FM 3-34.22 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

Appendix E
� Estimating the crossing capability of the area using terrain data and available crossing means.
� Calculating force crossing rates for each crossing area using the troop list.
� Reviewing available bridging assets.
E-18. During COA development, the staff—
� Uses the commander’s guidance to sketch out several COAs.
� Develops the scheme of maneuver, fire plan, and support plan for each COA, considering
crossing capabilities and the order of crossing (see figure E-3).
Figure E-3. Sample BCT crossing area overlay for a COA
E-19. The staff performs COA analysis and comparison as for any other tactical operation. Once a COA is
selected, the ENCOORD develops a detailed crossing plan to support the operation. (See FM 3-90.12 for
detailed information on developing a crossing plan.)
PHASES OF A DELIBERATE GAP CROSSING
E-20. An offensive, deliberate gap crossing operation has five phases. They are distinct phases for
planning, but there is no pause between them in execution. (See figure E-4 for an overview of a deliberate
gap crossing.) The phases are as follows:
� Advance to the gap (Phase I). The first phase is the attack to seize the objective nearside.
� Assault across the gap (Phase II). The second phase involves units assaulting across the gap to
seize the objective farside, eliminating direct fire into crossing sites (typically, when rafting can
begin).
� Advance from the farside (Phase III). The third phase is the attack to secure the exit bank and
intermediate objectives that eliminate direct and observed indirect fires into the crossing area
(typically, when rafting transitions to bridging).
� Secure the bridgehead line (Phase IV). The fourth phase of the gap-crossing operation
involves units that secure bridgehead objectives to protect the bridgehead against counterattack.
This gains additional time and space for the buildup of forces for the attack out of the
bridgehead.
� Continue the attack (Phase V). The fifth phase is the attack out of the bridgehead to defeat the
enemy at a subsequent or final objective. It is considered a phase of gap-crossing operations
because the timing and initiation of this phase typically depends on the success of the other four
phases.
E-6 FM 3-34.22 11 February 2009