Crews of tanks, depending on the classification of tanks (BM), differ in positions, number and composition, depending on the model of the tank. For example, the full crew of the BT-7 tank is three people, the T-34 - 4 people, the KV-2 - 6 people.

The main positions of tankers are: commander, gunner, driver, loader, radio operator and machine gunner.

The tank commander directs the actions of the tank crew during combat operations, during training and combat activities and maintenance of the materiel. The tank commander reports to the tank platoon commander and is the immediate superior for the tank crew (squad). The military positions of tank commanders are recruited by military personnel after training in a training military unit.

A regular position in the Russian Armed Forces - squad leader in a tank platoon. The regular military rank is sergeant. Until the 1960s, tank commanders had a higher rank: petty officer in the 1950s, and even junior officers during the Great Patriotic War.

The gunner of a tank gun is the deputy tank commander. When a tank crew is performing a combat mission, the gunner fires from a tank cannon and a machine gun at targets indicated by the tank commander or detected independently. A feature of the specialist's activity is the precise aiming of the weapon on the target and the implementation of shots.

A regular position in the Russian Armed Forces - gunner-operator. Established military rank - corporal.

The driver-mechanic (slang driver) is subordinate to the tank commander and is directly responsible for the technical condition of the tank's undercarriage. The tank driver must drive the tank well in any conditions (in a convoy, in the combat formations of a subunit), skillfully overcome obstacles and obstacles, hard-to-reach terrain, and choose optimal modes and routes of movement. He must also monitor the battlefield, emerging targets, report them to the tank commander, and provide the gunner with the best conditions for firing.

The activity of the driver is directly related to ensuring the constant readiness of the tank to perform a combat mission. He is responsible for the efficient use of the equipment entrusted to him, economical consumption of fuel and lubricants, maintains the engine, auxiliary mechanisms, electrical equipment, hydraulic systems and others in good condition.

A regular position in the Russian Armed Forces - driver-mechanic, senior driver-mechanic. Established military rank - private corporal.

Loader - a position, military registration specialty and a soldier who is on it.

A tank loader needs excellent knowledge of the tactical and technical characteristics of a combat vehicle (tank), guns, machine guns and ammunition used by the crew, the ability to prepare them for firing, and quickly and skillfully load a tank gun. The tank loader is a member of the tank's crew, subordinate to the tank commander. Together with the gunner, he participates in the preparation of the weapon for battle. He also monitors the availability of communications and performs observer duties in the field of view indicated by the commander. The loader of the tank must know the duties of the gunner of the tank gun and, if necessary, replace it. In addition, his duties include helping the driver-mechanic refuel the tank with fuel and water, as well as know the structure of the tank's anti-aircraft machine gun, the rules for firing from it, and be able to fire at air targets.

A full-time position in the Russian Armed Forces - loader. The regular military rank is a private. The loader is a position, a military specialty and a soldier who is on it.

A tank loader needs excellent knowledge of the tactical and technical characteristics of a combat vehicle (tank), guns, machine guns and ammunition used by the crew, the ability to prepare them for firing, and quickly and skillfully load a tank gun. The tank loader is a member of the tank's crew, subordinate to the tank commander. Together with the gunner, he participates in the preparation of the weapon for battle. He also monitors the availability of communications and performs observer duties in the field of view indicated by the commander. The loader of the tank must know the duties of the gunner of the tank gun and, if necessary, replace it. In addition, his duties include helping the driver-mechanic refuel the tank with fuel and water, as well as know the structure of the tank's anti-aircraft machine gun, the rules for firing from it, and be able to fire at air targets.

A full-time position in the Russian Armed Forces - loader. Established military rank - private.