Tank Battalion Fundamentals

Question 1

What is the mission of the tank battalion?

Answer 1

To close with and destroy the enemy by using armor protective fire power, shock effect, and maneuver to provide anti-mechanized fire in support of Marine division

Question 2

How is the tank battalion organized?

Answer 2

4 Tank companies
HQ company
3 tank platoons

H&S company
          Scout platoon
          2 scout sections
                    M2 squad
                    TOW squad
          Anti-tank platoon 
                     HQ platoon
                     3 Anti-tank section
                               2 Anti-tank squads

Question 3

How is the tank battalion best employed?

Answer 3

As a maneuver element. Takes advantage of speed, mobility, and firepower.

Question 4

What are the primary functions of the M1A1 main battle tank?

Answer 4

Supports all MAGTF organizations

Question 5

M1A1 characteristics

Answer 5

Cruising range: 289 miles w/out NBC
279 miles with NBC

Speed: max 42mph
Cross country 30 mph

Crew: 4 man ( driver, loader, gunner, tank commander)

Question 6

M1A1 main battle tank armaments

Answer 6

Warheads: kinetic energy (sabot)
                   Chemical energy (heat)

Main weapon: 120mm M256 main gun

Secondary: .50cal M2 machine guns
7.62mm M240 machine guns

Question 7

M1A1 main battle tank features

Answer 7

Improved version of M1 MBT

120mm smooth bore gun
NBC over pressure protection system
Improved armor
Deep water fording kit
Position location reporting system
Enhanced ship tiedowns
Digital electronic control unit
Battlefield override

Question 8

What is the mission of the marine TOW mistake weapon system?

Answer 8

Tube launched, optically tracked, wire guided.

To engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles, primarily tanks, also non armored vehicles; crew served weapons and launchers.

Question 9

What is the max effective range of the TOW missile?

Answer 9

2.33 miles (3.75k)

Question 10

What are the tow missile features?

Answer 10

Operates in all weather conditions and dirty battlefield

TOW 2 launcher: reusable launcher, missile guidance set, sight system.

Can be tripod mounted

Generally employed on HMMWV and LAV-AT

Question 11

What is the primary role and features of M88A1E1 Hercules recovery vehicle?

Answer 11

Improved recovery vehicle for main battle tanks, upgraded power pack, higher winch & hoist capabilities, increased tow/breaking performance, increased armor protection, upgraded suspension, Power assisted brakes, improved hydraulic system, auxiliary power unit.

Question 12

What is the primary role and features of M60A1 armored vehicle launched bridge?

Answer 12

Used for launching into retrieving 60 foot scissors type bridge

Capable of supporting vehicles with military load bearing capacity up to class 60

Bridge Can be retrieved from either end

roadway width of 12’6”

Bridge emplacement 2 to 5 minutes, Retrieval 10 minutes under armor