Working with infantry

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.

• Match the infantry pace.
• Maintain awareness of spacing, arcs, and potential threats

• The commander is responsible for the vehicle and all its crew plus any dismounts mounted,
• If there is no commander present, the gunner takes on the role of commander and all responsibilities.
• The senior member of the infantry element assumes the role of Infantry Leader and is responsible for communicating with the commander or acting commander per Mounted infantry communication FM/BG-1339.

When a vehicle crew is assigned or attached to an infantry element, the vehicle crew should join the infantry element's assigned radio frequency to ensure shared situational awareness for movement and contact reporting.

• Both driver and vehicle commander should join the net.
• The net should be continually monitored for movement orders from the element commander for the vehicle and any contact reports.

The Infantry Leader is responsible for communicating with the Vehicle Commander to coordinate the mounting and dismounting of personnel, as well as the loading or unloading of casualties and CPERS.

• The Infantry Leader may use the crew intercom or designate an intercom channel when mounted to maintain coordination with the Vehicle Commander.
• When the vehicle is attached to another element, the vehicle crew always acts on orders from their Commander, even if conflicting instructions are given by the Infantry Leader.

1. Driver: Stop the vehicle per the commanders orders
2. Driver: Announce “VEHICLE STOPPED”
3. Commander: Scan the immediate area for hazards and personnel
4. Commander: If clear, issue “CLEAR TO MOUNT”
5. Allow personnel and cargo to mount and secure loads.
6. Infantry leader: Confirm all personnel and cargo loaded, enter the vehicle and announce “ALL UP”
7. Commander: Confirm the immediate area clear of obstacles and personnel
8. Commander: Announce "VEHICLE CLEAR” and give new instructions to the crew

1. Driver: Approach a suitable unloading position per the commanders orders.
2. Driver: Stop the vehicle and verify full halt.
3. Driver: Announce “VEHICLE STOPPED”
4. Commander: Scan the immediate area for hazards.
5. Commander: If clear, announce "INFANTRY DISMOUNT [left/right]” to the Infantry Leader, using the direction based on available cover.*
6. Allow personnel and cargo to dismount.
7. Infantry Leader: confirm all personnel and cargo unloaded, exit last and communicate "LAST OUT” to the commander.
8. Commander: Confirm the immediate area is clear of obstacles and remaining personnel.
9. Commander: Announce "VEHICLE CLEAR” and give new instructions to the crew

* Infantry may dismount facing away from the rear of the vehicle; the left/right command may be reversed accordingly.

• Jockey at least once every 3 to 4 bursts/shots, or more frequently if the situation requires. FM/B-943
• Suppress enemy positions, destroy fortifications, and reduce enemy threat.

• Select a weak point in the wall, 
• Drive into the wall at between 5-10kph,
• If the infantry commander has requested smoke, deploy smoke,
• Reverse out to safety or push forward to cover if the tactical situation dictates.

• Select appropriate ammunition (HE, HEAT, HESH or another HE variant),
• Confirm no friendly forces are near the breach point,
• Fire at the breach point until the wall collapses,
• Shift fire to allow infantry to advance.