Creeping Overwatch

Creeping Overwatch by Captain Robert L. Jones During a recent rotation to the National Training Center, National Guard units practiced a variation of the platoon movement by successive bounds technique. The variation, frequently called “creeping overwatch,” was a solution to the tactical problem of advancing over open terrain.

Creeping overwatch is simply the logical extension of movement by successive bounds. The current doctrine teaches two methods for a platoon conducting bounding overwatch: alternating bounds and successive bounds. Both techniques use the section as the basic unit for movement. Creeping overwatch adds a third movement technique to the traditional two methods described in the manual, extending the technique of successive bounds to a one-tank bounding element. In creeping overwatch, the platoon leader orders the lead section to bound one tank at a time. As the bounding tank maneuvers forward, the platoon leader retains 75 percent of his combat power in overwatch. This is better than the normal 50 percent available when bounding aplatoon by section. The lead tank bounds forward about 500 meters (see Figure 1).

When the lead tank is set, the platoon leader orders the second vehicle in the section to bound. As the second vehicle bounds, the platoon leader still has 75 percent of his combat power in overwatch, one tank forward and two tanks back (Figure 2). Once the lead section is established forward, the platoon leader bounds the trail section. The platoon leader bounds both tanks in the trail section together if the enemy has not fmd on either of the lead tanks (Figure 3).

If the enemy intends to contest the platoon’s forward movement, he will most likely open fm when the fmt tank enters his engagement area. If the enemy has not fired by the time the second tankenters theengagement area, )) WING TANK BOUNDS

I 1 L DIRECT

FIRE

OVER WATC H

There are several tradeoffs in the selection of any particular movement technique. The first and most obvious disadvantage to this technique is that it is slow. The bounding tanks should only bound 500 meters, and it takes the platoon three internal bounds to move the whole platoon forward 500 meters. The 500-meter guideline allows the tanks in overwatch to cover the lead tank with machinegun fms to repel a close infantry ambush. It also allows the overwatching tanks to provide accurate main gun fires 2000 meter forward of the bounding tank. Even mom time is involved if the bounding tank must evade an ATGM, the “Sagger Dance” adding time to each bound. And finally, the time that the overwatch element spends in one position increases the overwatch element’s vulnerability to enemy artillery fms.

On the positive side, creeping overwatch is the most secure movement technique to maneuver a tank platoon forward. The technique risks the smallest element forward prior to contact. It provides the platoon leader with the maximum firepower to deal with anticipated enemy action. The technique also allows the platoon leader to maintain forward momentum under fire. By using direct fires to destroy or at least suppress enemy AT weapons, the platoon can maneuver even when very little cover is available.

This technique does not ignore the importance of the wingman concept to each tank’s survival. The wingman must have a clear view of his partner at all times in order to even consider using this technique. The original concept of this technique pctically dictates that the whole platoon will have an almost identical sight picture. As with any overwatch technique, the platoon leader ARMOR - March-April 1992 35

DIRECT

FIRE

OVERWATCH /= I'

PLATOON LEADER

The platoon leader can initiate creeping overwatch from any formation and end the bound back in that formation. For example, if the platoon is moving in echelon left, and the platoon leader initiates creeping overwatch, the platoon should end its bound back in an echelon left formation. I have drawn the platoon in a line formation because this technique, with its very slow and secure movement, implies that enemy contact is very likely and that the platoon leader should know the direction from which he expects attack. The platoon leader, when he decides to initiate this technique, should move the platoon into a firng line and give an orientation. The platoon leader's choice of this movement technique dictates against moving forward by alternate bounds because alternate bounds are inherently less secure than successive bounds. The company commander can use creeping overwatch to gain ground under fire by designating the bounding platoon and maintaining 13 of his 14 tanks in overwatch. This leaves the commander with 93 percent of his combat power to kill the enemy. The withering frrepawer available from a tank company or tank team will go a long way toward helping the bounding vehicle complete his bound.

Creeping overwatch deserves a place in our professional toolbag as the third method of movement under the heading of bounding overwatch. Although this technique is technically bounding overwatch with movement by successive bounds, the specifics of the technique make it an important variation from the method prescribed in FM 17-15. Creeping overwatch is an excellent movement technique when the security of the force is threatened, bypass is not possible, and the unit must continue to gain ground. Captain Robert L. Jones was commissioned in Armor from USMA in 1983. He has served as a tank platoon leader and a tank (COHORT) company XO with 2-66 Armor. He commanded Charlie Company, 4-69 Armor in Kitzingen, Germany, and is currently assigned as an armor company combat trainer at the National Training Center.

36 ARMOR - March-April1992