Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual Change 2 TM 9-1240-368-12 for M65 Battery Command Periscope, May 1974
Item Overview
This official U.S. Army Change 2 publication updates TM 9-1240-368-12 for the M65 Battery Command Periscope, FSN 1240-678-5577. Issued in May 1974, it was prepared for use with the original technical manual dated May 15, 1970. This listing is for the Change 2 update only; it does not include the complete base manual, periscope, tripod, carrying case, or other equipment.
Identification and Features
The “-12” suffix identifies the original publication as an operator and organizational maintenance manual. Change 2 provided revised information needed to keep that manual current during the M65 periscope’s continued military service. The later National Stock Number format for the equipment is NSN 1240-00-678-5577.
- Publication: Change 2 to TM 9-1240-368-12
- Change date: May 1974
- Original manual date: May 15, 1970
- Subject: M65 Battery Command Periscope
- Federal Stock Number: 1240-678-5577
- Later NSN format: 1240-00-678-5577
- Maintenance level: Operator and organizational
- Issuing authority: Department of the Army
- Item included: Change 2 publication only
About the Change Publication
Army change publications were issued to revise selected pages, instructions, illustrations, or technical details in an existing manual. Personnel followed the included directions to remove outdated pages and insert or record the new information. Change 2 is not a complete manual by itself and was intended to be kept with the May 15, 1970 edition of TM 9-1240-368-12.
Original Manual Coverage
The complete TM 9-1240-368-12 provided operating and organizational maintenance guidance for the M65. Publications at this level commonly covered equipment identification, setup, operation, inspection, preventive maintenance, cleaning, basic troubleshooting, authorized adjustments, and preparation for storage or movement. Change 2 updated selected parts of that guidance rather than repeating the full manual.
About the M65 Battery Command Periscope
The M65 is a binocular optical-mechanical instrument used for artillery observation and fire control. It has two periscopic telescopes connected by a hinged upper section that allows adjustment between the eyepieces. The instrument provides 7-power magnification and was designed to measure horizontal azimuth and vertical angles of sight while giving the observer a raised view from a protected position.
Artillery Fire-Control Use
Artillery personnel used the M65 at command posts and observation positions to study terrain, locate reference points, observe targets, measure angles, and watch the fall of shot. Information from the observer could then be sent to the firing battery for corrections. The M65 was not a weapon and was not limited to one gun or howitzer model; it supported the wider artillery observation, survey, and fire-direction system.
Historical Background
The M65 design entered service during the World War II era, when dependable optical instruments were essential for accurate artillery fire. It remained useful during the Korean War, Vietnam era, and later Cold War years. The May 1974 Change 2 publication shows that the Army was still updating support information for this long-serving instrument more than three decades after its introduction.
Condition
This vintage military change publication may show cover wear, edge wear, folds, yellowing, stains, writing, stamps, loose pages, punched holes, or other signs of age and storage. Printing details and condition may vary between available copies. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This Change 2 publication is a specialized addition to collections and exhibits covering American artillery, military optics, technical-manual revisions, and Vietnam-era equipment.
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M65 Battery Command Periscope displays
- Artillery fire-control research
- Vietnam-era military collections
- Military-optics restoration references
- Museum and archival exhibits
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height .1", Approx weight .15lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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