OVERVIEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

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a. This manual sets forth the doctrine for the tactical employment of the tank company. The procedures set forth are guides and are not to be considered inflexible. Each situation must be solved on its own merits and not by blind application of a set of rigid rules.

b. Although this manual deals only with tanks, tanks usually operate with other arms, and success in battle can be assured only when there is complete cooperation of all arms.

2. Key to illustration
The legend preceding page 1 gives some special symbols used in this manual.

3. Fundamentals of Employment

a. SURPRISE. Surprise is obtained by striking the enemy at an unexpected time, from an unexpected direction, and in sufficient numbers to gain the objective. Speed of movement of and the use of covered approaches assist in gaining surprise. Give the enemy credit for as much tactical knowledge as you have or more. Do not underestimate him. Expect the unexpected and be prepared for it.

b. MASS. Concentrate fire power and [shock] action on the enemy. Do not waste strength on small, unimportant targets. Concentrate on one objective at a time, reduce it and start on the next (See fig. 1.)

c. FIRE AND MANEUVER. The company advances by fire and maneuver. (See par. 62.)

d. TERRAIN AND WEATHER.

(1) Tanks operate most effectively over rolling terrain in which their full cross-country mobility can be used.

(2) Their action is restricted by swamps, unfordable streams or those with steep banks, dense forests, ground heavily covered with boulders or stumps, high vegetation which limits visibility, deep sand and extremely rough ground with steep slopes.

(3) Heavy rains may make ground impassable; heavy snow is difficult to traverse; dust or extreme cold multiplies maintenance problems. Extreme heat and humidity seriously affect the efficiency of tank crews.

e. COOPERATION. The cooperation of all elements of the company must be insured. Each platoon leader and company commander must understand that his unit is only part of the team and that he must work in close cooperation with all other elements.

For military terms not defined in this manual see TM 20-205