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Overwatch

Military Noun/VerbSTANAG Level 2

Definition

Sense 1

Tactical observation and fire support provided by one element for another.

"One section provided overwatch while the other advanced."
Sense 2

A position that covers another element with fire.

"The machine gun team took up an overwatch position on the ridge."

How This Term Is Used

This term functions as both a noun and a verb depending on context. Watch the surrounding sentence structure carefully: if it follows an article (a/the) or preposition, it is functioning as a noun; if it follows a subject and forms part of the main clause, it is functioning as a verb.

Practice

Fill in the blank:

"One section provided _____ while the other advanced."

Answer: Overwatch

Related Military Noun/Verb Terms

Ambush

A surprise attack from a concealed position.

Bound

A movement from one covered position to another under fire.

Camouflage

Materials and techniques used to conceal personnel, equipment, and installations.

Counterattack

An attack launched in response to an enemy attack.

Debrief

A structured discussion after a mission to review events and lessons learned.

Flank

The side of a military formation; to attack the side of an enemy force.

Liaison

Communication between organisations; an officer maintaining such contact.

Manoeuvre

Movement and positioning of forces to achieve advantage over the enemy.

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