FM/C195 - FMDG Cavalry (For Approval) - ????/Crew blocks??

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

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.

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

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.

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.