2CR conducts wet gap crossing with NATO allies

Photo By Sgt. Andrew McNeil | A British soldier guides troops from the 2d Cavalry Regiment off of a M3 Amphibious Rig Bridge after ferrying them across the Nemen River near Kulautuva, Lithuania during Saber Strike 18 on June 13, 2018. Saber Strike 18 is a multinational exercise scheduled to run from June 3-15 that tests NATO’S enhanced forward presence (eFP) battle groups located in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The exercise is part of NATO’s goals to demonstrate the Alliance’s interoperability and help each participating country maintain the readiness of its forces. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew McNeil / 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

KULAUTUVA, LITHUANIA

06.27.2018

Story by 1st Lt. Cody Pennington 

2d Cavalry Regiment

One of the most anticipated events of Saber Strike 18 was the contested wet gap crossing over the Neman River in the vicinity of Kulautuva, Lithuania, June 13, 2018. A great deal of planning took place within the 2nd Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment and the regimental staff in coordination with the 130th Deutsch Engineer Battalion in order to ensure the training opportunity was a success.

Due to the efforts and engineering elements of the 130th Deutsch Engineer Battalion, Cougar Squadron was able to travel across a major body of water - a first-time experience for most of the Soldiers in the squadron. Even those Soldiers who have served in the U.S. Army for multiple years and have previously served with other units, recognized that participating in a wet gap crossing is a unique experience.

“I was truly surprised just how fast and effective the engineers were when we showed up for the crossing,” said Sgt. Austin Harrison, team leader, 2nd Platoon, Ghost Troop, 2/2CR. “We were told generally what was going to happen for the crossing, but it’s something none of us have really trained for in the past.”

Each Soldier played a key role in ensuring the crossing was conducted safely and efficiently. From driver to gunner, no matter the rank it was pertinent that each was alert throughout the operation.

“It was interesting to see a situation where it didn’t matter what rank you had or what your leadership position [was],” continued Harrison. “We all had an equal level of expectations and so we all had an equal hand in making sure we did our part.”

A wet gap crossing allows for the regiment to launch its combat power forward, extending its operational reach during a fight. However, the tactical truth is that a wet gap crossing is treated just as any other obstacle on the battlefield. Cougar Squadron encountered objectives preceding the crossing as well as immediately after.

Without the amphibious assets of the 130th Deutsch Engineer Battalion, the ability to move forward with their mission would not have been possible. The unit, compromised of both Soldiers from both the German Bundeswehr and the British Army, provided personnel to guide and direct the 2CR Strykers and military support vehicles onto the raft and safely across the river in order to download and continue operations.

Sgt. First Class Brandon Sullivan, 2/2CR, began his time with the unit as a platoon sergeant for a line troop but is now part of operations and helps to make plans for the squadron. His change in position has provided a new perspective regarding the factors that are involved when planning a large-scale operation such as Saber Strike.

“When I was a platoon sergeant, I only ever really dealt with the execution phase of whatever training event or mission we had,” said Sullivan. “Now that I am part of Headquarters Troop, and part of the planning process, I see things that I never saw before … from coordinating people, utilizing resources, developing time lines and so much more. I have seen more layers surround Saber Strike than I would have otherwise known. Most of all, it was really cool to see how ideas became words, words became plans and plans became execution.”

The wet gap crossing proved to be a memorable learning experience and great training opportunity for each Dragoon in the squadron. Many discussions from leaders and subordinates alike have provided insight as to what can be improved upon and how Saber Strike 18 has shown the squadron where its strength lie and where it needs to continue to grow.

Teams, squads, platoons and troops are now more cohesive. These new areas of growth will help Cougar Squadron remain lethal no matter the circumstances and ensure the Soldiers are ‘Always Ready’.

• Date Taken: 06.27.2018
• Date Posted: 06.27.2018 08:49
• Story ID: 282427
• Location: KULAUTUVA, LT