Can we have memory topic going?

[MTLB-CMDR_Finn]

In short, share your memories or experiences about being tank crewman. If you have questions for tankers, you can share them too.

 

Few of my own memories are waking up in the morning, putting on my oily and sweaty tanker overalls and making MRE by putting cold water in, sealing the bag and placing the MRE atop of engine exhaust. Soon I had a very good and hot MRE ready.

 

Another on is choosing a "alternative" route and encountering a suspiciously flat area in middle of winter. When driving over it, the ice broke, and we got one MTLBv stuck in icy and swampy pond. Well, I led my tank to air cover out of the way, driving over a skilane in the process. Threads messed up the skilane very well, and after this our trainer notified that one of the biggest ski competions in Finland was few days away- using the same lane that I just destroyed. 

[mpow66m]

Whats it like crewing an MTLB?Is it a POS?

[MTLB-CMDR_Finn]

POS? But being a MTLB crewman is comfy, tank has literal leather couches at the back for sleeping. Of cource tank is tiny and made in soviet union, so ergonomics are not good at all. And transmission is unsyncronized, so driver has to know what he is doing. 

 

And maintainance is pain, for prevously mentioned reasons. Transmission adjustments especially. 

 

 

[Ssnake]

Said to have very good characteristics on snow, or swampy terrain, though.

[TSe419E]

Heating C-rations in the field by either putting them in the exhaust stream of the personnel heater, the hot air vent in the turret, or burning the box while the can was inside. 

 

Hot breakfasts brought out by the 1st Sargents.  

 

That glorious hot shower provided for us by the unionized Dutch Army (on a weekend) after being in the field for 30 days.

 

Being the gunner during gunnery.

 

Hitting a 2000+ meter target with the first round while on the move.

 

Pulling three 88s and two M60A1s out of the frozen muck at Hohenfels.

 

Etc, etc, etc...

[MTLB-CMDR_Finn]

1 hour ago, Ssnake said:

Said to have very good characteristics on snow, or swampy terrain, though.

does have very good mobility on any terrain, MTLBv can cross open swamp and snow means nothing. But this time the ice broke in such way that rear part of tank dropped in pond, so tracks did not get traction to pull itself out. We solved it by attaching spikes (soviet hardened steel spikes that are bolted straight to tracks) and the tank got out using its own power. I remembered that I have picture of this, hopefully it uploads. 

[Lumituisku]

Maaan.... I wish Id be / have been a tanker. And considering what I currently do with heavy machines and understand about tanker life. I still stick on that wish. Please guys share us our stories. I really enjoy those! 

 

Best moment's, hardships and giggles. Love em all. 

[MTLB-CMDR_Finn]

Its a slow day at work, so Im going to post few new memories. Perhaps somebody will find these entertaining. 

 

Once I and another crew voluteered on a short weekend training exercise for new recruits and reservists, when other crews went to home. This excercize turned to be one of the must fun times in the army, as we were acting as an opfor for rookies in night figting. It was very kino to see all those flares and muzzle flashes in winter night. Next day our half platoon was chilling atop of our engine decks to stay warm, our CO approached and asked for one crew to volunteer for special task. I did, and it turned out to be taking some local people to joyride. I asked who these people will be, and CO just said that they are just normal blue collar workes. Well, soon police car pulled in the training area and two very shy looking police officers approached our tanks. They hopped in and we left. In that specific training area was a ice field that was used for driver training for ambulances and fire trucks, but we went there and I just ordered my driver to go as fast as he dared. It was fun to watch the police to hold on to their lifes when MTLB was drifting in ice field, Yamz roaring in max revolutions.

 

Next memory is from bigger excercise in north. I was middle of forest, escorting medic MTLBu. I stopped to look around, and when I turned my head ahead again there was an opfor Leopard, and its commander just noticed me, staring before he started to yell orders in intercom.. Thankfully my driver was faster that his gunner. In same excercise I got the best possible leadership training, as we were carrying out search and destroy mission against enemy remnants that were scattered around after Leo 2A6 company performed counterattack.  We were stuck in FASCAM minefield in a crossroad, when enemy counterattacked and I was in command of that detachment, even if I was just lowly tank commander NCO. We held that crossoads, even if I lost most of the infrantry and one of my platoons tanks. We got support from one of the rarest vehicles in FDF, Marksman SPAAGs, so that was fun to see them in action.

 

Last memory is in same excercise, this time concerning fog of war and importance of recon. Our columm was moving to different location, and CO was driving up front in SUV. But enemy was already there, so we drove straing to ambush. There is not much you can do in narrow forest road when NLAW gunner pops up from behind a rock and just ends you.