A gap crossing operation is a combined arms operation to project combat power across a linear obstacle. The obstacle is linear in that it creates a line crossing all or a significant portion of the area of operations. The obstacle can be wet gap (water obstacle) or dry gap that is too wide to overcome by selfbridging. The nature of the obstacle differentiates a gap crossing from a breaching operation. A wet gap crossing (river crossing) is also unique because the water obstacle is significantly large enough to prevent normal ground maneuver. A gap crossing generally requires special planning and support. Mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, civil considerations factors dictate the type of crossing (hasty, deliberate, or retrograde). Gap crossing generally includes preparing access and degress routes, completing a hydrographic survey (underwater obstacle detection or reduction), employing crossing means (bridging and rafts), and operating an engineer regulating point if required. This task is measured against a river crossing, the most difficult standard of gap crossing operation. Crossing fundamentals include surprise, extensive preparation, a flexible plan, traffic control, organization, and speed. Gap crossings may be conducted in support of combat maneuver or in support of lines of communication. (FM 3-90.12) (USAES)
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Gap Crossing
River Crossing
Wet Gap Crossing
FM 31-60 - River Crossing Operations
1952,1958, 1962, 1966 & 1972 (superseded by FM 90-13)
FM 90-13 River Crossing Operations
1978, 1992, & 1998
2008
This Research Guide is a compendium of selected resources on gap crossing. This guide contains links to articles, books, and other resources.
A Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle from 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, completes an uncontested wet-gap crossing 2 June 2018 in the vicinity of Chełmno, Poland. Engineers from the German Bundeswehr and the British Royal Army combined amphibious assets in order to build three ferries to facilitate the crossing of nearly two hundred military vehicles. (Photo by 1st Lt. Ellen Brabo, U.S. Army)