Table of Contents
FM 3-20.12, Tank Gunnery (Abrams)
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1. Introduction
Scope
Chapter 2. Boresighting
Muzzle Boresight Device (MBD) Collimation
Collimation Check
Collimation Procedures (M26A1/M27A1) Collimation Procedures (M26A1/M27A1)
Boresighting the M1 and M1A1
Computer Correction Factors and Ammunition Subdesignations
Muzzle Boresight Procedures (M26A1/M27A1 MBD)
Precision Alignment of the Gas
Night Boresighting
Boresighting the Gas (GPS and TIS Inoperative) Using the M26A1/M27A1 MBD
Boresight Loss
Boresight Check
MRS Confirmation
Emergency Boresight Procedures
Boresighting the M1A2
Computer Correction Factors and Ammunition Subdesignations
Muzzle Boresight Procedures (M27A1 MBD)
Precision Alignment of the Gas
Night Boresighting
Boresighting the Gas (GPS and TIS Inoperative) Using the M27A1 MBD
Boresight Loss
Boresight Check
MRS Confirmation
Emergency Procedures
Boresighting the M1A2 SEP
Computer Correction Factors and Ammunition Subdesignations
Muzzle Boresight Procedures (M27A1 MBD)
Precision Alignment of the GAS
Night Boresighting
Boresighting The Gas (GPS and TIS Inoperative) Using the M27A1 MBD
Boresight Loss
Boresight Check
MRS Confirmation
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Air Temperature and Atmospheric (Barometric) Pressure
Chapter 3 Armament Accuracy Checks
Check 1 (M1) ― Main Accumulator Pressure
Check 2 (M1) ― Power Elevation and Elevation Cylinder
Check 3 (M1) ― Fault Indicator
Check 4 (M1) ― Special Input
Check 5 (M1) ― Ballistic Solution
Check 6 (M1) ― Muzzle Reference System
Check 1 (M1A1) ― Main Accumulator Pressure
Check 2 (M1A1) ― Power Elevation and Elevation Cylinder
Check 3 (M1A1) ― Fault Indicator
Check 4 (M1A1) ― Special Input
Check 5 (M1A1) ― Ballistic Solution
Check 6 (M1A1) ― Muzzle Reference System
Check 1 (M1A2) ― Main Accumulator Pressure
Check 2 (M1A2) ― Power Elevation and Elevation Cylinder
Check 3 (M1A2) ― Fault Indicator
Check 5 (M1A2) ― Ballistic Solution
Check 6 (M1A2) ― Muzzle Reference System
Chapter 4 Ammunition and Target Destruction
Main Gun Ammunition
Classification
Identification
Round-Type Quick Reference Markings
Components of a Main Gun Round
Armor-Defeating Ammunition
Heat
MPAT
Technical Data
Target-Practice Ammunition
Ammunition Stowage Plan
Machine Gun Ammunition
Link Belts
Identification of Machine Gun Ammunition by Color Code
Smoke Grenade Ammunition
Limited-Issue 120-mm Ammunition
Limited-Issue 105-mm Ammunition
HEP Ammunition
Beehive Ammunition (M494 APERS-T)
White Phosphorus (M416 WP-T)
Chapter 5 Screening Test
Proofing Team
Screening Procedures
Screening Test Failures
M1A2 Special Input Check
M1A2 Ballistic Solution Check
Determining the Mean Point of Impact and Individual Tank CCF
Alternate Method?Determining Mean Point of Impact and Individual Tank CCF
M1 and M1A1
M1A2
Screening Failure Data-M1, M1A1, and M1A2
Screening Under Unusual Conditions
Boresighting and Zeroing the Tank-Mounted Machine Gun
Boresighting the Caliber .50 Machine Gun (M1 AND M1A1)
Boresighting without the Caliber .50 (Lenzar) Boresight Device
Boresighting with the Caliber .50 (Lenzar) Boresight Device
Zeroing the Caliber .50 Machine Gun
Zeroing the Coaxial Machine Gun
M1 and M1A1
M1A2
M1A1 Gunner's Quadrant End-For-End Test
Chapter 6 Target Acquisition
Target Acquisition Process
Crew Search
Sectors of Responsibility (M1, M1A1, M1A2, AND M1A2 SEP)
Dismounted Observer
Ground-Search Techniques
Rapid-Scan Technique
Slow-Scan Technique
Detailed-Search Technique
Off-Center Vision
Air-Search Techniques
Horizontal Search and Scan
Vertical Search and Scan
Estimation of Upper Search Limits
Target Detection
Target Signatures
Soldier Signatures
Track-Vehicle Signatures
Antitank Signatures
Artillery Signatures
Aircraft Signatures
Obstacles and Mines
Detection Challenges
Detection Tips
Target Location
TC Override Method
Traverse Method
Reference Point Method
Clock Method
Sector Method
Tank Sketch Card Method
Grid Method
Target Identification
Target Acquisition Reports
Target Classification
Most Dangerous
Dangerous
Least Dangerous
Target Confirmation
Target Acquisition and Conduct-of-Fire Process
Chapter 7 Range Determination
Immediate Range Determination Methods
Recognition Method
M1A2 Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer Stadia Reticle
Gunner’s Auxiliary Sight Stadia Reticle
Reticle Relationship Method
Estimated-Range Method
Tank Commander's Machine Gun Method
Deliberate Range Determination Methods
Mil Relationship Method
Adjacent Tank Method
Map Method
Known Range Method
Flash-Bang Method
Chapter 8 Direct Fire
Battlecarry
Fire Commands
Fire Command Elements
Alert
Ammunition or Weapon
Description
Direction
Traverse Method
Reference Point and Deflection
Marking Targets with Tracers (Caliber .50)
Range
Known-Range Method
Estimated-Range Method
Execution
Termination of Engagement
Repeating Commands
Correcting Errors
Reduced Fire Commands
Crew Duties in Response to a Fire Command
Target Engagements
Multiple Main Gun or Coax Machine Gun Engagements
Multiple Weapon Systems Engagement
Direct-Fire Adjustment Techniques
Factors in Target Misses
Sensings
Subsequent Fire Commands
Reengage Method
Standard Adjustment Method Using GPS or Gas
Gunnery Techniques
Precision Gunnery
Gunnery Techniques for MPAT
Degraded-Mode Gunnery
LRF Ineffective
Manually Indexing Range
Manually Applying Range Using the GAS
Manually Applying Range Using the CITV Stadia Reticle
CANT Sensor Failure (M1 and M1A1)
CANT Sensor Failure (M1A2)
Crosswind Sensor Failure (M1 and M1A1)
Crosswind Sensor Failure (M1A2)
GPS Azimuth Drive System Failure (M1 and M1A1)
Lead System Failure (M1A2)
GPS Failure (Day Channel)
Loss of Boresight
Normal-Mode Failure
Turret Power Failure
Loss of Replenisher
Misfire
Loss of a Crew Member
Fire Control Preparation for Three-Man Crew Operations
Modification of Crew Duties
Loss of TIS on the M1 and M1A1 or TIS and CITV on the M1A2
Night Vision
Searchlight Illumination
Indirect Illumination
Battlesight Gunnery
Determining Battlesight Range
Firing through Smoke
Error Sources
Fixed Biases
System Parallax
Ballistic Drift
Mean Jump
Variable Biases
Boresight/Boresight Retention
Cant (Trunnion Tilt)
Crosswind
Fire Control
Ballistic Solution
Muzzle Velocity Variation
Range Estimation
Optical Path Bending
Variable Jump
Random Errors
Round-to-Round Dispersion
Gunner Lay Error
Chapter 9 Machine Guns
Employing Tank-Mounted Machine Guns
Coax Machine Gun
Engagement Technique for Area Targets
Engagement Technique for Point Targets
Loader's Machine Gun
Tank Commander's Weapon
Special Use of Machine Guns
Suppressive Fire Engagements
Reconnaissance by Fire
Ranging
Designating Targets
Firing through Cover
Incendiary Effects
Ricochet Fire
Aircraft Engagement Techniques
Engaging High-Performance Aircraft
Engaging Helicopters
Heliborne Infantry and Paratroopers
Chapter 10 Employing the Abrams Tank
Functional Capabilities
Abrams Fleet Specific
M1, M1A1, and M1A1D
M1A2 and M1A2 SEP
Sighting Systems
Gunner's Primary Sight (GPS)
GPS (Day Channel)
GPS (Thermal Channel)
Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) (Thermal Channel)
GPS Extension
Gunner's Auxiliary Sight
Commander's Weapon Station
Fighting Position Construction and Proofing
Types of Fighting Positions
Fighting Position Construction
Fighting Position Proofing
Weapons Planning Ranges and Considerations
Tank Sketch Cards
Creating a Sketch Card (M1 and M1A1)
Creating a Sketch Card Using IVIS (M1A2)
Creating a Sketch Card Using FBCB2 (M1A1D and M1A2 SEP)
On-Board Smoke Employment Techniques
M250 Smoke Grenade Launcher System
M257 Smoke Grenade Launcher System
Fire Command for M250 or M257 Smoke Grenade Launcher
Vehicle Engine Exhaust Smoke System
Conditions that Affect On-Board Smoke Employment
Wind Speed and Direction
Other Factors
Gunnery Techniques when Employing Smoke or in a Smoke Environment
Thermal Imaging System Engagement
Gunner's Primary Sight Daylight Channel Engagement
Smoke Employment against Enemy ATGM Gunners and Helicopters
On-Board Smoke Employment against Enemy Observers
Chapter 11 Survivability and Fight-Back Capability
Ammunition Compartment Hit
Bustle Ammunition Compartment Fires
Hull Ammunition Compartment Fires
Crew Compartment Ammunition Fires
Exit an M1A1 or M1A2 Tank during an Ammunition Fire
Loss of Communications
Abandon Tank
Disabling Tank Procedures
Crew Evacuation
Tank Rollover
Chapter 12 Tank Crew Gunnery Skills Test (TCGST)
Requirements
Safety Precautions
Evaluation Procedures
Administrative Process
Administrative Procedures for Crewman Receiving a No-Go
Evaluation Criteria
Personnel, Equipment, and Material Required
Planning Considerations
Test Stations
Test Administrative Guide Station 1 (M1, M1A1, and M1A2)
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 1
Test Administrative Guide Station 2 (M1)
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 2
Test Administrative Guide Station 2A (M1A1 and M1A2)
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 2A
Test Administrative Guide Station 3 (M1, M1A1, and M1A2)
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 3
Procedures Guide for Station 3 Clear, Disassemble, Assemble, Perform a Function Check, Load, and Perform Immediate Action on the M240 7.62-mm Machine Gun
Test Administrative Guide Station 4 (M1 and M1A1)
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 4
Procedures Guide for Station 4
Test Administrative Guide Station 4A (M1A2)
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 4A
Procedures Guide for Station 4A
Test Administrative Guide Station 5 (M1)
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 5
Test Administrative Guide Station 5A
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 5A
Test Administrative Guide Station 6
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 6
Test Administrative Guide Station 6A
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 6A
Test Administrative Guide Station 6B
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 6B
Test Administrative Guide Station 7
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 7
Test Administration Guide Station 7A
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 7A
Test Administration Guide Station 7B
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 7B
Test Administrative Guide Station 8 (M1)
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 8
Test Administrative Guide Station 8A
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 8A
Test Administrative Guide Station 9
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 9
Test Administrative Guide Station 10
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 10
Test Administrative Guide Station 11
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 11
Test Administration Guide Station 12
Criterion Scoring Checklist for Station 12
Chapter 13 Gunnery Training Program
Commander’s Assessment
Training Goals
Training Requirements
Training Plan
Preparatory Tank Gunnery Training
Boresighting
Armament Accuracy Checks
Crew Skills Training
Phase I-Fire Control Training
Fire Control Technology
Prepare-to-Fire Checks
Phase II-Manipulation Drills
Gun-Laying Exercises
Tracking Board (Snake Board) Exercises
Target Hand-Off Exercise
Training Devices
Tank Crew Gunnery Skills Test
Thermal-Mode Training
Target Acquisition Training
Range Estimation and Determination Training
Smoke Employment Training
Tank Combat Tables
Basic Tables
Basic Tank Gunnery Tables
Basic Tank Tactical Tables
Intermediate Tables
Intermediate Tank Gunnery Tables
Intermediate Tank Tactical Tables
Advanced Tables
Advanced Tank Gunnery Tables
Advanced Tank Tactical Tables
Long-Range Tank Gunnery
Selecting Tanks and Crews
Sensings
Scaled-Range Gunnery
Training Analysis
Range or Training Area for Tank Combat Training
Establishing a Live-Fire Tank Range
Site Selection
Surface Danger Zone (SDZ) Diagrams
Range or Tactical Course Reconnaissance
Conduct of the Range or Training Area
Administration and Emergency Directions
Required Personnel
Range Equipment
Range or Training Area Layout
Developing Scenarios for Gunnery Tables
Planning the Scenario
Developing the Scenario
Proofing the Scenario
Targets
Hard Targets (Live Fire)
Soft Targets (Live Fire)
Tank Flags
Range Control
Range Communications
Range Operations
Use of Assets
Opening the Range and Occupying the Training Site
During the Exercise
Closing the Range
Guides to Successful Training
Master Gunner’s Range Box
Chapter 14 Crew-Level Gunnery
Tank Gunnery Methodology
Tank Gunnery Evaluation Tables
Tank Crew Evaluators
Basic and Intermediate Tables
After-Action Reviews
Introduction and Rules
Review of Objectives and Intent
Summary of Firing Events
Discussion of Key Issues (Analysis of Fire Commands and Crew Duties)
Discussion of Optional Issues
Discussion of Force Protection (Safety)
Closing Comments
Tank Gunnery Qualification
Prerequisites
Qualification
Basic Gunnery Skills (Individual)
Tank Crew Proficiency Course
Intermediate Qualification Course (Crew)
All-Weather Firing
Ammunition
Targets
Lateral Spread of Targets
Evaluation Procedures and Standards
Tables IV through VIII
Target Signature Devices
Crew Protection Status
Machine Gun Engagements
Main Gun Engagements
Timing Procedures
Target Exposure Time
Target Engagement Time
Defilade Time
Target Presentation Considerations
Dust Down/Wind Down
Misfires
Obscuration
Other Break Times
Wingman Tanks
Alibis
Evaluating Crew Duties
Immediate Disqualification-Extremely Hazardous Conduct
Automatic Zero-Point Penalty-Blatant Disregard for Announced Task, Conditions, and Standards
30-Point Penalty (Level I)
20-Point Penalty (Level II)
5-Point Penalty
Failure to Engage All Presented Targets
Scoring Procedures
Scoring Instructions for Defensive Tasks
Scoring Instructions for Offensive Tasks
Scoring Considerations for Target Miss
Example Defensive Tasks
Example Offensive Tasks
Conduct of Tank Table IBasic Gunnery Skills (Individual)
Concept
Execution
Conduct of Table
Gun-Laying Exercise for the M1, M1A1, and M1A2
Manipulation Exercise
Tracking Exercises
Target Designate Exercises for the M1A2
Range Determination Exercises
Target Engagement Exercises
Scoring
Conduct of Tank Table IIBasic Gunnery Skills (Individual/Crew)
Concept
Conduct of Tasks
Execution
Scoring
Conduct of Tank Table IIIBasic Training Course (Crew)
Conduct of Tasks
Execution
Scoring
Conduct of Tank Table IVTank Crew Proficiency Course
Concept
Conduct of Tasks
Execution
Scoring
Conduct of Tank Table VPreliminary Machine Gun Training
Concept
Conduct of Tasks
Execution
Scoring
Conduct of Tank Table VIPreliminary Main Gun Training
Concept
Conduct of Tasks
Execution
Scoring
Conduct of Table VIIIntermediate Training Course
Concept
Conduct of Tasks
Execution
Scoring
Conduct of Table VIIIIntermediate Qualification Course (Crew)
Concept
Conduct of Tasks
Execution
Scoring
Chapter 15 Collective Gunnery Training
Safety
Conduct of Table IX (Advanced Training Course) (Section) and Table X (Advanced Qualification Course) (Section)
Concept
Conduct of the Table
Main Gun Targets
Machine Gun Targets
Noncombatant Targets
Scoring
Codes for Scoresheet Blocks
Weather
Temperature
Visibility
Advanced Table X-Live-Fire Scenario (Sample)
Conduct of Table XI (Advanced Training Course) (Platoon) and Table XII (Advanced Qualification Course) (Platoon)
Concept
Prerequisites
Conduct of the Table
Scenario Construction
Main Gun Targets
Machine Gun Targets
Noncombatant Targets (Civilian)
Evaluators
Scoring
Gunnery Proficiency
Tactical Proficiency
Overall Scoring
Codes for Scoresheet Blocks
Weather
Temperature
Visibility
Conduct of the Fire Coordination Exercise (FCX)
Concept
Conduct of the Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise (CALFEX)
Concept
Prerequisites
Training Philosophy
Planning Guidelines
Weapon System Considerations
Mechanized Infantry
Armor
Laser Safe Designation (LRF)
Scouts
Army Aviation
Field Artillery (FA)
Mortars
Close Air Support
Air Defense Artillery (ADA)
Engineers
Countermobility
Survivability
Mobility
Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR)
Combat Service Support (CSS)
Ammunition Requirements
Range Requirements
Composite Surface Danger Zones
Personnel Requirements
Command and Control
Evaluators
Equipment
Training
Progressive Training
Training Alternatives
Key Personnel Training
Execution
Phase One
Phase Two
Phase Three
Evaluation
Standards for Evaluation
Scoring
Direct-Fire Scoring
Direct-Fire Standards and Applications
Tactical and Procedural Scoring
Checklists and Scoresheets
Integration of Indirect and Supporting Fires
After-Action Review
Chapter 16 Tank Tactical Tables
Organization of the Tactical Tables
Basic Tables A, B, And C
Intermediate Tables D, E, and F
Advanced Tables G, H, and I
Tactical Tables in Training
Training Resources
Evaluation
Opposing Forces
Tactical Table A—Individual Crew Member Tasks
Individual Crew Member Tasks, Conditions, and Standards
Tactical Table B—Crew Drills
Protect Against Chemical Agent Attack Training Guidelines
Task B-1
Conditions
Standards
Crew Drill Instructions
Protect Against Nuclear Attack Training Guidelines
Task B-2
Conditions
Standards
Crew Drill Instructions
Disable and Abandon Automotively Crippled Tank Training Guidelines
Task B-3
Conditions
Standards
Crew Drill Instructions
Evacuate Injured Crewman Training Guidelines
Task B-4
Conditions
Standards
Crew Drill Instructions
Evacuate Injured Driver Training Guidelines
Task B-5
Conditions
Standards
Crew Drill Instructions
React to Indirect Fire Training Guidelines
Task B-6
Conditions
Standards
Crew Drill Instructions
Evade Antitank Guided Missile Training Guidelines
Task B-7
Conditions
Standards
Crew Drill Instructions
Tactical Table C-Crew Reaction Exercises
Engage Targets with Multiple Weapons Systems
Task C-1
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Engage a Helicopter
Task C-2
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Engage OPFOR Tanks
Task C-3
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Engage OPFOR Security Element
Task C-4
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
React to Ambush
Task C-5
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Tactical Table D—Battle Drills (Coordination Between Crews)
Move Tactically Using The Wingman Concept
Task D-1
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Execute Herringbone Formation
Task D-2
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Tactical Table E—Section Battle Drills
Execute Action Drill
Task E-1
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Execute Contact Drill
Task E-2
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
React to Indirect Fire
Task E-3
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Tactical Table F—Section Reaction Exercises
Engage Multiple Targets
Task F-1
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Engage Multiple Machine Gun Targets
Task F-2
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
React to Ambush/Reconnaissance by Fire
Task F-3
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Engage Enemy Tank Platoon
Task F-4
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Tactical Table G—Battle Drills (Coordination Within Platoon)
Execute Column Formation
Task G-1
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Execute Perimeter Defense
Task G-2
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Execute Herringbone Formation
Task G-3
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Execute Wedge Formation
Task G-4
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Execute Line Formation
Task G-5
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Execute Bounding Overwatch
Task G-6
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Tactical Table H—Platoon Battle Drills
Execute Action Drill
Task H-1
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Execute Contact Drill
Task H-2
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Execute Air Attack Drill
Task H-3
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
React to Indirect Fire
Task H-4
Conditions
Performance Steps
Standards
Tactical Table I—Platoon Reaction Exercises
Engage Multiple Machine Gun Targets
Task I-1
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Engage Multiple Targets (OPFOR Regimental CP)
Task I-2
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Engage a Helicopter
Task I-3
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
React to Ambush
Task I-4
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Conduct a Platoon Defense
Task I-5
Conditions
OPFOR Instructions
Performance Steps
Standards
Appendix Risk Management
Risk Management Procedures
Step 1 - Identify Hazards
Step 2 - Assess Hazard to Determine Risks
Step 3 - Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions
Developing Controls
Making Risk Decisions
Step 4 - Implement Controls
Step 5 - Supervise and Evaluate
Supervision
Evaluation
Implementation Responsibilities
Glossary
Reference
Index
Authentication Page
