Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop - Army Electronic Publications ...

6-65. Additional planning considerations for linkup operations include:
Distance to the linkup.
Time the objective area is to be held.
Planned operations or movement out of the objective area.
Resupply of the linkup force.
Movement of FS and sustainment assets involved in the linkup.
Whether follow-on forces will secure LOC.
PREPARATION
Other Tactical Operations
6-66. Due to the time-sensitive nature of the operation, the troop commander, at a minimum, issues his
order and attempts to rehearse the critical events of the operation with his subordinate leaders. Areas of
particular emphasis include movement along the route, reaction to contact, contingency planning up to the
linkup point, and actions to ensure that linkup coordination is executed without confusion.
6-67. The troop commander ensures linkup units (moving and/or stationary) have the higher unit’s FS plan,
current enemy situation, and digital updates if appropriate. If any control measures are changed during the
operation, he announces updates to both elements.
EXECUTION
6-68. The initial conduct of the linkup is similar to a zone reconnaissance (Chapter 3 of this ATTP),
depending on the threat situation. Reports of threat forces should be monitored throughout the mission to
allow the leaders to react to changes in the threat situation. As the units begin to maneuver, they attempt to
establish and maintain contact with each other.
6-69. At the SP, leaders establish long-range communications, stating that movement has started, and then
establish short-range communications prior to the near recognition point. As the two forces draw closer, the
tempo of the operation slows to help prevent fratricide. Each force uses coordinated signals to identify itself
as it approaches the linkup point. The forces should be able to monitor each other’s location via digital
systems and take the appropriate actions to control the physical linkup. Fire support coordination measures
are changed based on the progress of the forces and the threat situation. The linkup point can be moved
IAW the stated timeline, if necessary.
SECTION VIII – PASSAGE OF LINES
6-70. A passage of lines is the controlled movement of one unit through the positions of a stationary unit,
conducted so that neither unit interferes with the other’s scheme of maneuver. A passage of lines often
becomes necessary because the combat situation does not permit one unit to bypass another unit’s position
(See FM 3-20.96 for additional information).
6-71. The DRT may conduct either a rearward or forward passage of lines. When a unit moves toward the
threat through a stationary unit, it is considered a forward passage. In a rearward passage, the unit moves
away from the threat through friendly units.
6-72. A passage of lines may be conducted for the following purposes:
Continue an attack or counterattack.
Envelop a threat force.
Pursue a fleeing threat.
Withdraw security forces or main battle area forces.
Facilitate route, zone, or area reconnaissance.
Execute a defense or a delay.
Execute a screen or guard operation.
6-73. The DRT may perform some of these operations independently (screen and reconnaissance);
otherwise, it usually will take part in a passage of lines as part of a BHO.
16 November 2010 ATTP 3-20.97 6-11