6-23. A relief in place is an operation in which, by direction of higher authority, all or part of a unit is replaced in an area by the incoming unit and the responsibilities of the replaced elements for the mission and the assigned zone of operations (Army uses the term, area of operations) are transferred to the incoming unit (JP 3-07.3). The incoming unit continues the operations as ordered. Normally, the Infantry rifle platoon conducts a relief in place as part of a larger operation, primarily to maintain the combat effectiveness of committed forces. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)
Variations Of Relief In Place
6-24. The commander directing the relief, in coordination with subordinate elements during planning, determine the most appropriate variation of a relief in place. The three variations of a relief are sequential, simultaneous, or staggered.
Sequential
6-25. A sequential relief in place occurs when each element within the relieved unit is relieved in succession, from right to left or left to right, depending on how it is deployed (ADP 3-90). This technique is the most deliberate and time-consuming; however, it minimizes confusion and maintains the best command and control, and readiness posture. A sequential relief involves sequentially relieving maneuver platoons of the company one at a time. Separate routes to the rear of relieved platoons’ locations are planned for each platoon (or squad) and placed on the operations overlay. Routes are labeled sequentially and correspond to the order in which the platoon executes them during the relief. When the lead platoon reaches its release point, squads are guided into the positions they will occupy. Crews exchange standard range card and fire support information. Once the relief occurs, relieved units move to the rear to occupy their next location. When the lead platoon is in position, the next platoon moves along its designated route(s) to relieve its counterpart. This process repeats until each platoon has been relieved.
Simultaneous
6-26. A simultaneous relief in place occurs when all elements are relieved at the same time (ADP 3-90). Simultaneous relief takes the least time to execute but is more difficult to control and more easily detected by the enemy. A simultaneous relief involves relieving maneuver platoons of the company at the same time. Separate routes to the rear of the relieved platoons’ locations are planned and labeled for each platoon and placed on the operations overlay. When relieving platoons reach their release points, squads are guided to the positions they are occupying. Crews exchange standard range card and fire support information, and the relieved unit then moves to the rear to its next location.
Staggered
6-27. A staggered relief in place occurs when a commander relieves each element in a sequence determined by the tactical situation, not its geographical orientation (ADP 3-90). As with a sequential relief, staggered reliefs can occur over a significant amount of time. Separate routes to the rear of the relieved platoons’ locations are planned and labeled for each platoon and placed on the operations overlay. When relieving platoons reach their release points, squads are guided to the positions they are occupying. Information exchanges and transfers of supplies are the same as in the other two techniques. Once the relief occurs, relieved units move to the rear to occupy their next location. When the first platoon to move is in position, the next platoon is identified to move along its designated route(s) to relieve its counterpart: thereby repeating the relief process. This process repeats until each platoon has been relieved.
Planning And Preparation
6-28. Once ordered to conduct a relief in place, the platoon leader of the relieving unit contacts the leader of the unit to be relieved. The collocation of unit command posts also helps achieve the level of coordination required. If the relieved unit’s forward elements can defend the area of operations (AO), the relieving unit executes the relief in place from the rear to the front. This facilitates movement and terrain management.
6-29. When planning for a relief in place, the platoon leader takes the following actions:
- Issues a warning order (WARNORD) immediately.
- Accompanies platoon key leaders in the advance party to conduct detailed reconnaissance and coordination.
- As the relieving unit, adopts the outgoing unit’s normal pattern of activity as much as possible.
- As the relieving unit, determines when the platoon will assume responsibility for outgoing unit’s position.
- As the relieving unit, collocates with the relieved unit’s headquarters.
- Maximizes operations security to prevent the enemy from detecting the relief operation, to include minimizing signatures on electromagnetic spectrum.
Note. When possible, conduct the relief at night or under other limited visibility conditions.
- As the unit being relieved, plans for transfer of excess ammunition, wire, and other materiel of tactical value to the incoming unit.
- Controls movement by reconnoitering, designating, and marking routes, and providing guides.
6-30. The incoming and outgoing unit leaders meet to exchange tactical information, conduct a joint reconnaissance of the area, and complete other required coordination. The two leaders carefully address passage of command and jointly develop contingency actions to deal with enemy contact during the relief. This process usually includes coordination of the following information:
- Location of individual fighting positions (to include hide, alternate, and supplementary positions) and vehicles (if attached). Leaders should verify fighting positions both by conventional map and using command and control systems that are available.
- The enemy situation.
- The outgoing unit’s tactical plan, including graphics, platoon and company direct and indirect fire plans, sector sketches, and key weapons’ standard range cards.
- Direct and indirect fire support coordination, including indirect fire plans and time of relief for supporting artillery and mortar units.
- Types of weapon systems being replaced.
- Time, sequence, and relief technique.
- Location and disposition of obstacles, and time when the leaders will transfer responsibility.
- Supplies and equipment to be transferred.
- Movement control, route priority, and placement of guides.
- Command and signal information.
- Visibility considerations.
Note. Units conduct relief on the radio nets (though limited) of the outgoing unit to facilitate control during the relief.
Execution
6-31. When executing a relief in place, the linkup (see section IV) method chosen prior to the intermediate tactical assembly area (TAA) (when used) usually involves conducting linkup at a predetermined contact point(s). During movement to the contact point(s), the platoon leader monitors the progress and execution of the linkup to ensure that established positive control measures are followed or adjusted as required. Contact points must be readily recognizable and posted on overlays. When possible, the moving force should halt short of the contact point and send a smaller force (patrol or team) forward to pinpoint the contact point. After the patrol makes contact with the force in position at the contact point, the patrol may leave a portion of patrol at the contact point then move back with the remaining members of the patrol to guide the subordinate unit back to conduct linkup. Following linkup, the relieving force is guided to a TAA, or depending on the situation, guided directly into relief position(s). (See figure 6-3 on page 6-12.)
Figure 6-3. Platoon relief in place (squads occupy same positions)
6-32. During the relief, the outgoing leader retains responsibility of the AO and mission. The outgoing leader exercises operational control over those subordinate elements of the incoming unit that have completed their portion of the relief. Responsibility passes to the incoming leader when all elements of the outgoing unit are relieved and adequate communications are established.
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