"March 20th, 1945
Syllabus for technical preparation of crews for usage of tanks and SPGs in spring-summer conditions
Objective: to teach the main rules of moving over to using tanks and SPGs in the spring and summer and learn the specifics of using tanks and SPGs in the spring and summer.
Time allotted: 12 hours, one hour per day
Location: in classrooms and in vehicles
Training conducted by: technical deputy commanders of companies and battalions
Topic #1: preparation of tanks and SPGs for usage in spring-summer conditions:
- Draining antifreeze and cleaning out cooling systems.
- Cleaning oil and fuel filters, air cleaners, replacement of winter oil with summer oil.
- Moving to reduced density batteries.
- Correct adjustment of water pump, fan, and generator drive belts on the SU-76.
- Enablement of oil radiators in the T-34 tank and SU-85/100 SPGs, locking the oil distribution lever in the "on" position.
- Packing of the fan housing and rear plate on heavy tanks and SPGs to prevent dust from entering.
- Removing the heating screens from M4A2 and Valentine tank oil and water radiators, checking the thermostats.
- Studying orders of the Commander of the 2nd Guards Tank Army on moving over to using tanks in summer conditions.
Topic #2: specifics of using tanks and SPGs in summer conditions
- Frequency of cleaning and rules for installation of air cleaners.
- Steps for fuelling, frequency of cleaning the fuel filters, draining sludge from the fuel tanks.
- Steps for refilling oil, frequency of cleaning the oil filters, cleaning the filters and sumps on the T-34 tank.
- Steps for refilling the cooling system with water, simple methods for determining the quality of water. Periodic cleaning of the surfaces of water and oil radiators.
- Engine operating modes, reasons for overheating, methods for preventing overheating, rules for cooling down an engine that overheated.
- Replacement of grease in final drives, refilling bearings of the main and final drive clutches with grease.
- Cleaning of electrical equipment after fording.
- Controlling the battery condition (checking the level and density of electrolyte, clearing the openings in the plugs).
Topic #3: methods of extending the lifespan of tanks and SPGs and preventing emergencies
- Specifics of servicing vehicles when the unit or formation is operating deep behind enemy lines.
- Methods to prevent unnecessary running of the engine and increasing average movement speed.
- Recording the service life of a vehicle, keeping technical documentation.
- The reliability and time between repairs for combat vehicles.
- Characteristic breakdowns of components and assemblies of a tank if used incorrectly.
Topic #4: summertime materials
- Types of fuel and lubricants used during the summer.
- Replacements for the main types of fuel and lubricants.
Topic #5:
- Specifics of driving tanks and SPGs during the mud season, driving tanks in forests and sands.
- Crossing water hazards with tanks and SPGs in the spring and summer time.
Recommended reading:
- Instructions for using tanks and SPGs in the summer time
- Instructions for using tanks and SPGs
- Estimating technical servicing work
Chief of the Repair and Usage Department, Guards Engineer-Lieutenant Colonel Chulkov"