The Art Of Tank Warfare - Chris Keeling

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• Reverse Wedge. In a Reverse Wedge or ‘Vee’ formation, the tactical concerns of the commander are on
control of the unit. It allows for good fields of fire to the flanks and rear, but severely restricts the forward fire
arcs. This formation also allows a unit the ability to provide self-overwatch capabilities. (Not currently
available to the TC in PE).
• Diamond. If a unit is alone, tactically, or is in a halted state where a threat might come from any direction
and require a perimeter-type defense in 360 degrees, then a good option for the unit commander would be
the Diamond or ‘Coil’ formation. If a unit requires a movement formation to maintain security and good
fields of fire, then another formation would probably be best. (Not currently available to a TC in PE)
Movement as part of a Company. In general, the objectives you are given as a platoon reflect and support
the greater objectives of the company as a whole. The other platoons will also be assigned similar objectives.
While one platoon may be assigned to take a bridge, another may be guarding a convoy which needs to cross
the bridge, while another may be holding a defensive position, and yet another attacking enemy positions as
a feint, in order to draw off his forces. Each of these platoon objectives is essential to the success of the
overall company mission, which, in this case, is to move a convoy safely over a bridge. Knowing where the
rest of the company is supposed to be is of primary importance when engaging distant targets, so as to avoid
accidentally firing on friendly troops. This is especially important when two or more of the platoons in a
company have been given the same objective (usually approaching from different sides). Knowing the
difference in appearance between friendly and enemy units is extremely important in this case.
Another concept of movement within a larger formation, is that of an ‘overwatch’. When there is a
requirement for a unit to safely advance into potentially hostile areas, there is also a need for mutual support
from other units within the larger division. If two or more units have objectives in the same area, one unit
will be able to cover the other as it advances and vice-versa. Each unit will move from one position of relative
safety (such as a hull-down position from one hill to the crest of the next) along the line of the units advance
while the second unit provides direct fire support. Once the first unit is able to traverse the area in question,
it will set itself up in a viable position to cover the second units advance, and so on. A ‘leapfrog’ series of
movements will develop with each unit moving safely under the guns of the other. This continuing sequence
of movements will allow both units to cover more ground, with a higher safety factor, than if both had
covered either alone or as one large force.
Movement as part of a Tank-Infantry team. Infantry units are slower and weaker than armored units.
This means that extra care must be taken to maintain contact with assisting infantry, provide them the
benefit of full (and close) armor support, and avoid becoming separated. In open terrain, this means
advancing in front of the infantry and using searching fire (firing at likely places where the enemy could be
hiding) as needed. In close terrain, especially towns and villages, the infantry should precede the tanks to
flush out enemy antitank teams. Mechanized infantry operations give commanders more tactical flexibility
and mobility in various situations. Infantry that can disembark also allows them to perform as separate unit
in cases where enemy infantry is dug in and would be difficult for armor alone to dispatch them. This type of
force combination presents the opportunity for the half-track or other APC to provide its own direct fire
support for its dismounted troops.