Gunnery scoring under TC 3-20.31 is objective, rigid, and data-driven. Engagements are scored out of a maximum of 1,000 points (100 points per engagement across 10 distinct tasks).

If you are a crewman, download the PDF today. Open it to Table VI. Read the "Conditions" section. Ask yourself: Can my crew meet this standard in the dark? In the rain? Under NBC conditions?

Crew gunnery acts as of the IWTS framework. Before a crew can execute Table VI (Live-Fire Qualification), they must successfully pass through a gated progression system. This ensures ammunition and range time are never wasted on untrained personnel.

In the U.S. Army’s doctrine for armored combat, the Training Circular (TC) 3-20.31, Training and Qualification, Crew , is a cornerstone publication. It defines how crews of combat vehicles—from Abrams tanks to Strykers—train, rehearse, and qualify on their weapons systems. As of 2026, the updated doctrine stresses a standardized approach to gunnery, removing reliance on unit-level minimums.

This report details the purpose, scope, structure, and key training concepts found within the publication.

This table focuses on academic and foundational skills. It includes weapon maintenance, ammunition identification, clear-and-safe procedures, and basic target acquisition. Crews typically complete this via written exams and hands-on testing. Table II: Crew Defense

This table bridges the gap between simulation and full-caliber live fire. Crews use sub-caliber weapons (such as a .50 caliber or 7.62mm system mounted on a main gun) or laser-based training devices on a scaled range to practice movement and fire commands. Table V: Crew Practice (Full-Caliber)

Standardized tables that progress from basic simulation to live-fire qualification. The Integrated Weapons Training Strategy (IWTS)

The TC 3-20.31 training circular is essential for ensuring that C-130 crew members are properly trained and qualified to operate and maintain the aircraft. The document helps to:

All of the new platform-specific manuals follow the . This strategy ensures a holistic approach to training, guiding crews through a progressive path from individual skills to collective, live-fire proficiency. Each manual provides the information necessary to plan, prepare, execute, and assess training events within that specific platform's training strategy.

TC 3-20.31 outlines six primary crew tables that crews must complete to qualify:

By stratifying training in this manner, TC 3-20.31 ensures that "qualification" is not an endpoint, but a milestone in a continuous cycle of readiness.