Infantry Drills

5-88: Sequential Relief



Previous: 5-87: Conducting the Relief

5-88. Sequential relief is the most time-consuming relief method. The relieving unit moves to an AA to the rear of the unit to be relieved. Subordinate elements are relieved one at a time. This can occur in any order, with the relief following this general sequence:

  • The outgoing and incoming unit’s collocates their headquarters and trains elements to facilitate mission command and transfer of equipment, ammunition, fuel, water, and medical supplies.
  • The first element being relieved (such as a platoon) moves to its alternate fighting positions or battle positions while the relieving element moves into the outgoing element’s primary fighting positions. The incoming element occupies vehicle and individual fighting positions as appropriate.
  • Incoming and outgoing elements complete the transfer of equipment and supplies.
  • The relieved element moves to the designated assembly area behind its position.
  • Once each outgoing element clears the rally point en route to its assembly area, the next relieving element moves forward.

Next: 5-89: Simultaneous Relief

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad