21st Century U.S. Army Tank Gunnery Training Devices and Usage Strategies (FM 17-12.7): Abrams Tank (M1/M1A1) Targeting Simulation Systems

In the first chapter, it states: "Crew turbulence and the rising cost of tank main gun ammunition, fuel, and spare parts make it difficult to produce and maintain skilled tank crews, sections, and platoons. Moreover, units’ time at range complexes grow shorter and shorter. Therefore, more gunnery sustainment training must be done at the home station using simulators and appended gunnery training devices. Training devices help fill some of the void caused by lack of resources. They cannot, however, replace or duplicate main gun firing or other vital aspects of gunnery or tactical training. Their purpose is to enhance training. Devices allow the trainer to identify and correct procedural errors. They enable the trainer to spot tank crews or individuals who are having problems with a particular gunnery or tactical task. This field manual is like a catalog. Each device is illustrated and has a purpose statement, brief description, and usage strategy. From this information, the user can decide which device best suits his training needs, and refer to the matrix in the appendix to verify his choice."