AFV Crewman (Gunner) Handbook

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The FM outlines our core skills, policies and guides to ensure every member stands ready for the mission ahead.

Your role access is determined by your skills, experience with those skills, and the specific roles that utilize them. With over 100 roles in UNITAF, creating detailed skill breakdowns for every role is a substantial undertaking that cannot be completed overnight. 

Estimated Role Cards

To ensure the entire unit can transition to the new system immediately, some roles are tagged as **"Estimated"**. These roles use a transitional approach:

• Temporary skill blocks simulate role-specific experience
• Estimated access levels are calculated based on these placeholder blocks
• Similar to LTS functionality but with improved accuracy and fewer limitations

Current State: Estimated roles provide functional access levels that closely mirror the previous LTS system while addressing many of its shortcomings. As development progresses, estimated role cards will be upgraded to the full FTS3 standard with detailed, role-specific skill requirements.

Important Note: When roles transition from "Estimated" to "Verified" status, your access level may change (either increase or decrease) as the requirements become more precise and role-specific.

This approach allows UNITAF to:

• Maintain operations during the transition period
• Provide immediate access to the improved FTS3 system
• Ensure continuity while detailed role cards are developed
• Gradually improve role accuracy over time

The estimated system serves as a bridge, ensuring no disruption to unit operations while we build toward the comprehensive FTS3 vision.

This is a temporary skill block, the skill block is being used to accumulate SP for time spent in Cavalry roles until it's role card is completed.

Most armoured vehicles are equipped with an intercom system that allows voice communication between all occupants by retransmitting speech through internal headsets.

• Most vehicles provide at least two intercom channels: Crew and Cargo.
• Some vehicles, especially older types or those without passenger space, may only have a single shared channel.
• When first entering a vehicle, the Cargo channel is selected by default.
• Passengers should remain on the Cargo channel unless instructed otherwise.
• Vehicle crew should switch to the Crew channel to prevent interference from passenger communications.

• Maintain clear and consistent communication within the crew and with your higher element at all times.
• Program both radios: use the Short Range (SR) for internal crew comms and the Long Range (LR) for communication with your higher element.
• Keep the SR radio ready and correctly configured, so it can be used immediately when dismounted.
• When dismounted, use SR radios to stay in contact with the rest of the crew and higher elements.

Communicate “[part of the vehicle] DISABLED” to the other crewmembers. Example: “GUN DISABLED”

Maintain the correct position in the mounted formation set by the element commander.

The Section File is used for movement through restricted terrain or when forming a convoy.All vehicles follow the same path, typically along a road or marked route. As only the lead vehicle can observe and engage directly forward, this formation should only be used when contact is unlikely.

The Section Wedge is suited for movement in areas where contact is expected but the enemy's location is unknown. One or two vehicles lead, with the remaining vehicles forming echelons on both sides of the lead element to provide wide observation and fire coverage.

The Section Column is suited for movement through safe areas where immediate contact is not expected. Vehicles move in pairs, with each pair abreast and following the one in front.

The Section Line formation is used when providing fire support or advancing toward a known enemy position. All vehicles are positioned abreast, allowing maximum forward firepower and observation coverage. Distances between vehicles are dictated by the tactical situation.

Vehicle formations follow the same foundational principles as infantry formations but are adapted for vehicle size, protection, and capabilities.

• Spacing: Greater distance is maintained between vehicles to reduce the risk from explosions and accommodate vehicle size.
• Observation: Crews benefit from enhanced optics and multiple observers, allowing for wider spacing and improved situational awareness.
• Static posture: Unlike infantry formations, vehicle formations are maintained even when static, with emphasis on cover and turret-down positioning rather than strict alignment.

The Vehicle Following Infantry formation is used when vehicles provide close support from behind advancing infantry.

Vehicles follow at a 40–60 m distance, maintaining pace with the infantry while preserving freedom of movement and minimizing risk of interference or fratricide. This formation has an increased risk of fratricide by overpressure, see FM/BG-1332 - Vehicles in an urban environment.

This formation allows vehicles to deliver responsive fire support without restricting infantry manoeuvre.

The Vehicle with Flanking Infantry formation provides mutual protection and situational awareness.

Infantry elements move slightly ahead on both sides of the vehicle, staying roughly level with the vehicle's centre.

This arrangement enhances security against close threats while allowing the vehicle to support both flanks with its firepower.

The Vehicle Leading Infantry formation is used when the vehicle provides frontal protection for advancing infantry.

The vehicle moves ahead of the infantry, using its armour and weapons to suppress or draw enemy fire.

This is most effective when advancing across open terrain or toward a known threat, allowing infantry to follow under cover.

Maintain the correct position in the combined arms formation set by the element commander.

• Suppress known or suspected enemy positions with heavy weapons.
• Provide mobile cover as infantry crosses open spaces.
• Illuminate or engage fortified targets that infantry cannot suppress effectively.

Infantry can provide essential protection to vehicles by:

• Clearing ground-level and elevated threats before the vehicle enters an area.
• Maintaining lateral security along both sides of the vehicle's path.
• Marking cleared areas or safe routes to guide vehicle movement.
• Communicating observed threats (IEDs, AT teams, blocked routes) immediately on the relevant net.

Urban environments present two primary threats to armoured vehicles:

1. Anti-Vehicle Ambushes (AV threats) - Hidden enemy teams with launchers can appear suddenly from windows, alleys, or rooftops.
   • Infantry should clear windows, doors, and corners ahead of the vehicle to reduce this risk.
2. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) - These are often placed in choke points or along predictable vehicle routes.

Infantry should scout slightly ahead, observing for disturbed ground, hidden wires, or suspicious objects that may indicate a threat. 

• Visibility for vehicle crews is restricted, especially toward the sides and rear.
• Movement corridors (streets, alleys) limit manoeuvring options and make vehicles predictable targets.
• Danger areas (intersections, courtyards, open stretches) require deliberate overwatch and coordination before crossing.

When operating alongside armoured vehicles in urban terrain:

• Infantry should never advance directly in front of the gun and should maintain communication with the vehicle commander when moving close.
• Using FM/BG-1329 - Vehicle with flanking infantry:
  • Infantry advances along the sides of the vehicle's axis, engaging or clearing threats.
  • When a vehicle fires or shifts position, infantry falls back into formation to maintain cover and avoid overpressure.
• Vehicles may move or reposition without warning, creating a crushing hazard.
• Tank cannons generate severe overpressure when firing. Infantry standing to the front are at risk of fatal injury. Overpressure extends 50–100 m in a ~45° cone shape from the gun's muzzle.

• Stay off crew intercom, and join cargo if crew was selected by default
• Do not try to interact directly with the crew, regardless of the situation
• Casual conversation is allowed, unless instructed otherwise by the crew/leadership
• Cease casual conversation automatically when in contact or in an emergency

• Before dismounting, the call "Dismount" will be given by the crew
• After dismounting the vehicle move away from the vehicle without crossing in front or behind the vehicle, to prevent being run over, or stopping the vehicle from moving as it needs to.

Element leaders ensure their team boards the assigned vehicle, supervise loading, and board last. If acting as navigator, they must communicate to their team that the front passenger seat should be left for them to occupy.

All personnel must follow directions during embarkation. Leaders must take charge; subordinates must listen and comply.

When mounting in a vehicle, announce to the fireteam leader when your are mounted over the radio.

‘{name} up’

This allows fireteam leaders to then notify the squad leader and so on and ensure that everyone who needs to be on board, is on board before the vehicle departs.

5 m physical check: Immediately after dismounting, physically inspect the immediate 5-metre ring around the vehicle.

20 m visual check:  After the 5m physical check., conduct a visual scan out to 20 metres in all directions:

Look for IED indicators, tripwires, ground anomalies, recent digging, foreign objects, fuel/power cables, suspicious containers, or dangerous terrain.

Vehicles must avoid endangering friendly infantry. Do not run them over, and avoid firing main guns near dismounts unless absolutely necessary due to the risk of overpressure injuries. In close terrain infantry should move ahead of the vehicle as this gives dismounts a chance to spot threats early. 

Vehicle commanders may, if required, dismount to coordinate directly with infantry.

• Match the infantry pace.
• Maintain awareness of spacing, arcs, and potential threats

• The commander is responsible for the vehicle and all its crew plus any dismounts mounted,
• If there is no commander present, the gunner takes on the role of commander and all responsibilities.
• The senior member of the infantry element assumes the role of Infantry Leader and is responsible for communicating with the commander or acting commander per FM/BG-1339 - Mounted infantry communication.

When a vehicle crew is assigned or attached to an infantry element, the vehicle crew should join the infantry element's assigned radio frequency to ensure shared situational awareness for movement and contact reporting.

• Both driver and vehicle commander should join the net.
• The net should be continually monitored for movement orders from the element commander for the vehicle and any contact reports.

The Infantry Leader is responsible for communicating with the Vehicle Commander to coordinate the mounting and dismounting of personnel, as well as the loading or unloading of casualties and CPERS.

• The Infantry Leader may use the crew intercom or designate an intercom channel when mounted to maintain coordination with the Vehicle Commander.
• When the vehicle is attached to another element, the vehicle crew always acts on orders from their Commander, even if conflicting instructions are given by the Infantry Leader.

1. Driver: Stop the vehicle per the commanders orders
2. Driver: Announce “VEHICLE STOPPED”
3. Commander: Scan the immediate area for hazards and personnel
4. Commander: If clear, issue “CLEAR TO MOUNT”
5. Allow personnel and cargo to mount and secure loads.
6. Infantry leader: Confirm all personnel and cargo loaded, enter the vehicle and announce “ALL UP”
7. Commander: Confirm the immediate area clear of obstacles and personnel
8. Commander: Announce "VEHICLE CLEAR” and give new instructions to the crew

1. Driver: Approach a suitable unloading position per the commanders orders.
2. Driver: Stop the vehicle and verify full halt.
3. Driver: Announce “VEHICLE STOPPED”
4. Commander: Scan the immediate area for hazards.
5. Commander: If clear, announce "INFANTRY DISMOUNT [left/right]” to the Infantry Leader, using the direction based on available cover.*
6. Allow personnel and cargo to dismount.
7. Infantry Leader: confirm all personnel and cargo unloaded, exit last and communicate "LAST OUT” to the commander.
8. Commander: Confirm the immediate area is clear of obstacles and remaining personnel.
9. Commander: Announce "VEHICLE CLEAR” and give new instructions to the crew

* Infantry may dismount facing away from the rear of the vehicle; the left/right command may be reversed accordingly.

• Jockey at least once every 3 to 4 bursts/shots, or more frequently if the situation requires. Block Not Found
• Suppress enemy positions, destroy fortifications, and reduce enemy threat.

• Select a weak point in the wall, 
• Drive into the wall at between 5-10kph,
• If the infantry commander has requested smoke, deploy smoke,
• Reverse out to safety or push forward to cover if the tactical situation dictates.

• Select appropriate ammunition (HE, HEAT, HESH or another HE variant),
• Confirm no friendly forces are near the breach point,
• Fire at the breach point until the wall collapses,
• Shift fire to allow infantry to advance.

A hull down position uses terrain to expose only a vehicle’s turret or primary weapon system while concealing the hull, minimizing the profile presented to the enemy and protecting critical components. This posture significantly increases survivability by reducing the likelihood of catastrophic hits while allowing the vehicle to engage effectively.

Hull-down positions are most effective when established on reverse slopes, berms, or terrain crests that permit observation and fire without fully exposing the vehicle. Tanks and other vehicles with turreted or remotely operated weapon systems benefit most from this posture. Crews should maintain the ability to reposition quickly, as static hull-down positions can be compromised once identified.

After firing, the vehicle should jockey as per Block Not Found

Above: An MBT utilising a hull down position

Turning out allows the commander or driver to stand in the hatch for improved visibility but exposes them to enemy fire. It should only be done when the risk is low and situational awareness is worth the exposure.

Some vehicles require the commander to turn out to use a mounted machine gun, do so only when the tactical benefit outweighs the risk.

1. Move out of view: move the vehicle out of the enemy’s line of sight making use of the terrain.
2. Shift laterally: While still concealed, move the vehicle laterally (left or right) behind cover to change the firing angle.
3. Establish a new firing position: Move into a new firing position so the vehicle is able to fire at the target from a different angle.

Jockeying involves repositioning a vehicle laterally behind cover to avoid enemy return fire. The vehicle backs out of view, shifts left or right, and then re-enters a firing position from a new angle to re-engage.

This manoeuvre makes targeting more difficult for the enemy by presenting a new position each time. It should be used after being spotted or fired on to stay survivable while maintaining offensive pressure 

Use the terrain while taking into account available cover, sight lines and mobility requirements to conceal all or part of a vehicle.

Vehicles may use their enhanced mobility to make use of the terrain to move in cover from an enemy position and to attack from an unexpected angle. If carrying dismounts, this effect can be multiplied.

A Turret down position is similar to a FM/BG-940 - Hull down position however it only exposes the Commander/Gunner's optics or binoculars if they are turned out. This position is good for observing a target without exposing the vehicle or crew.

Transmit the appropriate calls on the convoy net during movement:

First and Last Vehicle:

• “[first/last] MOVING”: vehicle begins movement.
• “[first/last] TURNING [direction]”: vehicle changing direction.
• “[first/last] HOLDING”: vehicle halting temporarily.

Any Vehicle in Convoy:

• “[callsign] DANGER [description]”: hazard present, movement may continue.
• “[callsign] stopping [description]”: hazard requiring the vehicle to stop.
• “[callsign] MAX SPEED [speed in kph]”: vehicle unable to maintain convoy speed; request reduction.

The convoy net is used to coordinate movement and maintain situational awareness among vehicle crews, support elements, and mounted infantry.

• Drivers: Listen continuously and transmit convoy calls as required.
• Convoy Commander: Actively monitors the net, issuing convoy parameters or route updates.
• Other personnel (vehicle commanders, gunners, infantry leaders, passengers): May listen to maintain awareness but must not transmit directly. Information should be relayed to the driver for transmission if needed.

Each convoy operates on a dedicated radio frequency to coordinate all vehicles. This frequency is separate from infantry or other command nets and is either pre-planned during the mission brief or selected at convoy formation. The convoy net is non-transactional: communications are broadcast to all vehicles without requiring individual acknowledgment. 

• Scan arcs as per FM/BG-922 - Convoy security
• Communicate any areas of concern to the vehicle or element commander.

Maintain the correct position in a convoy as set by the element leader

Vehicles must maintain a spacing of 20 to 100 meters, adjusted for terrain and visibility. This interval must be preserved while moving, turning, or stopping to reduce vulnerability to explosives and concentrated enemy fire.

Above: Visual Representation of Spacing and Gunner Arcs

Gunners must maintain 360° security at all times. The lead vehicle is responsible for observing to the front, the rear vehicle covers the rear, and interior vehicles alternate left and right to ensure continuous coverage in all directions. Gunners should cover their assigned sectors and resist the urge to fixate on one threat direction.

If the lead vehicle must brake suddenly, the driver must announce “BRAKING, BRAKING, BRAKING” over comms to prevent collisions.

For halts longer than 30 seconds or reaction-to-contact halts, convoys should form the herringbone formation to maximize security and spacing unless different instructions are given by the element commander.

The Herringbone formation involves vehicles pulling off alternately to the left and right sides of the road at about a 45° angle. This formation is easy to execute and provides good security and spacing, useful across open and road terrain.

Above: Visual Representation of Herringbone.

For halts under 30 seconds, mounted troops should stay inside but remain alert and scan for threats. For longer halts, troops dismount and provide local security under team or squad leader direction. Clear commands must be given to dismount and remount, with accountability ensured.

To perform the herringbone halt:

• Receive the halt order.
• Decelerate smoothly while maintaining convoy spacing.
• Alternate pulling off to the left or right side of the route at a ~45° angle.
• Angle the vehicle outward from the road axis,  maintaining sufficient spacing from adjacent vehicles.
• Halt with wheels/tracks oriented to avoid obstacles or any potential hazards and to allow rapid re-entry to the route.

To resume movement:

• Receive the order to move and wait for the vehicle in front of you to move if you are not the lead vehicle
• Re-enter the route in convoy order.
• Accelerate smoothly and re-establish convoy speed and spacing.

All drivers must understand the actions on for situations that the convoy is likely to encounter. The convoy commander must brief these procedures clearly before departure.

Vehicles must push through the kill zone without stopping. Gunners return fire immediately, even without clear visuals, aiming toward the source of contact. The lead vehicle must scan aggressively for IEDs.

Troops dismount while vehicle gunners suppress enemy positions. Dismounts and vehicles advance together to engage and destroy the enemy. Once the threat is eliminated, units remount and resume the convoy.

Call out "Vehicle down!" over comms when a vehicle is disabled. If available, use tow ropes to extract the vehicle after securing the area. In some situations, it may be necessary to attempt towing while still under fire. If towing is not possible, a working vehicle may try pushing the disabled one—use this only if dismounting would be more dangerous for the crew.

Infantry dismounts and clears ahead of the convoy while staying within range of vehicle support. Maintain coordination to ensure effective covering fire and minimize risk as the convoy advances.

Effective gunnery begins with continuous observation. Gunners should prioritise scanning assigned arcs methodically rather than fixating on a single point.

• Scan left and right limits systematically.
• Re-scan after firing or target loss.
• Maintain awareness of arc boundaries.

• Open fire on a target or area as directed by the vehicle commander
• Shift fire only when directed or when threat changes.
• Cease engagement when target is neutralised or when directed.

Uncontrolled or excessive firing degrades situational awareness, depletes ammunition, and increases vehicle signature. Deliberate, controlled fire is more effective.

• Fire in controlled bursts or single shots as appropriate.
• Avoid firing without target confirmation or direction.
• Monitor ammunition expenditure during engagement.

• Determine distance to the target using available tools or visual estimation.
• Adjust aim using weapon sights, reticles, or fire control aids to account for range.
• Confirm the target is within the weapon system’s effective engagement envelope.
• Re-adjust aim if the firing position or target distance changes.

• Identify target direction and relative speed.
• Apply appropriate lead based on target movement and engagement range.
• Maintain lead through trigger pull or weapon release.
• Re-assess lead if target speed or direction changes.

Consistent throttle and braking inputs reduce formation disruption, prevent collisions, and improve overall vehicle control. Abrupt inputs increase stopping distance errors and can cause secondary impacts in close formations.

• Increase and decrease speed gradually.
• Anticipate halts to avoid abrupt braking.

Modern vehicles may provide speed-control aids such as cruise control or speed limiters. These systems can assist in maintaining convoy discipline, reducing driver workload, and improving spacing consistency when terrain allows.

Speed aids are most effective on:

• Long road movements
• Convoys with fixed speed parameters
• Low-threat environments

They are less suitable in:

• Urban terrain
• Close formations
• Areas requiring frequent speed changes

• Maintain a set speed limit as briefed by the element commander.
• Disengage any speed aids immediately when terrain, threat, or formation changes.

Sharp steering inputs increase rollover risk, especially in tracked or top-heavy vehicles. Controlled steering preserves traction and reduces vehicle silhouette changes that may expose weak armour arcs.

• Avoid sharp turns at speed.
• Adjust steering input based on terrain and vehicle type.
• Maintain predictable movement for vehicles and infantry nearby.

• Apply steady throttle when climbing or crossing obstacles.
• Avoid stopping mid-slope unless directed.
• Report loss of power or mobility to the element commander immediately.

Reversing armoured vehicles is inherently hazardous due to limited rear visibility. Driver movement in reverse should be deliberate and preferably guided by the vehicle commander or ground guide.

• Halt before reversing.
• Announce “REVERSING” 
• Reverse slowly and deliberately.
• Follow commander or ground-guide instructions when available.

Vehicles must avoid endangering friendly infantry. Do not run them over, and avoid firing main guns near dismounts unless absolutely necessary due to the risk of overpressure injuries. In close terrain infantry should move ahead of the vehicle as this gives dismounts a chance to spot threats early. 

Vehicle commanders may, if required, dismount to coordinate directly with infantry.

Low-light and degraded visibility environments significantly reduce reaction time and depth perception. Speed and spacing must be adjusted accordingly, with increased reliance on commander guidance.

• Reduce speed in low visibility or at night.
• Increase spacing where possible.
• Rely on commander cues for obstacle and personnel awareness.