If memory serves all the loader has is a leg garde witch is part of the trap for the AVCAPs between the loader and TC station. There is also a arm with a pad that swings out in front of the loader(not sure about this, might be remembering the breast pad for the gunner to lean into). Other than that there is nothing inbetween the loader and the back of the breach.
As far as the MPAT round goes, I was told about it(and saw the dummy round) during AIT back in 89 but ETSed in 94 and never saw a real one or trained for one as a gunner.
I can also vouch for the story about the Lieutenant. As a gunner that is exactly what I would have done with some of the Lieutenant that I saw. I was never on the 1 (Lieutenant's) tank. I was always on the 3(wingman for platoon Sergeants tank) tank.
[ March 01, 2003, 11:15 AM: Message edited by: Sgt CDAT ]