Armor, May-June 1996 Edition

56 Pages·2011·3.08 MB·English

Stand To
If you haven’t seen it already, you might like to look at All of the material present at an “Issues in ARMOR”
the first iteration of “Issues in ARMOR.” Hop into your first posting will come from the pages of ARMOR. What
net cruiser and go to: is posted later will most likely be a mixture of published
and unpublished materials. In this way, the site be-
http://www.awwg.org/~dave/armormag/cover.htm
comes much more than a neat place to go to in order
(To get there you obviously must have access to the to find ARMOR magazine things. We wouldn’t go to all
Internet.) of the trouble if our efforts were easily replicated by
you merely digging through that box in your basement
The Spring 1996 edition concentrates on a topic that
or driving across post to the library to get that one arti-
has generated a lot of interest during the last year or so
cle needed for your OPD/NCOPD.
inside ARMOR. We’ve chosen to show all of the mate-
rial on how the new technology is going to affect the When you go the Fort Knox Doctrine home page
ways we fight, the ways we train to fight, and how it (http://members.aol.com/awwg/knoxdoc.htm), you’ll find
should affect those fighting and training strategies. “Issues in ARMOR” linked to it. You won’t see a repro-
We’ve included a variety of articles, several letters to duction of the magazine, so don’t be disappointed.
the editor, and a “Commander’s Hatch” column, and Most of the illustrations and photographs in the articles
woven them into a logical presentation that every practi- are missing unless they were key to meaning such as
tioner of armored warfare should find engaging. There maps, diagrams, and charts. Maybe as system hard-
are 14 pieces of material to date. We start with LTC ware gets faster, we’ll add all the artwork back into the
Hertling’s vision on what warfare in a fully digitized unit presentation, but to keep users from getting too frus-
might be like in a battle taking place in 2008, (ARMOR, trated as slow loading graphics appear on their pages,
Jan/Feb 95), and ending with a letter to the editor from we’ll omit the non-essential ones for now. True, pic-
1Lt Besherse that appears in this very issue. tures tell a thousand words, but words do contain the
persuasive arguments.
However, the story thread shouldn’t end with the last
letter by the Lieutenant. We envision a dynamic site If, as you cruise, you have substantive comments to
where an interested armorphile can read through the add to the discussion, please send them to the e-mail
string of relevant materials and see the development of address indicated. We have set up a dedicated mailbox
thought — at least published thought — on an issue to handle whatever volume of electronic mail we re-
affecting the armor community. Then, if he wants to, that ceive. We’ll screen it, consider adding it to the presen-
reader will have the opportunity to send in his own com- tation at the next update, consider publishing it in the
ments on what he has just read. If he chooses, he can letters to the editor section, and give you a response if
add his own comments, via e-mail, to the discussion, to one is necessary. As you read and think of improve-
be posted by the “Issues in ARMOR” administrator. ments, let us know.
This new electronic aspect of the magazine will never “Issues in ARMOR” is dynamic and meant to change
replace the copy you have in your hands. It is, however, as our knowledge of how to use the Internet grows.
going to help us show the development of an issue, the This column will never replace the magazine, but it will
discussion of all the facets, and allow for participation in supplement some of the discussions that run through
a different way. It will be a good tool for students at its pages. We want to encourage professional discus-
various Army schools, for we will have done some of sion in the armored force. Let us know how you like it,
the legwork in getting together in one place relevant if you like it, whether it is useful, and what improve-
thought on the issue topic. Research papers and staff ments you would want us to consider making.
studies may get faster running starts if the student
Enjoy the ride. —TAB
chooses to use the “Issues” topic.
By Order of the Secretary of the Army: Official:
DENNIS J. REIMER JOEL B. HUDSON
General, United States Army Acting Administrative Assistant to the
Chief of Staff Secretary of the Army
01559
The Professional Development Bulletin of the Armor Branch PB-17-96-3
Editor-in-Chief
LTC TERRY A. BLAKELY Features
Managing Editor 6 The Armor Center and School Functional Organization
JON T. CLEMENS
9 BOSNIA REPORT:
Commandant Task Force Eagle's Armor and Cavalry Operations in Bosnia
by Colonel Charles Lehner, Ret.
MG LON E. MAGGART
11 The M1A2: Current and Future Program Plans
ARMOR (ISSN 0004-2420) is published bi by Wes Glasgow, Colonel Christopher Cardine, and David Latson
monthly by the U.S. Army Armor Center, 4401
Vine Grove Road, Fort Knox, KY 40121. 16 M1A2 Update: Training and Doctrine Observations
From Saudi Arabian NET Training on the M1 A2
Disclaimer: The information contained in AR
Major Kevin D. Poling
MOR represents the professional opinions of the
authors and does not necessarily reflect the offi
21 Training Ammunition for Force XXI
cial Army or TRADOC position, nor does it
by Major Steve Thorson and Major Bruce Held
change or supersede any information presented
in other official Army publications.
26 A Study in Armored Exploitation
Official distribution is limited to one copy for The Battle of the Slim River: Malaya, 7 January 1942
each armored brigade headquarters, armored by Lieutenant Colonel Martin N. Stanton
cavalry regiment headquarters, armor battalion
headquarters, armored cavalry squadron head 32 Company C, 194th Tank Battalion in the Philippines, 1941·42
quarters, reconnaissance squadron headquar by Burton Anderson
ters, armored cavalry troop, armor company,
and motorized brigade headquarters of the 37 Javelins and Skirmishers on the Battlefield
United States Army. In addition, Army libraries, by Major James K. Morningstar
Army and DOD schools, HQ DA and MACOM
41 Maneuvering the Enemy
staff agencies with responsibility for armored, di
by Captain Charles D. Starbird
rect fire, ground combat systems, organizations,
and the training of personnel for such organiza
42 ARMOR and AOAC Are Going on the Internet
tions may request two copies by sending a mili
tary letter to the editor-in-chief.
43 Tactical Employment of the Heavy Mortar Platoon
Authorized Content: ARMOR will print only by Captain Matt Sebenoler
those materials for which the U.S. Army Armor
Center has proponency. That proponency in 51 Book Essay: New Biography Offers Fresh Insights on Patton
cludes: all armored, direct-fire ground combat
systems that do not serve primarily as infantry Back A Thicker Ballistic Shell For Combat Vehicle Crewman's Helmet
carriers; all weapons used exclusively in these Cover
systems or by CMF 19-series enlisted soldiers;
any miscellaneous items of equipment which ar Departments
mor and armored cavalry organizations use ex
clusively; training for all SC 12A, 12B, and 12C
2 Contacts
officers and for all CMF-19-series enlisted sol
3 Letters
diers; and information concerning the training,
5 Commander's Hatch
logistics, history, and leadership of armor and ar
8 Driver's Seat
mored cavalry units at the brigade/regiment level
50 Software Review
and below, to include Threat units at those lev
52 Books
els.
Material may be reprinted, provided credit is
given to ARMOR and to the author, except Second·class official mail postage paid at Fort Knox, KY, and additional mailing offices. Poslmaster: Send address
where copyright is indicated. changes to Editor, ARMOR, AnN: ATZK·ARM, Fort Knox, KY 40121·5210.
Distribution Restriction: Approved for public release: distribution is unlimited.
USPS 467·970
May-June 1996. Vol. CV No.3
Directory - Points of Contact
u.s.
Army Armor Center
DSN - 464-XXXX
Commercial - (502) 624-XXXX Commanding General (ATZK-CG)
MG Lon E. Maggart 2121
E-Mail: [email protected]
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ARMOR Editorial Offices BG Clayton E. Melton 7555
E-Mail: [email protected]
Edltor-in-Chief Chief of Staff (ATZK-CS)
LTC Terry A. Blakely 2249 COL Jerry L. Veach 1101
E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]
Managing Editor Command Sergeant Major (ATZK-CSM)
Jon T. Clemens 2249 CSM Ronnie W. Davis 4952
E-Mail: POSTCSM@KNOX·EMH1.ARMY.MIL
Editorial Assistant
Vivian Oertle 2610 Directorate of Force Development (ATZK-FD)
COL Edward A. Bryla 5050
Production Assistant
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Mary Hager 2610
E-Mail: [email protected] Directorate of Training and Doctrine Development (ATZK-TD)
COL G. Patrick Ritter 8247
Staff Illustrator
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mr. Jody Harmon 2610
NCO Academy (ATZK-NC)
CSM Kevin P. Garvey 5150
E-Mail: [email protected]
u.s.
Army Armor School
TRADOC System Manager for
Abrams and Armored Gun System (ATZK-TS)
Chief of Staff, Armor School (ATSB-CS) COL John F. Kalb 7955
COL Paul E. Lenze 1050 E·Mail: [email protected]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mounted Maneuver Battlespace Battle Lab (ATZK-MW)
Armor School Sergeant Major (ATSB-CSM) COL Gary Krueger 7809
CSM Gerald D. Utterback 5405 E-Mail: [email protected]
E·Mail: [email protected]
Office, Chief of Armor (ATZK-AR)
16th Cavalry Regiment (ATSB-SBZ) Aubrey Henley 1272
COL Don Elder 7848 E·Mail: HENLEYA@KNOX·EMH1.ARMY.MIL
E-Mail: ELDER@KNOX·EMH1.ARMY.MIL FAX 7585
1st Armor Training Brigade (ATSB·BAZ) Special Assistant to the CG (ARNG) (ATZK-SA)
COL Fred A. Treyz III 6843 LTC Randall Williams 1315
E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]
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2 ARMOR - May-June 1996
Tank Qualification — popular exhibits in the Patton section to be some pretty intensive studying and devo-
the pistols carried by General George S. tion to the art and science of tank gunnery
A Leadership Right of Passage
Patton, Jr., and the life-sized, one-of-a-kind, for the rest of your career. Once you are
hand-carved wooden statue of General known as a master gunner, you will forever
Dear Sir: Patton. Except for the helmet and a few be called upon to assist the commander in
other accouterments, this statue was “Matters Relating to Tank Gunnery.”
carved out of a single piece of basswood
CSM Dudley raises a long-brewing, but I That doesn’t mean that you will never see
feel underexamined, controversy within the with such intricate detail that it appears a leadership position again, but it does
amazingly lifelike.
armor/cavalry community (Letter to the Edi- mean that your assignments will vary from
tor, “Ratings Should Be Tied to Tank Quali- The statue’s owner who originally pro- the technical aspects of gunnery planning
fication,” Jan-Feb 96). We indeed have vided it to the museum on indefinite loan in and management, to the intensive leader-
moved away from the concept that leaders 1984, has elected to put the statue up for ship challenges of platoon sergeant, first
should/must qualify their prime mover — sale. Faced with losing this irreplaceable sergeant, command sergeant major, and
tank or Bradley. Unlike Dudley, however, I piece of art, the Cavalry-Armor Foundation, yes, Sergeant Major of the Army. (Con-
believe that qualification should not be di- Patton Museum Development Fund — the gratulations to SMA McKinney, a master
rectly used in rating an individual. Rather, private organization that for thirty-plus gunner!)
in an indirect fashion, qualification is an in- years has raised funds to support the multi- Remember, Department of the Army
dicator of leadership. phased campaign responsible for building doesn’t select you to attend the Master
Qualifying one’s vehicle speaks to two di- the Patton Museum complex — entered Gunner Course. You volunteer. And you’d
into an agreement with the owner to pur-
mensions of a tank/Bradley commander’s better be prepared to perform as needed,
capabilities — technical competence and chase the statue and an associated paint- when told, on short notice, for the rest of
ing for $150,000, payable in installments
leadership. your career. You won’t get proficiency pay,
ending in December 1996. While the Army and you won’t wear a patch. If you’re not
Officer/NCO vehicle commanders require supports the museum with some operating
prepared to do that, then you’re probably
some base level technical knowledge. Our funds, private funds must pay for this ex- not prepared for the intensive curriculum
young soldiers respond to technically com- hibit.
and will only contribute to the course attri-
petent leaders who know their business. A
The first installment of $25,000 has been tion rate. Stay home.
leader who is worried or unable to qualify
made and, to date, a little more than one-
will spawn additional “bolos.” Should lead-
ers be as much a “tanker” as the section third of the money has been raised, much MSG TERRY BALLINGER
leader or master gunner? No. Our platoon from Patton family members. The drive is Combat Developer
leaders/troop and company command- now turning to tankers, cavalrymen, veter- Directorate of Force Developments
ers/battalion and squadron commanders ans, and other patriotic Americans to keep Fort Knox, Ky.
the statue where it belongs — in the mu-
have other irons in the fire. Should they
seum honoring the man who even today
recognize proper gunnery techniques (or
represents mounted warfare.
more importantly, improper/unsafe ac- Seeks WSRO Participants
tions)? Obviously. The Cavalry-Armor Foundation is asking
for the support of dedicated, loyal citizens,
Confidence is contagious. Winning and
corporations, and organizations to bring Dear Sir:
qualification breed further success. Leading
this worthwhile cause to a successful com-
by example is a staple of successful units.
pletion. Contributions may be made in any I am a former armor officer, a member of
Gunnery Table VIII is a training event. amount to: Save the Patton Statue Fund, the Armor Association, and an amateur
Unsuccessful engagement should be re- P.O. Box 25, Fort Knox, KY 40121. military historian. I am researching Opera-
trained until task standards are met. How-
tion Desert Storm, and am writing to ask
ever, we must carefully analyze whether
for assistance from your readers with re-
unqualified leaders have what it takes to OWSLEY C. COSTLOW
gard to one aspect of this operation.
care for our soldiers/units. As Dudley so COL (Ret.), Armor
clearly states, “...if he cannot train his crew President, Cavalry-Armor Foundation Unlike previous wars, the Army planned
and fight his tank, he just might not be to replenish battlefield casualties using
able... [to] mentor other tank commanders preexisting combat arms platoons from
to train their crews and fight their tanks.” Master Gunner School units that had not deployed. Each such pla-
Our livelihood is the tank. We are privi- toon deployed as a complete unit, with ve-
leged to possess the finest technological Is Not for Dilettantes hicles and equipment, personnel, and pla-
equipment manned by the most highly edu- toon leadership. This program was called
cated and motivated soldiers of any mod- Dear Sir: “Weapons System Replacement Opera-
ern army. We should demand that leaders tions,” or WSRO for short. Enough tank
meet certain gates in order to maximize platoons were deployed to fill two tanks
these capabilities. SGM Spurling’s letter in the January-Feb- battalions: it does not appear that any
ruary issue was absolutely on the mark. scout platoons participated.
The Army spends a great deal of money The Army is doing nothing to memorialize
MAJ DAVID G. MACLEAN
to send tankers to Master Gunner School the participation of these units. I am trying
XO to the J4/7, USCENTCOM
and give them an in-depth education into to document the units that participated, and
the “why’s” of tank gunnery. Anyone can would like to hear from ARMOR readers
Museum Seeks to Acquire get the how’s” by opening up an operator’s who have information or documents that
manual and spending some time in the discuss the WSRO program in general, or
Ownership of Patton Statue
tank. Understanding why tanks work the identify any of the platoons that partici-
way they do gives meat and substance to pated.
Dear Sir: the procedures that we use, and to the
credibility of master gunners. THOMAS D. DINACKUS
Visitors to the Fort Knox Patton Museum For that reason, if you volunteer to go to 4719 Major Court
of Cavalry and Armor find the two most Master Gunner School, be prepared for Alexandria, VA 22312
ARMOR — May-June 1996 3
Why Would the Force XXI tively increased battlespace keeps auftrag- It would be unwise to rigidly apply the
staktik alive in Force XXI. lessons of desert war to all situations, but
Commander Want to Intervene?
neither should we ignore what was learned
in Southwest Asia. Shouldn’t we deploy a
CPT MICHAEL L. PRYOR
Dear Sir: force best suited to the mission, enemy,
HQ/1-156 Armor and terrain, rather than simply opting for
Louisiana ARNG
the greatest number of parachutes that can
Is auftragstaktik really dead with Force be dropped?
XXI? I must concede the most salient point Drawing Lessons from Combat:
of both CPT Bateman’s article and CPT
Brown’s letter (ARMOR, Jan-Feb 96): bat- The Desert Is Different STANLEY C. CRIST
talion commanders have the ability to di- San Diego, Calif.
rectly control movement — right down to Dear Sir:
the individual tank — on the Force XXI bat-
Information Technology
tlefield. Indeed, at all levels of training, an I agree with Major R.D. Hooker (Letters,
officer is taught that he must take care of Jan-Feb 96) when he states that we and the Armored Force
and preserve his force. This thought alone “should be very careful” about applying the
might lead some battalion and above com- lessons learned in desert combat to all op-
Dear Sir:
manders to look into the microscope and erational scenarios. My intent — and ap-
reach down several echelons. But will they parently I did not stress this adequately —
want to? was to apply the lessons of Desert Shield/ Over the past few years, there has been
Going back to the basics, I remember be- Storm to preparing for possible future op- much talk about applying information tech-
nology (GPS, IVIS, Paladin, etc.) to the ar-
ing told that the Army found long ago it is erations in desert or other open terrain. I
easiest to directly command and control fully recognize that tanks and light infantry mored force and other elements of the
Army. Ironically, it has only been recently,
only 3-5 people. Tank commanders lead can, indeed do, work well together in many
three other tankers; platoon leaders three kinds of terrain, as evidenced by Major as we create digitally-linked brigades, that
there has been any significant discussion
other tanks; company commanders one Hooker’s description of the 3-325 Airborne
XO, one 1SG, and three platoon leaders; Battalion Combat Team at the CMTC. about the impact of this new technology on
our standard operating procedures, tactics,
and so on. Much more and a leader’s abil- The above-mentioned CMTC rotation was
training, and so on. In the pages of Janu-
ity to effectively control his element is di- noteworthy in three areas: ary-February 1996 edition of ARMOR, we
minished. This is not necessarily because
(1) The impressive toll inflicted on the have seen both exhortations from the com-
he does not have enough information
OPFOR, mander of the Armor Center to increase the
about these subordinates’ actions. Rather,
it is just as likely that his subordinates pre- (2) The fact that 3-325 controlled two tools in our virtual toolbag and another arti-
cle in the continuing series of thought
sent him with more information than he can tank and two Bradley platoons,
pieces from officers in the field (such as
process. At the battalion level, its leader in (3) The omission of casualty figures for CPT Bateman’s article on the death of
garrison is burdened with commanding five 3-325 ABCT.
auftragstaktik) about the possible implica-
subordinate commanders, an XO, and of-
If it had been a real combat mission, with tions of digitization.
tentimes giving direct guidance to four co-
ordinating staff officers and receiving input the ABCT airdropped into an operational Indeed, it appears that we are going
area, the (Abrams?) tanks and Bradley
from such personal staff as the command where no Army has gone before. Where
sergeant major and chaplain. Organized for Fighting Vehicles — because they are not can we turn for guidance? What do these
capable of LVAD delivery — would not
combat, the commander also picks up sev- changes mean? How can we harness
eral attachments. In the fight, at a bare have been there to provide support. What these new technologies and ride, as our
effect would the absence of the armored
minimum, he actively communicates with cavalry predecessors did, into the un-
four or more company commanders, his S3 vehicles have had on the damage/casual- known?
ties inflicted/sustained by 3-325 in the
and XO, and, oftentimes, with his staff or There are current, real-life examples we
CMTC exercises?
attachment leaders. I believe the com- can draw from. Would you believe me if I
mander’s desire to have these subordi- In desert ops, dismounted infantry are at said there is an industry that has been
nates achieve his intent is enough work, no an extreme disadvantage in firepower and grappling with information technology is-
matter how much intelligence he sees on tactical mobility when facing an ar- sues for 15 years? Look around. In modern
his screens. mored/mechanized opponent. Even Major office buildings world-wide, people in the
Hooker admits this, when he says, “we private sector deal with the implications of
Another Force XXI characteristic working know that we can fight heavy forces suc-
information technology everyday. Fax ma-
against micromanagement is increased bat- cessfully in all but the most open kinds of chines, LANs, WANs, cell phones, pagers,
tlespace. As I offered in the Jan-Feb 96 is- terrain.” I submit that a smaller force,
the World Wide Web, laptop computers,
sue, a company in the defense can cover equipped with light tanks and airborne email, FTP, TCP/IP, teleconferencing, client-
what used to be a battalion sector; a battal- fighting vehicles would be far more useful
server technology, (and the list goes on!)
ion, that of a brigade. Companies in the of- and effective in such open terrain than have made the old fashioned, pencil-and-
fense can maneuver in as wide a zone as would a much larger number of dismounted
paper way of doing business just as obso-
still allows the force to mass fires when infantrymen and TOW-HMMWVs. lete as acetate and alcohol markers are to
necessary. Although the commander can
In the desert and other open terrain, I still the digitized force. As a graduate student in
see his entire force during any mission on
firmly believe that parachute infantry should information systems (also known as com-
his three user-friendly screens, units might
have the same degree of mobility and pro- puters, by non-technical types), an analyst
be so dispersed prior to the fight that at-
tection as the light tanks with which they at an information technology consulting
tempting to control individual platoons be-
will operate. This is not a “veiled call” for firm, and part-time cavalry scout platoon
comes too difficult a task.
mechanization — I’m stating it straight out. leader, I’ve had the opportunity to observe
While I believe CPT Bateman and CPT However, because of limited airlift capabil- these changes firsthand and consider their
Brown’s submissions must serve as a ity, it is probably not practical to mechanize impact on soldiering in the not-so-distant
warning to the force, I truly hope they are every airborne battalion, nor is it even de- future. Although World Wide Web home
both wrong. I also hope the inability to ef- sirable to do so, as there will always be
fectively apply direct control past that fifth plenty of scenarios where mechanized
Continued on Page 47
man and the burden of observing quantita- forces are not needed.
4 ARMOR — May-June 1996
COMMANDER’S HATCH
MG Lon E. Maggart
Commanding General
U.S. Army Armor Center
Plan For Success
or Gird Against Defeat
The U.S. is moving rapidly towards a achieve competence before advancing tive storage because there weren’t
time when nothing will be as it once to live training. Change is upon us, and enough crewmen to man them. Each
was. New organizations with leap- we must deal with it. officer had twenty-five or thirty addi-
ahead technology that can be tailored tional duties: trial and defense counsel,
This is a particularly stressful time for
and deployed quickly to meet a wide vector control officer, ammunition offi-
the Army and the mounted force. There
variety of contingencies are soon to be cer and pay officer (when we actually
is much uncertainty, seemingly too
tested by the EXFOR at the NTC. The handed over cash to each soldier at pay
many tasks to accomplish with not
4th Infantry Division and the 1st Cav- day) and others. We all worked hard
enough people and money, and there is
alry Division now have digital systems and spent long hours making up for the
the constant infusion of new technol-
that provide a relevant, common view shortages in manpower, parts, and dol-
ogy with which we all must cope.
of the battlefield and, for the first time lars. In the midst of these hard days,
While often infuriating and frustrating,
ever, the capability to take the initiative however, we all realized that things
the corporate Army seems to be fo-
even before the enemy can move out of would get better.
cused on the future when the problems
his assembly areas.
of today are consuming us. We all We are at a similar crossroad today,
A modernization strategy is underway know that we must go through the pre- with one possible exception: barring a
that will give the mounted force of the sent to get to the future, but there large-scale war of some kind, end
next century a Future Main Battle Tank seems to be no clear path to follow. strength and budgets probably will not
(FMBT) that will have no competitors increase as the United States seeks
Some of us have been there before. In
on the battlefield, Command and Con- ways to move more efficiently into the
the middle Sixties, when the Army pri-
trol Vehicles (C2V) from which staffs next century. We will have to find ways
ority was in Vietnam, those who served
can operate on the move, and Future to accommodate the change brought on
in Europe knew about running a tank
Scout Vehicles loaded with sophisti- by new weapons, new technology, new
battalion with twelve officers — one
cated surveillance and reporting equip- organizations, and new missions, within
lieutenant colonel, two warrants, and
ment that will allow our reconnaissance existing manpower and budget con-
nine lieutenants. Company command-
forces to confirm what advanced target straints. We have no other alternative.
ers were second lieutenants, staff ser-
acquisition systems have discovered. We must accommodate change or be-
geants were platoon leaders, and if
come irrelevant. We will have to deal
your company was lucky, you had a
Even our garrison operations will be with the world as it is, not as we wish
sergeant first class as a first sergeant.
different. Army support processes will it to be.
be more efficient, with the focus on the In those days, the missions were the
It seems to me we have two choices in
customer, not on the process. Informa- same as before the drawdown for Viet-
dealing with change. We can gird our-
tion will move through fiber optics and nam. Monthly alerts required units to
selves against defeat, or we can plan
to multiple locations as we begin using clear their kasernes and be on the road
for victory. To gird against defeat is not
distance-learning techniques. Training to the border within two hours. A
to change. It is a wish for things to be
will be structured and tailored to meet ninety percent operational readiness
other than they are. It is remembering
the specific needs of each unit. Train- rate was still the standard, even though
ing programs will permit units to use getting parts was a problem. In some
virtual and constructive simulations to units, tanks were put into administra- Continued on Page 6
ARMOR — May-June 1996 5
The Armor Center and School
Functional Organization
In order to accommodate change
and prepare for the future, the Armor
Center and School has completed a
fundamental reorganization of func
tions. The directory on the opposite
page describes both the organization
and a telephone point of contact
from a functional viewpoint.
FORT KNOX
Commander's Hatch
(continued from Page 5)
how good times were in the past. It is don't enroll themselves in the corre job, and tell them how it will enable
embodied in that phrase, "If it ain't spondence course. Failure to achieve your professional growth. The assign
broke, don't fix it." Girding against de MEL 4 status is a sure-fire way to miss ment officers at Annor Branch will do
feat is to take the risks. It is reliance on the next promotion. Failure to get their best to match your desires with
hope as a method that, somehow, if we branch-qualified is another quick route the needs of the Anny. Spend a little
just stick to the ways that made us suc to missing the promotion list. Annor time to truly evaluate your strengths
cessful in the past, everything will officers who homestead, or accept the and weaknesses so that you can help
work out for the future. Girding against same kind of jobs repetitively, or who determine for yourself how you need to
defeat is admitting failure. take easy jobs, are girding against de continue to grow professionally and in
feat. None of us can afford to stay in tellectually. Seek employment in those
Planning for success, on the other
jobs we are comfortable with and still jobs that will help you progress. Write
hand, is to deal with the world as it is.
grow intellectually or experientially. letters to the commanders of units
No amount of wishing will get us a
where you are about to be assigned, so
larger budget, more people, or fewer There is no question that our Annor
they know you are coming and what
deployments. It is taking the long-range Branch is the best in the business. They
you would like to do. Keep current on
view, setting the conditions for future also work very hard to make sure each
what is happening in the branch and in
success today. It is building a strategic of you gets a fair shot at branch qualifi
the Anny at large. Get yourself en
plan and carefully managing finances cation and schools. However, Annor
rolled in courses, especially CGSC if
even beyond the POM years. It is mak Branch does not decide the priority
you haven't been selected to attend the
ing a plan, gaining consensus that the against which officers are assigned.
resident course. Look for ways to con
plan is about right, and then following They assign officers and NCOs based
tribute.
the plan. It is making bold organiza on where they can best meet the needs
tional and process changes to achieve of the Anny in a changing environ Finally, you need to know that your
efficiencies, if such measures are nec ment. Your job is to work to your full leaders are working to make the Anny
essary. It is a realization that planning potential in whatever duty you are as school and assignments systems match
for success is a mindset that says, "If signed. the demands that are being made on
things can be done better, then why you and your families. And we will get
not?" There are a couple of other things it about right. In the meantime, try to
you can do to help yourself. Get the look at change as a challenge, not as an
Planning for success also applies in photographs in your file updated. Keep impediment. These are precisely the
the management of our careers. Offi in touch with Annor Branch. Let them times for Annor and Cavalry soldiers.
cers who are not picked for resident know your address, phone number, and Intellect, innovation, creativity, perse
CGSC are girding against defeat if they what you would prefer for your next verance, and courage will win the day.
6 ARMOR - May-June 1996
U.S. Army Armor Center and School
DSN 464-
Commercial (502) 624-
Office of the Commanding General
Office of the Deputy Commanding General
4-2121 4-7555
• Chief of Staff, USAARMC ................................................. 4-110 I • Chief of Staff, USAARMS ............................. .4-1050
• Annor Center CSM ............................................................. 4-4952. Annor School CSM ........................................ .4-7091
Operations ....................................................... .4-8879
• Secretary of the General Staff. ........................................... .4-1102
Advanced Warfighting Working Group ......... .4-7699
• Planning Group ................................................................... 4-2886
Officer/Noncommissioned Officer (NCO)
Armor Awards and Activities
Instruction
• Editor, Annor Magazine ........ 4-2249 Force Development
• CDR, 16th Cay Regt... ............................ .4-7848
• Draper Award ........................ .4-1439 • Director, Force Development.. ....... .4-5050
• Kouma Award ............... 4-1736/4462 Future Annor Systems ...... .4-8994/6152 • Commandant, NCO Academy ................ .4-5150
• Franks Award. ...................... ..4-8878 Future Tank Systems ........ .4-441211250 • Annor Officer Basic (AOB) Course
• SI. George/Joan 0' Arcl Scout Platoon Leader Course (SPLC) ..... .4-6654
Cay and Scout Issues ........ .4-880218668
Noble Patron of Annor. ...... 942-8624 • Battle Cmd and C41... ........... .4-149111323 • Annor Officer Advanced Course (AOAC) ..... .4-5855
• AnnorTrainerUpdate ........... .4-1315
• Science, Technology, • Pre Command Course (PCC) ...................4 -5014
• Annor Conference .................. 4-8878
and Programs ....................... ..4-8064/1587 • CAV Leader Course ................................. 4-3154
• Annor Association ............. 942-8624
• Annor Organizations ............. 4-4526/6714 • BN Motor Officer Course ........................ 4-511O
• Intell and Threat Sys. ........... .4-756317686 • Sr. Officer Logistic Mgmt Course. ......... .4-7133
Armor Course Management • Force Designl • Master Gunner ........................................ .4-8530
Documentation ....................... 4-628213914
• Anny Training Requirement and • Unit Conduct of Fire Trainer (UCOFT) ... 4-4117
Resources System (ATRRS) .. 4-3585 • PLT Gunnery Trainer (PGT) ................... .4-1571
• Training Requirement Analysis • MIAI Tank Cdrs Course .........................4 -2540
System (TRAS) • MIA2 Tank Cdrs Course. ........................4 -6504
Officer. .............................. .4-2004
Foreign Military Sales/Asst • Primary Leadership Dev Course (PLDC)4-4354
Enlisted. ............................. 4-2096
• Foreign Military Sales • Basic NCO Course (BNCOC) ................. .4-6580
• Inti Students (lMSO) ............. .4-3055
Training Office (FMSTO) ...... 4-559I • Advanced NCO Course (ANCOC) .......... 4-8563
Armor Proponent
Training Development
• Issues/Policy .......................... 4-5155 Initial Entry Training
• Director, TngIDoctrine Dev .. .4-8247
• Excellence in Annor Mgmt. .. 4-5155 • CDR, 1st Annor Tng Bde. ................ .4-6843 • Chief, Tng Div ....................... 4-1978
• Annor Hotline .................... 4-TANK • Basic Combat Training .............4 -1646/5053 • Systems ................................. .4-5656
• Annor Hotloop. ............ .4-4913/3446 • Advanced Individual Tng 45163 Series • Task Analysis ........................ .4-8568
AI-Qurain (M IA2 CrewlMaint Tng)
• Training Strategies ................. 4-2505
One Station Unit Training (OSUT) 19K
• Force XXI Tng Program ........ 4-6806
Armor Research and Reference Recovery Training
ASI H8 .............................................. .4-791 0 • Course Design ....................... .4-4913
• Annor School Library. . .4-6820/623I
• OSUT 190. ........................................ 4-1012 Correspondence Course ................. ..4-7468
• Patton Museum ..................... .4-3812
Distributed Leaming ............ 4-49 13/3446
• Annor Magazine. ................... 4-2249
• Training Evaluations .............. 4-3446
• Cultural Resource Mgr. .......... 4-1495
• Annor TV Branch .................. 4-3932
Liaison Activities
• Anny Research Institute .... .4-3450/6928
(Annored Force Research Unit) • British LO ............................. .4-6451 TRADOC System Managers
• Canadian LO ......................... .4-7047
• TSM Tank!A GS ..................... 4-7955
• French LO ............................. .4-6148
• TSM Force XXI
Doctrine • Gennan LO ........................... .4-7045
4th ID Support .......... 4-662118224
• Director, TnglDoctrine Dev .. .4-8247 • Italian LO ............................... 4-6253
1st CD Support ......... 4-8980/3287
• Crew/Gunnery ....................... .4-1736 • OSACG-ARNG. .................... 4-1315
FXXI Training
• PLT /COITM ......................... ..4-3228
• Air Force LO .......................... 4-3150 Program ....................4 -6806/8756
• BNITFIBDE ........................... 4-2328
• Marine Corps Detachment • Close Combat Tactical
• Cavalry ................................. ..4-6235 CDR. ...................................... 4-5950 Trainer Project Office. . , ......... 4-1600
• CS/CSS .................................. .4-5108
Mounted Maneuver Battle Lab Unit Training Support
• Chief. ............................................................. 4-7809 • SIMNET Observer/Controller Team
• Mounted Battlespace FXXI Experiments ...... 4-2339 (y{arthogs) ........................................................ 4-7558
• Mounted Warfare Test Bed ........................ 942-1092 • Office of the Special Assistant to the Commanding
General, Army National Guard
• Force XXI User Laboratory .......................... .4-1974
(OSACG-ARNG) .............................................. 4-1315
-
CSM Ronnie W. Davis
Command Sergeant Major
U.S. Army Armor Center
Once a Master Gunner,
Always a Master Gunner
SGM Spurling was absolutely right in Then you were screened by the chain while you are detailed outside the mas-
his letter to the editor in the January- of command and personally inter- ter gunner arena. If a new piece of
February 1996 issue of ARMOR — viewed to determine if your were the equipment is fielded, you can return to
“Once a Master Gunner, Always a right soldier for the job. Finally, you Fort Knox for the necessary upgrade
Master Gunner.” There are 292 master arrived at Fort Knox to be trained. training. The opportunities are there; all
gunner positions in the Army, in grades Eleven weeks and $28,128 training that is necessary is your willingness to
of SFC through SGM, with six of those dollars later, you picked up the addi- accept them.
positions in the grade of SGM. This tional skill identifier (ASI) of master
number will increase to 303 in FY 97, gunner. This marked the point where
In short, when you accepted the ASI
with the number of SGM positions re- the responsibility for remaining current
of master gunner you accepted the life-
maining the same. Once you have been shifted from the schoolhouse to you.
long commitment SGM Spurling de-
accepted as a master gunner, you have
It would be a shame to squander the scribed. There is no badge or extra
the responsibility to maintain your pro-
considerable time and money invested money, but there is the satisfaction of
ficiency, regardless of your assign-
in your training. In these days of de- knowing you taught soldiers to survive
ments. You are the best of the best, the
creasing dollars, the Army must de- in combat. That is the essence of what
commander’s top gun, and are respon-
pend on those already trained to fill we as noncommissioned officers do
sible to train soldiers in the most effi-
critical positions throughout the force. best, and master gunners have the addi-
cient way to deal death and destruction
You must take the time to study the tional training to do it better. No one
on the battlefield. Getting to be a mas-
Abrams tank gunnery manual, FM 17- twisted your arm to become a master
ter gunner hasn’t been easy or cheap.
12-1-1/2, and the Abrams technical gunner; it also helped you get pro-
To be selected, you had to have been manuals. Stay in touch with new tank moted. The least you can do is stay
an experienced tank commander. That developments, training devices, and current. The Army saw something spe-
experience did not come from just the simulators through ARMOR or PM cial in you to train you as a master
OSUT training you received at Fort Magazine, just to name a couple. The gunner. It is imperative that you main-
Knox. It came from studying on your master gunner branch at Fort Knox will tain that cutting edge. Remember, once
own and the maintenance and gunnery always assist you by providing updated a master gunner, always a master gun-
training you received at unit level. information on gunnery-related skills ner!
8 ARMOR — May-June 1996