This situation is difficult to envision, but it is what is expected when a division conducts a deliberate river crossing. A reinforced division crossing 20,000 strong at two brigade crossing sites with two bridges each equates to that town of 5,000 at each of thc four bridges. River crossing is one of the most complex engineer operations to plan and execute. In addition to overcoming the logistics problems, a deliberate river crossing must project forces across the river in synchronization with the commander's battle plan.
Success depends on meticulous planning and numerous rehearsals.
Many in the engineer community misunderstand who is responsible for planning river-crossing operations. FM 90-13, River Crossing Operations, a combined arms manual, states that corps engineers are additional staff planners of crossing operations and provide command and control of the crossing assets. It also states that divisional engineers should focus on the fight. Yet, when the manual outlines planning procedures and responsibilities, it lists the brigade and the division engineers. However, some group commanders maintain that it is not their mission but that of the division engineers.