Most people uses tanks in wargames like if they where just a means of rushing in to places, without using their sheer destruction power in a controlled way. Formations are, in my experience, a very effective way not just to use the full power of a tank physically, but also as a psychological factor. Let's say you are on a match, defending some flag on BF3. Suddenly a tank rolls in driven by some "SMURF" and what happens?, he gets smoked!. But what if that tank wasn't alone and rushing in, but instead, keeping some distance inside open space supported by two other tanks on both sides, slowly but constantly rolling towards you, and at the same time just putting down a "SHIT STORM" of fire on your position. I would be shitting bricks. So pay attention, and let the wisdom in.
FORMATIONS
Similar in concept to infantry formations, the tank formations have a little "kick" to them, and it's high speed plus terrain. This is why, for the driver, it is imperative to be extremely aware of the terrain accidents, the size of the tank (for obvious reasons we don't want to bump into every pole in the map when we make a tight turn), and last but not least, "GUN ALWAYS FIRST", meaning that while in movement from one position to another, if you are going to turn left, before you turn the hull of the tank, you turn the turret so that way you have "gun cover" before you turn.
Line formation
As for infantry, the line formation maximizes the full firepower of the squad/platoon to the front while neglecting the flanks. This kind of formations is good when you know where the enemy is and want to shell from a distance or lay cover fire to keep them pinned while a squad on foot or on lighter vehicles can flank, assault and ultimately win the confrontation.
The column formation is the preferred column for moving from one position to another (if not in direct action, or even sometimes as a line breaking tactic). It focuses on the ease to move rather than focusing the firepower to a specific sector. While moving, the point tank will cover the front sector, and give the STOP order if it encounters mines, IED's or unavoidable obstacles. The second in line will cover front right sector, the third the front left sector, fourth front right,...and so on. The tricky part comes now. You see, there is nothing more boring than looking down a tank scope without anything to shoot at. So in order to not "fall asleep" every few seconds, all tanks (except the one on point) will switch cover side.
Wedge is the best formation to meet every possible contingency. All tanks in the unit can fire straight ahead, and at least three tanks can cover either flank. So it is obvious why it was Rommel's favorite formation. It simply converts the tanks in six 65ton "hammers" that can punch through almost any line of defense anybody can pull up. The diagram gives away pretty much why, lol.
Ok, so these 3 basic formations are going to be your best friends. But formations are not static, they constantly move and have to change in order to adapt to "pop-up" situations on the battlefield. So just as important (if not even more important) are the DRILLS. This means the way you move from one formation to another, in a way you don't become an obstacle yourself, and probably slow down the whole squad/platoon.
DRILLS
Change formation drill
This drill is executed to accomplish a rapid change of formation in response to a change in terrain or enemy situation. The platoon leader must ensure that each TC knows the new for mation and the relative position of each tank in the new formation. He uses visual signals and/or the radio to initiate the drill. The figure under illustrates the movement of individual tanks during a change of formation from column to wedge to line.
The contact drill enables the platoon to orient weapon systems and engage an enemy without changing its direction or speed of movement along the axis of advance. This drill is used when contact is made with small arms fire or when the platoon sights the enemy without being engaged and does not want to stop or slow its movement. The platoon leader initiates the contact drill using visual signals and/or the radio. Over the radio, he uses the contact report format and adds the execution element "FIRE" as a platoon fire command.
The figure under illustrates a contact drill from a wedge formation. Note the main gun orientation for wingman Tank 2. If a tank's weapon systems are masked by another tank, the masked tank will reposition itself to an "unmasked" position, preferably falling a bit behind the formation.
Action drill
The action drill permits the entire platoon to change di rection rapidly in response to terrain conditions, obstacles, or enemy contact. The platoon leader uses visual signals or the radio to order the action drill, which can be initiated with or without enemy contact.
Action drill without enemy contact. The platoon leader can execute an action drill to avoid a danger area or obstacle. When the platoon leader initiates the action drill, tanks come on line and continue to move in the prescribed direction unless the platoon leader directs a change of formation.
Action drill with enemy contact. Following a contact re port alerting the platoon that enemy contact involves antitank weapon systems, the platoon leader can direct an action drill to orient his platoon's frontal armor toward the antitank fire while moving to cover and concealment.
React to Air Attack drill
When the platoon observes high-performance aircraft, helicopters, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) that could influence its mission, it initially takes passive air defense measures unless the situation requires immediate active measures. In a passive air defense, the platoon takes actions (such as dispersing or stopping) to avoid detection altogether and/or to minimize the aircraft's target acquisition capability. The platoon also prepares for active air defense measures. Passive air defense involves three steps:
- Step 1. Alert the platoon with a contact report.
Step 2. Deploy or take the appropriate actions. If the platoon is not in the direct path of an attacking aircraft, the platoon leader orders tanks to seek cover and con cealment and halt with at least a 100-meter interval between vehicles; the platoon also may be ordered to continue moving as part of the company.
Step 3. Prepare to engage. TCs and loaders get ready to engage the aircraft with machine gun or main gun fire on order of the platoon leader.
- Step 1. The platoon initiates fire. The primary intent is to force air craft to take self-defense measures that alter their attack profile and reduce their effectiveness. The platoon leader may use a burst of tracers to designate an aim point for platoon machine gun antiaircraft fires. Volume is the key to effectiveness of these fires; tanks throw up a "wall of steel" through which aircraft must fly. The main gun is effective against hovering attack helicopters. The platoon leader may also direct some vehicles to engage high-performance aircraft with CANISTER SHELL (BF3) main gun rounds.
Step 2. Tanks create a nonlinear target by moving as fast as possible at a 45-degree angle away from the path of flight and toward attacking aircraft. The platoon maintains an interval of at least 100 meters between tanks, forcing aircraft to make several passes to engage the entire platoon.
Step 3. Tanks move quickly to covered and concealed positions and freeze their movement for at least 60 seconds after the last flight of aircraft has passed.
Well thats all for now guys but don't worry there is plenty more to come ;). Cheers!!
Yay, I can't believe I read all that...
ReplyDeleteNice , if we have 4 good tank drivers and someone ( LT & Gabe ) to call formations we cane own on armored map.
ReplyDeleteWe need to practice this!