Terrain Training Tuesday: Driving a Tank (Part 3)

Here we go! Whack on your goggles and slip into your headgear because we are on the move! Now there are a few issues to consider being a tank driver, these are explored below and conclude our uber exciting tank driving escapade.

Step 9: Listen for tread buildup because the tank’s treads can become disabled with debris and we do not want that. When the tank ceases responding quickly to your steering and instrumental commands, you may have mud, sand or some other substance built up on your tracks, which may cause the treads to come off the wheels, leaving the tank powerless, which is dangerous during combat operations. This buildup is usually revealed by a cracking or a popping sound. You should drive your tank forward over level ground until the cracking and popping sound ends, indicating that the tracks have cleared themselves. Otherwise just keep this baby heading in the direction you want to go and hey presto! You're driving a tank, how cool is that?! Put your brakes on when you have arrived at your destination (duh!). You come to a stop by easing your foot down on the service brake located on the floor beneath your steering handle. Before exiting the tank, reapply the parking brake by pulling the black T-shaped handle to your right. you want the tank to stay right where you left it.

Step 10: Finally, an OH&S warning: be aware of potential problems. Put on protective head and body gear (as seen above looking seriously cool) before entering your tank. Tank interiors are designed with levers, knobs, and other protruding objects that can seriously injure tank operating personnel. Don’t attempt to board a tank or get inside a tank while it is moving, no matter how slowly it is in motion (unless you are sure you can make it for glory awaits the brave). Wear noise-canceling headphones to protect your hearing because tank engines are very loud. Run the exhaust fan for five to six minutes for every hour you are on board because you may need to replenish the tank’s oxygen supply. Tank interiors are often nauseating and claustrophobic for many tank drivers because they are usually fill with the awful orders emanating from their gigantic engines.

So, I'm sure we all feel much more confident waiting for the moment when a tank becomes available to us. Good luck my little minions!!!!