How do soldiers react when they encounter enemy tanks?

Most of the time, soldiers hear an enemy tank long before they actually see it.

Well-trained troops stay alert. The first person to spot the vehicle will report its position clearly and calmly: “Tank at 600 meters, left of the barn on the edge of the forest!”

If they haven’t already done so, the unit’s anti-tank team will prepare their weapons.

In many situations, though, the tank will be beyond effective range — especially if the squad only has RPGs rather than modern anti-tank guided missiles like the Javelin, NLAW, or Milan. If the decision is made to engage, the anti-tank team must move closer to the target.

This is the most dangerous phase of the mission: closing the distance to get a viable shot. Tanks rarely operate alone, and where there’s one, there are usually more — often supported by enemy infantry.

Missing the first shot can be fatal. After firing, the team immediately relocates to avoid return fire, then attempts another strike if needed before falling back to rejoin their comrades. The withdrawal is often the riskiest part, since by then the enemy has fixed their position and is directing heavy fire at them.

Hunting tanks is a demanding task. It takes skill, discipline, and a very particular mindset — not to mention a lot of courage.