Vehicle positioning and exposure techniques

FM/G195 - Vehicle positioning and exposure techniques

Guide

FM/BG-940 - Hull down positions

Guide

A hull-down position uses terrain to expose only a vehicle’s turret or weapon system while hiding its hull, minimizing the profile presented to the enemy and protecting vital components. Tanks and other vehicles with remote or turreted weapons can benefit from this posture.

After firing, the vehicle should retreat behind cover into a full “turret-down” position, reload, and then reappear at a different location to avoid enemy targeting. The farther the enemy, the easier it is to achieve hull-down using minor terrain features. Reusing the same firing position should be avoided to stay unpredictable.

Above: An MBT utilising a hull down position

Guide

FM/BG-943 - Jockeying

Guide

Jockeying involves repositioning a vehicle laterally behind cover to avoid enemy return fire. The vehicle backs out of view, shifts left or right, and then re-enters a hull-down posture from a new angle to re-engage.

This manoeuvre makes targeting more difficult for the enemy by presenting a new position each time. It should be used after being spotted or fired on to stay survivable while maintaining offensive pressure.

Guide

FM/BG-944 - Turning out (unbuttoning)

Guide

Turning out allows the commander or driver to stand in the hatch for improved visibility but exposes them to enemy fire. It should only be done when the risk is low and situational awareness is worth the exposure.

Some vehicles require the commander to turn out to use a mounted machine gun, do so only when the tactical benefit outweighs the risk.