Chapter 1 

Introduction

Stryker drivers must know how to operate vehicle equipment effectively in all environments. They must be challenged to use safe driving practices and increase their awareness for accident avoidance. This chapter addresses these important driver needs and materials available to accommodate training.

purpose

1-1.        Developed as a supplement to AR 600-55, The Army Driver and Operator Standardization Program, TC 7-21 provides performance tests and lists of supporting training materials for all Stryker vehicles. Its purpose is to assist leaders in meeting the challenge of producing quality Stryker vehicle drivers.

Scope

1-2.        Leaders must emphasize driver training because high-technology, high-performance Stryker vehicles demand excellent driver skills. TC 7-21 does not replace AR 600-55, which specifies the regulatory requirements for selecting, training, testing, and licensing drivers. This training circular provides guidance on specific Stryker vehicle training with emphasis on operation and safety. The need for initial and concurrent Stryker driver training has produced several Stryker driver training support packages (TSPs); so this TC discusses their teaching format and TSP access. Unit constraints on terrain and resources may limit the extent to which a TSP can be implemented. To accommodate this, unit commanders have the flexibility to make minor TSP modifications. Regardless of any modifications, drivers must pass the required TSP tests to be issued an OF 346 standard or limited permit (IAW AR 600-55, chapter 6).

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

1-3.        The supporting materials unique to each Stryker vehicle are listed at the end of the training support packages. The following materials apply to all Stryker vehicles.

(1)     AR 600-55, The Army Driver and Operator Standardization Program (Selection, Training, Testing, and Licensing), 31 December 1993. This regulation describes the following:

    l        Responsibilities for conducting the motor vehicle driver program.

    l        Licensing requirements for applicants of motor vehicle driver positions.

    l        The process for choosing potential drivers.

    l        The training program for drivers of all types of vehicles and equipment.

    l        The testing program.

    l        Controls on issuing licenses.

    l        Types of licenses that may be issued.

    l        Procedures for renewing, revoking, or suspending licenses.

    l        Procedures for qualifying operators to use special equipment and night vision devices.

(2)     Soldier Training Publications. The individual tasks in this TC's training support packages were derived from Soldier training publications developed for Stryker vehicles.

(3)     AR 385-55, Prevention of Motor Vehicle Accidents, 12 March 1987. This regulation establishes responsibilities and procedures for carrying out the Army Safety Program's motor vehicle accident prevention effort.

(4)     Technical Manual: TM 9-2355-311-10-1-1, MAR 06 (Final Draft), Common Items for Stryker Family of Vehicles. 

CONTENTS

1-4.        Contents in this training circular are designed to provide training information, strategies, program development, and training support materials for Stryker driver training. Leaders will receive relevant information to assist the development of individual training programs. Everything from instructor/driver selection—to driver tactics, techniques, and procedures are covered in the pages that follow. Working together with available TSPs, TC 7-21 can improve your unit driver skills.  

1-5.        The information contained in this publication is applicable to all active Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard units that use Stryker vehicles.

Figure 1-1. Infantry carrier vehicle