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APPENDIX A

INFANTRY RIDING ON M1 TANKS
EXTRACT FROM FM 7-8

FM 7-8

Soldiers ride on the outside of armored vehicles routinely. As long as tanks and infantry are moving in the same direction and contact is not likely, soldiers should always ride on tanks.

a. Guidelines for Riding on all Armored Vehicles. The following must be considered before soldiers mount or ride on an armored vehicle.

(1) When mounting an armored vehicle, soldiers must always approach the vehicle from the front to get permission from the vehicle commander to mount. They then mount the side of the vehicle away from the coaxial machine gun and in view of the driver.

(2) If the vehicle has a stabilization system, squad leaders ensure it is OFF before giving the okay for the vehicle to move.

(3) The infantry must dismount as soon as possible when tanks come under fire or when targets appear that require the tank gunner to traverse the turret quickly to fire.

(4) All soldiers must be alert for obstacles that can cause the tank to turn suddenly and for trees that can knock riders off the tank.

b. Guidelines for Riding on Specific Armored Vehicles. The following information applies to specific vehicles.

(1) M1. The M1 tank is not designed to carry riders easily. Riders must NOT move to the rear deck. Engine operating temperatures make this area unsafe for riders. (Figure 2-74.)

Figure 2-74. Mounting and Riding Arrangements on an M1.

(a) One infantry squad can ride on the turret. The soldiers must mount in such a way that their legs cannot become entangled between the turret and the hull by an unexpected turret movement. Rope may be used as a field-expedient infantry rail to provide secure handholds.

(b) Everyone must be to the rear of the smoke grenade launchers. This automatically keeps everyone clear of the coaxial machine gun and laser range finder.

(c) The infantry must always be prepared for sudden turret movement.

(d) Leaders should caution solders about sitting on the turret blowout panels, because 250 pounds of pressure will prevent the panels from working properly. If there is an explosion in the ammunition rack, these panels blow outward to lessen the blast effect in the crew compartment.

(e) If enemy contact is made, the tank should stop in a covered and concealed position, and allow the infantry time to dismount and move away from the tank. This action needs to be practiced before movement.

(f) The infantry should not ride with anything more than their battle gear. Personal gear should be transported elsewhere.

Chapter 8: Combat Service Support

Appendix B: Tank Hazards - Extract