RAAC — Tactics, Crew & Operations

Trade Code 048 — AVC

Crew Roles

All RAAC enlisted armoured crewmen are classified under Australian Army Trade Code 048 — Armoured Vehicle Crewman (AVC). Each specialisation carries a suffix designating their primary duty position within the M1A1 Abrams crew.

Commander (TC)

AVC-TC — Trade 048 — MTC: Tank Commander

The Tank Commander leads the crew. Responsible for target identification, fire commands, crew coordination, and tactical decision-making. Reports to the Field Commander.

Identify and prioritise targets

Issue GFCO (Gunner, Fire Control Orders)

Navigate and manage crew communications

Maintain situational awareness for the crew

Gunner

AVC-GNR — Trade 048 — MTC: Gunner

Operates the main 120mm gun and coaxial machine gun. Executes fire commands issued by the Commander. Responsible for accurate and timely engagement of designated targets.

Operate main gun and coaxial

Execute fire commands without delay

Report "UP" when ready to fire

Scan for threats in assigned sector

Loader

AVC-LDR — Trade 048 — MTC: Loader

Loads the main gun, manages ammunition, and operates the hatch-mounted weapon. Speed and consistency are critical — the loader's efficiency directly affects combat effectiveness.

Load correct ammunition type on command

Call "LOADED" to confirm ready state

Operate hatch weapon when directed

Monitor internal crew communication

Driver

AVC-DVR — Trade 048 — MTC: Driver

Operates the vehicle — hull-down positioning, route navigation, manoeuvre under fire, and extraction. The driver gives the crew survivability through positioning.

Execute movement and positioning orders

Maintain hull-down and defilade positions

Navigate terrain and avoid obstacles

Execute emergency extraction on command

Field Commander (FC)

AO-FC — Officer — MTC: Field Commander

Coordinates multiple tank crews during operations. Responsible for tactical planning, formation selection, fire support coordination, and reporting to CO/2IC.

Coordinate 2+ tanks in formation

Issue movement and engagement orders

Manage inter-crew communications

Report battle damage and progress to HQ

Radio Operator

SIG (711) — RACS — MTC: Comms

Manages communications between RAAC elements and external units. Maintains radio discipline and ensures all elements can coordinate effectively.

Maintain radio nets and relay messages

Coordinate with external units

Log all communications during operations

Combat Doctrine

Tactics

The RAAC fights using fire-and-manoeuvre doctrine derived from both Australian Army and US Army armour principles. Every engagement should have a plan, a designated target priority, and a withdrawal route.

Fire and Manoeuvre

One element suppresses while another moves. Never expose the full force simultaneously. Bounding overwatch — one tank moves, one covers.

Hull-Down Discipline

Expose only the turret when possible. Use terrain, ridgelines, and buildings for cover. A hull-down Abrams is significantly harder to kill.

Flanking

Attack from unexpected angles. Most tanks have weaker side and rear armour. Coordinated flanking between 2 tanks often results in swift kills.

Target Priority

TC calls priority: nearest threat first, then most dangerous, then opportunity. Gunner engages on command — never fire without a call unless TC is incapacitated.

Withdrawal

Tactical withdrawal is not defeat — it is repositioning. Identify withdrawal routes before engaging. Reverse out of contact, do not turn your rear to the enemy.

Communication

Short, clear calls. "CONTACT FRONT", "ON THE WAY", "LOADED", "DRIVER MOVE". Chatty crews die. Keep net discipline during contact.

Service & Records

Operation Types

All RAAC operations are logged in each member's Personnel File as service record entries. Operation type determines what gets recorded and how it counts toward awards and promotion consideration.

COMBAT OP

Combat Operation

Full engagement against enemy forces in Multicrew Tank Combat. Counts toward Operations stat. CO/2IC authorised. Eligible for combat decorations.

TRAINING

Training Exercise

Crew drills, troop exercises, NTO (No Training Objective) sessions. Counts toward service records. Required for promotion to CPL and above.

JOINT OP

Joint Operation

Operations conducted alongside allied units or groups. Recorded as combined arms operation. Eligible for unit citations.

ADMIN

Administrative

Parades, award ceremonies, inspections, promotions. Logged for completeness. Part of a member's full service history.

All operations must be authorised by CO TerminalLance1775 or 2IC ssorc2 before they are logged in MILPAC. Members wishing to claim operation credit for an unlisted operation should submit a Personnel Action Form (PAF).