Wet Gap Crossing B-Roll

Credit: Sgt. William China | Date Taken: 05/11/2024
U.S. Army soldiers from the 43rd Multi-Role Bridge Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade conduct a Wet Gap Crossing on May 11, 2024, at the Drawsko Combat Training Center, Poland, in support of Immediate Response 24. A Wet Gap Crossing is a tactical operation that constructs Improved Ribbon Bridges across a water obstacle, such as a river or lake. This maneuver allows the transport of equipment and troops over various wet terrain environments, saving crucial time in wartime scenarios. DEFENDER is the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness, and is a U.S. European Command scheduled, U.S. Army Europe and Africa conducted exercise that consists of Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response. DEFENDER 24 is linked to NATO’s Steadfast Defender exercise, and DoD’s Large Scale Global Exercise, taking place from 28 March to 31 May. DEFENDER 24 is the largest U.S. Army exercise in Europe and includes more than 17,000 U.S. and 23,000 multinational service members from more than 20 Allied and partner nations, including Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. William China) 0-10;40 - Bridge in Progress 10;40-21;30 - U.S. Bridge finish line 21;30-32;30 - U.S. Rafting of mechanized vehicle 32;30-54 - U.S. Raft Pickup point 54-1:30 - U.S. Bridge drop (different angles) 1:30-1:42 - Polish vehicles driving on U.S. Raft 1:42-1:51 - U.S. Raft moving with Polish Vehicles 1:51-1:59 - U.S. Soldiers opening Smoke can box 1:59-2:34 - Polish Tanks on U.S. Bridge (different angles) 2:34-Finish - Polish Tanks driving on U.S. Bridge