II. THE TANK CREW
In no other arm does the individual man play as important a role as in the tank platoon. In the gradually progressing attack of small units of infantry, artillery, engineers, etc., the commander will be able to command his troops personally and to see that his orders are carried out properly. Not so with the tank platoon. The commander is separated from his group. He can not see any of his men face to face, often not even their vehicles. The attack progresses rapidly, and terrain and enemy change quickly. As a result, the commander is not in a position to directly influence the course of battle. Once the attack has started each tank commander is on his own; even the commander of a small tank detachment can transmit orders to his group only by radio or signals.

The individual tank commander must be able to act independently, even without orders. The individual training must therefore, be very thorough and cannot be considered terminated until the crew can act efficiently against any targets on any terrain. The individual training is based upon the complete knowledge of the action of the combined arms and their effect in battle. Above all, every tank commander must be familiar with the structure of a battlefield as most attacks will encounter enemy defense positions. He must be trained to estimate the position of the various enemy weapons and to recognize the terrain most suitable for the emplacement of hostile heavy weapons.

The effectiveness of the tank is due to its speed, its fire power, its armor and its crushing power. To attain the greatest success the tank commander must make use of these four assets jointly or severally. It is important for him to know the effectiveness of the various enemy weapons at different ranges, and his own fire power against such targets from the halted or moving tank. He must be able to decide whether to attack a target from the moving tank or from the halt, or whether to eliminate the threat by crushing it.

The co-operation of the tank crew is of decisive importance. The driver must be able to control his vehicle on any terrain, and the gunner must know how to operate his weapon effectively in any situation. Each man must know enough about the duties of the other crew members to be able to give them effective support at the proper moment.

The tank commander directs his tank according to the orders or the example of the platoon leader, or on his own initiative. He gives his orders to the driver and to the gunner, and is responsible for the co-operation of the crew. The gunner mans the principal weapon of the tank; the success of the tank depends largely on his skill and firing technique. He must know enough about the tactics of an attack to make the correct decisions at the proper moment, even without the order of the tank commander or the example of the platoon leader. He must be able to select the right weapon and ammunition and to use the right firing technique when attacking the various targets. The tank commander is responsible for contact with the section or platoon leader. The driver must assist the tank commander and the gunner in finding targets. The driver must be careful not to disturb the gunner, while he is fighting the recognized target, by turning or applying the brakes abruptly. Generally, the driver will crush targets upon his own initiative. It is up to him to protect the tank from enemy fire by using every available bit of cover. In dangerous situations his quick decisions will often decide the result.

The assistant gunner [loader] serves the weapons, reduces stoppages and if necessary, replaces the gunner. The immediate readiness to fire depends upon his quick action.

The radio operator [bow gunner/assistant driver] serves the radio and the intercommunication system of the tank. When necessary he assists the gunner and replaces the driver or gunner.

Each member of the crew must be able to administer first-aid.

The success of the tank will always be greatest if the crew forms one solid team in which each member contributes his utmost to success.

Sherman M4 Crew Positions
Courtesy of Steven J. Zaloga

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