text: Linkup
  assaulting the objective area. Supplies for the linkup forces normally move by land transportation. However,
  when the objective area is to be defended jointly by the linkup and airborne or air assault force, supplies for
  the linkup force maybe flown into the objective area and stockpiled.
  20-14. Evacuation of equipment and wounded may create major problems for a linkup force. If supply
  routes are open, the normal evacuation procedures apply. When ground routes are not secure, helicopters
  may be used for evacuation of wounded while damaged equipment may be moved forward with the linkup
  forces until a suitable opportunity for evacuation is available.
  PREPARATION FOR A LINKUP
  20-15. Preparation creates conditions that improve friendly forces opportunities for success during the
  linkup. Units rehearse, refine the linkup plan, and conduct liaison activities prior to the execution for the
  linkup.
  Command and Control
  20-16. Staffs will walk the subordinate forces through a rehearsal of the operation. While this occurs, they
  will ensure that the control measures established for the operation are effective. Specifically, they will want
  to monitor the progress of the subordinate forces as they maneuver along the axis of advance. Simultaneously,
  they will be prepared to issue a fragmentary order for a hasty defense or attack, depending on the situation.
  Actions on contact and operating within the commander’s guidance are aspects of the operation that the
  commander will want to ensure that subordinates completely understand.
  Intelligence
  20-17. The intelligence staffs will prepare for the linkup by war-gaming the operation with the commander.
  They will want to ensure that the unit is prepared for likely enemy’s actions, preventing the linkup from
  occurring. Additionally, they will want to practice the conduct of the linkup and subsequent operations within
  the context of the enemy situation.
  Movement and Maneuver
  20-18. There will probably be little time to conduct a combined arms rehearsal for movement and maneuver,
  especially due to the time-sensitive nature of the operation. The commanders will issue the order and attempt
  to walk the executing forces through the operation. The rehearsal will stress the linkup and the coordination
  required to linkup without confusion. Moreover, it will ensure that each force is prepared to respond to a
  meeting engagement or enemy attack during the linkup. A commander’s primary concern is that subordinate
  forces focus on the complexity of the linkup.
  Fires
  20-19. The fire support coordination cell will ensure that the counterpart force in the linkup operation,
  whether moving or stationary, has the fire support plan. Specifically, the cell will want to ensure that both
  forces completely understand the fire control measures, coordinated fire lines and restricted fire lines. Further,
  if these control measures shift during the operation, the conditions and signals under which the change occurs
  must also be coordinated. Units position air defense assets to support the force as in a movement to contact
  or deliberate attack. Units will want to ensure that air defense will be prepared to protect the forces at the
  linkup point. This is where the two forces could collide and become congested.
  Sustainment
  20-20. The sustainment elements will organize as they do for any other offensive operation. However, as
  mentioned earlier, they will carry additional supplies and material if they are conducting the linkup with an
  encircled force. Generally, this will include Class I, III, V, and VIII items. The logistic staffs will also ensure
  that each force understands the distribution plan, including traffic control. They will want to push as much
  material forward as possible during this operation. This is because the force will not only expend supplies as