Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-368-12 for M65 Battery Command Periscope W/E, May 1970
Item Overview
This official U.S. Army technical manual covers the operation and organizational maintenance of the M65 Battery Command Periscope W/E. Published as TM 9-1240-368-12 in May 1970, it identifies the equipment under FSN 1240-678-5577. This listing is for the manual only. It does not include the M65 periscope, tripod, carrying case, accessories, or other equipment.
Identification and Features
The “-12” suffix identifies this as an operator and organizational maintenance manual. “W/E” means “with equipment,” an Army supply term for the periscope issued as an authorized equipment set. The later National Stock Number format for this item is NSN 1240-00-678-5577.
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-368-12
- Publication date: May 1970
- Subject: M65 Battery Command Periscope W/E
- Federal Stock Number: 1240-678-5577
- Later NSN format: 1240-00-678-5577
- Manual level: Operator and organizational maintenance
- Edition: Official reprint with current Change 2 pages
- Equipment type: Binocular optical-mechanical fire-control instrument
- Item included: Technical manual only
Official Change 2 Reprint
This is an official military reprint rather than a commercial reproduction. It contains current replacement pages issued through Change 2, allowing the Army to update procedures and technical information while keeping the May 1970 publication date. The incorporated pages make this copy a useful record of the manual in its revised service form.
Manual Coverage
TM 9-1240-368-12 was prepared for personnel who operated and cared for the M65 in the field. Manuals at this level commonly covered identification, setup, operation, inspection, preventive maintenance, cleaning, basic troubleshooting, authorized adjustments, and preparation for storage or movement. It supported routine work needed to keep the instrument accurate and ready for use.
About the M65 Battery Command Periscope
The M65 is a binocular periscopic instrument made for artillery observation and fire control. Its two optical tubes are joined by a hinged upper section that allows the eyepieces to be adjusted for the user. The instrument provides 7-power magnification and helps measure horizontal azimuth and vertical angles of sight. Its raised optical path allowed an observer to view terrain and targets while remaining lower and better protected behind cover.
Artillery Fire-Control Use
The M65 was normally placed on a stable mount at a command or observation position. Artillery personnel used it to study terrain, locate reference points, observe targets, measure angles, and watch the fall of shot. Observations and corrections could then be sent to the firing battery. The periscope was not a weapon and was not limited to one model of gun or howitzer; it served as part of the wider artillery survey, observation, and fire-direction system.
Historical Background
The M65 design traces its service history to the World War II period, when accurate field optics were vital to massed artillery fire. The instrument continued to support U.S. forces during the Korean War and remained useful through the Vietnam era and the Cold War. Its long service life reflects the value of a rugged optical instrument that could measure angles and provide observation without depending on electronic range-finding equipment.
Collector and Research Value
The May 1970 edition documents how the Army maintained an established artillery instrument during the Vietnam era. Its integrated Change 2 pages add value for collectors studying official publication updates. The manual is also useful for museums, restorers, historians, and researchers working with U.S. artillery optics and fire-control equipment.
Condition
This vintage military technical manual may show cover wear, edge wear, folds, yellowing, stains, writing, stamps, loose pages, 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 manual is a specialized reference for collections and exhibits focused on American artillery, military optics, observation equipment, and Vietnam-era technical publications.
- 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 educational exhibits
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height .25", Approx weight .2lbs.
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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