![[Lone Sentry: IV. Crew Drill, Gun Motor Carriage, M36 | FM 18-18: Crew Drill, Gun Motor Carriage, M36 - Field Manual]](../../pics/sentrysmall.jpg)
![[Lone Sentry: Photos, Articles, and Research on WWII]](../../pics/lonesentrylogo.jpg)
CREW DRILL, GUN MOTOR CARRIAGE, M36
8. TO MOUNT. a. The crew, being at dismounted posts in front of the destroyer (fig. 1), mounts as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Commands: POSTS. | ||||
| Executes about face. | Executes about face. | Executes about face. | Executes about face. | Executes about face. |
| Supervises mounting of rest of crew. Mounts over front of vehicle and moves to his position. |
Mounts over left front of vehicle, closes driver's hatch, and goes over top of turret to gunner's seat. | Mounts over right front of vehicle, closes assistant
driver's hatch, and goes over top of turret to position
on left of |
Mounts over right front of vehicle and enters through his hatch. | Mounts over left front of vehicle and enters through his hatch. |
| Connects and checks interphone. | Connects and checks interphone. | Connects and checks interphone. | Connects and checks interphone. Turns radio on. |
Connects and checks interphone. |
| Commands: REPORT. | ||||
| Receives reports. Reports "Destroyer No. ... ready." |
Reports "Gunner ready." | Reports "Assistant gunner ready." | Reports "Assistant driver ready." | Reports "Driver ready." |
b. The crew, being at dismounted posts in rear of the destroyer (fig. 2), mounts as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Commands: POSTS. | ||||
| Supervises mounting of rest of crew. Mounts over right side of vehicle and moves to his position. |
Mounts over right side of vehicle and moves to gunner's seat. | Mounts over left side of vehicle and moves to position left of |
Mounts over right side of vehicle and moves through turret to assistant driver's seat. | Mounts over left side of vehicle and moves through turret to driver's seat. |
| Connects and checks interphone. | Connects and checks interphone. | Connects and checks interphone. | Connects and checks interphone. Turns radio on. |
Connects and checks interphone. |
| Commands: REPORT. | ||||
| Receives reports. Reports "Destroyer No. ... ready." | Reports "Gunner ready." | Reports "Assistant gunner ready." | Reports "Assistant driver ready." | Reports "Driver ready." |
9. TO OPEN HATCHES. The crew, being mounted, proceeds as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Assistant Driver |
Driver | ||
| Commands: OPEN HATCHES. | ||||
| Pulls periscope to travel position, opens hatch, and adjusts seat to highest position. | Pulls periscope to travel position, opens hatch, and adjusts seat to highest position. |
10. TO DISMOUNT. The crew, being mounted, dismounts as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Commands: PREPARE TO DISMOUNT. | ||||
| Disconnects interphone. | Disconnects interphone. | Disconnects interphone. | Disconnects interphone. Turns off radio. |
Disconnects interphone. |
| Commands: IN FRONT (REAR) FALL IN. | ||||
| Makes sure all members of crew are dismounted and then takes his post. | Leaves through top of turret, raises driver's hatch if closed, and takes dismounted post. | Leaves through top of turret, raises assistant driver's hatch if closed, and takes dismounted post. | Emerges from hatch and takes dismounted post. Remains in the destroyer as radio tender when the radio is to be operated. |
Emerges from hatch and takes dismounted post. |
11. TO PREPARE FOR ACTION. Before engaging in range firing, or when action is imminent, the destroyer is prepared for firing as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Commands: PREPARE FOR ACTION. | ||||
| Directs destroyer under cover to general area assigned. | Unbuckles breech cover. Unlatches gun traveling lock. Elevates gun. Releases turret lock. |
Unbuckles breech cover and buckles it to turret to serve as empty shell bag. Checks interphone connection. |
Adjusts seat to low position and closes hatch if open. Adjusts periscope. Checks interphone connections. |
Adjusts seat to low position and closes hatch if open. Adjusts periscope. Checks interphone connections. |
| Makes personal reconnaissance of area for the best position to occupy and best routes
thereto. Guides destroyer into selected position. Removes muzzle cover and places crosshairs on muzzle. Removes cover from caliber .50 machine gun and checks headspace. Directs and supervises the gun crew in preparation for action, including preparation of range cards. Checks interphone and radio connections. Inspects matériel. Checks boresight. Reports or signals "Destroyer number ... correct. ... rounds of ammunition. ... tanks of fuel." |
Engages, starts, and checks the operation of the hand and power traversing mechanism and
traverses gun to position of readiness. Checks recoil mechanism. Checks electrical and manual firing mechanism. Reports to assistant gunner "Firing mechanism correct." Inspects sights and checks setting of sight adjusting knobs. Boresights. Checks maximum depression to various masks in field of fire (in indirect fire). Checks interphone connection. Reports to assistant driver "Gun correct, ... rounds on hand." |
Partially opens breech, inspects bore, closes breechblock, and relatches the operating handle. Reports to gunner "Bore correct." Fastens gun traveling lock pin. Checks turret ready clips and ammunition sponsons to be sure they are full. Reports ammunition to gunner "... rounds on hand." Checks recoil mechanism. Cocks gun as directed by gunner. Removes retainer, firing spring, and percussion mechanism. Replaces retainer, firing spring, and percussion mechanism. Opens breech and relatches operating handle. Reports "loader ready" and stands by to load on fire order. |
Checks radio connections. Repeats gunner's and driver's report to destroyer commander, "Gun correct, ... rounds on hand. ... tanks of fuel." |
Checks battery switches. Checks engine operation. Moves vehicle as directed by destroyer commander. Reports to assistant driver "... tanks of fuel." |
12. DUTIES OF MEMBERS OF CREW DURING MARCHES. When prepared for action during the march, members observe definite sectors for both air and ground attack.
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| General observation of surrounding terrain and sky, picking likely positions and choosing routes of movement. | Observes to rear, left rear, and left flank of vehicle, both ground and air. | Observes to rear, right rear, and right flank of vehicle, both ground and air. | Observes to right front, front, and right flank of vehicle, both ground and air. | Observes road ahead, and for short distances to right and left of the road, keeping sharp lookout for any evidence of mines, barricades, etc. Continually selects points at which the vehicle could leave the road. |
13. STAND BY. The crew, being mounted, observes sectors as in paragraph 12, and proceeds as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Commands: STAND BY. | ||||
| Assists driver in making quick check of vehicle. | Stops the vehicle in the best concealment or cover available, keeps engine idling at 800 rpm and makes a quick check of the condition of the vehicle. |
14. DETAILED DUTIES IN FIRING (DIRECT LAYING). The destroyer being prepared for action, the crew executes the following:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Is responsible for proper performance of vehicle and crew, execution of
commands, and observance of safety precautions. Assumes independent command in the
absence of higher commander. Directs the crew member who is in the most convenient position to fire the antiaircraft machine gun. Selects primary, alternate, and supplementary positions. Is responsible for fire discipline. Issues fire order. Observes fire. Adjusts fire by subsequent fire orders. Causes destroyer to be moved to alternate or supplementary positions when necessary. Shifts fire to new target when necessary. Insures that casualties are replaced when possible. |
Reports to commander "Check" after the range has been received and he has
identified the target. Receives balance of the fire order. If any element of the order is not understood, the gunner will ask for it. For example, if he fails to hear the range, he will ask "Range?" Lays on target with proper range and lead. Fires gun. Fires until target is destroyed, a new target is designated, or until SUSPEND FIRING or CEASE FIRING is given. Assumes command in absence of destroyer commander. |
Loads the piece. Calls "Clear" when clear of recoil. Prepares the ammunition and when firing HE shell, sets fuze. Reports ammunition status. When gunner calls "Misfire," checks to make certain breech is closed and gun is in battery, recocks gun, and reports "Clear" when clear of recoil. Empties shell case bag during lulls in firing. Starts auxiliary generator on order. |
Observes to right and front through periscope. Operates radio as directed by commander. Responsible that commander receives all orders from higher headquarters promptly. |
Observes to left and front through periscope. Keeps engine running at 800 rpm and observes instruments. Takes over assistant driver's duties if he replaces a casualty. Keeps commander informed of fuel supply. |
15. DETAILED DUTIES IN FIRING (INDIRECT LAYING). The destroyer being prepared for action, the crew executes the following:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Indicates aiming point to gunner.
Sets gunner's quadrant when it is used. Gives gunner deflection shift. When ordered, adjusts fire from forward position. Gives gunner order to fire. In volley fire reports "Rounds complete." Requests commands be repeated when necessary. Note. For further details of duties of destroyer commander in firing (indirect laying) see appendix. |
Lays the gun for direction as directed by destroyer commander.
Lays for elevation by leveling bubble of gunner's quadrant, under direction of destroyer commander. Sets deflection with aid of azimuth indicator. Records base deflection by aligning aiming stakes and setting indicator at zero. Makes designated corrections in deflection and elevation. Calls "Ready" and fires on command. Assisted by assistant driver, realigns aiming stakes during lulls in firing. |
Loads the gun.
Empties shell case bags during lulls in firing. Starts auxiliary generator on order. In absence of destroyer commander, sets gunner's quadrant and reports "Set" when bubble is level. In volley fire, calls out the number of the round. |
Operates radio as directed by commander.
Responsible that commander receives all orders from higher headquarters. Puts out aiming stakes. Assists gunner realign aiming stakes when so directed. Helps driver prepare ammunition. Stands on destroyer deck and passes rounds from driver to loader. Sets the fuze. Assists driver in using the rammer. |
Places destroyer as directed by platoon leader.
Stops engine. Prepares ammunition. Checks condition of rounds. Passes rounds to assistant driver. Keeps destroyer commander informed as to status of ammunition. Uses rammer. Performs other duties as directed by destroyer commander. |
16. TO SUSPEND FIRING. The crew proceeds as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Commands: SUSPEND FIRING. | ||||
| Orders round removed if chamber is hot. | Continues to lay on target, or lays on new target as directed. | Reloads gun if unloaded. | Continues to observe sector assigned by destroyed commander. | Continues to observe sector assigned by destroyer commander. |
17. TO CEASE FIRING. The crew proceeds as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Commands: CEASE FIRING. | ||||
| Orders the shifting of ammunition if necessary.
Observes for new targets. |
Ceases firing.
Turns firing switch to OFF position. Helps the assistant gunner to replenish the ready racks when directed by the destroyer commander. Observes for new targets to the front or traverses the turret as directed by the destroyer commander. |
Unloads the 90-mm gun, if loaded.
Assisted by the gunner, replenishes the ready racks from the ammunition in the sponson racks. Throws empty shell cases out of the turret when so directed. Empties the caliber .50 spent cartridge cases into boxes and places them in rack. Shifts caliber .50 ammunition, if necessary. Reports ammunition status to destroyer commander. |
Continues to observe sector assigned by destroyer commander. | Continues to observe sector assigned by destroyer commander. |
18. TO MOVE TO ALTERNATE OR SUPPLEMENTARY POSITION. The crew, being mounted, proceeds as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Orders gun locked in desired position.
Orders gun left loaded or unloaded. Directs driver to move to desired position. |
Traverses gun to position designated by commander.
Locks turret lock. Reports "Turret lock engaged" upon inquiry by driver. |
Clears away empty shell cases.
Unloads or loads gun as directed by destroyer commander. |
Observes his assigned sector. | Prepares to move vehicle on orders of destroyer commander.
On orders to move, inquires "Is turret lock engaged?" Moves as directed upon receiving "Turret lock engaged." |
19. TO EXECUTE MARCH ORDER. The crew, being mounted, proceeds as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Commands: MARCH ORDER. | ||||
| Supervises work of crew and receives their report.
Places cover on AA machine gun and replaces destroyer muzzle cover. Checks that piece is locked in traveling position. Reports to next higher commander, "Destroyer ... march order. ... rounds. ... tanks fuel." Directs driver in proper direction. |
Places gun in traveling position and locks traveling lock.
Assists in replacing breech cover. Locks turret lock. Reports "Turret lock engaged" upon inquiry by driver. Opens traversing and firing switches. Reports to assistant driver "Gun march order, ... rounds on hand." |
Checks bore to see that it is clear, closes breech, and reports, "Bore correct."
Replaces breech cover. Disposes of empty shell cases. Replaces and secures ammunition in ready racks. Reports to gunner "... rounds on hand." |
Removes periscope and places in container. Opens hatch. Removes aiming stakes and replaces muzzle cover when directed by the destroyer commander. Reports to commander, "Destroyer march order." "... tanks of fuel. ... rounds on hand." Remains alert to use available small arms. |
Removes periscope and places in container.
Checks fuel and lubricant gauges. Reports to assistant driver "... tanks of fuel." Opens hatch. On order to move inquiries "Is turret lock engaged?" Moves out as directed upon receiving "Turret lock engaged." |
20. DUTIES AFTER FIRING. The crew proceeds as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Supervises duties of crew.
Inspects for lubrication, mechanical condition, and cleanliness, and causes all possible repairs and adjustments to be made. |
Inspects gun and mounting for any failures or looseness.
Helps clean gun. If sight has not been accurate during firing, reports condition and boresights if necessary. |
Swabs bore of gun.
Checks recoil oil; refills or drains, if necessary. Checks and reports ammunition to commander. Refills ammunition rack, inspecting rounds carefully for burs, dents, and other imperfections. |
Assists the driver in making repairs or other adjustments as needed. | Inspects vehicle for any failure or looseness. |
21. ACTION IN CASE OF ENGINE FIRE. The first crew member to discover the fire calls "Engine fire."
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Calls "Engine fire" over interphone to alert all members of the crew.
Passes fire extinguisher to gunner. Supervises extinguishing of fire. |
Dismounts from vehicle.
Receives fire extinguisher from destroyer commander. Uses fire extinguisher as directed. |
Passes turret hand fire extinguisher to the destroyer commander.
Remains at his post. |
Dismounts from vehicle.
Takes hand fire extinguisher from destroyer. Uses fire extinguisher as directed. |
Pulls one remote-control fire switch.
If moving, brings destroyer to a halt and races the engine. Pulls second remote-control fire switch when ordered by destroyer commander. |
22. ACTION IN CASE OF CREW COMPARTMENT FIRE. The first crew member to discover the fire calls "Hull fire."
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Supervises extinguishing of fire and commands DISMOUNT when further progress is impossible. | Traverses turret as directed to facilitate use of hand extinguishers. | Takes hand fire extinguisher from turret and extinguishes fire. | Acts as directed by destroyer commander or driver.
If fire is in control compartment, removes hand fire extinguisher and extinguishes the fire, or passes it to driver who will extinguish the fire. |
Stops destroyer and shuts off engine. |
23. DISMOUNTED ACTION. The crew being mounted, proceeds as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Commands: FIGHT ON FOOT, MACHINE GUN TO BE MOUNTED THERE (pointing). | ||||
| Dismounts machine gun and hands it over side of destroyer to assistant driver.
Secures individual weapon and dismounts. Moves to flank and covers machine gun on flank and rear. |
Secures individual weapon and dismounts. Receives machine gun tripod and sets it up at designated place. | Passes machine gun tripod to gunner.
Hands ammunition box to assistant driver. Assists in handing machine gun to assistant driver. Secures individual weapon and dismounts. Carries machine gun and places it on mount. Acts as assistant gunner. |
Secures individual weapon and dismounts.
Receives ammunition box. Carries machine gun and ammunition box. Places machine gun on mount. Moves to flank and covers machine gun. |
Secures individual weapon. Stays in destroyer ready to move vehicle when ordered. Operates radio. Observes through periscope. Checks fuel, oil, and water level. |
For drill, the machine gun is mounted 5 yards in front of the center of the destroyer, and the crew takes
posts as prescribed in
24. TO REMOUNT DESTROYER AFTER ACTION. The crew, being dismounted, proceeds as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Commands: OUT OF ACTION, MOUNT. |
The machine gun is taken out of action as prescribed in
25. TO ABANDON DESTROYER. The crew, being mounted, proceeds as follows:
| Destroyer Commander |
Gunner | Assistant Gunner |
Assistant Driver |
Driver |
| Displays the flag signal "disregard my movement." Dismounts caliber .50 machine gun from mount and hands it over side to assistant driver.
Secures individual weapon and dismounts. Designates crew member to guard vehicle if it is not to be destroyed, and maintains radio contact with platoon commander. Supervises dismounted action of the destroyer crew. |
Secures individual weapon and dismounts.
Receives caliber .50 tripod from assistant gunner. |
Hands caliber .50 tripod to gunner.
Assists destroyer commander in dismounting caliber .50 machine gun. Secures individual weapon, hands out ammunition and crew first-aid kit. |
Secures individual weapon and dismounts.
Receives caliber .50 machine gun. |
Stops the destroyer and shuts off the engine.
Secures individual weapon and dismounts. |
![[Back to Table of Contents]](../../pics/back.gif){kind=small}