Having said the above especially if several are in the same or adjacent hexes it is worthwhile firing a couple of rounds of HMG or GL fire to cause suppression.
Its why I buy APCs/IFVs before tanks, if they have auto cannons & open up when the tank moves into view the suppression can save your tank if it misses.
Nothing to do with stripping ERA mind but I suppose this will help though you might like to read this.
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=44363