[Suhiir]

Putting one tank platoon in forward positions should cause the Soviet forces to deploy early slowing their advance on the US MLR (Main Line of Resistance) thus allowing more long range shots and US artillery/mortars to do their thing longer.
Also it should deceive the Soviets into using their own artillery on a minor defensive position thus reducing its initial effect on the MLR and allowing US counter-battery to reduce the Soviet artillery before it locates and starts damaging the MLR.