TM 5-5420-209-12
2-28. Raft Assembly.
a. General. Ramp bays and interior bays may be joined to construct a raft for transporting personnel and equipment
across bodies of water. The number of bays required for rafting is dependent upon the class of the traffic to be transported,
dimensions of equipment, and the velocity of the river. The number of boats required for safe operation of a particular
raft depends upon the type of raft, the class of the load, and the velocity of the river. Consult rafting charts (table 2-17
or 2-18) for minimum raft size and boat requirements to ensure safe operation. A raft uses two ramp bays so that the raft
may be loaded and unloaded from either end. In addition to two men in each boat, the raft carries a minimum crew of
three men (one raft commander and two assistants). The raft commander directs the raft by use of hand signals to the
boat operators. He is responsible for loading and unloading the raft, checking levers on the pumps, and safety of the raft.
The assistants are responsible for handling the approach ramps, operating the hydraulic pumps, watching for underwater
obstructions during crossings, and any other necessary duties for safe operation.
(1) Launch two interior bays (1) and (2) and connect (para. 2-20), and anchor upstream from launch site.
(2) Launch ramp bay (3) and connect to interior bay (1) (para. 2-18), and secure ramp bay and interior bay per-
pendicular to shore.
NOTE
Add anchorage as needed.
(3) Launch remaining interior bays (as required by raft size) and connect to raft assembly.
(4) Launch ramp bay (4) and connect to interior bay (para. 2-18).
Longitudinal Rafting Procedure
c.
(1) Install four rafting brackets adjacent to centerline of raft as follows:
(a) Remove pin (1) and install rafting bracket (2) and secure with pin (1).
(b) Repeat Step a. for remaining rafting brackets.
2-116
b. Raft Assembly Procedure.
