text: Chapter 5
  BATTLE HANDOVER PLANNING
  5-148. Battle handover can occur during either offensive or defensive operations. During defensive
  operations, the battle handover is usually planned and coordinated in advance to facilitate execution and
  frequently involves a rearward passage of lines. In the offense, a battle handover is situation dependent and
  often initiated by a fragmentary order. Normally, a battle handover occurs in the offense when one unit passes
  through or around another unit. Tactical SOPs containing clear, simple, standardized procedures, and control
  measures enhance the ability of units to coordinate without experiencing a corresponding loss in momentum.
  5-149. Battle handover occurs along a line forward of the stationary force known as the BHL. The BCT
  commander establishes the line in coordination with stationary and passing battalion commanders. Usually,
  the stationary commander determines the BHL location. The line is forward of the forward edge of the battle
  area in the defense or the FLOT in the offense. The BHL is located where elements of the passing unit can
  be overwatched effectively by direct fires or supported by indirect fires of the forward combat element of the
  stationary unit until the battle handover is complete.
  5-150. Physical handover frequently occurs near the BHL. Events may dictate that a force break contact
  forward of or behind the BHL; for example, this may occur when there is a gap between echelons of the
  attacking enemy force. Close coordination (physical, digital, or voice) between the units involved in the
  handover allows them to coordinate and execute this process at the small-unit level.
  BATTLE HANDOVER FLOW
  5-151. The battle handover operation begins on order of the commander of the units involved or when a
  given set of conditions occurs. Defensive handover is complete when the passing unit is clear and the
  stationary unit is ready to engage the enemy. These actions may occur at the same time. Offensive handover
  is complete when the passing unit crosses the BHL, which is usually considered the LD for the attacking unit.
  Until the handover is complete and acknowledged by the commanders, the commander in contact is
  responsible for coordinating the fight.
  5-152. Coordination for battle handover flows from the commander out of contact to the commander in
  contact. The coordination for a battle handover overlaps with the coordination for a passage of lines; the
  coordination for both should be accomplished at the same time. The squadron tactical SOP should outline
  these coordination requirements to facilitate rapid accomplishment.
  5-153. Digital information systems assist the squadron staff with its coordination and synchronization
  efforts for the operation. Each unit transmits or delivers a complete copy of its OPORD and overlays by either
  digital or analog means. Any changes made after initial distribution are updated immediately. The
  coordination between the two commanders involves—
  * Establishing digital and voice radio communications.
  * Providing updates of friendly and enemy situations (digital, voice, and graphical).
  * Coordinating passage points and routes and ensuring these are displayed on operational overlays
  (digital and analog).
  * Collocating contact points and exchanging liaison personnel (if required).
  * Coordinating fires (direct and indirect) and ensuring the direct fire control measures and fire
  support coordination measures display on operational overlays (digital and conventional).
  * Providing updated obstacle overlays including self-destruct, date-time groups of emplaced family
  of scatterable mines obstacles and reserve demolitions in the affected area of operations.
  * Determining the need for and dispatching contact point representatives.
  * Establishing and coordinating recognition signals.
  * Exchanging locations of obstacles and related covering fires.
  * Exchanging route information, including waypoints.
  * Determining sustainment requirements.
  5-154. Due to the fluid nature of a battle handover, commanders can use digital systems to speed the
  planning, coordination, and execution processes. Units should plan voice radio; if digital capabilities are
  hampered, then units should use frequency modulation to coordinate and execute battle handovers.