ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
Page 224 of 440
Appendix C 208 ATP 5-0.2-1 07 December 2020 PREPARING A RELIEF IN PLACE C-79. Normally, when minimum forces are employed on the forward line of troops (FLOT), the relief is conducted from rear to front. When maximum forces are employed on the FLOT, the relief is conducted from front to rear. In determining the sequence of relief, commanders should consider— Time available to accomplish the RIP. Enemy situation and the capability of the enemy to detect and react against the relief. Subsequent missions of outgoing and incoming units. Strength and condition of elements in the relief. Characteristics of the AO. Acceptable amount of concentrated forces. C-80. Generally, simultaneous relief of all elements is the fastest option; however, it is also the least secure and most difficult to control. Sequential and staggered reliefs involve only one element at a time; therefore, they are the slowest, most secure, and easiest to control. FORWARD PASSAGE OF LINES C-81. A forward passage of lines occurs when a unit passes through another unit’s positions while moving toward the enemy (ADP 3-90). Ideally, a passage of lines does not interfere with the stationary unit’s operations. A commander conducts a forward passage of lines to sustain the tempo of an offensive operation or to free a unit, another mission, or task. Planning a Forward Passage of Lines C-82. One of the most critical aspects of a passage of lines is terrain management. Unoccupied areas by the stationary unit may represent possible locations to stage the passing unit. Passage lanes must take into account existing obstacles and, if the tactical plan requires the movement of forces in formation, some obstacles may have to be moved or prepared for demolition prior to the movement of the passing unit. Sustainment is an essential part and must occur as quickly as possible and, if possible, without incident. Sustainment assets should be positioned to support the passage where they can best keep the lane open and vehicles moving. The passing commander should collocate with the stationary unit commander to facilitate information exchange. The three options for collocating are the— Main CP for both units collocates together, which is best for information exchange but presents a lucrative target for indirect fires. Tactical CP or mobile CP for the passing unit collocates with the stationary unit's main CP. This option provides more flexibility to the passing unit with regard to C2 and presents a smaller target for the enemy. Passing unit sends a liaison officer to the stationary unit's main CP. This technique is least desirable and used only when the situation does not permit the first two options. This generally occurs because the terrain does not support the collocation of the passing unit's headquarters. C-83. Just like a relief in place, control measures for a forward passage of lines are generally restrictive to prevent fratricide. Close coordination between the passing and stationary units is crucial to successfully executing the forward passage and subsequent transfer of responsibility. The moving unit’s operations officer will prepare a tentative plan within the parameters established by the commander. The operations officer will also examine the location of the contact points to determine whether or not they are compatible with the scheme of maneuver. Once the contact points have been finalized, the moving unit’s operations officer coordinates with the stationary force’s operations officer to negotiate the location of the passage lanes. Operations officers must remember that the physical characteristics and number of the passage lanes will determine the speed and disposition of the passing force as it crosses the line of departure (LD). Therefore, when conducting a forward passage in preparation for a deliberate attack, it may be important to create passage lanes with sufficient width to allow the passing force to move in a tactical formation appropriate to the operation, such as company columns or a platoon wedge. Figure C-5 shows example graphic control measures used in a forward passage of lines.