COMBAT OUTPOST SHIR GHAZAY, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- Tanks with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, sit on the base after a 24-hour overwatch mission. The M1A1 Abrams Main Battle tank plays a key role in overwatch missions, which consist of providing security for coalition forces improving roads, schools, and other Afghan government-led projects. The tanks are capable of firing on targets more than two-and-a-half miles away to keep coalition forces safe.