Your War, My War

| Chapter VIII |

Within the first days, or maybe weeks we went through the basic skills needed from operating a tank. That including know what a tank was, understanding all the jobs, and learning all the rules with them. 

Most of us didn't go to tank school. Some of us did. Straight out of school they came to enlist for the war. Others came because they had the courage to fight, and who was going to limit their patriotism. The whole reason we were accepted was simply because we had knowledge that an ideal starter tank crewman would have: you understand engines. That was at least that's what everyone here had in common. 

As noted before, tanks are powerful machines used to attack a range of different things. Tanks could destroy other tanks, as well as supporting foot soldiers on the frontlines. There were different kinds of all different kinds of tanks, more than I had imagined. I had always thought that a tank was a tank; they were all the same. All equipped to do exactly the same thing. 

For tank training, tank crews were taught through technical manuals and field manuals. This way everyone was taught the same way, no one new more or less than the other. Through these manuals, were taught commands included entering the tank, leaving the tank, readying firearms, helping the injured, and properly inspecting the tank. Training was done repeatedly, over and over, until the commands were burned into our memories. I was glad that these things had become second nature, as a small mistake could cause injury to yourself or harm for the entire crew. Fingers can easily be separated from the hand by a closing hatch if you weren't careful enough, and the death of a whole crew could be the fault of one person's lack of concentration and obedience. 

We were taught to stay observant at all times, to look out for one another, always know the tank's condition. A bad tank isn't going to get far. With that being said, examine your tires, engines, and turret on a regular basis. Paint each side of the tank with liquid vesicant detective paint. This helps determine when you need to get more gas.

Everyone should know the plan and strategy. Even though tank commanders conjugate on the matter, all crewmen should know the plan.

Look out for important signals.

Stay seventy-five years away from the next tank. Seventy-five is the minimum. Too much bunching can make you an easy target and if one tank is struck, the rest won't go down with it.

Point your turret and anti-aircraft guns in the correct direction per your place in line.

There will be times where platoons with have breaks. You will have one of two: a short halt or a long halt. In both halts tank crewman will be allowed to stretch their legs and be freed from the belly of the beast. Men can relax, eat, and check their tank at this time. Although there will be time to be anywhere but in the tank, someone will still need to stand guard and watch and listen out for the platoon leader's signal.

Night journeys can be a bit harder, with halts happening more often to stay safe. Tanks are closer together and halts happen more often.

Oh! In addition to all of this, concealment and surprise is your greatest weapon. Stay in the shade, don't kick up dirt and try not to be in the open.

A tank crews were very similar despite the type of tank. Every tank had at least one tank commander, driver, gunner, and cannoneer. The cannoneer, or artillery loader, is the job that newer recruits start at as the other jobs require more skill and responsibility. If the tank had a bow gunner, or assistant driver, then new recruits would often start here. 

The only way to get "higher ranking" roles was by proving yourself worthy. That meant showing great skill in the job you already had. I'd also assume that they would rank up your tank if you showed a higher skillset. There would be some situations when tank crews or crewman would need to change tanks. Whether the cause being that better tank technology availability or deceased members. To be fair, there was no such thing as a "higher ranking," since all jobs were vital in operating a tank.