ORIGINAL 1936 U.S. WAR DEPARTMENT FIELD MANUAL
INFANTRY FIELD MANUAL – VOLUME II
LIGHT TANKS M2A1 AND M2A2 (TENTATIVE)
Washington, November 21, 1936
63+ Pages – Extremely Rare Pre-WWII Armored Doctrine
An exceptional and scarce original pre-World War II U.S. Army Field Manual.
Issued by the War Department in Washington on November 21, 1936, this manual covers early U.S. light tank doctrine for the M2A1 and M2A2 light tanks — the direct predecessors to later wartime armored development.
This is an original period example — not a reproduction.
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HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
This manual predates America’s entry into WWII and documents the formative years of U.S. armored doctrine before the establishment of major armored divisions such as the 2nd Armored Division.
The M2 series light tanks laid the foundation for later designs such as the M3 Stuart and influenced early armored tactics used in North Africa and Europe.
Pre-war armored manuals from the 1930s are significantly harder to find than standard wartime editions.
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CONTENT
• War Department issue dated November 21, 1936
• Infantry Field Manual – Volume II
• Light Tanks M2A1 and M2A2 (Tentative edition)
• Tank company formations
• Mounted inspection formations
• Battalion headquarters layouts
• Tactical spacing diagrams (10–15 paces formations)
• Light Tank Company “Passing in Review” diagrams
• Fold-out formation charts
• More than 63 original pages
A fascinating insight into early U.S. mechanized and armored organization before full wartime mobilization.
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CONDITION
Original pre-war condition:
• Complete with 63+ pages
• Period paper toning
• Minor age staining
• Fold-out charts intact
• Strong, clear print
• No modern alterations
Exactly as found.
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RARE OPPORTUNITY
Pre-1939 armored field manuals rarely appear on the collector market and are increasingly difficult to source.
Ideal for:
• Advanced U.S. armor collectors
• Early tank development historians
• WWII armored division collectors
• Military libraries or museum display
100% original U.S. War Department issue
No copies – no reproductions