The Art Of Tank Warfare - Chris Keeling

2. TANK ACADEMY
It is essential that a tank crewman understand how his tank is built,
the reasoning behind the design and how these factors will influence
the tactics used in the field. The commander of an armored unit,
regardless of its size and force composition, must also become familiar
with the all the tactics and techniques of tank warfare and how they
are applied in practice.
TANK BASICS
Tanks are made up of three primary facets: Firepower, Protection, and
Mobility, all of which are explained in detail below. In addition to
these three basics, there are several other factors that can heavily
influence the capabilities of individual tanks and their functions in
relation to other military units. These include training, crew
positions, visibility, optics, communications, ammunition stowage,
vulnerabilities, and size.
FIREPOWER
13
The cannon on a tank is essentially a giant gun barrel. The longer the
barrel, the more accurate and powerful the tank cannon is. The
cannon barrel can have a smooth bore, like a shotgun, or rifling
grooves engraved along its length which impart spin (and therefore
greater accuracy) to the shell in its flight. However, most W.W.II
cannon used some degree of spin-stabilization. An additional feature
which affects the accuracy of the tank gun is the use of a muzzle
brake, also called “muzzle whip”, which reduces the movement of the
barrel during firing, as well as reducing the recoil and its effects on the
tanks structure and crew. The accuracy of the shell is also affected by
several other factors, which together are called the “ballistics” of the
weapon. These factors include the rate of spin, wind resistance and
crosswind. Gravity, range, and the duration of the shell’s flight will
also affect the accuracy of the shell. The ammunition used in tank
guns is generally of the “fixed” type, which means that the powder
charge is fully enclosed and attached to the shell, like a rifle cartridge.
Some of the larger cannon, especially howitzers and most large naval
guns, may use separate-loading ammunition, which means that the
shell is inserted into the breech, then individual bags of powder are
forced in behind it.
Essential Qualities of an
Armoured Commander
(British Royal Armoured Corps)
a. Sense of Awareness. The
armoured commander must be
tactically aware. He will look
outwards at what the enemy
and other friendly forces are
doing. If he becomes obsessed
with the detailed actions of his
crew or sub-unit, he will miss
opportunities for destroying
enemy and fail in his task.
b. Grip and Leadership. Every
leader has his own style, and
this is right and proper.
However, an armoured
commander must lead from the
front, must be clear and concise
in his actions and orders, and
must not accept second best
from those under him.
c. Speed of Reaction and
Anticipation. A commander
without a flexible attitude of
mind and a sense of urgency
will get left behind in armoured
warfare. Quick reaction,
initiative and the ability to
anticipate are vital.
d. Knowledge. A commander
must know his enemy, his men
and his equipment. Modern
warfare is complex and he must
also understand the procedures
and capabilities of the other
arms with whom he may be
grouped if he is to cooperate
effectively with them.
e. Commonsense. Commonsense
tempers the more volatile
qualities and prevents mistakes.