The only actions that remained were to retrieve the bridge and identify the lessons learned. Several lessons were learned and relearned during this exercise. Intelligence preparation of the battlefield is key to conducting successful river crossings. Without the forecast and hydrographic surveys indicating that the site would be crossable on 18 July, a limited exercise probably would have been conducted on Engineer Lake instead of on the Arkansas River. Automation speeds the planning process through use of spread sheets and Terrabase.
Software needs to be standardized and shared.
Close coordination is required at all levels of the operation. The 353rd Engineer Group and the 489th Engineer Battalion have a peacetime command relationship but still had difficulties meshing the brigade plan into the division plan. Most corps engineer groups and battalions are in the reserves, and bridging companies are split between Active and Reserve Components. Units must develop training relationships because there are few opportunities to train in the organization in which they will fight. A broad, secure front is required.