COMBAT OUTPOST SHIR GHAZAY, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, prepare for an overwatch mission. An overwatch mission consists of providing security for ground forces improving roads, constructing needed facilities or any other development projects to build a better future for Afghanistan. A single overwatch mission can last an entire day with the main gun turret and driver’s compartments reaching temperatures well above 100 degrees.