammudtion and fuel in the
right ftont of the hull; a round into
this area,and thetankwill probably
blow up.
* Smallnessof the fighting compart-
ment increases crew urlnerability.
The gr:rrner sits in the left sideof the
turret behind the driver and in front
of thetank commander.Aprojectile
passing through the left front o{ the
hull has a good chanceof hittmg
both tl)e driver and gtnner. A
projectile passing thrcugh the left
flont of the tDrretcouldhit boththe
gunner and tank commander.
* The tank commander of the T-62
cannot firc the main gun ftom the
commander'sposition.
FUELT
ili
l!';..!
l;---,'
?::,
ii.i.il
iii----l
| ;-'i
li ;<
IJ
l -
(:
ti
il
"
-a'
i:/)e
NER
2-a

17. FM t7 12
* B€causeof low silhouette, Threat
tanks cannot depress theil main
guns as far as the M60-series.This
means that in certain situations
Threat tanks must be exposedmore
than US tanks rvhenfrring themain
gun.
* Threat tank tunets cannot be tls
versednearlyas faslo. as preciseli
as US tank tultets. This will enable
US tankers to engageflank targets
sooner, and track moving targets
betterthan Thrcat taDkers.
.'fl=
!.,--.i& a
2-9

18. * Many cur-rentThrcat tanks are not equipped with a tangefinder,
and their long range gunnery is les6 accurate than oum beyond
2.000meterc. Presently, the stadia reticle is the pdncipal optical
aid the Threat tank gunnei has to determin€ range.
FM 17 12
Thisisbowrl look[o(heT-62gunner!
x.-r-'f;*l,t
'.^,
; l:X":
-"''i*;,,;:"-,,-
: l';
STADIALINES BASELINE
210

19. M17 12
* To find the range, time permithng, the Threat gunner placesthe
target within the stadia and baseIines and readsthe mnge wherc
the tank touchesthe stadia line. The stadia line is basedon the
he,?it (not width or lelrgL}])ol a fully erposedM60A1 tank. If the
US tank is not fully exposed, the gunner cannot range aa
accuiately-another reason for US tankers to use hull down
positions.
Il:re retrcle view aboveillustrates this ranging confusion on two tanks at the samerange. The
fully exposedM60A1 can beranged accumtely at 1,600m(topoftunet). Thehull-down M60A1to
its right reads about 2,600m.
In the heat ofbattle, however,the lhreat gunner employstheEnozing ranEetechnique. Dneto
the high velocity (5,340lls) of the Threat armor-piercing round, the projectile doesnot exceed
the height ofthe M60A1tank outto approximately 2,000mete$. Thus,in afast moving situahon
the threat gunner makesaquick checkwith his stadia rangefinder to seeif youarewithin range,
aims at your centerofmass, and fires. On flat terrain, his accuacy is consideledgood.

20. FM 17-12
WHEN YOU TRAVEL EXPOSED YOU WILL BE DESTROYED.
FoI US tankers to reduce the odds and
minimize enemyweaponeffectiveness,th€y
muat:
E Use terrain to maximum advan-
tage at all times,
! Use hull-down f|l.ing positions.
! Move using overwatch.
! Avoid neat geometric forma-
tions.
! SuppresslikelJ eDeDypositions
using e variety of means-tank,
artillery, mortar, air fires,
E Obscure targets using tank
white phosphorus (WP) or mor-
tar./artillery smoke,/WP.
! Conceal their positions using
tank-mounted gtenade launch-
ers when these are available.
E Make sbrupt speedand direction
changes while rnoving.
b, Antitanh Guided Missiles and.
Eochek. ln addition to large numbersof
tanks, Threat forces can be expectedto
satumte the battlefield with antitank guided
missiles (ATGM) and rccket propelledgre-
nades(RPG).RPG'sareshoulder-firedinfan-
try antitank weapons;cunent modelsare
effective at ranges to 500 meters.Threat
forceshavetwotypesofATGM's:SAGGERis
wire-guided and thus invuherable to elec-
tronic countermeasures(ECM);SWATTERis
radio-guidedand vulneiable to ECM.
ATGM'S aie highly accurateat ranges to
3,000met€rswherethey can defeatall known
armor. All are highly mobile. Missiles can
be mountedon the BMP armoredpersonnel
carlier, the BRDM scoutvehicle,and on
helicopters. The SAGGER can be back
packed to a firing position by a three-man
2-12
3,O00m
2,500m
2,O00m
1,500m
1,000m
Om
'ATGM gunner cannot acquirc his missile fot conrrol

21. FM17.12
Vehicle-mounted ATGM's can be fiied with
the crew buttoned-up-with overhead cov€r
and protection against small arms fire- ltrey
can be remol€ly flred fTomposiuons as far as
80 meters ftom the vehicle mount. The
suitcas€ SAGGER may be remotely fired
BRDMWITH SWATTER
BMP WITH SAGGE
from positions15metersfrornthe launchtng
rail. R€latively inexpensive comparcd to
other tank'killing weapons,ATGM'Scan be
expectedin large numbets. Evasive and
suppressivetechniquesusedagainstThreat
tanks arc also effective aeainst ATGM.
le;:.:!'i
'
-"=:'" "ii';'tii e"t"i*=;
2-13

22. FM17-12
SUITCASE SAGGER
In spiteoftheir reliability, mobility, andlong
range cffectiveness,Threat antitank weap-
ons havetheir weaknesses,Missilesarenot
effective at night or in periods of poor
visibility. Threat ATGM gr:nners must
simultaneouslytrack bothtargetand missile
with an opri.al viewer.while flying the
missilewith a "joystick" on the controlbox.
Missiles have a minimum rangelimitation.
'l'he
missilehasto fly about500metersafter
launch for the gunner to capture it in his
viewerand fly it accuratelyto target.
Becausethe missile is highly sensitive to
coutse corrections, distractions such as
suppressive fire or erratic speed and
direction changes by the target will
csuse glnners to overcorrect, losing
control of the missile. Artillery and
mortar suppressive frres will either
neutralize the gunner or force him
inside a vehiclewhere his field ofview is
limited.
The targetmustremainin viewto behit. US
tankers who move behind cover, obscure
themselvesby smoke,or concealthemselves
in vegetation rcduce T'hrcat missile and
rocket hit probability. Bushes can break
guidancewires causingloss of missilecon-
trol. Trcesor heavybrush can detonatethe
warhead. Since Threat ATGM'S are very
slow(12.5s€condsto fly 1,500m;25s€condsto
fly 3,000m)fhereis ampletime for a UStank
crewto reactifthe missilefiring is observed.
Overwatchvehicleshelp provideearlywarn'
ing of ATGM launchings.
2-14

23. FM 1t 12
. i€ r:l
.
. ,r:,.."itl
ATGM
COUNTERACTION
DUCK!
'6'€ J:*
}J;.
2-15

24. FM17 12
c. Artillery. Threat lorces are
equipped with a vadety of excellent and
modem arlillery weapons, ftom light to
healX/ mortars and conventional howitzers,
to multiple rocket launchers (MRL) and
missiles. Most of these are capable of firing
conventional and nuclear, biological, and
chemi.a- rcunds. ln addiiion ro indireet6rc,
Threat artillery car be attached to frontline
units to piovide heavy firepower against
tanks, bunkers, and strongpoints. Weapons
most lrequently used in this role are towed
and self'propelled (SP) 122-mm and 152-mm
howitzers, the 130-mmfield gun, and 122-mm
multiple rocket launchers.
122-mm HowitzerD-3O
Max Range 15,30Om
Fale ol Fire: 7.8 roundsper mrnute
152-mmHowitzerD-20
Max Ranqe: 17,@Om
Rateo, Fire: 4 rounds per minub
2-16

25. FM1712
130-mmFieldcun M-46
Max Rangq 27,500m
Rareof Fire: 5 0 .ounds p€. minde
Oneof themorepotentconventional antitank
weapons is the T-12 smoothborc100-dm
antitank gun found in motodzed rifle divi-
sional antit3nk battalions. It fires non-
rotating, fin-stabilized APDS and HEAT
roundssimilar to the 115"mmrounds of the
T 62 tank. Primarily a defensivesystem,the
T-12is employedin batterieaof six guns,well
forward in tank kill zones-normally on
reverse slopee. The T-12 is also used well
lorward in the offenseto provide overwatch
fires for tank8 and iDiantry.
1oo-mmAntitankcunT-12A
PoinlblankFange:1,0OOm
8,500m
7 a foundsperninute
2-17

26. FM 17-12
Large numbers of Threat artillery weapons
with extendedranges can beusedagainst US
tanks. Multiple rocketlauncheE candelver
saturationfire.whileconventionalarrilleryis
used against targets of opportunity and
preselected targets. Itrrcat artillery has
considerable ammunition vercatility. All
artillery piecesup to and including the 152,
mm have specialamor-piercing Uojectiles
for direct firc aganst tanks. To counter
threat artillery, US tankers must
button-up, use hull-dor'n positions
when stationary, and move along
covered and conceaied routes! A160,
shift to alternate firing positions or to
new bat!le posilions. Suppressivefires
must be used to alestroy enemy gtms or
obscurethe view of enemy gunlrers.
122-fifi
Long Focket 2O,50Om
Shon nocker 11,OoOn
40 rounds pet minute
Rocket LauncherBM-21
73-mm Recoilless SPG-9
Max Range 1,960m
EfiectiveRangs 1,0O0m
Rateoi Flre: 6 roundsper ninlte
218

27. FM17-12
Threat artillery has tbrce major weaknesses.
Unlesspreplarned, it cannot be massedor
shifted as quickly and efficiently as US
artillery. Mainly towed,it has limited cross.
country mobility, and rcquies more time to
change firing positioDs. Lacking overhead
cover,all Threat artillerJ'men are vulnerable
to indirect suppressive frre. Two new self,
prcpelled howitzers (122-mmand 152-mm)
are beingintroduced.
122-mm SP Howitzer
Max Rangq 15,30Om
R.t€ ol Fire: 6-7 roundsp€r ninure
Cr!isrnqqange 250km
152-mmSPHowi?er
MaxFansa lT.OOOn
8al6ot Fne: 4 rounds!€. hin!€
CruisinsSanse 250km
2-19

28. FM I7.
d. Aircraft, Threat high performance
tactical fighters provide ground armored
forcesclosefire and reconnaissancesuppoft,
Threat forces also have attack and utility
hclicoplers.Threat attack heliccrpl"rs.al
though larger thar the US Cobra gunship
(AH'IG or AH-IQ), mount machineguns,
cannor, ATGM'S, and rockets. Theseheli-
coptersareprimarily antita kweapons.The
utility helicopt€rcan air assaultinfantry or
small commandounits to deshoyandharass
from the rcar. Threat electronic warfare
(EW) helicopterscan monitor, jam, or send
falsemessageson enemyradiofrequencies,
US radios can be jammed; only proper
radiotelephone discipline and proper
authentication can overcome the confu-
gion created by false me6sages.
.""ftv
Mi-24 HIND.A
Mi.8 HIP
2.20
Mi-4 HOUND

29. FM17 12
MiG-23FLOGGER
SU-7FITTER
MiG.2I FISHBED
su-r1 FrsHPoT-c
To evade detection by Threat aircraft,
camouflage should be used whenever
poesible- Heat discipline should be
enforced during periods of poor wisibili-
ty, Shutting down engines, extinguish-
ing open fires, and decreasing r:adio
traffic helps prevent detection by air-
borne IR cameras. Hull-do*.n oi turr€t-
down positions reduce vehicle 6ilhou-
ette making ii hard€r to be seen and hit
by Threat aircraft, When detected and
FOXBAT
engaged by attack aiicraft, US tanks
should disperse and move following
efintic, zig-zag routes, using all weap-
ons, including small arm8, to put up a
high volume of {ire. The relatively large
sizeof Threat helicoptersmakesthem good
targeta. All aircraft are !'ulnemble to most
tlTes of firc; their effectiveiess is reduced
during periods of poor visibility. Thrcat
pilots lack battle exp€rience.

30. FM17 12
2-3. THREAT TACTICS
a. Offenae. lhreat forces attack in
mass,in at least two echelonsat battalion
level and above,with a tank company as
rcserve. Threat forces normally try to mass
sothat th€y have a 5to 1advantage in tanks,
artillery, and unit6. The Threat attack arms
to penetlate forward positions, seize deep,
separat€d objectives to tmp and destroy the
defender, ald contiDue the advanc€. A
twical attack sc€nario might proceed like
this:
(l) The attack will begin with a massive
rocket and artrllery prcparation to
destroy all known and suspected
defensive positions.
. (2) A tank'heavy spearheadforce pene-
trates i,Le defenses,and succeeding
echelonsoverwhelm the opponentby
attacking objectives deep in the
defender's rear arca.
(3) At the time ofpenetration, airborne/
airmobile urdts will be inserted to
isolate parts of the defensive battle
222
area, eogage reserves,and cause
widespread confusion. This force
will be equipped with suitcase
ATGM's as well as ASU-85's
BRDM'g,and SPG9'e[o knockout
tanks from the rear.
(4) A-foerpenetration, lerk-heaw re-
serveswill be6entLhroughthebreak
b delensesto maiolain the momen-
Ium oI the att"ack,tink up wirh air-
landedunits,completedestrucl,ionof
enemy forces,and continue l,heat.
tack.
2D ECHELON

31. FM17.12
- b. Defeaoe. Threat forces alelend
omy.asa temporarymeasureto gain time to
contlnur the attack. Defenseijl depthis the
Keyro d^etenseptanning. A seriesofsecurity
ano,,delenalvezones,heavily supportedby
arnnery and antitank weapons.weardown
anq destroythe attacker,Durnmyposiiions
are conshucted toconfusethe attacker. Tank-
ied countemttacks are directed against peae-
Etanons.
US.lankersattackingagainsta Thleat lorce
wrlr l1r€1encounl€r the defeDsivespc/riry
zone. This zone conlains light recoDnais.
sa:f.taqkst. scoutvehicleswith antimnk
g!rded rrxsartea.irfanuy, and minefields_
aI supported by long range aruillerv ard
aircraftfires..The-security zoneisdesigDedto
oarassanctstowthe attacker,and male him
oeptoyearlv.
Having penetrated the security zode US
taDkerscan expectto contactthe Threat folce
forward defensiuepositions up to 5 kilome
ters in depth. lhis arca will coltain an arIav
of enemyplatoonstrongpointsreinforcedbv
tank6 and antitanl weapons.Dumry posi-
trons€ndequipmeDtwill givetheappearance
ol additional sLrength,aod confuselhe
attscker. The6eforward defensivepositions
lorce En attacker Lodeploy and assault
strongpoints, and canalize him into areas
designedfor counterattackby tank reservea.
Bc.achirg+hemaind.efensiue6ert,UStankers
can expecta seriesofbattalion-Bize interlock-
lng positions supported by extensive artil-
lery. This belt will be strong in antitank
weapons. Every man and weaDonstill
available to the defensivepositior com-
manderwill be usedto stop and destmythe
attacker. Tank-heavy reserveswill be called
up to crounterattack and destroy attacking
eremeits.
ADAUMPBELIA
: :
:

32. FM17 12
2-4. SUMMARY
Threat tank-defeating weapons complement each other and are
employed ir interlocking pattems of firc to deshoy the enemy.
To maximize the capabilities of US tanks and mininize
their vulnerabilities:
tr Use terrain to best advantage.
! Move on covered and concealed routes.
D Enploy overwatch and suppressive fires.
! Evade enemy fire by varying speed and direction
- duck, dodge, and. zig-zag.
! Use hull-down positions when firing, either sta-
tionary or mowing.
2-24

33. CHAPTER 3 FM17 12
r Thcse tasks sill be testc.ddunns the ?dnl Creu
G!na..y .S&tlls?.s1. The rcnainder vill be testcd as
pdr ofihc fi ng tabtcs.
GUNNERYSTANDARDS
3-1. INTRODUCTION TO
STANDARDS
Mastedng individual skills is the
beginning of talk gunnery. Beforea crew
can beformed into an effectivefighting team,
driver, loader,gunner,and lank commander
must each be highly proficient in his job.
Effective teamwork is essential to speed
of engagement and accurscy of fire-
critical elementsof effectivetank gunnery.
Gunnery standards for individuals,
crews,sections,and platoonsare basedon
hitting the target as fast as possible.
Standards outlined in this chapter are
starhng points lor performance-oriented
gunnery which will be testedin the Tank
Crew Gunnery Skills Test and duing a
multiple engagement, valiable target
sequence,combatguDnelycoulse.
This chapterd€scribestaskswhichmust
be performed correctly by each individual
beforehe can be integratedinto a crew. In
addition,standardEhavebeensetto measure
proflciencyof eachtank crcw, section,and
platoon. Although minimum standardsare
list€d,the goal is a frrst-round target hit
in the minirnum possible tirne.
3-2. INDIVIDUAL TASKS
Individual tasksfor crewmembersapply
to ali sedesandmodelsoftanks,exceptwh€re
otherwise noted. Time requirements for
performingindividual skills are setforth in
the appropriateTank Crew Gunnery Skills
Test. Commandersmay desireto include
time standards in all training after baslc
individual knowledgeof crew membersrs
validated.
Nore. In the Iollowing lists sometasksarc
repeated. Although the terminology is the
same, the actual functions differ from
position to position. For example, the
Ioader'sand TC's prepare-to'frrechecksare
considerablydifferent. In other instances
tasks are lepeatedintentionally for added
emphasis.
Driuer m st be dble to:
1. Perlorm before, during-,and aft€r
operationchecks.
2. Accelerate, decelerate,and brake
smoothly.*
3. Maintain corect speeds.*
4. Select a mute providing a stable
firing platform.+
5. Selecta firing position.*
6. Performevasivemaneuvers.
7. Usedriver'snight visionequipment.
8. Identify US and foreign equipment
from front, side, and hull-down
9. Acquire targets and report them to
TC.
I0. Senserounds.
11. Useintercomand extemal phone.
3-1

34. FM17 12
Loader must be able to:
Performall dnver tasks.
Identify main gun ammunition.*
Load the main gun with
conventionalammunition.
Load the gun,/launcherwith missile
(M551and M60A2only).*
Apply misfire procedures.*
l,oadthe coaxmachinegun.*
Correctstoppages.*
Perform prepareto-fire checks,
including commurrication.*
Identify US and foreign equipment
ftom front, side, and hull-down
Acquiretargetsand rank them,the
mostdangeloustarget first.
Mount,dismount,andmaintaincoa--r
machinegun.
Disassemblcand assemblebrcech
mechanism,*
Disassembleand assemblethe coax
machinegun.*
14. Apply rangeestimation-"choking"
(M551and M60A2only).*
15. Employ misflie procedures.+
16. Prepareand userangecard.*
Tanh Commander mast be dble to:
1. Pedorm all driver, loader, arld
gunnertasks,
? Superviseclew.
g Perform prepare-to'fire checks.*
4. Placerangefi[der into op€lationand
rangeaccurately.+
5. Boresightand zeromain gun,coax,
and caliber.50machinegunsands€t
headspaceand timing on M2 caliber
.50 machinegun{M4HAl. M551,
CEV).
6. Identify US and foreign equipment
ftom front, side, and hull'down
7. Acquiretargets,and rank them,the
mostdangeroustarget first.
8. Lay the main gun for direction arrd
designat€the taiget.+
l .
2.
3.
5.
6.
'7.
8.
10.
11.
12.
1:1.
4.
L
14. Borcsightand zercthe searchlight.
15. Us€intercom.
1tj. Usenight vision equipment.
17. Load and cleargrenadelaunchers.
Gunner ,rutst be able to:
1. Performall driver and loadertasxs.
2. Performprcpare-to-frrechecks.*
3. Useall firc controlsyst€ms.*
4. Boresightand zeromain gun.*
5. ldentify US and foreigl equipment
ftom fiont, side, and hull-down
6. Acquirc targetsand rank them,th€
mostdangeloustarget first.
7. Identify a proper sight pictule and
useall sight reticles.*
8. Senserounds.
9. Engagetarget.s.+
10. tack targetssmoothly.
11. Fire missile (M551 and M60A2
only).**
12. UseIR/passivedtuect'firesights.
13. Operate laser rangefinder, if so
equipped,from gunner'sposition.
3-2
Senserounds.
UseTC'snight sightssnd handh€ld
night vision devices.
Operat€searchlight.
Givecorrectfrre commands.*
Load, clear, fire, and apply
immediate action to the TC's
10.
l l .
12.
13.
machinegun.t
14. Fire the main g]rn from the TC's
position,**
15. Pedorm misfire procedures.*
16.l)isassemble, assemble, and
maintain the TC's caliber.50
machinegun.*
17. Prepareand userangecard.+
18. Estimaterange.
19. Operategrenade launchers (where
appropnale).
rThes€ tasks will be t€st€d durins tbc ?dtA Cpo
e@nety ShiltsTtst.Thercmai.derwillb€ tesiedaspart
" Commanderon M55r dd M60A2 should nevd
atlemptto launcha missilefrom his position.

35. ,FM17.12
3.3. CREW STANDARDS
Crew etandards for each 6eries and
model of tank are the ba8is for all team
training; they establish a measuable goal
toward which an armor unit commander can
diect his training. Times for all vehicles are
based on a loaded gun. (Seechapt€r 20 for
detailedtiming and scoringprocedures.)Crew
standards will be scoredon Tank Gunnery
TablesVIIA,B, andVIIIA,B. Whenwhit€light
illumination (searchlight only) is employed,
daylight standards will be used.
MaO-SefieB (except M6OA2) qnd
M4aA6 Tanh Creus ,nu8t be able to:
E Given an M60-seies tank moving 12-
15 mph, main gun Ioaded and laid no mole
than 15o off target, range and ammunition
indexed (1,100 meiers/HEAT or 1,600
Eeterc./APDS), engagean arimor-tlDetarget,
using battlesight, within 5 seconds during
daylight, and within 10 second-sduring
darhess under artifrcial illumiDation.+ As a
ninimum, a tatget hit should be obtained
within 10secondsduring daylight end withiu
15 eecondsat night at ranges to battlesight
range.
E Given an M60-seriestank moving 12-
15 mph, main gun loaded and laid no more
than 15" off talget, eDgageaD armor-tjrpe
talget, using precisioDfire, wit}tin 10Becond6
during daylight, and within 15 secondg
during darkness under artificial
illumination., A6 a Einimud!, a target hit
shouldbeobtainedwithin 15secoDdsduring
daylight and within 20secondsat night from
battlesight rahge to 2,500meters.
E Given a moving or a stationary hull-
down, M60-seriestank, the crew will adjust,
fire a secondround, and obtain a iarget hit
within 5 secondsof a first-round Eiss.
E Given an M60-seriestank, the crew
will engageatrooptype targei, at arangenot
exceeding1,600neters, using t}le caliber .50
mschinegunJ or 900 meters using the coax
machinegun, within 5 seconds during
daylight, and within 10 seconds durilg
darkrese under artifi cial illuminatiou.*
E Given an M6Gseries tank and a
range card prcviously madeby the cre$', the
oew will reposition the tank at night, and,
using range card deta, hit targets within 5
minutps of reaching the referencedpoeition.
E Given an M60-seriestank moving no
Eore than 15 mph and a fue command, the
c|ew will engagea lightly-armorcd vehicle or
aircraft with the calibe! .50 machinegn
wii.hin 5secondsduring daylighi, and within
l0 secondeduring darkness tnder artifrcial
illumination.*
M4&Series (exce$ M4aA Tdttk
Cre@ mxstbe able to:
tr Given an M4&seviestank moving 12
15 mph, main $m loaded and laid no more
tian 15oofr target, range and amrounition
indexed (1,000 metels/HEAT or 1,000
meteE/AP-T), engage an aimor-tlDe target,
using battlesight. within 5 secoodsduring
+ When whit lisht illmination tu ued, daylisht
scori.c tim€8 will be sed.
3-3

36. c1,FM17-12
daylight and within l0 seconds du'rog
darloess unde! artificial illumination.+ As a
minimnh, a target hit should be obtained
within 10eecondsduring daylight and {'itlrin
15 secondsat night at ranges to battlesight
range.
tr Given an M48-eeriestankmoving 12-
15 mph, main gun loaded and laid no more
than 15o off target, engage an armor-t'pe
taiget, using precieionfirc, within 10seconds
during daylight, arld witlin 15 second6
during alartness under artificial
illumination.* As a minimum, a target hit
should be obtained within 15secondsduring
daylight and within 20secondsat night from
battlesighi range to 2,500met€rs.
E Given aetationary M4&sedestank in
a hull-down position, the crewwill adiust, fire
a secondrould, a$d obtain atarget hit within
5 secondsof a frst-lound lniss.
E Given alr M48-sedestank, the clew
will engagea hoofFtype target at arange not
exceeding1,600meteE uaingthe caliber .50or
900 meteE using the coax machinegun,
wit.hit 5secoudsduring daylight, and within
10 secondsduring darkness under artiEcial
illumination.*
E Given an M48-eeries tank and a
range card previously madeby the clew, the
crew will re-position th€ tank at night, and,
using Iange card data, will hit target€ within
5minutes of reaching the referencedposition.
! Given an M4&seriestank moving 12-
15 mph, the crew will engage a lightly-
armored vehicle or aircraft with the calibei
.50 n ithiD 5 seconddduring daylight, and
witldn 10 seconds during darloess under
artifr cial illumination,*
ammunition and laid no mole than 15" off
target, engage an armor-type target, mrng
battlesight, within 5secondsduing daylight,
and within 10secondsduring darknessunder
artifieial illumination.* As a minimum, a
talget hit should be obtained within 10
seconds during daylight and within 15
secondsat Dight at ranges to ?00meters.
tr Given an M60A2 tank moving 12-15
mph, gur/launcher loadedwith conventional
amdunition and laid no more tian 15" off
target, engage an arEol-tJrpe talget, uaing
precision fire, wii,hin 10 s€conds during
daylight, and within 15 8econds during
darkness under artiEcial illumination.* As a
minimum, a ta.get hit Bhould be obtained
within 15eecondsdlringdailight and within
20 secondsat night to 2,000meters.
E Given a moving or etationary, hull-
downM60A2t,anL,thecrewwill adjust,firea
secondround, and obtain a target hit witlin
l0 secondsof a firct-Iound miss.
tr Given an M60A2 tank, the crew wi]l
engage a trooptype target, at a range not
exceeding1,600metersusing the caliber .50or
900 meters using the coax machinegu,
within 5 secondsduring daylight, and within
10 secondsduring darkness under artificial
illumination.+
E Giveu a stationary, hull-down,
M60A2 tank, grn./launcher unloaded and
laid no more l.ban30" off target,syst€min
missile mode, and a fire coomatrd, hit the
target with a missile at a range in excessof
2,000rnetcl€. EngageEeDt will b€within 25
eemnds during daylight, and within 30
seconds during darlness under artificial
illumination.
E Given an M60A2 tank and a runge
card previouslymadeby the crcw, the ciew
will reposition the tank at night, and,using
. When shit€ tight ill@ination is 6ed, daylisht
s@riDAtimes wi]l tF used.
3-4

37. FM17-12
rangecarddata,hit targetswithin 5minutes
of reachingthe referenc€dposition.
E Givenan M60A2tank haveling less
than 10mph,the crewwill, within 5 seconds
ofa fire command,fire thegrenadelaunchers
Bothat the vehicle wi]} beobscuredfrom the
front or flank.
E Given an M60A2t€nk Eoving 12-15
mph, the crew will engagea lightly-armored
vehicle or ailclaft with the caliber .50
machinegun within 5 seconds durrng
daylight, and within l0 seconds durinc
darknessunderartifrcial illumination.i
M661 ARAAV (Sh-erid.an)Creut mua.
be able to:
E Given an M551 ARAAV moving 12-
15 mph, gun,/launcher load€d with
convention al ammunition (800
met€re.HEAT-MP)andIaidnomorethan15o
off tsrget,engageanarmor-rypetarget,using
battlesight, witiin 5secondsduring daylight,
and within 10secondsduringdarknessunder
artificial illumination-* A-s a minimum, a
target hit should be obtained within 15
eeconde during daylight artd within 20
seronds at night a[ ranges to 800toetefs.
tr Given an M551ARAAV moving less
than 15 mph, gun/launcher loaded with
conventionalammunition and laid no more
than 15o off target, engagean armor.type
target, using precision firc, within 10seconds
during daylight, and within 15 secondg
during darkness undel artificial
illumination.* As a minimum, a target hit
shouldbeobtainedwiLhin20secondsdurins
daylight and within 25secondeat night ourio
1,000meters (2,000meters equippedwith
laserrarrgefinder).
! Given a moving or stationary,hull-
downM551ARAAV, thecrewwill adjust,6re
aseond round, and obtain ataryet hit within
10 secondsof a first-round miss.
tr Given an M551ARAAV, thecrewwill
engage a troolltJTrc target, at a mnge not
exceeding1,600metersusing the caliber .50or
900 metds using the coax machinegun,
within 5secondsduring daylight, and within
10 secondsduring darknessunderattifrcial
illumination-*
E Givena stationaly, hull.down.Mbbl
ARAAV, gun,zlauncherunloadedandlaid no
morc than 30oofftarget, hit the target with a
missile at a rang€in excessof2,OOOmete$.
Engagementwill bewirhin 25secondsdurins
daylight, and within 30 secondsdu-rin;
darknessurder artif cial illumination.
D Given al M551ARAAV and a range
card previously made by the crew, the clew
vrill rc-position the vehicle at night, and,
using range card data, hit targets within 5
minutes of reaching the referencedposition.
tr Given an M551 ARAAV traveline
lesslhan 12 mph, the crewwill, within 5
secondsof a fire command,file the grenade
launchers sothat the vehicle will beobscured
from the front or flank.
E Given an M551 ARAAV movine 12-
l5 mph, the crew will engage a ligitly-
armorcd vehicle or aircraft with the caliber
.50 machinegu within 5 seconds durlng
daylight, and witlin 10 eeconds durlne
darknessunderaitifrcial illumination.*
* When wbite light illumination ic used, daylight
scorirs dbes wil be ued
3-5

38. FM 11-12
3-4. SECTION STANDARDS
Tank section standards vary according
to ttpe vehicles and the tactical situation.
Regardlessofmission, several standards are
common to all sectrons. Due to the different
situations that may be encountered on any
range or battlefield, standards will not be
sp€cifically defined and quantified.
It is implied that another tank section
will always be in overwatch ready to provide
additional frre supporl lo thc maneuvpring
The following standards will be scored on
Tank Gunnery Table IX.
In any situation, a tank section
consisting of2 or 3 tanks, under the
section leader's direction should be
able to:
1. Engage multiple targets in priority of
danger to the section with
appropriate weapon. (Time of
engagem€nt and range must meet
crew standards for the t}?e tank
shooting.)
2. Engag€ targets and conserve
ammunition byaccurate distribution
of fircs.
3. Shift section fircs within 10 seconds
to suppress an area target.
4. Employ suppressive fires and
maneuver, uerng terrarn to
maximum advantage to destroy
multiple targets.
3-6. SUMMARY
To win in modern war, US tankers must be more
knowledgeable, more capable, and better trained then their
e emy. After tndiuidual standard.shaue been mel, tanh creus must
function toEetheras a leam more efficientLythan in the past. HaL,ing
masteredindiuidual and creu standard.s,US tanhersmust be shilled in
section and.pLaLoonbdttle runs, Loheretank gunnery and tactics are
combined.OnLyafter aII thesestandardshauebeenmetcdn UStankersbe
confidentof their read.inessto uin thefirst battleof the nert war.
3-5. PLATOON STANDARDS
Tank platoon standards are an
extension of section standards since the
platoon will normally move by section
using overwatch fire and movement
techniques as descibed in oth€r tactical
hainins literatue (e.s.,TC 17153,FM 711).
As with other gunnery standards,time,
range,and capabilitieswill vary accordingto
t]?e vehiclesin the platoon,but must meet
crewstandardslor the type tank shooting.
The following standardswill be scoredon
Tank GunneryTableIX.
In any tactical situation, a tank
platoon should be able to:
1. Engagemultipletaryetsin priodty of
dangerto the platoon.
2. Shift platoon or section fires to
suppress an area target within 10
3. Employ suppressivefres (toinclude
supporting fires) and maneuver,
using terr ai n to maximum
advantage,
36

39. CHAPTER 4 FM 1t 12
PREPARETO FIRE
4-1. GENERAL
To fire quickly and accurately, the
tank's turret and associated equipment
must be routinely maintained, checked,
and aligned. T'hischapterdiscuss€stunet
maintenanceand frre control checks,syn-
chronization.boresighting.and zeroing.
Specialemphasisis given maintenanceand
equipmentchecksthat arc faequentlyover-
looked. ?zis chapter is utitten uith the
M6oAIlanhasmodcl.Forpxacrprocpdurcin
performing checks and alignments, tanh
creumenmustrcferto the technicaloperc-
tar'smanual for theb type tank.
4-2. TURRET AND FIRE
CONTROLCHECKS
a. Prepare-to-Fire Checfts. All tank
operator's manuals prescribe the
prcpare-to-firechecks which must be per'
formed precisely and accurately before
firing. lForeachtlpe rank.scetheappropri.
ate supplement.J
b. Re-emp hasized Cheche. 'Ihe fol-
Iowing checksare onesyou can't afford to
overlookin the M60series:
11) Zeroprcssurechech. To pre-
vent unnecessary wear on the turret
electric motor and sluggish movement of
turret and main gtrn during power
operation, crew must perform zero
pressure check before {iring. Delayed
target engagementbecauseof slow g1ln
controlresponsccouldmeanthedifferencein
whether you or your target fires first. The
zero pressurecheckverifiesthat the power
controlsystemcontainstheconectamountof
hydraulicoil andnitrogenpressure.Withthe
tun€t locked, d€pressthe power solenoid
plunger, rotate and hold the powercontrol
handle either left or right until the pressure
dropsinstantly to "0"- Checkthe oil at zero
pressureand add or drain as r€quired.
4-1

40. FM17 12
(2) Manual eleuationchech. For
coirect main gun response duringeleva-
tion and depression, craewmust charge
elevating system before llring main
gun. A preciselay of the main grn is
impossiblewith air in the system.Failureto
chargethe manual accumulatorwill cause
erratic movement. To charge the system,
depressthe gunto mardmumand continueto
tuln themanual€l€vationpumphandleuntil
it can no longer be turned with one hand.
Checkfor smoothoperationby elevatrngthe
gun. The M551hasan electrictunet system,
and manual chargingis not necessary.
maint€nance services. TM 750-116lists
CAUTION:
Elevation
Handle
Under
Pressure
(3) Sieht pureirLEchech. To en-
eure sights are free of discoloration,
moisture, or other foreign matter, crelv
must check sights daily. Sights will
becomeblurred or discoloredif not purged
regularly with dry nitrogen. All tank sights
arescheduledfor purging by organizational
maintenance personnel during quart€rly
proceduresard requirements for purging. If
you detect mor€ture or discoloration in youi
si,ghts,notify orEdnizationaLmaintenance
immedidtely.
4-2

41. FM 1t- 12
14) Camputer cheLl?.A crew must
perform R computer ( hei k hefore firing
to ensure superelevation is introduced
into the primary direct-fire controt
system and the superelevation actu-
ator. Superelevation is produced when
range input fr.rm therangefinderis combined
with ammunition data built into the compu'
ter. The computer distdbutes the combined
information through two output shafts. One
shaft feeds the ballistic ddve and the other
goesto the superelevation actuator. Perform
the comDuter check using the operator's
manual. the tabularfiringtable. the rangefin'
der, and the computer. Ensur€ the output
shafts rotate, the inner and outer pointers
aligr, and thc data {iom the fldng table and
the mils indicated in the computer mil counter
windorv are the same for the ammunltion
selected. If you detect any errors *'hile
performing thc checks,notity your organlza
tionai lufret mechadc.
5) Supercleuation chech. To en-
sure the main gun and the primary
direct-fire control systems receive cor-
rect information from the computer,
crew must perform superelevation
check before attempting to fire. (Do not
contuse thi6 operational check *'ith the
supereleuation error test'which is pedormed
by the organizational turet mechanic.)
Before performing the superelevation check,
you must have completed the computer
check. To conductthis operational check,use
your firing table, the computei mi1 counter,
the tank's elevation quadrant, and the
rangefinder. Place HEP-T ammunition rn
the computer, index 1,200m, record the
superclevation in the mil counter window a]ld
the mil ieading from the elevation quadrant.
Increase the range to 1,500m, record both
readings and subtract your first readings
from the second. If differcnces arc not
within plusor minusone mil, notifyorgani-
zational mainLenance.
4-3

42. FM1112
(6) Slippaee and accuracy
c/rec&s. In preparation for firing in the
indirect mode as artillery or fromrange
card data, crew must perform slippsge
and accuracy checks on the azimuth
indicator and unit turret mechanic must
perform accuracy check on elevation
quadrant. Fire will not beaccurateif there
is slippageor slackin the azimuthindicator.
Pedorm the azimuth indicator checks using
manual haveme for accuracy arrd power
traverse for slippage. If there is any slippag€
or slack in the azimuth indicator, notily your
organizational turet mechanic. The turet
elevation quadrant mustbe zeroedby theunit
hrret mechar}icusing a previously calibrated
and zeroedgunner's quadrant.
CAUTION: Always EnsureManualTraverse
Handleis LockedPriorTo Con-
ducting SlippageTest.
(.7) Stabilization chech. Ao accld-
rately fire from a Inoving tank, crei
must check stabilization systemdaily. In
the near futuie all main battle tanks will be
equippedwith a stabilizedgun systemfor
accuratelyflring onthemove. A maladjusted
or inoperativestabilization systemnegates
this advantage. Operator checks include
ensuring that balanceknobs are adjusted,
lamps illuminate, loss of manual traverse
and elevation capabilites occur, and the
superelevationactuator ceasesto firnction
whenin thestabilizedmode.Performchecks
using your operator'smanual.
4-4

43. FM17 12
(q Ransefinder chechs. To de-
termine range accurately with a yange-
frnder, the crew mu6t perform checkout
procedures before fi ring.
(a) Coincidence rangefin.
der. The rangefilder is part ofthe primary
direct-frrecontrol system. It inhoducesthe
range element into the ballistic comput€r
where range is coupled with ammunition
data to determinesuperelevation.It is the
tank commander'sprimary direct-firesight.
The coincidence rangefrder is an accurate
ranging instrument when properly placed
into operation and checked by the TC.
Changesin weather and varying tempera-
tures will affect coincidencealignment, so
check the rangefnder daily (or when ttre
temperatule changes) in accotdance with
instructions found in the appropriat€ tank
operator'smanual.
MAINDEFLECTIONBORESIGHTKNOB
IVAINELEVATIONsORESIGHTKNOs
VERTICALADJUSTMENTKNOB
HOFIZONTALADJUSTMENTKNQB
CSKNOB
RANGESCALE
FILTEFLEVEF
SALLISTICCOMPUIERSWITCH
RANGEKNOA
INSTFUMENTLIGHTPANEL
NOTEr AUXILIAFYTEFLECTIONSORESIGITKNOB,
AUXILIARYELEVATIONBOFESIGHTKNOB,
AND LAMPASSLMALIESAFL LOLAIID OI
FEVERSESIDEOF RANGEFINDEF
l
2
3
5
6
I
1 0
t l
1 2
1 3
12
l 3
HALVINGKNOB
EYEPECE
occLuoESKNoB 1 0
L
I
1 1
I
+
I
COINCIOENCEFETICLE MAINIBLACKETCHED)GUNLAYINGFETICLE
OB
AUXILIARY1REOILLIJMINATED)GUNLAYIN6FETICLE
lb)' Laser rd.ngefinder. The la-
ser ranglng sysrem incrcases first-mund hit
probability and assists crcws in getting first
rorrnals on the way more rapidly. It is
anticipated that this syst€m will also be
addedto product-improvedmain battletanks
in the near futurc. Referto the appropriate
tank opelator'smanual fo} checkoutproce-
dures,
4-5

44. FM',t112
tata --"4'*/3L-.
9) Recoil ex.ercising check. To
prevent leaking seals and corrosion of
exposed cannon tube surfaces, the recoil
mechanism musl be exercised during
nonfiring periods. Il sealsdo nor receive
lubrication either through firing the main
gun, or exercising the system, they become
brittle and leak. The machined surfaceofthe
grn tube will collect moisture and rust ifnot
prcperlyserviced-Checksincludelookingfor
leaks and examining your Equipment Log-
book (DA Form 2408-4,"Weapons Record
Data Cald") for the last listedrecoilor marn
'gunfiring exerciseofyour tank guntube. If
ir hasbeenncithcrfirednorexprcisedduring
time frames establishedin the operato!'s
manual, contact organizationai mainte-
70) Gasparticulatefilterunit. To
enaure crew safety, the gas particulate
filter unit must be checked during crew
maintenance. The gas particulate filter
unit installed on your vehicle protectsthe
crew from chemical and biological agents.
Yourliiemaydependonlhisunirluncrioning
properly. Toperformthecheck,turn theunit
on, let the motorrun to cleardirt and debris,
check the hoses for leaks, connect your
tanker'smaskto the particulateunit, putthe
maskon,and checkthemaskfor serviceabil-
ity. If the unit fails to operate,or youdetect
damagedhoses,notily organizationalmarn-
11) Communications.The tank's
intercom and radio must be checked
daily. To engage targets rapidly tank
communications must operate prcpetly-
Checksshould include a completeintercom
and extemal phone examination. With
poweron, placeeachcrewpositionintercom
control box through all phasesof operation,
survpyrhpconne.ringcablesfordamageor
exposedwires,lookfor corrosion,ard ensure
"O" rings are presenton cableconnectors.
CheckeachCVC helmetlbr condition,€nsure

45. FM 17 12
thereis no wateror oilinpadding, andensure
microphones mount prcperly in front of
mouth. Checkradiosand radio mountsfor
properinstallation and needfor spot paint'
ing,andthatintelnally mountedcoolingfans
rotatefteelywhenactivated.Finally,makea
radio checkwith a radio locatedat least 10
milesaway. If any deficienciesaredetected,
notify th€ oryanizational field radio repair-
c. Night fire control chechs. To
engage targets effectively at night,
night fire control devices must be
checked prior to use.
I) lnlryrPd. Thrs nighl wiewing
system is install€d on most main battle
tanks. It is composedof binocula$, peri
scopes,and a searchlight. It will bereplaced
in the future by a passive/starlightsystem.
Infrared instruments cannot be exposedto
direct sunlight when energized.Suchexpo-
surecausesinternal damage.
(a) Binoculars. To check the
binoculars,ensurehatlery is properlyin-
stailedin powerchamberand that electrical
connectorsareproperlyconnectedand have
no frayedor brokenwires.Alsocheckthatno
cracksor dentsaie presenton the binocular
housing. Ifyou detectany deficienciesor are
unabletofocusthebinoculars,tum themin to
organizationalmaintenancefor repail
(b) Slgifs. Ali optic sights are
delicate in design ard must be handled with
care. Infrared sights should be installed or
removedonly underdirectsupervisionofthe
tank commander. Checks made by crew
membersincludeluming onpower,focusing
the green ring, and repeating the steps for
emergencypowermode. Thetank operator's
manual provides stepby-step procedures.
Ensureyourinfraredsightchecksincludethe
driver'snight vision equipment.
t. SPaffhlight. Since its in.
troductionwith theM60tank,theAN/VSS 1
xenonsearchlighthas beenournightvision
work-home.Theinfraredandwhitebearnsof
light producedby the xenonsearchlightare
sufficient, when coupledwith capability of
th€ tank sighting system, to engage targets
within battlesight range. Each tank clew
must ensure that the xenon searchlight
mounted on th€ir tank is operational. The
.v'lrlnerabilityofthe searchlightto enemy fire
makes it essential that frequent checks be
made ofthe searchlight's operational status.
If the light fails to illuminate, noti{y organr-
zational maintenance. The xenon search-
light will eventually be replaced by a more
advanced system,
POWER
CHAMBER
ELECTRICAL
coNNqcToRs
NOTE: Remove battery after use.
47

46. FM 1t 12
2) Passirc. A passive sighting
systemsimilarto that usedon theM551and
M60A2rrll soon be mountpdon a,l main
battle tanks. This system providesbetter
observation capability than the older rn'
fraied systemat similar ranges.
(aj Binoculars. Passivebinoc
uJars{ill gire tank .rclls thecapdbilir)of
vicing lhe battlefieldwirhoutsear.hLighl
assistance.Passivebinocularswill amplifl'
the dimmest starlight and seeminglyturn
night to day. Operatorchecksofthe binocu-
lars are limited to turning on the po*er
s,!'itchand focusingthe diopter scales. If
binoculars fail to illuminate or focus,turn
them in for repair.
(b) Sigftls. All infraredsights
arecomparrhlewiththe pirk searchright.
butpassivesightscannotbeusedin conjunc
tion with the AN,/VSS-1xenon searchlight
discussedabove. Targetacquisitionis possr-
bieunderstarlight at battlesight rangesi'lth
passivesights. Operator.ecks ol passie
sights are limited to operation of the filter.
activating potler, both normal and emerg'
ency, focusing the reticle and green field of
vien'. l{sights fail to operateor focus,notify
ihe unit tunet mechanic.
tc) NecLrinftarcd l pinh")
scarchlight. This searchlight operates rn
both a "pink" artdwhitelightmode. Tocheck
the searchlight's operation, use the same
procedureas for the infraredmodel explained
above.
(3j Autitiar"- gun laying rcticles.
To ensure sighto with auxiliary gun
laying reticies are adjusted for night
fire, check thatthey are aligned withthe
primary gun laying reticles. You will not
hit the target firing with improperly aligred
auxiliary gun laying reticles. Verify align-
ment before darkness each nighi. Use the
auxiliary gun laving reticle boresighting
knobs to make adjustments and control
reticie light intensity with the rheostat
knobs. Ensure the reticle looks like-
t_
_l_ _|t-+---t-
THIS
-l
NOTTHIS
48

47. cl, FMt 7-12
4-A. BORESIGIITING AND
SYNCTIRONIZATION
a, Boreeighting, Boresighting estab-
lishes a convergent relationship betweenthe
axis of the tube or banel of a weaponand its
direct-fire sight. Boreeighting is thebaeiefor
all sight adjustments and must be pmperly
performed for each tank-mounted weapon
prior to zercing. When a tank has been
prcperb bolesight€d, the extendedaris ofthe
tube will intelsect with variouo lines of sight
at the bo&sight lange (generally as closeto
1,200metersaBpossible).
BORELINEOFSIGHT
LINEOFSIGHT-FIoHTENOHOUSING
LINEOFSIGTIT-LEFIENOHOUSING
LIN€OF SIGHT-PEFISCOPE
IINE OF SIGHI_TELESCOPE
4-9

48. c1,FM17-12
T$o generally accepted methods exist for
initially determining the cent€rline of the
main gun bore prior to aligrring the tube on
the aiming point duing the boresighting
plocess-the standard two point rcfercnce
system employing binocula$ and thread,
and a muzzleboresight systememploying an
instrument such as the Wataon borcsight
device. The two point referencesystem has
gained wide acceptancesince it is easy and
3 CAI-IBERS
(r2.4INCHESI
requiresno specialequipment. Becauseof
the slight bending (droop)of the tube caused
by unevenheat distribution within the metal,
however,theiwo point systemcanbeinaccu-
rate since the tlue centercannot be precisely
determined. Useof amuzzleboresight devrce
compensatesfor most tub€ ilroop and there-
forc allows for morc accurate bolesighting.
Whenever available, the muzzle bolesight
deviceshould be used.
lin. oa sishr as detemined
tine ol siOht.!der.rminod bythefinal
3 calibers ot tub€ {.ccoonted torwith
muz2l6 bor6.i9hl d€vice).
Fnins tesis indiclt. th.t rho po.irion ol the linrl lhreo
@libers 112,4 incho.) of the tlbe are imponant in
dot€minins th. itriko of the rcund. Th6 rwo poinr
r€lorence sy.tom N.rlgss our any tube droop bll the
mu2zle devic6 .ccuralelv m6ar!rcs the Dosition or lho
LINE OF SIGN]
BOREIINEOFSIGHT
LINEOF SIGHT
APPBOX
'I,2OOM
b. Syrrchronization. The crew
muat ensure sightB are synchronized
before ettempting to zero the tadk
weaponssystem. S)'nchronizationensures
that gun arrd sight.s rcmain sligned when
elevated and depressed. A sJmchronization
check is performed quarterly by organiza-
tiodal mairtenance personnel with assist-
Whan prcperly synchronized. lanool light convorg$ d
targ€twith linool sishtlhrough bo.6 oliube rlg3rdl€$ ol
anceftom the tank clew. Whensight€ arenot
synchronized. effective tank gunnery is
impossible.The most common method for
s,'nchmnization is the outdoor method re-
quiring a synchronization ramp and a
boresightpanel. A muzzleboreeightshould
not be usedwhen checking oynchronization
eince tube droop may con@al synchrcniza-
tron error.
4-10
BOBE LINEOF SIGHT

49. 4-4, ZEROING
gfi*ttuffi
**-u*$*?*ut*sl"lp
f#.'#ifr{*;s$t,tln
FM 17-12
H6OAl-'iANK
cunocpsPiii ii
ac-!!l l- --
eiupePs Pgnat
_c74)-- -. - -
TCLasaoPL
ritiii-ij;iei
-i-ottvuadrl- -
Eod,P'€i, !o;ilr',.f
REd51n
4-11

50. FM 11 12
b. SpecialZeroing Techniques. The
operator'smanual for eachvehicleoutlines
the norrnallyacceptedzercingtechniquesfor
thal vehicle. Two cdditi,-,nallcchniques
exist.however,whicha)i,-rwforgreatermain
gun accuracyin certain situations. These
techniquesare outlined belowfor the marn
battle tank but can be tailor€d to other
fighting vehiclesonce the theory is und€r-
stood.
(l) lnd.ependent.ero. In this tech-
nique,the secondaryand primary sightsare
zeroedindependently of each other for a
specific round, thus compensatingfor the
differentcharacteristicsofeachround- Sinc€
the telescopeis th€ preferredsight for HEP
ammunition, greater accuracy can be
achievedif the telescopeis zeroedwith HEP
independently of the periscope,which is
zeroedwith APDS(TPI)S).Thecrewcanstill
fire APIIS with thetelescopeor HFiPwiththe
periscope.The crewcanusewhicheversight
is operational. The procedurefor independ-
ent zeroingis prcvidedas a checklistat the
end of this chapter. If the independentzero
technique is used, the checklist procedure
mustbefollowedexactly,includingfiring the
HEP zerofirst. This is to prcv€ntth€effectol
aphenomenonknowna6"tubememory."The
first HEP roundfired after a seriesofAPDS
or HEAT roundswill have a higher muzzle
velocityandthusimpacthigheronthetarg€t
than subsequentHEP rounds.
12) Long runge ?ero. In a combat
situation necessitatinglong range engage'
ments(beyond2,400mete!6),increasedmaln
gun accruacycan be achievedby boresrght-
ing and zeroingaf a range of 1,600meters
insteadof the usual 1,200meters. This will
increase accuracy to approximately 3,200
metersand will maximize battlesight accu-
lacy with theprimary armordefeatingrcund.
BecauseAPDS (TPDS) shot holes are ex
tremelydiffrcultto abserveat arangeof1,600
meters,the zeroingtargetis actuallylocated
at a much closerrange and marked m a
special pattern. Use of this technique,
detailedin anotherchecklistat tLeendofthis
chapter,resultsin an effectivezerofor loDg
4-12
ranges.(Seepage 4-23for long range zero
[arget.)
Jl ZeroLerification. As discussedin
paragraph,1'3above,unevenheat distribu
tionwithintheguntubewillcausethetubeto
droop sliehtly. The exact amount of droop
varies,andeachtubemustbetleatedindivid-
ually. In most tactical situations,fidng a
rvarmuproundis impractical.Gunnersmust,
thercfore,beawarethat the first roundfired
from a cold tubemay strike as much as one
meter (at 1,200 meters) from subsequent
rounds at the same range. Adjustments
madeonthebasisofthe frrstround,thercfore,
tendto beinaccumte. menever the tactical
or rang€ situation aliows. a warmup round
shouldbefiredto minimizethe effectoltub€
droop.
A) Refinementofzero, Refinementof
an establishedzeromay becomenecessary
dudng the courseof firing to ensulerounds
strikewithin 24inchesofthe aiming point at
zeroingranges.Ifroundsarestnkingtargek
near the zeo range, but are stdking more
than 24 inchesoffthe aiming point, another
shot grouprnaybefired at theinitial zeroing
range a]ld sights refefied Lorefine t}]'ezerc.
The new boresightknob settingsbecomethe
newlyestablishedzeroand mustberecorded
as such. Remember, when re-laying the
main g[n, frnal lay is always accom-
plished in the same direction, against
pressure.

51. c, FM1/.12
4.5. OTHER FIRING PROBLEMS
DRIFT. CANT. PARALLAX, snd
DROOP can causeerror when firing. The
errora ale usually small when frring at
targets within 1,200metem, but increase
significantly as rangesto targetsincrease,
especiallywhen firing slower arnmunition.
Errors caused by drift, parallax, and
droop can be minimized by refining the
established zero.
Corrgcted Sight Picture For
Srnall Amount O{ Cant
a. Drift. Dift is the deviation of the
projectiledght from theverticalplaneoffire.
Rotation of the projectiles,causedby the
dfling of the bore and the rotating bands,
forcesthe projectiiesto drift in the direction of
rotation.
-'!r
Range:
b, Cdnt. Cant is causedwhen one
track of the vehicle is higher than the othei.
As the range to the target increases,csnt
causesar increasederlor to deflectionand
.-angein the alirectionin which the vehicle is
canted. mren cant is unavoidable, the
sight pictures illuEtrated should be used
to compensate for this error.
c. Parallajc. Parallax is the apparert
differencein the position of an objectwhen
the object is viewed from two different
points. Sincetank gun sightsareoffset{Tom
the line of sight of the gtntube, the system
hasbuilt.inparallaxerrors-boresightingis
designedto correctfor this. Alother form of
common parallax error results from the
gunner failing to position his eyeto the sight
in the samemanner for eachsight picturc.
This error can be conected by properly
adjustingtheheadrest.Parallaxerrorwithin
an opticalinstrumentcanbecorrectedbyth€
tunet mechanicadjustingthe sight parailax
VERTICALPLANEOFFINT

52. c1, FM 17-12
d., Droop. As mentioned earlier, the
bending of the gun tube caused by uneven
heating or cooling of the outside surface rs
called dmop. The heat ofthe sun strikingthe
upper surface oi the gun tube will causethe
eun to bend downward, resulting in tube
droop. This is particularly a problem with
long barreled guns. Excessive alroop can
cauae the rounds t,o completely miss the
target. You may have to rezero, but
before you do, fire a warmup rouna.
e. Missile Systezrs. Crews of vehi'
cles equipp€d with a missile guidance and
control systemm&s,perform a systemcheck-
out. Checkoutproceduresaie listed in the
appropriate operator's maluals. Drift, calt,
parallax, and droop do not affect missile
flight.
4.6. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT,
TOOLS, AND MAINTENANCE
SUPPLIES
Tools anal supplies must be included
in prepare-to-fire checkB. Ttre items
authorized operator/crew personnel are
listed in the operator's ma]lual and are
necessaryto accomplishprescribedmainte-
nance and checks. Compare the authorized
lists with the equipment you have on board
your vehicle. If you 6ld shortages when
conducting the check, iequisition the missing
items. If you find more than you are author-
ized, tum the excessin. Other clews may be
short of equipment due to your excess.
4-7. QUARTERLY
MAINTENANCE
SERVICES
Commanders must ensure tank tur-
rets receive accurately per:formed Sche-
duled maintenance services. The unit
which has not performed dealicatedmarnte_
nance by schedulingtime, personnel,tools,
and equipment required to perform adequate
serviceswill encourrtergunnery problems.
4-8. SUMMARY
tr The tank turret and a88ociated equipment must be thor-
oughly maintained, checked, and aligleal for the tank crew
to edgage Threat targets accurately end quickly. Mainte-
nance of turrets, checks and synchronization of frre
control syatems must be done in a precise way, following
ihe appropriate tank operator's manual, which each tank
crerY haa,
To frre accurately use yout estoblishad zero.
Rezeroing is expensive, and may not be practical in
combat.
Use your eetablished. zero,
!
tr
!
4-14

53. FM17-12
CHECKLIST FOR STANDARD
ZERO
1. Tank,thisis tower. Perfo.mallprepare-to-
Iire checksin accordancewithtable2-1o{your
operator's|nanual.Therangetothe boresight
target|s_ met€rs.
2. lUpon completion of ptepate-to-lire
checks-) Arc you preparedto zero? Ensure
that zeroingrouhdsareaboardandthatrounds
of the sametypeareof thesamelot number,
3. Areyourbrakeson? Tankchocked?
4. Turn computaron and ensure pointers
align.
5. Usingmanualcontrolsonly,layandfirea
warmup roundatldesr?ratedarea)-lFirc HEP,if
possible.to reducegun tube weaL)
6. LoadAPDS(TPDS)ammunition,indexthal
aoundand- metersintothe tire con-
lrols.
7. Fire a 3-roundshot groupusing manrial
controlsonly. Referto steps7 andI on your
checklist.Reloadpriortolayingloreachround.
Takeup the samesight picturepriorto each
round.Dorotreteryoursightsuntiltoldtodoso
bythetower. civ€ mean"ONTHEWAY,"prior
lo firingeachround.
4-15

54. f M r 7 1
8 Reoadandre lay
rargelusrngihe "G
sr.Jrrlsrothecenieroi
lhe bcresrgh1knobs
lrack ro the cenier of the
palrern IhP, refer yo!r
rf e sfor !lroup Dl rllovrng
I R e ' a y l o t h e c e n l e ro f l l r el a r g e l
G p a l r e f n a f d m a n u a l c o n l r o l s
m n f r r m a to n r o u n d
9. With the maingun loaded.re-laytheretrcle
armingcrosslo the exaclarmrngpointusedto
frre the 3 round shot grolrp Use step 7
procedures.
10. Without distu.bingthe lay of the gun,
unlockthe elevalronand defleclionboresighl
knobsand movethe gunner'speriscopereiicle
aimingcrossto the cenlerof the 3 roundshot
groupby rotatingthe knobs.
l1 Re Javlhe dimingcrossof the gunner's
pe',scopeIo lhe originalaimingpointbv using
the manualeievationand traverslngcontrols.
Re-layusingslep7 procedures.Firea roundto
checkthe accuracyof lhe selting
14. lf il doesnot hit wiihin the 24'inchcircle,
loadanotherroundand repeattheprocedure1o
completea new 3 roundshotgroup. Usesteps
9lhru 11 to resetthegunner'speriscopereticle.
15. Fie anorhercheck round. lf the round
farlsro srrike4/ithinrhe 24-inchcircle,.SfOP
Clearall weapons,and requestassistance.lf
the roundhitswilhin thecrrcle,proceedio step
16
16. Using manual elevationand traversing
controls,re lay lhe gLrnner'speriscoperetacle
aimingcrossto the lop leftcornerof thetarget.
Ensurelinalmovemenlofthegunisinelevdlion
l
'G ' pattern) Withourdisturbingthe layofthe
9un, unlockthe elevaiionand deflectionbore-
sight knobs on the telescopeand refer the
appropriaterangelineonihe appropriatereticle
to the top left cornerof lhe targel.
!srngrhe
12 llf second confirn)atton round mtsses
c//c/e./Feloadanclre-lay 1ocenter of ihe target
an.j i re a th rd conf rmalion round After yo!
' r ' . d r o u d . - i o a d c n J r ' l r ' o t " . . e _ .
T h e n r e i e r y o u r s L g h t st o r i r e c e n l e r o i r h e
3 round conlirmat on gro!p rar ay to tfe center
and llre a check round llltl)echeckroundfalls
wttlttn the circle, conttnue vttlt step 73: il it.Joes
not. call a cease fie for lltat tank and provtde
13 Re lay1orhe lpper e{l oi lhe targetand
reierali srghlslo the samc armng pornlby
nrovrngtheboresghtknobs l /hen reieringthe
meterrangeIne ro the rar0etratherrran the
1A (lf yau sense a hi Atnhtnthe 24-hch 12. lf the check round strikes within the
./r./e/ Yo! arezeroed lPtu)ceedtc step | 3 ) 24-inchcircle,proceedto step 16.
11 lU foLt sense ihe roon.l hn odstde th-.
c?r./€,1Re oad and man!a 1yre ay to tne center
o l l h e t a r g e l a n d f i r e a s { r . o n dc o n f r m a l o n
tornl lll n tlits whhtn )e ctrclega ta step 13.1
13. l{ the checkroundIailslo stfikewithinthe
24-inchcircle,loadanorherround.re'laythe
gunlo thee.racloriginalaimingpoint,andfire.It
the secondroundhitswilhinthe24-inchcircle,
you haveattaineda zero. Proceedio siep 16.

55. FM17-12
14. Recordthe maingune$ablishedzerofor
eachsightintheturretandonDAForm2408-10
in yourlogbook.
"G" PATTERN
I
_t_
15. Reponanyzerorefinementtothetowerfor
record-Clearall weapons,fly- flags.
I
I
N
4-17

56. FM17-12
INDEPENDENTZERO
1. Tank,this istow6r. Performall prepareto-
firechecksfoundinvouaooerator'smanual.The
range to the boresight panel is
melets.
2. lupon completion of pteparc-tofite
Checks-) A(e you preparedto zeroTEnsure
thalzeroingroundsareaboardandlhatrounds
of the sametypeareof the samelot number
3. Areyourbrakeson? Tankchocked?
4, Turn c,omputeron and ensure pointers
alrgn,
5. Using manual controls only, lay and fr.e a
HEP-TP-Twarmup round at (designatedateal
6. Load HEP-TP-Tamhuniton. The rangeto
yolr larcet is - meters. Firea 3-round
shot group using manual controls and your
telescope. Reler to steps 6 and 7 on your
ch€cklist.Reloadpriort9 layingfor eachround.
Take up the same sight pictureprior to each
round. Donotreferyoursightsuntilloldtodoso
bythetower. Givemean"ONTHEWAY prior
to firing each round.
7. Reloadand re-iav backto the centeroI the
target using the "G" pattern. Then rcfer your
srghtsto thecenteroftheshotgroupbymoving
the boresighlknobs.
4-18

57. FM l7 12
8 Re ay lo the centeroi rhelargetusrngthe
"G ' patlern and manual controls,and t re a
conIrmationround.
I0 Us'rg procedureoull nedIn sl6p6. re Lay
rheappropriaierangelineoftherclescopeio ihe
origlnalaimingpointandfire a checkround.
9 llf yau sense a hit witl|n the 24 inch circle,) 11. lf the check round stfikes within ihe
You are zeroed. (Praceedto step | 2 ) 24-inch circle, proceedto siep 15
1A lff yousenseahit outsidethecircle)Retoad
and manua y re layto the cenlerof the target
andf re a secondconfirmationround //l l1hts
withtn he ctrcleptoceed ta step 12.)
12. lf the checkroundhits outsidethe circle,
loadanotherround,re laythe gun lo the exacl
originalaiming point and fire. lf the second
roundhrrsw lhrnrhecrrcle,youaveallaineda
zero. Proceedto step 15.
11 lI secand check tound ,)?tss-asc]rcle/
Reoad and man!aly re-layto centerot the
targetandllfe athirdcheckround Alteryout re
theround,reoadandre laytothecenterThen
reler yoLr.sights10 the cenler of lhe zeroed
confifnrariongroup,fe'layto th€cenler,andiire
a check round. (t the check round h/ls withnl
the ctcle, proceedto step 72; il it daesnot, calla
ceasefire for that tank and proticleasststance)
13. lf rhe second check round misses the
cifcle, load another-round and repeat the
procedureto completea rehl 3-round shol
group. use sieps I thru 10 to reset the
14. Fire anothercheck round. If the round
missesthe circle,SfOP.clearallweapons,and
.requesiassistance.lf the ro!nd hils insiderhe
circleproceedto step15,
l2 R".oro)o .r 'lLP esrabLrFd /e-ofor''
relescopeonDAForm24O8-10and n theturret.
13 Manuallyre laygun to paceapproprate
range ine of APDS ret cle on larget a m ng
14. Reoadwith APDS (TPDS),indexAPDS
ntocomputer,andusing theprimarysrghtiLrea
3 roundshol group
15 Record the ielescope boresight knob
seitings,thisasyouresrablishedHEPzeroforthe
16 Usrngmanualconlrols,re layappropflare
rangelineofAPDSreticleoftelescopeontarget
armrngpornr.
17 With APDS lelescoperetacleon aiming
point. unlock perscope boresighl knobs and
referaimingcross10targetaimingpoint.
18. LoadAPDS (TPDS)and rndexAPDS into
19 Usrng rhe gLnnpr'speI|scope{r'e d
3-.oundsholgro,p Followprocedure,n sleps
6 and 7.
l5 Reloadandre laybacktothecenterofthe 20. Wilh the gun loaded,re lay the aiming
target Then reler your aiming cross to the crossto the exactaimingpointusedto firethe
cenrerofrheAPDS(TPDS)shotgroupbymovingsholgroup
the boreslghlknobs
21. wrthour disrurbingthe tay ot the gun.
4 19

58. FM 11 12
unlockthe periscopeboresightknobsandmove
the periscopereticle aiming crossto the center
ol the shorgroupby rolalrnglhe knobs.
1 6 F F l d y r o l ' , . c - n l - r o r r re l a r g e l- c n ! l ! e
' ' G p a , r e r na 1 d m a n L d l . o . l - o l . a r d f , r F a
check round of APDS (TPDS)
22. Re-laythe aiming cross to the original
aimingpointandfirea checkround.Usestep6
1l. lFollow steps9 thtu | | todetermineiftank
18. RecordyourAPDSeslablishedzeroforthe
primarysighton DA Form2408 10 andin the
lurrel
19. Re layto the upperleft of the targetwrth
the primarysight, reler the APDS telescope
reticl-a,and recordyourAPDStelescopezero.
23. Followsteps11thru 14todetermineifyou
24. Recod lhe periscope boresrght knob
settings, this js your establishedAPDS (TPDSI
zerofor the periscope.
2b. He 'ay rhe peflscopeaimingcrossto lhe
upDeflefl of lhe tdrqetusinq"G oatternand
26 Unlock lelescopebores,ght(nobs and
refer the appropriate rarrge line of the APDS
reticlelo lhe samepoint.
27. Record the telescope boresight knob
seflrngs:this is youreslablshedAPDS{IPDS)
tero tor rhe telescooe.
20 Return your secondary
eslablishedHEPzero.
s r g h t 28- Turntelescopeboresight
your establishedHEPzero.
knobsto reapply
29. Youcan now travelwiththe prima.ysight
zeroedfor APDS,the primaryarmordeteating
round.andthetelescopezeroedforHEP.lfyour
periscopebecomesinoperative,the gunner can
placethe recordedAPDS seltingon the tele
4-20

59. c1.FM 17 12
LONG RANGE ZERO
5. Usrngrnanualcontrolson y, lay and tire a
warrnup round at /designatedarea).
5. Load and fire a warmup rcund (towel
selects area or targetJ.
6 Load APDS (TPDS)ammuntion, index
APDSand 1,600metersintothe fire controls
J(p lonq lr'rg. /Fto t1.gat tfo'gat must bp at
5OAm.)
6- Indexthe 1,600 meters in the rangefinder
from minimum mechan;cal$op without over-
travel. IndexAPDS in the comDuter.
7. Fire a 3-round shot groLrpusing rfanual
conlrolsonly. Beferto steps7 and 8 on your
checklist Reloadprior1olayngforeachround
Takeup the sarnes ght pidure on the alming
pointol the zeropanelpriorto eachround. Do
not reter yolr sightsuntrlro d lo do so by the
tower. Give me an
'ON THE WAY' prior to
f ring eachround.
7. Load anothorround and using manual
cont.olsonly(butwith turretpoweron)laythe
gunner'speriscopereticleaimingctosson lhe
aimingpointofthezerotarget{Seepage4-23).
Always lay the gln in the samedirection
follow;ngtheouterperimeterofthetarget,with
the finalmovementin elevation("G'pattern.
page4-17).
8. Fire a 3-round shot group using lhe
proceduresin step 7 Jor each engagemem-
Announce"ON THEWAY" overthe radioprior
to firingeachround.
OIC CHECKLIST TC CHECKLIST
I Tarl. thrsisrower Perfornallprepare-to.
firechecksin accordancewith table2 I of your
operator'smanual. The rangeto the boresght
panelis 1,600meters.
1. Obtain a designatedtarget from the cont.ol
tower and verify exact tank-to-larget range.
2. Pefiotm prepare-totire checks including
manualchargingotelevationsyslem,
2. lUpon completion of ptepate-to-fire 3. Ensurethal ammunitionis on boardand
checks ) Ateyouptep6redtozero?Ensurethal thatall lot nlmbersarethe same,
zeroingrounds(APDSor TPDS)areaboardancl
ihal roundsare of the samelot number.
3. Are your brakeson? Tankchocked2
4 T!rn lhe computeron and ens!re poinlers
alrgn.
4. Turn computer on, press the reset button,
and verify that the jnner and outer pointers
align. Ensuretherangecorrectionknobissetin
accordancewilh tube wear critetion.
4-21'

60. c1 FM I7.12
8. Reload and re lay back 1o the strike zone
cross usinq the G' pallern. rhen telet yaul
5 , 9 r 5 _ o I F L p n r o 'o f t h e s h o rg , o u pb m o v i n q
!he boresight knobs
9. lvith the main gun loaded,tc-lay the
reticleaiming cmss to the stdke zonecross.
Usestep7 procedures.Withoutdisturbingthe
lay of the gun, unlock the clevation and
deflectir-rnboresight knobs and move the
gunner'speriscop€reticleaiming crossto the
centerof the ;l-roundgroup by rotating the
I Re'1ay10thearmingpoinlofrhetargetusing
the "G patte.n and manual controls.Fire a
confirmationround
10. With the main gun loaded,re-laythe
periscopeaimingcrosstotheailningpointofthe
zeropanelusingstep7procedules.Fireacheck
round.
1A. lf you sensea hh whhin the sttikezone,) 11. lfthe check roundslrikeswithin lhe strike
You are zeroed. lProceedto step 13.) zone,proce€dto step 15.
11. ll you sensea hh outsidethe st kezone,)
Reloadand re-laylo the aimingpoint andfire
another check round.f/f it hits within the st ke
zone,proceedto step 13.)
12. It the checkroundhits outsid€the strike
zone,usingstepTprocedures,relo€dandre-lay
to the aimingpointand fire anothercnecK
round-lf lhe secondroundhitsthestrikezone.
Droceedto steD15.
12. It secondcheck/ound missesstnkezone,)
Reload,re-lay,and ii.e a lhird check round.
lAftet the thitd checkroundis fired,repeatsteps
8 and 9. ff that checkroundhits the strikezone
ptoceedta step 13:if it doesnot,calla ceaselie
for that tank and provide assistance.)
.|3. lf it doesnorhit the strikezone,loadand
tire anotherroundto completearew 3-round
shotgroup. UsestepI to resetthe periscope
reticle.
14. Fireanothercheckround.lf the round
does not hit the strik€ :one, STOP, clea.
weapons,andrequestassistance.lf it hitsthe
strikezone,proceedto step15,
13. Re lay 10a 1.600meieraimingpoint(on
the boresighlpanel)and relerall sights1othe
same point by moving the boresightknobs.
When referringthelelescoperemembertorefer
the 1,600meterrangelineto the targetrather
than the boresighlcross.
15. Usingmanualcontrolsand"G" patternre.
laylhe periscopeaimingcrosstoa 1,600meter
aimingpointon the bo.esightpanel. (Youcan
locatea 1,600meterpointbyrangingwithyour
range{inder.)Withoutdisturbinglhe layofthe
gun,unlocktheboresightknobsotthetelescope
and €ngefinderand referthosesightsto the
p€riscope.Locktheboresightknobsandensure
the aimingcrossesremainat the €xactsame
referenceooint.
14. Recordlhe longrangeestablishedzerofor
each sighr in your rurret and ol DA Form
2408 l0 of your logbook.
16. Recordestablishedzeroreadingson DA
Form 2408-1O. Equipment component
Begister,whieh is parlof yourlogbook.andin
4-22

61. c1,FM17 t2
I
totuc RANGEzERo TARGET
STR
/ t.c
(f,)
_--,/
IKEZONE
DRAWNTOSCAII
36"
4-23

62. CHAPTER 5 FM11 12
5-1. GENERAL
Tank crews nrust be able to engage
and destroy targets quickly with a
minimum expenditure of ammunition,
To acmmplishthis, eachmembelofthe crew
must know his particular job sowell that in
combathis responsesare neally automatic,
Each crewman must be familiar with the
dutiesoftheotheftankcrewmensolossofone
memberwill not destroythe fighting effec.
hvenessof the tank. This chapteraliscusses
the general dutes of all tank cewmen.
Specihcdutiesfor eachposltiunand series
tank are coveredin following chaptersand
tank supplements.
CREWDUTIES
!
tr
5-2. TANK COMMANDER
The tank commander comrnands the
tank. He controlsthemovementand frreof
the tank, through his actions and ord€rs.
When targets areto be engaged,the tank
commander will:
E acquire target
tr issue initial fire command
E lay main gun near target
E determine range to target
E command gunner to fire
E observe and adjust fire
E issue orders to ceaae fire after
targ€t has been destroyed
E clear and reduce stoppagesaDd
_' Jnalfunctions of his machinegun
Iire and adjust from his position
if gunner cannot identify target
fire machinegun mounted at the
commander's station
Stenade laudcherc (ontanks
5 - |

63. FM 11.12
5-3. GUNNER
The gunner-fires and adjusts fire of
the main gun and coax machinegun. He
is responsiblefor turret maintenanceof th€
tank. lvhen orderedto firc, the gunner*'ill:
! turn on necessary s]vitches
! index ammunition into fire con-
trol system
J identify target
range with laser rangefinder (on
tanks soequipped)
_takecorrect sight picture
fire and adjust as appropriate
use auxiliary fire control instru-
ments and range cards when
firing in indirect mode
!
!
!
!
n.
5-2

64. FM11-12
5-4. LOADER
The loader selects and loads ammu-
nition announced in the initial fire
command. He is responsiblefor servicing
main gun,coaxmachineg!n.and ammLrni.
tion. When firing, the loaderwill:
! know ammunition stowage plan
! load msingun andcheckthepath
of recoil
I apply proper misfire procedures
on main gun
E load coax machinegun
E reduce coax mschinegun stop-
pages and malfunctions by:
- applying immediate action
- changing barrel
5-5. DRIVER
The driver maneuvers the tsnk on
the battlelield. He is responsiblefor the
automotive maint€nance of the tank. In
perfbrminghis duties,the driver will:
D constantly s€arch for rout€s and
firing positions which provide
maximu m protection from
enemy fire
! maintain a gtable platform for
frring on the move
I stop smoothly on command
5-3

65. FM 17-12
5-6. CREW
All memb€rsof the clew assistthe tank
commanderin acquiing targets while per-
{orming their other duties and assist in
obsewingand sensingrounds6red.
5-7. SUMMARY
To win outnumberedtank crewmenmust:
tr know their individual duties so well that their respons€to
situations is automatic
E befamilier with duties of all crew members
D function as a fe@m
5-4

66. CHAPTER 6 FM17 12
TARGET ACOUISITION
AND IDENTIFICATION
6.T. GENERAL
In modern battle w€ should expecta
rapid tempoof movementand engagement.
Small elementssuch as platoonsfrequently
wi)l be required to operaterelatively inde.
pendentlywithin irregular battle lines. A].
though Threat targets will be engagedat
maximum iang€.US tankersmay oftenfind
themselvesintermingledwith Threatunit6as
weil as units of friendly nations. Speed of
target engagement depends on the
cr€w's proficieney in acquiring the tar-
get.
'l'o
capitalizeontheadvantagesoffiring first,
the entirecrewmust be prcficientin:
D Detecting the target
tr Locating the target
! Identirying the target
as friend or enemy
This chapterdiscusseslechniquesandmeth-
odsof iapidly detecting,locating,andidenti-
fying targetsdurirg day and night. US tank
crcws must train themselvesto distinguish
friend from foequickly and fire first.
o- |

67. FM17-12
6-2. CI"ASSIFICATIONOF
TARGETS
To defeat multiple targets on the battle-
freld, US tankers lDust engage targets in
order of the threat theyrepresent. Targetsate
c)aaaifredasnast danEerous,dangerous, and,
least dangemua.
Moat Dangeroua, A target that sees
you, has the capability of kiJling you, arld
appea$ to be preparing to engageyou is the
tnost dangerou& Tlds taiget is your
greatest threat and muat be engaged
quickly, If there is more than one,
engage the closest first.
6-2

68. FM17-12
Dqngerous. A targ€t that cad kill you
but al4)arently doesnot s@yo.riBdangeroua.
Engage this target as soon as possible
after de8troying oll most dangeroua
talgeta.
Leogt DanEerous, A target that does
not have the immediate capability ofkilling
you bul can rcport you !o largetsthai can is
least ilongerous. Engage this ttTe target
as soon as possible after all alangerouE
targeta are destroyed.
6-3

69. FM 17-12
6.3. TARGET SIGNATURES
Most weaponsand vehicleshave tell-
tale signatures, a result of design or the
envircnmentin whichtheequipmentisused.
For example, fir.ing a tank main g]rn on dry
sandysoilraisesa dustcloud;atankdriving
in builtup areas mak€s morc noise than one
moving through an open field. US tank
crews must be able to recognize signs-
tures to help locate and identify targets,
Sight, hearing, smell, and sometimestouch
and taste assist in detecting and identif''rng
signatwes that {'ill lead to target locatron,
identification, arrdrapid engagement. Look
for targets where they are most likely to
be employed.
a. Soldier SigndhDes.
* Foxholes
* Ttash
* Tornoutveseiation(usedforcamou-
flase)
b. Trach Vehiele Signatures,
* Tankbacksonground
* Tanktrackandensinenoise
* Dustclouds
* Dieselsmoke
i Inud sha4 repod fotlowed by white
* A brisht whit€ flash at nisht
- Inok for these sisDatues in open
areas,rollins tenair.
c. Antitanh Signaturea.
* "Swish" of missilelaunch
i Lons. Ihin wi.cstrom previously6re"
ATGM'S
* Traceruof slowflyins ATGM'S
* Shary crack of AT sD
* DismountcdBanne"up (o 80 merers
away from lamching rail
Inok for AT cmploymenr in oper
arprswpreranksafelikely tobeused.
d. Artillery Sigtuahtes.
* Inud dull repolt
* Grayish white cloud of srnoke
* Brisht oranseflash andblacksmoke
from airbursts
* Rushinsnoiseheardseveralseconds
prior to impaci of round
Aircraft SiEnahtres.
* Glare of sun &om aircrafl canopies
and rolor blades
* Vapor irails ftom aircraft or 6red
rnissiles
* Dusi and movementof foliase fiom
hoveins helicopt€rs
l,ook fof ihese signacures wher€
-
terain maskssuchasridsesor forest
are available for aircralt to hide
behind.
Obataclea anrl Mines,
* Irose oi disturbed dirt in a regnler
- Expect €mplacementbetween un'
amssablete{ain features.
- hok for positions coveredhy enemy
fire (usualiy infantry with antitank
6-4

70. M 17-12
6.4. TARGETACQUISITION
a, Obeerudtian Positionr. Acqui-
sition mu8t be continuous whether
halted or moving. When moving, u8e
tuEet-down orhull-down routesto maintatl a
low tank profrle. When noving turet-dom
and observation is Easked by t€Eain, obeet-
vation is still continuously maintained by
overwatching tankg, To leducevulnerability
E'henstationaiy, a US tank crew mu3tr
d Use (in orderof pviority):
Hide pobiaione with dis-
mountedobserver.
IrNret-dotDn poaitians,
Hull-danon ooeitions.
ts/ t*,t..-r"" o* of camoufrage.
E/ R"do". -o".-.rrt and listen,
/ K""p .adio on low volume.
/ *o"". emoke emission fton
heat€rs and exbaust.
/ se alte to move rapidly to a
X
X
X
X
X
Disrupt the natural vegetation
atound your posihon
Move aror:ld excessrvely
Buitl firee, etrite matches,or tttr on
lights
Shout, yell, talk loutlly, or slam
hatches or gxiUdoors
Run engine unnecessarily or lev
engine to high rpm's

71. FM 11 12
b. Target Area Responsibility.
Crew nembers and tsnk cre*'s must be
given clearly delineated observation
responslbilitieqqothat Ihe la rgetaretris
constantly observed.
r-.'ll
Whethera lone tank...',
.-lF',r
"_ ,A_;-
,.
',
O ' *
, _: ]-
,Lf,,
or with the platoon.
bF'
/-.
/- .b,. .
-r-y ';ro
!ai-461
A dismounted observer equipped with
binoculars and communications to the
tank can provide highly effective target
acquisition information. He is more apt
to hear the enemy before he see6him.
6-6

72. FM17-12
c, Scdnning Techniques. Ptoptet
scanning t€chniques enable crewmen to
locate and identify targets quickly. First,
without optics,make a quick overall search
for obvioustargets using all your sensesto
det€cttell.taletarget signatures.
If no tsrget6 ale found in the initial search,
and time permits, with the aid ofoptics, make
a moredetailed searchofthe terlain using the
5o-met€rmethod:
(1) Search a strip 50 met€rs deep
f]^m ridht 1^ lafl
(2) Then search a strip from left to
right fadher out overlapping the
first Btrip.
(3) Continue this method until the
entire sector is covercd.
(4) When a suspicious spot is de
tect€d, stop and search it tho
rcughly.
REMEMBER:
tr Initial ecanning is alwaye done
first with unaided vision, then
with magnified optice ftinocu-
lara, rangefinder, periscope, tele
scope).
E Scanning is continuoua. Any-
thing missed on the first or second
scan may be seen on the third or
fourth scan.
C The entire crew rnust look for
likely targets within their as-
Bigtredsectors of reeponeibility.
[1 Shen you suspect Threat air
targets, start by searching ftorE
far t,o Dear.
6-7

73. FM 17-12
d.. Optics, Daylight sights, binoc-
ularc, and Dighl, .ision devices (passive
aDd infrared) are needed to acquire
targets at ranges greater than possible
with the naked eye. Daylight binocular
efficiency can beincreasedby using only one
eyepieceor cupping the eyepiecesto prevent
stray light from entering the eye.
Buttoned-up, the crew can observe frcm
inside the vehicle usirg vision blocks,peri-
scop€s,thetelescope,therangefinder, and the
gunner's unity window Ttrming off the
illuminat€d reticle of periscopes,telescopes,
or rangefirdem will improve night observa-
tion. Wben firing, keep the illuminated
reticleas&m aspossible.Typesandemploy-
ment of night vision dences are discussedi]l
the appropriate tank supplement.
e. Night Acguiaition, Iatget ^c-
quisitiou techniques at night are similar
to acquiFitiou techniques dudng the
day, At night, whether using daylight optics
orthe unaidedeye,don'tlookdirectlyat an
object, but a few degrees offto the side.
The sides of your eyecare more sensitive to
dim light. When scanning with this off-
centervision, moveyour eyesin short, abrupt,
iEegular movements. At each likely target
area pause a few seconds to detect any
motion.
Sounds and smell can help in acqriiring
targets at night, Sounds carry better at
night in t}le cooler, damper night air. Run-
ning engines and banging grill doors can be
heard for great distances at night. Odors
from dieselfuel, gasoline,cookingfood,or
buming tobacco,after shave lotion. and the
like can betraythe enemyor you.
6-8

74. cI, FM1t-12
6-5. TARGETIDENTIFICATION
Potential targets should be identiied
beforethey areengaged. This is necessaryso
l}|at Lheappropdate weaponand ammuni-
tion combination is selectedto ensuretarget
deshuction. US tanlers must be able to
recoglrize equipment-oufs and theirs,
friendly and Threot. Friendly foreign
elementsmay be operating with US tankers.
Additionally, we can expect Th:reatforcesto
put into use captured fiendly arrd US
equipnent. Tanks and tank-like vehicleeand
armored pewonnel carriers can be studied
usingGTA 1?-12-8,"ArmoredVehicleRecog-
nition Carde." GTA 44-2-1,"Atucraft Visual
Rocognilion,'covershigh perforDanceair-
cmft and helicopte$.
^6-6. ACQUISITIONREPORTS
Targets that are located Bu6t be
reported immediately.
The report should include the following:
ALERT-Radio call words followed by
word(s)alerting receivinestation
of action being takel erample:..ROMI'O 45 -THIS IS
ROMEO 59-OBSI]RVING
(engaged or destroyed)".
DESCRI PTION-"tlTc, numbel',andactiv-
itv of enemytatget (erample:,,4
TANKS MOVING NORTH-
EAST " or'1 BRDM WITH
ANTITANK MISSII,E.''
LOCATION-Use besl means of locatine
the tarqft tffonplp: .'DlRECi
FRON'T'-TWO THOUSAND''
or "REFERENCE POINT
BRIDGE-RIGHT 30 (MILS)''
or "TREE LI NE-RIGH'I'
I]DGE."
6.7. SUMMARY
E Speed of target engagehent de-
pends on crewrs profrciency in
acquiring targets. Thie includee
the need fot the crew to be eble
to:
a Detect the target
a Locate the target
a Identifr the target as friend
or foe
E Obeervation for targets must be
continuous using all aenses.
! Observation should be carried
out from a coucealed position, if
possible.
E Tank creE'men have distinct
terget area observation reapon-
sibilities.
E Varioue scanningtechniques can
aid target detection.
E Targets can be locat€al at night
using night vision devices or
indirect illunination.
E Once located, targets must be
reporteal idn€diately.
tr Ranked in order of the threat
they preseDt, targels are classi-
fred as:
a Most dangelous
a Dangerous
a Least dengeroua
6-9

75. CHAPTER 7 FM 1712
7.T. GENERAL
T(, take advantage of battlesight
gunnery, US tankers mustat aglance be
able to determine ifthe target is within
battlesight range. Belond battlesight
range.it may benecessaryto estinale range
becausethe rangefind€ris inoperative. This
chapter discussesvarious methodsof deter-
miningrange. Imtnediatemethodslobeuscd
witb battlesight gunnery are discussedlbl"
lowedbv themoretime-consumingdeli6?rdte
,?ellods.(Chapter9,"Directl'ire,"discusses
battlesighlgunneryin detail.)
RANGE DETEBMINATION
FirstRoundOver
7-2. IMMEDIATE RANGE
DETERMINATION METHODS
a. Main Gun Battlesight Method.
This is the simplest and fastest method
frrr verifl ing range. T!invollFs engngIng
the targetat the sametime a tangebracketto
the target is being determined. Use a
standard fire command with battlesight
information indexed and ammunit)on
loaded. When a standard fire command wrth
ammunition elementis announccd,thc Bun-
ner automaticallr_ aims center-of-mass. Iire.
ll thc round hits short. lav at the top of the
Ifthe round hits the target high ot gocsover,
re iay at the base of target and continue to
fire. This is eflective at ranges to 1,900
meters with APDS or 1.J00 meters lvith
HEAT.
target.lnd fire again.
GUNNER
SABOT
TANK
FIRE
Adjustmenl
7-1

76. FM17 12
b. Recognition Met tod. Range de-
termination by recog[ition is simple and
amazingly accu:rate, This method is based
on target visibility. It can be used by the
naked eyeor sightmg tbrough a magni{ying
instrument- With the naked eye,or sighti:rg
tbrough instruments with 7{ powermagnifi-
cation, the following targets a:rerecognizable
to the nnges indicated in the table below.For
example,if you can seeit is atsnk, it is within
1,500meter€;ifyou canseethecrewmembers,
it is within 500 meters. 4Aen using this
dethod, however,you must take into account
the sizeald clarity ofthe target in relation to
its background. Some tigbt and terrain
conilitions make a target seemcloser,where
as other conditions will make it seemfurther
TankCrewMembers
Troops,Machinegun,Mortar,
AntitankGun,AntitankMissileLaunchers
ank, Armored Personne
Caftier.ltuck, by Model
APc,Truck
SEEMSCLOSER
Brightclearday
Sun in frontot target
Higherelevations
Largetargets
Erightcolors-
(white,red,yellow)
Contrast
Lookingacross
ravines,hollows,
rivers,depression
SEEMSFARTHER
Fog,rain,hazytwilight
Sunbehindtarget
Smalltargets
DarkColors
Camouflagedtargets
7-2

77. cI, FM17-12
I
c. Coax Method, Because of the
similarities of superelevationangles, the
coax machinegun can be employedeffec-
tively as a ranging gun to 900meters(hace!
bumout) whenfrring 105-mmHEP and 152-
mm HEAT-MP.
d. Cupold-mounted Machinegun <
Method. On tanks so equipped, the
caliber .50 machinegun can be used as a
ranging gun out to 1,600 met€rs (tracer
burnout). The tank commanderfires the
caliber.50machinegunfromtheM36ballistic
reticle,observingtherangeontheieticleused
to hit thetarget.Usinghis periscope,hethen
announces the range, and the gmne!
observesthe tracers.
GUNNERCOAX_
PC FIRE_
GUNNER_HEAT_PC
CAL.50 RANGING-
ONESIXHUNDRED_FIRE.
7-3

78. c1,FM17 12
e. When using immediate methods
to determine range remelnber;
The main gun method tells you if the
target is within battlesight range. It
will giveyou about a S09oprobability ofa
first-round target hit out to a range of
approximately 1,9OOmeters with APDS
or 1,40Ometers with HEAT.
The recognition method is quick and
gives you a good idea ofthe range to the
target, remember-if you can tell it is a
tank with your naked eye, it i6 l.r'ithin
battlesight range (SABO'f ,/1,6o0
meters, HEAT,/1,1O0 meters).
TTrecoax method lets you suppress your
target while you are getting the rangeto
the target to engage with the main gun.
The caliber.S0 method letsyousuppress
the target while range is being deter-
Ininedl This method works best if the
cupola is locked and aligned with the
Inarn gun.
7-4

79. c1,FM17-12
7-3. DELIBERATEMETHODS
,,^:. :ich!. Retictes and Mit Reta_.sr. r"ne.Dtnocutarand mil relation
lii,ii'.!"';";3;T::r:::,"f"';,,,.,T"';nlergntotthe LarFetmust beknown. Measure
rft Knownwrdihor heighrwilh thebihocular
ml| scateora sigh( redcje,substitutelhe mil
:ila,rroll,cn9iomeuretheranse.Al"cura.yofLms^m-ethoddependson k-nowledgeof targer
::I]-"::"."
and rhe individuat.sabili,y romakeprcflsemeasurementswiththebinocu-
.,t, Mtl r, tatu a. l.hpmil rsa unrr,t:rngul!r n'ejrsuremnntpquflll,rI ri,.lfirL,t.ir
.rrcrr I lrpn
.,rrpirlrpfoximttslt. milsrn I',D,.Inrt,;rnl,c$ rirrenI/r. Tle rnitisusFdri)
rjrnkllunrrf tr r.,tuse,,1thfprul'j..,ilr,.urn
r,,ns l|rd :rdjusrrnontrcqurred.Tank fir.e.i'nrr'it ,rlUrtrrntnl rs r.r.,du:rrFdin nrilsro(rn ont) n, lhe mil methodof measurcrnenr.
One mil equals
meter at a range
width (or height) of I
of I,0O0 rDeters-
Thi6 relalionis constanlas Lheanalein.
:]::::" "?.
I mjl ro 2 mitsand the rangem^creaseslrom
_1.000Detersro 2,000mel€rs.
.nec.ause
the mil relationi6 constant,otherunrtsot measuresuchasyards.Ieet,orinches
::1,1"^:l!:1ll"rid formerersin expressrDs
.nuu,
or range: however. the relation holdsrrueonry.lltot, W and Rareexpressedin ihesafie untl
_olmcasure. For example,if the
:]:_1".",1
, t.T1ransteareextendparo1,000ydrds. thewrdth betweentheendsofrhesides
1 MILA] 1,OOOMETERSEOUALS1 MEITR.
iilidriltrff$!ifSigriftrHii:
0-6
aool- I 6.)n
2 / A
.2X
or9d
A comparison ot Mits & Dogrees

80. c1,FM17-1
(2, Determinina range using the
nil rcldtion. Since the relationship of the
angle in mils {rd), the length of the sidesm
thousands (R), and the width betweenthe
endsof th€ sides(W)is constant,width ofthe
targct, range to the target, or mil value ofthe
target can bedetermined if the other two are
tf w = 1, w = Rx/),,
W
R
=w
The mil relation holds true whether the W
factor is in a hoizontal or vertical plane,if
the mil angle is measuredin the sameplane.
: N D I R E C T
MACHINEGUN
: = l/z'*
BINOCULARRETICLE
As a memory aid use
t]re word,, "WORM."
WORM stands for:
TimesI Mlils.
7-6
xn,