Pronunciation: [ˌɒntʊz tˈaŋk] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "ontos tank" is /ˈɑːntɒs tæŋk/. The word "ontos" comes from the Greek word "ontos" which means "being" or "existence." The "t" in "ontos" is pronounced like a "d" in American English, making it sound like "on-dos." The word "tank" is spelled as it sounds, with a long "a" and a silent "k." Together, "ontos tank" refers to a type of American light tank used during the Vietnam War.
Ontos tank is a military vehicle that was specifically designed for the United States Marine Corps during the 1950s and 1960s. The word "ontos" stands for "The Thing" in Greek, which is a fitting name for this unique and powerful machine.
The ontos tank can be described as a light, fully tracked, armored fighting vehicle that featured a low-profile design. It was primarily utilized as an anti-tank vehicle, intended to engage enemy tanks and other armored vehicles.
This specialized vehicle was equipped with multiple powerful recoilless rifles mounted on a rotating turret. The exact number of rifles varied across different models, but a typical ontos tank carried six to ten 106 mm M40A1 recoilless rifles. These rifles were capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds and canister shot.
The ontos tank had the advantage of being highly maneuverable due to its tracks and compact size. It had a crew of three, consisting of a driver, a loader, and a commander who also served as the gunner.
Although the ontos tank played a significant role during the Vietnam War, it was eventually phased out of service due to technological advancements and changes in warfare tactics. However, the ontos tank is still considered a noteworthy and iconic vehicle in military history and is often regarded as a symbol of the Marine Corps' innovation and adaptability.
