Probably a simple answer

[Meter rat]

Just been watching videos of tanks in training situations. Tank goes into hull down bunker, fires main gun and then backs out of bunker. My question is why? My thoughts are if they stay in the same place, the opposition would be able to target them. However by moving backwards, they would not be in the immediate vicinity and the impacts of the enemy’s targeting would be lessened?

[MrChef]

You have a good question. I have to assume you are talking of modern battle tanks? I don't have an answer either but after watching this Documentary on the 73 Easting battle I'd assume that what you are describing may be an old school strategy that is currently not effective-

phpBB [video]

Back in the day before the current sights and thermal imaging I'd expect it was quite effective though.

[STHV]

They reverse so that not even the turret can be hit, no sense in being a sitting duck whilst looking for the next target/reloading.

[tankme]

Moving targets are always harder to hit. I would assume they reverse so that they go hull down. The US changes it's doctrine of engagement depending on the terrain and the enemy's capabilities.

[Meter rat]

You have a good question. I have to assume you are talking of modern battle tanks? I don't have an answer either but after watching this Documentary on the 73 Easting battle I'd assume that what you are describing may be an old school strategy that is currently not effective-

The question does relate to modern tanks. The German, British, and American tanks all do it..

[MrChef]

The question does relate to modern tanks. The German, British, and American tanks all do it..

Understood. I've seen similar videos of Abrams training. I'd expect it is popping up to take a shot then backing away to remove Line Of Sight (LOS) return fire. That makes sense as you've mentioned.

Didn't help the Iraqi tanks at 73 Easting being dug in. They weren't expecting the kind of battle that ensued. The Doc even mentions the Iraqi Commander had trained in the US, and it was a classic defense posture and well planned out.

[Finius]

For a current example of why this is important, watch film of tanks fighting the war in Ukraine.

A key difference in tactics is that the Russians often adopt static firing positions with their tanks, they like to get into position and fight from there, the Ukrainians fire and move, locate a new position to fire from and repeat.

This has contributed a lot to Russian tanks being knocked out. When the return fire lands the Russians are often exactly where they started, the Ukrainians not so much.

No matter what you're using, opening fire on the enemy is usually an effective way to give away your position and begin taking return fire. If hull-down, or in an advantageous position, this will often allow you cover from the front and maybe the sides, but realistically once you’ve opened fire the position becomes at-risk from a wide range of weaponry - mortars and artillery, aircraft, many missiles are designed to target the top of a target, meaning the cover and safety of being hull-down is negated.

The safest way to avoid those risks? Get gone, even if only for a few minutes, because even if the enemy can’t see you, they’ll possibly chance an attack against where they believe you are, just in case.

In short, if I know where you are, I can more effectively try to kill you.