Training Circular Tc 21-305-8 Training Program for Medium Vehicles

Book excerpt: Training Circular TC 21-305-8 Training Program For Medium Vehicles This training circular (TC) provides a training program for the wheeled vehicle operator of medium vehicles (straight vehicles, 5 ton and greater), in accordance with Army Regulation (AR) 600-55. It can be used to train drivers of tactical or commercially- designed vehicles. Instructions in this TC are written in general terms because they include driver tasks for several vehicles. Therefore, use the appropriate vehicle operator's manual in conjunction with this TC. While developing this TC, each driver candidate was assumed to have a state driver's license and some past driving experience. Less experienced soldiers will need additional subjects and time to train to the standard. This TC provides standardized training and testing in the operation, maintenance, and safety of medium wheeled vehicles. It stresses hands-on training with minimal classroom instruction. It does not include any theater-unique requirements. To provide effective training, each instructor should ensure his operators are trained and tested to the standards in this TC. Any deviation from successfully completing these basic standards will only decrease the soldiers' overall driving effectiveness. This training program offers commanders some alternatives. Chapter 7 contains training and testing for drivers transporting personnel in trucks; Chapter 8, for drivers transporting personnel in buses. For safety reasons, all drivers should be tested on the End Of Course Comprehensive Test (EOCCT) (Chapter 6) before proceeding to Chapters 7 or 8. Also, Chapter 9 includes additional subjects that can be added at the commander's discretion based on the unit's mission. Graduates (licensed drivers) of this training program should be supervised until they have gained the experience to operate safely. They should not be placed in situations that may be above their skill level. Periodically, the supervisor should ride with each driver to observe safe operating procedures and to determine the need for more training.