3 Purpose To provide guidance and deconflict Passage

3

Purpose To provide guidance and de-conflict Passage of Lines procedures for the 505 th RCT Light/Heavy Task Force. 3

References 1. 505 th PIR TACSOP, Appendix 3 (Passage of Lines), Annex C (Maneuver), 18 June 2001 2. FM 3 -90 Tactics, 4 July 2001 3

Passage of Lines • A tactical enabling operation in which one unit moves through another unit’s positions with the intent of moving into or out of enemy contact. • Conducted to continue an attack or conduct a counterattack, retrograde security or main battle forces or anytime one unit cannot bypass another. • Transfers responsibility of an area of operations (AO) between two commanders 3

Passage of Lines A passage of lines is conducted under two basic conditions: 1. A Forward Passage of Lines occurs when a unit passes through another unit’s position while moving toward the enemy. 2. A Rearward Passage of Lines occurs when a unit passes through another unit’s position while moving away from the enemy. 3

Control Measures Passage Lane: A lane through an enemy or friendly obstacle that provides safe passage for a passing force. Gap: An area free of armed mines or obstacles whose width and direction allow a friendly force to pass through the area containing obstacles while dispersed in a tactical formation. Passage Point: is a specifically designated place where the passing units pass through the stationary unit. PP 1 3

Planning Considerations • Higher HQ will designate: -Subsequent missions -When and where passage of command takes place -Start and finish times -Contact points between units -Control measures and graphics • Designated units will coordinate: -Intelligence and combat information -Direct / indirect fires and close air support plans -Security measure during the passage -All Control Measures -Air defense plan -Logistics support 3

Forward Passage of Lines • The purpose of a forward passage of lines is to move forces forward to conduct operations. • Ensures the maintenance of contact with the enemy while allowing the relief of previously committed forces. • Stationary force must control and secure the AO far enough to its front that the moving force can pass through the stationary force and reform into a combat formation prior to contact with the enemy force. • Support by the stationary force ends when the combat elements of the moving force, including the reserve, have moved beyond direct fire range. 3

Forward Passage of Lines 3 OBJ Orange PL Green PP 5 PP 4 FEBA RP 1 RP 2 PP 6 FEBA RP 3 SCT SP A AA Khaki SP B SP C

Rearward Passage of Lines • Continues the defense or retrograde operation, maintaining enemy contact while allowing for recovery of security or other forward forces. • May or may not be conducted under enemy pressure. • Close coordination between the two commanders is crucial. • Stationary unit must identify multiple routes through its AO. • CPs should co-locate for best C 2, if possible (Will be difficult/impractical with Light/Heavy TF) 3

Rearward Passage of Lines PL Wayne Passed Scouts pick up battle from passing units 2 PL Joe (BH) 1 SCT PL Joe (BH) Passing unit Scouts identify unit at Passage Point PP 3 Passing unit PP deploys into 4 3 column SP A FEBA RTE White Stationary units overwatch passing units SP B RTE Red FEBA AA Khaki

Command Control • Upon receipt of WARNO, units will make immediate contact. Contact will always be made from moving units to stationary units. • Establish and maintain liaison. • Moving unit will co-locate its TAC CP with the stationary units TAC CP until Battle Hand-Over (BHO) is complete. • Coordination will be established to provide: -Criteria for BHO -Selection of CP for moving unit -Exchange of communications & intelligence plans -Reconnaissance of routes, passage points and patrols -Control and security measures (marking SOP for lead/ trail vehicles of Heavy TF) -Time and location for passage of command -Administrative and logistics support (Light TF does not have the ability to support Heavy TF during passage, Support must be internal) -Fire and Signal support 3

Maneuver • Priority of routes is to unit executing passage. • Traffic control is the responsibility of the stationary unit. • Multiple routes should be used to reduce vulnerability. • BHO is determined by mutual agreement of commanders. • Stationary unit provides fire support until BHO. • Necessary control measures: -Passage points -Battle Hand-Over Line -CP locations -Routes -Contact points 3

Fire Support • During passage of lines: -Unit in contact is responsible for fire support until BHO -Mission of fire support will be coordinated between the two commanders -Artillery unit will normally support the moving unit until BHO • During withdrawal: -Moving Artillery unit is responsible for fire support until BHO -If a rearward passage of lines is, the mission of the artillery battalion that is withdrawing may be changed on the recommendation of the Force Artillery Commander 3

BOS • ADA: -Position vicinity POL • M/C/S: Stationary unit provides -Guides -Gapping of minefields Intel: Stationary unit provides -Known and suspected enemy locations -Recent enemy activities -Terrain information -Obstacle information CSS: Stationary unit provides -Evacuation of casualties and EPWs -Civilian control -Traffic control on routes - Use of unit facilities (water, fuel points) 3

Considerations / Issues • 1 -64 may need to provide additional AD coverage along passage lanes. • Austere III, IV and MEDEVAC capability • Recognition signals Day Near. FM Far. VS-17 (front armor) • Weapons orientation Night FM 2 X IR Flashes 3