The Art Of Tank Warfare - Chris Keeling

TANKS IN THE OFFENSIVE
The concept of armored warfare is inherently offensive. Tanks are designed to drive through enemy
positions, destroying or bypassing any enemy forces they meet, and pushing deep into enemy rear areas, in
order to wreak havoc on their command, control, communications, and supply systems. They excel in the
capacity to take on all kinds of enemy forces and survive. Offensive armor tactics are founded on the
concepts of speed, surprise, and breakthrough. Moving too quickly for the enemy to react, the armored unit
hits the enemy where they least expect it, then moves through the breach it has created and towards the soft
and complacent supporting units.
Individual tank movement. While
tanks are capable of dealing with very
rugged terrain, drivers must use certain
landscape features to their
own advantage.
Some basic assumptions that underlie
tank driving.
The driver must be careful of obstacles of
all kinds, as these may render the gun or
drive train inoperable.
Water obstacles, including mud, are very
difficult to judge, and should be avoided
whenever possible.
Care should be taken when driving
alongside rivers and streams.
Steep slopes are often impossible for a
tank to climb. Traversing a hill can be
dangerous as the tank may flip over on its
back. It is not recommended in combat
for other reasons, mainly because it
presents a
predictable target.
All of this must be kept in mind while
using the terrain to its best tactical
advantage. Roads should only be used
for travel behind friendly lines, as they are
likely spots for ambush. Thick woods
and villages should also be avoided for
the same reason. Driving across or along
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