Weapons Lane
ESB2

M136 AT4 LAUNCHER

15 sec (prepare & fire) 45 sec (misfire procedures)

Conditions: You have been directed to engage targets with your AT4. While engaging, you experience a misfire.

Understanding This Task

The M136 AT4 is a single-shot, disposable anti-tank weapon. This task has two parts: prepare and fire (15 seconds), then handle a double misfire (45 seconds).

Verbal requirements: You must verbalize "Back blast area clear" before firing, the 5-second wait after the first misfire, the 2-minute wait after the second misfire, and breaking off the sights to mark it as misfired.

Key sequence: Remove from carry, deploy shoulder stop, open sights, cock, check back blast, arm safety catch, fire.

Common NO-GO Mistakes

  • Not verbalizing "Back blast area clear" before firing
  • Not verbalizing the 5-second wait after first misfire
  • Not verbalizing the 2-minute wait after second misfire
  • Not verbalizing breaking off sights to identify AT4 as misfired
  • Wrong sequence of cocking lever operation

Starting Configuration

Weapon: AT4 training launcher with tools and accessories, slung.

Position: Standing with weapon slung.

Task Basis: 071-054-0001, 071-054-0003

Video Resources

ESB 2022: AT4 — 1-2 SBCT
SFC Whetzel demonstrates AT4 procedures for ESB
How To Operate the AT4
Step-by-step AT4 features and operation
Prepare & Fire Timer: 15 Seconds
0:15
Critical Notes
  • Must verbalize "Back blast area clear" before firing.
  • Must verbalize the 5-second wait after first misfire.
  • Must verbalize the 2-minute wait after second misfire.
  • Must verbalize breaking off sights to identify AT4 as misfired.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

0/2 GO
  1. 1

    Prepare and fire

    • Remove AT4 from carrying position, cradle in left arm. Keep muzzle toward target area.
    • Pull and release transport safety pin. Unsnap, unfold, and hold shoulder stop with right hand.
    • Grip base of sling (left hand) and shoulder stop (right hand).
    • Raise munition away from body. Pivot 90 degrees to face target, place on right shoulder.
    • Open front sight cover: press down, slide rearward.
    • Open rear sight cover: press down, slide forward.
    • Unfold cocking lever with right hand. Place thumb under cocking lever.
    • Push cocking lever forward using support of fingers. Rotate downward and to the right, allow to slide backward.
    • Adjust rear sight to correct range.
    • Visually check and state: "Back blast area clear."
    • Place first two fingers of right hand on red safety catch, extend thumb.
    • Pull back on sling with left hand to seat shoulder stop firmly.
    • Attempt to fire the munition.
  2. 2

    Perform misfire procedures CRITICAL

    • First misfire: Announce "Misfire" loud enough for friendly personnel to hear.
    • Maintain sight picture. Keep AT4 pointed at target. Keep back blast area clear.
    • Release red trigger button and red safety release catch.
    • VERBALIZE: "I am waiting 5 seconds." Remove right hand from firing mechanism.
    • Check back blast area. State "Back blast area clear." Recock the AT4.
    • Press red safety release catch. Aim. Press and hold red trigger button.
    • Second misfire: Announce "Misfire."
    • Keep AT4 pointed at target. Release trigger and safety catch.
    • VERBALIZE: "I am waiting 2 minutes" (if situation permits).
    • Return cocking lever to SAFE (un-cocked) position.
    • Remove AT4 from shoulder, keep pointed in safe direction.
    • Cradle in left arm. Reinsert transport safety pin/fork.
    • VERBALIZE: "I am breaking off the sights to identify this AT4 as misfired."
    • Place AT4 on ground, pointed in safe direction.
Misfire Procedures Timer: 45 Seconds
0:45
ESB1: React to IED M1: MEDEVAC 9-Line