Relief, as a military term, refers to the breaking of a siege or an encirclement by an outside force.^[1] It may occur in conjunction with a breakout and is one of four possible conclusions of investment, the others being a breakout, surrender or reduction. The force that effects relief is known as the "relieving force" or colloquially "rescue party". Following relief, the town or fortification is said to have been "relieved".

• Immortal 32 (Siege of the Alamo)
• Randy Shughart / Gary Gordon (Battle of Mogadishu)

• Combat search and rescue
• Relief in place