FM/C195 - FMDG Cavalry (For Approval) - Tactics\Vehicle tactics

---

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

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. FM/BG-943 - Jockeying
• 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 FM/BG-943 - Jockeying

Above: An MBT utilising a hull down position

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.

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.

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

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 

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.

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.