Overwatch

Overwatch is a fundamental small-unit tactic in which one element of a force positions itself to cover the movement of another element with direct fire. The overwatching element maintains visual observation and weapons readiness on known or suspected enemy positions, prepared to immediately suppress any threat that engages the moving element. This ensures that friendly forces are never exposed without protective fire coverage.

Overwatch is typically practiced in two forms. In travelling overwatch, the lead element moves while the trail element follows at a distance ready to provide fire. In bounding overwatch, the two elements alternate movement, one moves while the other watches, then they switch. Bounding overwatch is slower but provides the highest level of security and is used when enemy contact is expected or imminent.

The concept scales from fire teams to armored formations. A tank platoon using bounding overwatch moves one section of tanks while the other section covers them from firing positions. Attack helicopters provide overwatch for ground convoys by orbiting above and scanning for threats. The principle remains constant at every level: never move without someone ready to immediately protect you with fire.