Which tactical mission task involves overwhelming force to take possession of an area?

The tactical mission task associated with overwhelming force to take possession of an area is "seize." This task is focused on taking control of a designated location through aggressive maneuvers and effective use of force, which typically involves a combined arms approach. By concentrating sufficient military strength in the operational area, troops can overwhelm the opposition and successfully occupy the area in question.

Seizing an area is crucial in military operations as it allows for further strategic positioning of forces, establishes a foothold for future operations, and can provide a critical advantage over the adversary. It involves not just the physical act of occupying the territory, but also neutralizing any potential threats in the area to ensure security and operational success.

In contrast, the other tactical mission tasks, such as "support by fire," "relief in place," and "delay," have different objectives, such as providing covering fire for advancing troops, rotating units in position without losing combat effectiveness, or slowing down an enemy’s advance without necessarily taking control of territory. Each of these tasks serves its specific purpose within a larger operational framework, but they do not specifically encompass the objective of taking possession of an area through overwhelming force.