M1 Abrams Track Throwing

The_Chieftain: Xlucine is correct. British (and Canadian) practice is that the second-ranking person in the tank is the loader. The theory is that (1) he is well placed to observe the running of the tank, and assist the commander in that function, and (2) being the other guy who can see out, he can also make good judgement calls on the tactical situation and aid the TC in that manner. New tankies in the British Army are trained either as drivers or gunners.   As an aside, when my tank went down in Iraq on a time-sensitive mission as part of a cordon on a cordon/search (Idler wheel fell off en-route), there was only a section of us. Instead of commandeering my wing tank, I simply told him to take over my spot on the cordon. (I briefed him well, so no difficulties there). I figured that there was little benefit to be gained by inserting myself into a well-working crew just for the sake of being present. I just chilled out with my crew until the -88 showed up.