CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea -- A bridge can serve a multitude of functions and can have a variety of meanings. It can allow vehicles to travel over water or holes. It can even help guide our roads and infrastructure, but one of the most important bridges is the one we use to close a gap in our ideas, cultures and people.

This bridge is used in the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade when we complete combined exercises with our Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) counterparts.  Soldiers from the 74th Multi-Role Bridge Company, Task Force Ready participated in a combined wet-gap crossing exercise October 21 in Yeoju, South Korea.

The unit's ROKA counterparts took part in the exercise to learn more about it's procedures and bridge a gap between the two units. Spc. Brandon Etheridge, a bridge crew member with the 74th MRBC, was one of the Soldiers who participated in the exercise.  Etheridge was part of a group which helped the ROKA Soldiers a standard ribbon bridge.  "I was actually on one of the small boats helping with the boat operations during the exercise," Etheridge said. "It was great to be able to use my knowledge to help our allies." 

Pv2. Michael Nelson, a bridge crew member with the 74th MRBC, was another Soldier who worked with the ROKA Soldiers.  "I am part of the shore team," Nelson said. "We guide the trucks which deliver bays and ramps safely into the water."  The shore team was also in charge of tracking the engineer equipment.  "Moving pieces and large groups of equipment can become quite hectic," Nelson said. 

The shore team non-commissioned officer in charge was Spc. Tyler Shipman who was also from the 74th MRBC.  As the leader of his group, Shipman had to ensure exactly correct placement of trucks to deliver ramps and other equipment.  "Build crews are the Soldiers actually on the boats," Shipman said. "It is our job to support them." 

To completely finish one standard ribbon bridge, it can take up to around 40 minutes to an hour. This training means a lot because they got to watch their counterparts operate which allows them to both learn and teach, Shipman said.  There will always be gaps to cross, but when the bridges are built on a foundation of teamwork and a strong alliance, anything can be accomplished.