Source: Core Rules

Warhammer 40k: a Tank Commander can Issue Orders to Itself

Once you parse the definitions in Warhammer it’s not a close call: a Tank Commander can issue Tank Orders to itself.

Here, in full, is the Tank Orders ability (keywords are in BOLD):

This model can issue one order each turn to a friendly <REGIMENT> LEMAN RUSS at the start of your Shooting phase. To issue a tank order, pick a target LEMAN RUSS within 6" of this model and choose which order you wish to issue from the table [reproduced below]. Each LEMAN RUSS can only be given a single order each turn.

List of Tank Orders

A Tank Commander has the Leman Russ keyword, and a model is always within 6" of itself. The source of confusion: “friendly.” Fortunately, friendly is a term of art in Warhammer:

All units in the same army are friendly units, and all models in the same army are friendly models.

Friendly models = all models in the same army.

“All models,” not “all other models other than the one giving the order.” The rules might change with a new FAQ or Codex, but as of this writing, a Tank Commander can issue orders to itself.

Sources:

• Codex: Astra Militarum, 8th edition.
• Warhammer Core Rulebook, 9th edition.