[Lone Sentry: FM 17-76: Crew Drill and Service of the Piece, Medium Tank, M4 Series (105-mm Howitzer)]
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FM 17-76: Crew Drill and Service of the Piece, Medium Tank, M4 Series (105-mm Howitzer)
Field Manual, War Department, September 15, 1944
[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from a WWII U.S. War Department Field Manual. As with all field manuals, the text may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the contents of the field manual. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]


Section IX
INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE

33. GENERAL. a. The tank commander is responsible for seeing that all inspections are made. He receives reports from the various crew members relative to their individual inspections, and he indicates in the trip ticket or other inspection report anything requiring the services of maintenance personnel. In supervising first echelon maintenance he uses his discretion in delegating additional responsibilities to the crew members.

b. Inspection covers all personal equipment and weapons, vehicle equipment and weapons, and mechanical features of the vehicle. In combat it includes a check of the application of protective cream by the entire crew. Checks of instruments, lights, siren, track, suspension system, and engine performance are made in accordance with provisions of the appropriate technical manual; the driver fills in the section of the trip ticket covering the mechanical condition and equipment of the vehicle and indicates required maintenance work. The trip ticket should be carefully and thoroughly prepared. Any irregularity noted and entered on it, which is not repaired before the tank is used again, should be re-entered continually until it has been properly taken care of.

34. BEFORE OPERATION INSPECTION, M4, M4A1. Tank locked and covered by tarpaulin. (NOTE: For training purposes, the inspection is divided into three phases, each phase being completed before the next is begun. Crew members coordinate their respective operations to make the best use of the time available. They procure tools as needed, report and correct deficiencies as found. The turret is traversed as necessary to facilitate the various checks.)

PHASE A
 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: FALL IN; PREPARE FOR INSPECTION.        
Inspect crew. Stand inspection. Stand inspection. Stand inspection. Stand inspection.
Command: PERFORM BEFORE OPERATION INSPECTION.        
Begin trip ticket; fill out during inspection. Help remove tarpaulin. Inspect ground beneath tank for fuel or oil leaks. Remove and fold tarpaulin (4 'x 6'). Help remove and fold tarpaulin.

Check outside equipment.

Inspect tracks and tank suspension. (Visual check adequate for daily inspection of wedge nuts or lock pins.) Mount left sponson; unlock driver's hatch; enter tank.

Unlock bog's hatch; clear bow gun.

Move to turret.

Mount to rear deck via right fender and sponson.

Check fuel level including auxiliary generator tank.

Lay tarpaulin to right of tank.  
Supervise inspection made by other crew members. Unlock hatches.

Elevate howitzer; traverse turret left to expose hand tools and clear air inlet cover.

Open cupola hatch.

Check engine oil level.1

Raise air inlet cover.

  Release howitzer traveling bracket.
  Pass tools to driver.

Remove breech covers; clear turret weapons.

Receive muzzle covers.

Stow muzzle and breech covers.

Check clutch clearance.

Close cover.

Receive hand tools; lay out on tarpaulin and check. Open rear engine doors to permit ventilation.

Check engine compartment for leaks.

Remove muzzle covers; pass to gunner.

Command: REPORT.  
Report "Gunner ready".
 
 
Report "Bog ready".
 
 
 
Report "Driver ready".
 
 
 
 
Report "Loader ready".

 

PHASE B
 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: PERFORM PHASE B.        
Mount to rear deck; help bog open door.

Assist gunner in sight adjustment.

Receive cleaning rods; swab bores of piece and both machine guns.

Return cleaning rods to gunner.

Apply tape muzzle covers.3

Check all hatch covers.

Traverse turret manually one revolution to the left;2 check azimuth indicator.

Make sight adjustment.

Pass cleaning rods to sergeant.

Check elevating mechanism.

Check firing controls.

Receive and stow cleaning rods.

Open top engine door.

Check the following:

Oil tank breather.

Crankcase breather.

Engine accessories for security and adjustment.

Dismount.

Check hull drain valve in engine compartment.

Watch operation of fuel cut-off.

Listen for booster buzz and operation of auxiliary fuel pump.

Check air cleaners.

Turn engine over (50 turns with hand crank).

Help driver check lights.

Take mounted post.

Close battery master switches.

Check the following:

Steering levers.

Gear shift lever (place in neutral).

Parking brake.

Clutch free travel.

Transmission oil level.

Hull drain valve.

Priming pump operation.

Fuel cut-off operation.

Booster coil operation.

Auxiliary fuel pump operation.

Instruments.

Siren.

Compass.

Service and blackout lights.

Open hatch; take mounted post.

Check pistol port.

Check the following:

Cal .50 ammunition.

Spare engine and recoil oil.

Shell crimper.

Decontaminating apparatus.

Canvas bucket.

Hull drain valve beneath turret.

Water containers.

12 rounds ammunition in right sponson.

Spare antenna.

Auxiliary generator: operation, tools, spare parts (allow to run in cold weather prior to starting engine).

Open fuel valves.

Check:

Engine oil level.4

Oil dilution valve and tank for leaks.5

Push in and pull out fuel filter cleaning control handle 10 times.6

Check:

Battery.

Fixed fire extinguishers and controls.

Rations and cooking stove.

Command: REPORT.  
Report "Gunner ready".
 
 
Report "Bog ready".
 
 
 
Report "Driver ready".
 
 
 
 
Report "Loader ready".

 

PHASE C7
 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: PERFORM PHASE C.        
Move to engine compartment.

Check automatic oil filter.

Close top engine door.

Dismount.

Direct driver to move tank for ward two tank lengths.

Walk ahead of tank; check condition of right track shoes and inside wedge nuts or lock pins and connectors.

Check outer wedge nuts or lock pins and connectors; watch action and condition of support rollers, shoes, and tank suspension as tank moves to rear.

Help bog fold and stow tarpaulin.

Take mounted post.

Check the following:

Submachine gun, ammunition, and personal equipment.

Periscope, spare, spare heads, and periscope holder.

Spare vision blocks.

Flag set.

Binoculars.

Mount antenna.

Make 1st echelon radio check (paragraph 5 b).

Complete trip ticket.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Check the following:

Gun tools, spare parts.

Hand fire extinguisher.

Hand grenades.

SMG, ammunition, and personal equipment.

Periscope, spare, and spare heads (including knob settings).

Gunner's quadrant and case.

Elevation quadrant.

Telescope and mount.

Check howitzer and mount.

Clean chamber and breech mechanism.

Check recoil oil.

Receive and stow tools.

Lock howitzer and turret in traveling position.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Tighten exposed sprocket ring cap screws.

Observe condition of exhaust.

Check engine for leaks, vibrating accessories, or parts.

Close rear engine doors.

Walk behind tank; check condition of left track shoes and inside wedge nuts or lock pins and connectors.

Direct driver to move to rear; tighten inside cap screws as exposed.

Place tools in bag.

Pass tools to gunner.

Fold and stow tarpaulin.

Open hatch.

Take mounted post.

Check the following:

Gun book, manuals and accident form.

Bow gun, mount, and ammunition (adjust headspace).

Cal .30 ammunition.

Submachine gun, ammunition, and personal equipment.

105-mm rounds behind seat and in right sponson.

Check:

Escape hatch.

Periscopes, spare, and spare heads.

Tripod mount.

Hull drain valve.

Hand fire extinguisher.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Start engine (operate at 800 rpm).

During warmup check:

Instruments.

Engine for smoothness of operation, unusual noises.

Magnetos.

Check hood for driver's hatch.

Drive tank for ward at slow speed two tank lengths.

Drive tank to rear as directed by bog.

Check the following:

Lubrication guide.

Submachine gun, ammunition, and personal equipment.

Periscopes, spare, and spare heads.

Ventilating blower.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Check machine gun tools and spare parts.

Mount AA gun; check gun and mount (adjust headspace).

Help sergeant close door.

Check the following:

Coaxial gun and mount (adjust headspace).

Smoke mortar and bombs.

Cal .30. ammunition.

105-mm ammunition left of power tunnel.

Flare launcher and flares.

Submachine gun, ammunition, and personal equipment.

Periscope, spare, and spare heads.

Turret exhaust fan.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Command: REPORT (interphone check).  
Report "Gunner ready".
 
 
Report "Bog ready".
 
 
 
Report "Driver ready".
 
 
 
 
Report "Loader ready".
Report READY to Platoon Leader.        

35. DURING OPERATION INSPECTION, M4, M4A1. This is a continuous process for all crew members.

 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Remain alert to unusual noises or conditions. Check operation of elevation and traversing mechanisms. Watch instruments.

Listen for unusual noises.

Check all instruments carefully.

Check controls.

Check stowage of equipment in turret.
Check radio and interphone system.

Check security of:

Radio antenna.

Outside fixtures and equipment.

Check security of:

Turret lock.

Howitzer.

Check security of bow gun. Listen for unusual noises. Check security of:

Coaxial gun.

Radio.

AA gun.

36. HALT INSPECTION, M4, M4A1. The length of halt determines how much of the following inspection will be completed and the normal priority of operations. The tank commander will be informed of the length of halt and will indicate how much time is to be allotted to inspection and how much for relief of the crew members. (During the inspection, the turret is traversed as necessary to facilitate those operations requiring it.)

 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: PERFORM HALT INSPECTION.        
Disconnect breakaway plugs. Disconnect breakaway plugs. Disconnect breakaway plugs. Disconnect breakaway plugs. Disconnect breakaway plugs.
Check radio for security. Release turret lock. Dismount.

Check final drives for leaks or excessive temperature.

Idle engine (run 4-5 minutes before stopping). Turn on radio speaker.
Emerge from turret. Elevate howitzer; check traverse.   Check instruments. Man AA gun.
Clean vision blocks, all turret periscopes and telescope. Check sight adjustment. Check under tank for fuel or oil leaks. Check driver's and bog's compartment for oil leaks.  
  Check auxiliary generator operation.      
Inspect tracks and tank suspension.

Supervise halt inspection.

Check coaxial gun and mount.

Check smoke mortar.

Check engine oil level.8

Check firing controls.

Check howitzer and mount.

Check towing shackles. Dismount; go to rear of tank.

Open engine doors.

Check engine operation.

Inspect engine compartment.

Take mounted post.

Stop engine (use fuel cutoff).

 
  Place howitzer in traveling position. Help driver check lights. Check service and blackout lights.  
  Lock turret lock.

Check stowage of equipment in turret.

Close engine doors.

Check air cleaners.

Mount to rear deck.

Check the following:

Engine oil level.

Fuel level in all tanks.

Outside equipment.

Check the following:

Steering levers.

Gear shift lever.

Parking brake.

Clutch free travel.

Transmission oil level and temperature.

 
Take mounted post.   Take mounted post.   Resume mounted post.
Connect breakaway plugs.   Clean periscopes.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Clean periscopes.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Turn off speaker.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Command: REPORT.  
Report "Gunner ready".
 
 
Report "Bog ready".
 
 
 
Report "Driver ready".
 
 
 
 
Report "Loader ready".

37. AFTER OPERATION MAINTENANCE, M4 and M4A1. a. After operation the tank is immediately given whatever servicing and maintenance is needed to prepare it in every way for further sustained action. This servicing covers all the points listed in the Before Operation Inspection and covers them in the same order, with obvious modifications. (For example, the tank is locked at the end of the inspection instead of being unlocked at the beginning; the check for leaks under the tank is more effective after it has stood for awhile; battery switches are turned off rather than on and only after all checks requiring use of battery power; equipment is covered and stowed rather than being uncovered and made ready for use.)

b. The tank will be completely cleaned, serviced, and replenished (fuel, oil (all types), grease, ammunition (all types), first aid kit, water, and rations). All special precautions against fire will be observed while refueling. Crew members will perform the following additional operations not covered in the Before Operation Inspection.

 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: PERFORM AFTER OPERATION MAINTENANCE.        
Complete trip ticket; forward to platoon leader, together with report of any necessary 2d echelon maintenance, fuel, lubricants, ammunition and rations required. Clean all weapons. Help driver clean tank.

Help gunner clean weapons.

Idle engine 4-5 minutes before stopping.

Clean tank suspension and outside of tank.

Help gunner clean weapons.

Help gunner clean weapons.

38. PERIODIC ADDITIONAL SERVICES, M4 and M4A1. Services performed weekly in garrison; in combat and on maneuvers they are performed after each field operation.

 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: FALL IN; PREPARE FOR INSPECTION.        
Inspect crew. Stand inspection. Stand inspection. Stand inspection. Stand inspection.
Command: PERFORM PERIODIC INSPECTION.        
Supervise inspection. Clean turret.

Clean and touch up any rust spots in turret.

Dismount.

Mount to rear deck; help driver clean engine and engine compartment.

Operate and check hull drain valve in engine compartment.

Take mounted post.

Clean bog's compartment and right interior of hull.

Operate and check hull drain valve.

Open engine doors and clean engine and engine compartment.

Take mounted post.

Clean driver's compartment and left interior of hull.

Operate and check hull drain valve.

Mount to turret.

Clean batteries and case.

Test batteries with hydrometer.

Bring cells to proper water level.

Operate auxiliary generator to charge batteries.

Dismount.

  Tighten all wedge nuts or lock pins and inspect track.   Drive tank forward as required for tightening wedge nuts or lock pins. Help gunner tighten wedge nuts or lock pins and inspect track.
  Help perform 250-mile lubrication. Help perform 250-mile lubrication. Perform 250-mile lubrication, referring to appropriate lubrication order.

Close engine doors.

Help perform 250-mile lubrication.
    Take mounted post; clean and touch up rust spots in bog's compartment. Take mounted post; clean and touch up rust spots in driver's compartment.  
Command: REPORT.  
Report "Gunner ready".
 
 
Report "Bog ready".
 
 
 
Report "Driver ready".
 
 
 
 
Report "Loader ready".

39. BEFORE OPERATION INSPECTION, M4A3. Tank locked and covered by tarpaulin. (NOTE: For training purposes, the inspection is divided into three phases, each phase being completed before the next is begun. Crew members coordinate their respective operations to make the best use of the time available. They procure tools as needed, report and correct deficiencies as found. The turret is traversed as necessary to facilitate the various checks.)

PHASE A
 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: FALL IN; PREPARE FOR INSPECTION.        
Inspect crew. Stand inspection. Stand inspection. Stand inspection. Stand inspection.
Command: PERFORM BEFORE OPERATION INSPECTION.        
Begin trip ticket; fill out during inspection. Help remove tarpaulin. Inspect ground beneath tank for fuel, oil, or water leaks. Remove and fold tarpaulin (4' x 6'). Help remove and fold tarpaulin.

Check outside equipment.

Inspect tracks and tank suspension. (Visual check adequate for daily inspection of wedge nuts or lock pin.) Mount left sponson; unlock driver's hatch; enter tank.

Unlock bog's hatch; clear bow gun.

Move to turret.

Mount to rear deck via right fender and sponson.

Check engine coolant level.

Lay tarpaulin to right of tank.  
Supervise inspection made by other crew members. Unlock hatches.

Elevate howitzer; traverse turret left to expose tools.

Open cupola hatch.

Check fuel level, including auxiliary generator tank.

  Release howitzer traveling bracket.
  Pass hand tools to driver.   Receive tools; lay out on tarpaulin and check. Open rear engine door to permit ventilation.
  Remove breech covers; clear turret weapons.     Check engine compartment for leaks.
  Receive muzzle covers.

Stow muzzle and breech covers.

    Remove and pass muzzle covers to gunner.
Command: REPORT.  
Report "Gunner ready".
 
 
Report "Bog ready".
 
 
 
Report "Driver ready".
 
 
 
 
Report "Loader ready".

 

PHASE B
 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: PERFORM PHASE B.        
Mount to rear deck; help bog open door.

Assist gunner in sight adjustment.

Receive cleaning rods; swab bores of piece and both machine guns.

Return cleaning rods to gunner.

Apply tape muzzle covers.11

Check all hatch covers.

Dismount.

Traverse turret manually one revolution to the left;9 check azimuth indicator.

Make sight adjustment.

Pass cleaning rods to sergeant.

Check elevating mechanism.

Check firing controls.

Help loader check air cleaners.

Receive and stow cleaning rods.

Open top engine door.

Check the following:

Crankcase breather.

Engine oil level.10

Fan belts.

Engine compartment for fuel, oil or water leaks.

Engine accessories for security and adjustment.

Listen for operation of fuel cut-off.

Drain fuel filter.

Dismount.

Check engine oil level.12

Check hull drain valve in engine compartment.

Help driver check lights.

Take mounted post.

Close battery master switches.

Check the following:

Steering levers.

Gear shift lever (place in neutral).

Parking brake.

Clutch free travel.

Transmission oil level.

Hull drain valve.

Priming pump operation.

Fuel cut-off operation.

Instruments.

Siren.

Compass.

Service and blackout lights.

Open hatch; take mounted post.

Check pistol port.

Check the following:

Cal .50 ammunition.

Spare engine and recoil oil.

Shell crimper.

Decontaminating apparatus.

Canvas bucket.

Hull drain valve beneath turret.

Air cleaners.

Water containers.

12 rounds ammunition in right sponson.

Spare antenna.

Auxiliary generator: Operation, tools, spare parts (allow to run in cold weather prior to starting engine).

Open fuel valves.

Check:

Battery.

Fixed fire extinguishers and controls.

Rations and cooking stove.

Command: REPORT.  
Report "Gunner ready".
 
 
Report "Bog ready".
 
 
 
Report "Driver ready".
 
 
 
 
Report "Loader ready".

 

PHASE C13
 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: PERFORM PHASE C.        
Move to engine compartment.

Check automatic oil filter.

Observe condition of exhaust.

Direct driver to move tank forward two tank lengths.

Walk ahead of tank; check condition of right track shoes and inside wedge nuts or lock pins and connectors.

Check outer wedge nuts or lock pins and connectors; watch action and condition of support rollers, shoes, and tank suspension as tank moves to rear.

Mount to rear deck.

Check engine for leaks, vibrating accessories or parts.

Help bog close doors and stow tarpaulin.

Pass tools to gunner.

Take mounted post.

Check the following:

Submachine gun, ammunition, and personal equipment.

Periscope, spare, spare heads, and periscope holder.

Spare vision blocks.

Flag set.

Binoculars.

Mount antenna.

Make 1st echelon radio check (paragraph 5 b).

Complete trip ticket.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Check the following:

Gun tools and spare parts.

Hand fire extinguisher.

Hand grenades.

Submachine gun, ammunition, and personal equipment.

Periscope, spare, and spare heads (including knob settings).

Gunner's quadrant and case.

Elevation quadrant.

Telescope and mount.

Check howitzer and mount.

Clean chamber and breech mechanism.

Check recoil oil. Lock howitzer traveling lock.

Receive and stow tools.

Lock turret traversing lock.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Tighten exposed sprocket ring cap screws.

Close rear engine door.

Walk behind tank; check condition of left track shoes and inside wedge nuts or lock pins and connectors.

Direct driver to move to rear; tighten inside cap screws as exposed.

Place tools in bag.

Fold tarpaulin.

Place tools on tarpaulin on rear deck.

Mount to rear deck.

Close top engine doors.

Stow tarpaulin.

Open hatch.

Take mounted post.

Check the following:

Gun book, manuals, and accident form.

Bow gun and mount (adjust headspace).

Cal .30 ammunition.

Submachine gun, ammunition, and personal equipment.

105-mm ammunition behind seat and in right sponson.

Escape hatch.

Periscopes, spare, and spare heads.

Tripod mount.

Hull drain valve.

Hand fire extinguisher.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Start engine (operate at idle speed until temperature reaches 100° F).

During warmup check:

Instruments.

Engine for smoothness of operation and unusual noises.

Magnetos.

Drive tank forward at slow speed two tank lengths.

Drive tank to rear as directed by bog.

Check the following:

Lubrication guide.

Submachine gun, ammunition, and personal equipment.

Ventilating blower.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Check machine gun tools and spare parts.

Mount AA gun; check gun and mount (adjust headspace).

Check the following:

Coaxial gun and mount (adjust headspace).

Smoke mortar and bombs.

Cal .30 ammunition.

105-mm ammunition left of power tunnel.

Flare launcher and flares.

Submachine gun, ammunition, and personal equipment.

Periscope, spare, and spare heads.

Safety belt.

Turret exhaust fan.

Connect breakaway plugs.

Command: REPORT (interphone check).  
Report "Gunner ready".
 
 
Report "Bog ready".
 
 
 
Report "Driver ready".
 
 
 
 
Report "Loader ready".
Report READY to platoon leader.        

40. DURING OPERATION INSPECTION, M4A3. This is a continuous process for all crew members.

 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Remain alert to unusual noises or conditions.

Check radio and interphone system.

Check security of:

Radio antenna.

Outside fixtures and equipment.

Check operation of elevation and traversing mechanisms.

Check security of:

Turret lock.

Howitzer.

Watch instruments.

Listen for unusual noises.

Check security of bow gun.

Check all instruments carefully.

Check controls.

Listen for unusual noises.

Check stowage of equipment in turret.

Check security of:

Coaxial gun.

Radio.

AA gun.

41. HALT INSPECTION, M4A3. The length of halt determines how much of the following inspection will be completed and the normal priority of operations. The tank commander will be informed of the length of halt and will indicate how much time is to be allotted to inspection and how much for relief of the crew members. (During the inspection, the turret is traversed as necessary to facilitate those operations requiring it.)

 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: PERFORM HALT INSPECTION.        
Disconnect breakaway plugs. Disconnect breakaway plugs. Disconnect breakaway plugs. Disconnect breakaway plugs. Disconnect breakaway plugs.
Check radio for security.

Emerge from turret.

Release turret lock.

Elevate howitzer; check traverse.

Dismount.

Check under tank for fuel, oil or water leaks.

Idle engine (run 2 minutes before stopping).

Check instruments.

Turn on radio speaker.

Man AA gun.

Clean vision blocks, all turret periscopes, and telescope. Check sight adjustment.

Check auxiliary generator operation.

Mount to rear deck.

Help driver open top doors.

Dismount to rear deck.

Open top engine doors.

 
Inspect tracks and tank suspension.

Supervise halt inspection.

Check coaxial gun and mount.

Check smoke mortar.

Check air cleaners.

Check firing controls.

Check howitzer and mount.

Place howitzer in traveling position.

Lock turret lock.

Check stowage of equipment in turret.

Check the following:

Fuel level in all tanks.

Engine coolant level.

Outside equipment.

Engine oil level.14

Close doors.

Dismount.

Open rear door; check oil level; close door.14

Help driver check lights.

Check final drives for leaks or excessive temperatures.

Check towing shackles.

Check engine operation.

Inspect engine compartment.

Take mounted post.

Stop engine (use fuel cut-off).

Check the following:

Steering levers.

Gear shift lever.

Parking brake.

Clutch free travel.

Transmission oil level and temperature.

Service and blackout lights.

Driver's and bog's compartments for oil leaks.

 
Take mounted post.   Take mounted post.   Resume mounted post.
    Clean periscopes. Clean periscopes. Turn off speaker.
Connect breakaway plugs. Connect breakaway plugs. Connect breakaway plugs. Connect breakaway plugs. Connect breakaway plugs.
Command: REPORT.  
Report "Gunner ready".
 
 
Report "Bog ready".
 
 
 
Report "Driver ready".
 
 
 
 
Report "Loader ready".

42. AFTER OPERATION MAINTENANCE, M4A3. a. After operation the tank is immediately given whatever servicing and maintenance is needed to prepare it in every way for further sustained action. This servicing covers all the points listed in the Before Operation Inspection and covers them in the same order, with obvious modifications. (For example, the tank is locked at the end of the inspection instead of being unlocked at the beginning; the check for leaks under the tank is more effective after it has stood for awhile; battery switches are turned off rather than on and only after all checks requiring use of battery power; equipment is covered and stowed rather than being uncovered and made ready for use.)

b. The tank will be completely cleaned, serviced, and replenished (fuel, oil (all types), grease, coolant, ammunition (all types), first aid kit, water, and rations). All special precautions against fire will be observed while refueling. Crew members will perform the following additional operations not covered in the Before Operation Inspection.

 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: PERFORM AFTER OPERATION MAINTENANCE.        
Complete trip ticket; forward to platoon leader, together with report of any necessary 2d echelon maintenance, fuel, lubricants, ammunition and rations required. Clean all weapons. Help driver clean tank.

Help gunner clean weapons.

Idle engine 2 minutes before stopping.

Clean tank suspension and outside of tank.

Help gunner clean weapons.

Help gunner clean weapons.

43. PERIODIC ADDITIONAL SERVICES, M4A3. Services performed weekly in garrison; in combat and on maneuvers they are performed after each field operation.

 Tank Commander   Gunner   Bow Gunner   Driver   Cannoneer 
Command: FALL IN; PREPARE FOR INSPECTION.        
Inspect crew. Stand inspection. Stand inspection. Stand inspection. Stand inspection.
Command: PERFORM INSPECTION.        
Supervise inspection. Mount to turret.

Clean turret.

Clean and touch up any rust spots in turret.

Mount to rear deck; help driver clean engine and engine compartment. Open engine doors and clean engine and engine compartment.

Take mounted post.

Mount to turret.

Clean batteries and case.

Test batteries with hydrometer.

Bring cells to proper water level.

  Dismount. Operate and check hull drain valves in engine compartment.

Take mounted post.

Clean driver's compartment and left interior of hull. Operate auxiliary generator to charge batteries.

Dismount.

    Clean bog's compartment and right interior of hull.    
    Operate and check hull drain valve. Operate and check hull drain valve.  
  Tighten all wedge nuts and inspect track.   Drive tank forward as required for tightening wedge nuts. Help gunner tighten wedge nuts and inspect track.
  Help perform 250-mile lubrication. Help perform 250-mile lubrication. Perform 250-mile lubrication, refer ring to appropriate guide.

Close engine doors.

Help perform 250-mile lubrication.
    Take mounted post; clean and touch up rust spots in bog's compartment. Take mounted post; clean and touch up rust spots in driver's compartment.  
Command: REPORT.  
Report "Gunner ready".
 
 
Report "Bog ready".
 
 
 
Report "Driver ready".
 
 
 
 
Report "Loader ready".

1 May be checked by cannoneer in turret compartment on some earlier models.
2 Traverse is made piecemeal and may even be reversed for short distances to coordinate with and facilitate other operations and checks.
3 In bivouac and on non-tactical marches commanders will decide whether permanent type muzzle covers will be employed for convenience or greater protection.
4 May be checked by cannoneer on some earlier models; on later models checked by bow gunner from the rear deck.
5 Later model tanks have no oil dilution valve or fuel filter cleaner.
6 Later model tanks have no oil dilution valve or fuel filter cleaner.
7 The flame thrower, on tanks so equipped, is checked in this phase. The crew member using the weapon checks its condition, mechanism, and the fuel level in the tank in accordance with the appropriate published guide. It is mounted for use on order of the tank commander.
8 Engine oil level checked in turret on earlier models, from rear deck on later model tanks.
9 Traverse is made piecemeal and may even be reversed for short distances to coordinate with and facilitate other operations and checks.
10 Engine oil level checked through rear door on earlier model engines, through top door on later models.
11 In bivouac and on non-tactical marches commanders will decide whether permanent type muzzle covers will be employed for convenience or greater protection.
12 Engine oil level checked through rear door on earlier model engines, through top door on later models.
13 The flame thrower, on tanks so equipped, is checked in this phase. The crew member using the weapon checks its condition, mechanism, and the fuel level in the tank in accordance with the appropriate published guide. It is mounted for use on order of the tank commander.
14 Engine oil level checked through rear door on earlier model engines, through top door on later models.
 


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