Because of the front-mounted power pack with its resultant rear space, the Merkava Mk. 1 tank can used to function in several primary and secondary roles:

As for the primary role, its function as a Main Battle Tank allows it to move and fight in its natural surroundings - the modern, fire-covered battlefield, with maximum protection and survivability in this role, it operates as a first-class tank-destroyer, using its main armament to achieve first-round hits with the assistance of the highly-effective fire-control equipment and optical systems provided for commander and gunner. Its low silhouette and well-shaped armoured hull and turret design enable it to operate well under cover on the battlefield.

In its secondary role as an infantry carrier, the Merkava Mk. 1 provides a unique solution to the problem of its own protection over closed or infantry and tank-killer infested terrain; it also has the ability to transport infantry groups to vantage points over fire-covered ground with maximum protection. However, in order to carry up to six men in the rear compartment, part of the ammunition has to be restored in the turret or unloaded before embarkation.

As the vehicle is excellently protected by CBR equipment, transportation of infantry over infested areas may be crucial to their survival, in the absence of other suitable vehicles.

Last but not least, the capability to take on bailed out tank crews under fire is an extremely powered morale-raiser on the battlefield, and can rapidly restore precious tank crews to action, during the most critical periods of a battle.

The operation of forward and tactical headquarters and forward command groups, under effective cover, enables commanders at all levels to reach clear and timely decisions during a mobile battle when up-to-date information is at hand. Under modern combat conditions prevailing, and working within stringent communications limitations, this command system maybe the only feasible solution.

The Merkava Mk. 1 offers such a solution without any serious modification being necessary; if time permits, additional radio equipment could be installed.

Finally, a most important, battle-proven point is the use of the rear compartment for the battlefield evacuation of wounded. The ability to put casualties under cover rapidly, and possibly rendering professional first aid, can increase the survivability rate by a high percentage.

During the Lebanon War (1982) Merkava Mk. 1 tanks were the spearhead of most of the armoured columns. On the coastal road, Merkava Mk. 1 tanks led the forces from Rosh Hanikra, through the dense RPG and SAGGER armed PLO positions on the coastal road, north to Sidon , Damur, and Beirut . Clashing with anti-tank weapons at a distance of only a few meters during roadside ambushes, the tanks suffered many hits, with little effect on their performance. Some partially penetrated the armour protection but could not harm the crew. The casualties suffered by the Merkava Mk. 1 crews in this area were also shrapnel and small arms fire, inflicted outside the tanks.

In the eastern sector, Merkava Mk. 1 formations led the armoured thrust in a combined arms operation aimed at destroying the Syrian forces in the Beka'a. The full scale war against the Syrians began only on the third day of fighting. Engaging all types of modern AT weapons, the Merkava Mk. 1 withstood the battle excellently; although it sustained many hits, being at the spearhead, this caused only temporary disablement of some of the tanks. The suffered hits from both HEAT and APFSDS of various caliber's, AT missiles of both Eastern and Western origin, RPG, etc. (One Merkava Mk. 1 was set on fire by PLO near Khaldeh). Some of the hits disabled parts of the engine, as expected by the designers, but, with the assistance of other tanks and field maintenance crews, disabled Merkava Mk. 1 tanks were returned to the field in record time! The highly accurate fire control system enabled to the gunners to engage targets at long ranges. Accurate high speed ammunition like the APFSDS “arrow “ proved its lethality at these ranges. (“Arrow effective” range was specified by the manufactured as 5000m.) The climax of the Merkava Mk. 1 fighting in the eastern sector was the short (but highly publicized) clash with the Syrian T-72 tanks (Syrian 73 rd Brigade) in the area near Kabelias. The Syrian tanks were engaged by the Merkava Mk. 1 and ATGWs at long ranges, later closing to medium and short combat range. Hits were identified in the Syrian formations immediately as the Merkavas opened fire. As the Merkava Mk. 1 were able to engage their targets from long range, the T-72 were hit on the “impenetrable” front side, and immediately caught fire.