text: Chapter 15
  15-17. Force intermingling is inherent in a relief. The consequences of mutual interference between the
  units and the complexity associated with such areas as traffic control, fire support coordination, obstacle
  plans, and communications require close coordination among all headquarters involved. Commanders
  establish early liaison between the incoming and outgoing forces. The relief plan also addresses the relief in
  place of these computer networks and information systems.
  15-18. The incoming unit is responsible for all sustainment operations. As the support elements of the
  outgoing unit displace, they leave the incoming unit supply stocks based on previous coordination. If the
  units conducting the relief have different modified tables of organization and equipment, units conduct a
  mission analysis to determine the method the relieving unit will use to meet its responsibilities and the
  weapons systems it will use. The unit staff must determine any special support requirements the incoming
  unit will have and address supporting those requirements with the available supporting sustainment
  organizations. The unit sustainment staff ensures that both commanders are aware of constraints that may
  affect the incoming unit. The headquarters of the outgoing unit coordinates traffic movement into and out of
  the assigned area.
  PREPARING FOR A RELIEF IN PLACE
  15-19. Units conceal the relief from enemy forces for as long as possible. At the first indication that a relief
  is necessary, which is usually the warning order for the incoming unit, both the outgoing and incoming units
  review their OPSEC plans and procedures. Units may use military deception measures when conducting a
  relief in place to maintain secrecy. To maintain security during a relief in place, the incoming unit makes
  maximum use of the outgoing unit’s radio networks and operators. Both units involved in the relief operate
  on the command frequencies and encryption variables of the combat net radios of the outgoing unit at all
  levels.
  15-20. The units conducting a relief in place conduct rehearsals to discover any weaknesses in the plan and
  familiarize all elements of both forces with the plan. Finding time for rehearsals requires commanders and
  staffs to focus on time management.
  15-21. Reconnaissance elements of the incoming unit precede its movement with a route reconnaissance of
  the assembly area. They conduct reconnaissance of the routes leading from the assembly areas to the positions
  of the outgoing unit. The commander of the incoming unit normally conducts a leader’s reconnaissance
  before starting the operation.
  15-22. While the units are conducting the relief in place, their common higher headquarters and other units
  continue actions to mask the relief and prevent enemy forces from detecting or interfering with the relief.
  These include using demonstrations, feints, smoke, and indirect fires.
  EXECUTING A RELIEF IN PLACE
  15-23. Units strive to conceal the relief from enemy forces. For example, during a sequential or staggered
  relief, the incoming unit may occupy the same positions as the outgoing unit. Alternatively, the incoming
  unit may establish positions near the outgoing unit. However, occupying different positions makes early
  discovery by enemy forces more likely. Any increase in activity in forward positions can reveal the relief to
  enemy forces. Information-collection efforts focus on establishing if enemy forces have discovered the relief
  before its completion.
  15-24. An enemy force usually detects a relief effort from the increased activity from the movement of the
  incoming and outgoing units by Soldiers and equipment moving into and out of positions. Additionally, after
  any period of combat, differences in the types and amount of equipment exist between the incoming unit and
  the outgoing unit even if they have the same modified tables of organization and equipment. These
  differences can also reveal the relief to enemy forces. The two units establish guidelines for exchanging
  compatible equipment and supplies to limit these differences. It may be necessary to exchange certain
  weapons, supplies, equipment, and occasionally, vehicles between units. When major differences in the
  number of combat systems between the units exist—for example, when a tank-heavy task force relieves a
  mechanized infantry task force—inoperable equipment or vehicle decoys may assist in hiding the change of
  units.