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PART I - BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLE AND TANK OPERATIONS
Armored and mechanized forces normally work together in combat operations. This part discusses tactics and techniques used by mechanized infantry platoons working with armor. A company team consists of mechanized infantry platoons and tank platoons. Each platoon has unique characteristics and should be employed to complement the others and be prepared to provide mutual support. A BFV platoon can take advantage of the tanks' firepower, armor protection, and mobility in the offense; and the tanks' laser range finder to lay in positions in the defense. Tanks can take advantage of the BFV platoon's ability to provide close-in protection from dismounted attacks in the defense.
1. Movement with Tanks. When terrain, visibility, and the enemy situation permit mounted movement, tanks normally lead followed or overwatched by BFVs.
a. Tanks in the Lead. Tanks normally lead a movement formation because of their survivability, firepower, and shock effect. The BFV platoon normally moves 200 to 400 meters behind the tanks in order to support them and at the same time avoid fires directed at the tanks (Figure 2-103).
Figure 2-103. Tanks Leading.
(1) When the company team uses traveling or traveling overwatch movement techniques, the commander stipulates the sequence and locations for movement and the distance between the tanks and BFVs. BFVs must be close enough to protect the flanks and rear of the tanks.
(2) When the company team uses bounding overwatch, a tank platoon usually serves as the bounding element successively overwatched by BFVs and, in some cases, by other tanks. Because tank crews have difficulty seeing behind them, one of the BFV platoon's primary jobs is to protect the tanks' rear and flanks from enemy infantry attack. The platoon must be alert for enemy antiarmor positions. Since ATGM fires are usually characterized by a trail of smoke from the launch site, the BFV commanders should suppress the enemy antiarmor weapon and send a warning over the radio.
b. Dismounted Element Leading Tanks. The mounted platoon seldom leads tanks. Usually, the dismounted element of the platoon leads to breach obstacles, to move through restrictive terrain, to clear defiles, or to act as a guide when visibility is limited ( Figure 2-104).
Figure 2-104. Dismounted Element Leading Tanks.
(1) When an obstacle hinders mounted movement, the dismount element clears or breaches it, or finds a bypass. It approaches the obstacle using bounding overwatch, while BFVs are positioned to support. Also, when visibility interferes with mounted movement, the dismount element leads, overwatched by the BFVs and tanks.
(2) Fire control is difficult while moving during limited visibility, but it is facilitated by using the wingman concept. It can be done only if the platoon has practiced the SOP. Indirect-fire illumination should not be relied on, because it is slow and not as effective in smoke, fog, snow, dust, or heavy rain. Additionally, heavy rain or cold fog reduces thermal sight range capability. Although the thermal sight allows the BFV and tanks to acquire a target at great distances during reduced visibility, it does not provide a clear enough sight picture for vehicle identification. Platoons using thermal sights for long distances must establish positive identification and check-fire procedures to preclude destroying friendly vehicles or personnel.
2. Communication with Tanks. Before an operation, mechanized infantry and tank leaders must coordinate communications means and signals. This includes the use of radios, phones, and visual signals (such as arm-and-hand, panel, lights, flags, and pyrotechnics). The BFV's communication system provides for control of mounted and dismounted operations. Tanks have the same system.
a. BFVs Communicating With Tanks. As communication systems are updated, platoons will have the single-channel ground/airborne radio system (SINCGARS). This allows secure communication between tanks, BFVs and the dismounted element. During defensive operations, tanks and BFVs can communicate by running communication wire between vehicles.
b. Dismounted Infantry Communicating With Tanks. Most tanks, with the exception of the M1, have an external phone on the rear fender for dismounted infantrymen to use. On the M1, the infantryman can run communication wire to the tank crew through the turret. This wire is hooked into the tank's communication system. Leaders must be confident that tanks and dismounted infantry can move and shoot without the risk of fratricide and confusion.
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