U.S. Army soldiers from the 43rd Multi-Role Bridge Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade conduct a Wet Gap Crossing on May 10, 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)
0-14;40 U.S. Vehicles rolling in
14;40-30 U.S. Bridge Drop
30-43 U.S. Raft with Polish Vehicles
43-55 U.S Raft Movement
55-1:03 U.S. Soldiers Movement
1:03-1:41 Polish Tank getting on Raft
1:41-1:54 U.S. Raft moving with Polish Tank
1:54-2:07 Polish Vehicle getting on U.S. Raft
2:07-2:23 U.S. Bridge Drop
2:23-2:46 U.S. Crew grabbing bridge
2:46-Finish U.S. Bridge Drop (Close Up)
![20240510 - Wet Gap Crossing B-Roll]()
