A couple of things from the manual that should help clear this up for you.

At the bottom of the ground radar display is the TADS field of regard box and the field of
view marker. As you cycle through the targets you will see the CP/G moving the field of view
marker on to the target. In realistic target ID assistance mode the CP/G cannot identify the
target until the marker is on the target. Therefore if you are flying erratically the CP/G will
be unable to make an identification.

The Co-pilot/Gunner (CP/G) can assist you to identify targets. There are 3 levels of
assistance; ‘novice, ‘realistic’ and ‘off’. This is selected in the ‘Game Options’ menu.

CP/G Assistance: Target ID
The Co-pilot/Gunner (CP/G) can assist you to identify targets. There are 3 levels
of assistance; 'Novice', 'Realistic' and 'Off'. This is selected in the Options Screen
‘Realism’ menu.

Novice
The CP/G identifies the target immediately and reports them using simplistic names
such as ‘Enemy Tank’ and ‘Allied Aircraft’.

Realistic
The CP/G attempts to make a visual identification (using the EOS where possible). It
may take the CP/G a few moments to make the identification depending on the target
range and adverse weather conditions. During this time the message ‘CP/G
IDENTIFYING...’ is displayed instead of the target name. If there is no line of sight to
the target then no identification can be made. If you have selected an inappropriate EOS
system (you cannot use FLIR in heavy rain or LLLTV/Periscope at night) the message
‘LOW LIGHT’ is displayed in place of the target name. In this case select a more suitable
system. Once the identification is made the NATO reporting name is given for the target
and you must decide if it is an allied or enemy target.

Off
The CP/G gives you no help whatsoever. Once a target has been selected then use the
EOS systems to make the identification yourself. The 'Recognition Guide' will assist you
in spotting key recognition features.

It sounds like you have realistic set at the moment you may want to change that to novice and he should prove more helpful.