6-44. A linkup is a type of enabling operation that involves the meeting of friendly ground forces, which occurs in a variety of circumstances (FM 3-90). It happens when an advancing force reaches an objective area previously seized by an airborne or air assault; when an encircled element breaks out to rejoin friendly forces or a force comes to the relief of an encircled force, and when converging maneuver forces meet. Both forces may be moving toward each other, or one may be stationary. (See GTA 07-04-008 [Infantry Reference Card for Linkup Operations] for additional information.)
Planning And Preparation
6-45. Whenever possible, joining forces exchange as much information as possible before starting an operation. The headquarters ordering the linkup establishes—
- A common operational picture.
- Command relationship and responsibilities of each force before, during, and after linkup.
- Coordination of direct and indirect fire support before, during, and after linkup, including control measures.
- Linkup method.
- Recognition signals and communication procedures to use, including pyrotechnics, armbands, vehicle markings, gun-tube orientation, panels, colored obscurant (smoke), lights, and challenge and passwords.
- Operations to conduct following linkup.
6-46. The higher headquarters who orders the linkup, in coordination with the units linking up, establishes control measures for the linkup—
- Assigns each unit an AO defined by left and right boundaries and an RFL also acts as a limit of advance (LOA).
- Establishes a no fires area around one or both units and establishes a coordinated fire line beyond the area where the unit’s linkup.
- Establish no fire areas to prevent delivery of fire support across RFLs or boundaries where they can impact friendly forces.
6-47. The coordinated fire line allows available fires to attack enemy targets quickly as they approach the area where the linkup is to occur. The linkup forces use the linkup points established by the higher headquarters to make physical contact with each other. The higher headquarters designates alternate linkup points since enemy action may interfere with the primary linkup points. Control measures are adjusted during the operation to provide for freedom of action as well as positive control.
Execution
6-48. There are two linkup methods. The preferred method is when the moving force has an assigned LOA near the other force and conducts the linkup at predetermined contact points. Units then coordinate additional operations. The other method is used during highly fluid mobile operations when the enemy force escapes from a potential encirclement—where one force loses its freedom of maneuver because an opposing force is able to isolate it by controlling all ground lines of communications and reinforcement (FM 3-90), or when one of the linkup forces is at risk and requires immediate reinforcement. In this method, the moving force continues to move and conduct long-range recognition via radio or other measures, stopping only when it makes physical contact with the other force.
6-49. The platoon and squad can conduct linkup activities independently or as part of a larger force. Within a larger unit, the platoon may lead the linkup force. The linkup consists of three phases. The following actions are critical to the execution of a linkup.
Note. See ATP 3-21.10 and ATP 3-21.20 for information regarding situations unique to the conduct of defensive operations that include denial operations, defending encircled, breakout from encirclement, and stay-behind operations.
Phase 1 – Far Recognition Signal
6-50. During this phase, the forces conducting a linkup establish both radio and when possible digital communications before reaching direct fire range. The lead element of each linkup force should monitor the radio frequency of the other friendly force.
Phase 2 – Coordination
6-51. Before initiating movement to the linkup point, the forces must coordinate necessary tactical information including the following:
- The known enemy situation.
- Command and control systems.
- Number of friendly personnel; type and number of friendly vehicles.
- Disposition of stationary forces (if either unit is stationary).
- Routes to the linkup point and rally point, if any.
- Direct and indirect fire control measures.
- Near recognition signals.
- Communications information.
- Sustainment responsibilities and procedures.
- Finalized location of the linkup point and rally points, if any.
- Special coordination, such as those covering maneuver instructions or requests for medical support.
Phase 3 – Movement To The Linkup Point and Linkup
6-52. All units or elements involved in the linkup enforce strict fire control measures to help prevent fratricide. Moving or converging forces must easily recognize linkup points and RFL. Linkup elements take the following actions:
- Conduct far recognition using radios or command and control systems.
- Conduct short-range (near) recognition using the designated signal.
- Complete movement to the linkup point.
- Establish local security at the linkup point.
- Conduct additional coordination and linkup activities, as necessary.
Note. The following scenario (see figure 6-6 on page 6-20) is used for discussion purposes and is not the only way of conducting a linkup operation.
Figure 6-6. Platoon linkup scenario, example
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