TM 5-5420-278-10
0019 00
0019 00-2
TRANSPORTER OPERATIONS SITE SURVEY (Contd)
WARNING
Ensure water velocity is not above the specified limit
for the launch method used. Failure to comply may
result in damage to equipment or injury or death to
personnel.
g. The water velocity or current should not exceed the maximum specified limit
for the launch method used. (Refer to WP 0019, table 2, for water velocity
requirements for all conditions.) Notify your supervisor if you believe the water
velocity at the launch site is greater than the specified limit.
WARNING
If unloading the BAP to the ground, ensure the hold-
down locks, winch frame locking levers, BAP air hose,
and winch fluid hoses are in the correct position.
Failure to comply will result in damage to equipment
and possible injury or death to personnel.
h. If unloading the BAP to the ground at the launch site, ensure the handle on
both hold-down locks is pulled out to the DISENGAGED position, both winch
frame locking levers are in the UP position, and the BAP air hose and winch
fluid hoses are disconnected and secured in their stowed positions.
SITE REQUIREMENTS AND LAYOUTS
Site selection for bridging or rafting operations depends on several factors and is
usually a compromise of tactical and technical requirements. Determining if the
desired site location is suitable for the construction of a bridge or raft is essential to
the success and safety of the bridge company. A careful survey of the bridge or raft
site should be made by reconnaissance, not the operator/crew. However, the
operator must understand and observe the site requirements when performing raft
and bridge operations.
1. Tactical Requirements. The ability of the US Army to cross a river quickly
and efficiently is critical. Where no fording sites, existing bridges, civilian
ferries, armored vehicle launch bridges, assault boats, or amphibious vehicles
are available to advance army forces across a river, the IRB will be used. Site
selection is the result of a commander's strategic decision based on three types
of river crossing operations: hasty, deliberate, and retrograde crossings.
a. Hasty river crossings are usually conducted as a continuation of an attack
by army forces using a river site that permits a crossing with little or no
loss of momentum. If site conditions exist to permit rafting operations, the
IRB may be used where the commander decides to reinforce assault forces
with armored vehicles and anti-armor weapons.
b. The deliberate river crossing requires a buildup of firepower and the use of
IRB equipment to carry it, which entails the need for detailed planning and
centralized control of the site. The deliberate crossing consists of an assault
phase, a rafting phase, and a bridging phase.
c. The retrograde crossing is a defensive operation intended to protect the
