FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Fire Support in Depth During Large-Scale Ground Combat Operations 30 April 2020 FM 3-09 6-27 Figure 6-5. Relief in place PASSAGE OF LINES 6-117. Passage of lines is an operation in which a force moves forward or rearward through another force's combat positions with the intention of moving into or out of contact with the enemy (JP 3-18). A passage may be designated as a forward or rearward passage of lines. A commander conducts a passage of lines to continue an attack or conduct a counterattack, retrograde, or security operation when one unit cannot bypass another unit's position. The conduct of a passage of lines potentially involves close combat. It involves transferring the responsibility for an AO between two commanders. That transfer of authority usually occurs when roughly two thirds of the passing force have moved through the passage point. (FM 3-0). 6-118. Commanders must recognize that the transfer of control has impacts on FS. For example, the FS support attack/delivery system may have an on order support relationship. Responsibility for FS coordination passes from the FSCOORD of one force to the FSCOORD of the other force at the time the force commanders change C2. 6-119. Close coordination of plans between the commanders and staffs of the involved forces is mandatory. Once the passage of lines is ordered, the FSCOORD of the passing force in a forward passage of lines should send a liaison section to the FSCOORD of the force in contact. In a rearward passage, the FSCOORD of the stationary force should send a liaison section to the FSCOORD of the passing force. FSCOORDs define and assign mutually agreed upon FS responsibilities to facilitate the passing force. Information that the two FSCOORDs should share and areas that should be coordinated are shown below. The important point to remember is that each unit will be in the AOR of another unit for a period of time and that detailed coordination is vital to ensure that each of the two units understands how the other operates. The units must do the following: Exchange unit SOPS.