This manual, Training Circular TC 21-306 Tracked Combat Vehicle Driver Training June 2019, provides unit commanders and unit master drivers with guidance on developing tracked, combat vehicle driver training programs for their organizations. This TC provides guidance on how to integrate drivers training programs into unit gunnery training and other routine duties and tasks of units equipped with tracked combat vehicles. This manual provides units with resources and guidance to support training that promotes safe driving practices, accident avoidance, and technical competence to produce more lethal and effective combat vehicle crews. Hands-on training in a controlled environment and under the close supervision of qualified and licensed trainers is stressed throughout this TC.

TC 21-306 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States and United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.

Leaders must emphasize driver training within their organizations because of the length, width, and high ground pressure of tracked combat vehicles, the terrain tracked combat vehicles are required to operate in, and the numerous blind spots associated with tracked combat vehicles. These variables demand additional skills and knowledge beyond those required for tactical wheeled vehicles. Unit drivers training programs must challenge drivers to use safe driving practices, increase their awareness to improve accident avoidance, and improve crew performance. Programs must train drivers to understand the operational limitations of the vehicles they are operating so they can negotiate complex terrain under difficult and stressful conditions.

This TC covers critical information ranging from vehicle operations to considerations for reducing the risk of environmental damage during training.

This TC consists of three chapters. The chapters contain the following information:

Chapter 1 describes a system for identifying, selecting, and qualifying tracked vehicle driver instructors, vehicle drivers, and planning considerations for unit programs and training events.

Chapter 2 discusses vehicle or equipment introductory training, operator technical manual familiarization, vehicle preventive maintenance checks and services procedures, instrumentation familiarization, placing vehicles into operation, self-recovery procedures, and guidance on meshing unit gunnery, and drivers training requirements.

Chapter 3 highlights the dangers and safety risks associated with operating tracked combat vehicles as well the environmental hazards that tracked combat vehicles pose. The chapter provides guidance on how to mitigate these risks to personnel and the operating environment.