Tactical Bridging

The Tactical Bridging program, as detailed in Army budget line item 2831MX0100, focuses on the procurement and sustainment of mobile bridging platforms designed to support maneuver forces in a variety of operational environments. This program falls under the Army's Other Procurement appropriation, specifically the Bridging Equipment sub-activity. It is intended to equip both active and reserve components with the capability to rapidly establish crossing points over obstacles such as rivers, ravines, and destroyed infrastructure. The goal is to ensure the Army can maintain momentum during offensive and defensive operations, as well as provide critical support for homeland defense and civil emergency missions.

The Dry Support Bridge (DSB) is a central component of the Tactical Bridging program. The DSB is a mobile tactical bridging system employed by Multi-Role Bridging Companies (MRBCs) for rapid deployment in tactical and assault scenarios. Its primary objective is to enable the crossing of gaps up to 40 or 46 meters, depending on the configuration, with a military load classification capable of supporting both wheeled and tracked vehicles. The DSB system includes an M18 Launcher mounted on a Palletized Load System chassis, M19 Bridge sections, and supporting transport vehicles and trailers. Each MRBC is equipped with four DSB systems and specialized tool and test equipment, with an Army Acquisition Objective of 140 units.

The Line of Communication Bridge (LOCB) serves a complementary role by facilitating the sustainment of widely dispersed forces across large operational areas. The LOCB is designed to restore and maintain essential routes for both military and civilian traffic, supporting the uninterrupted flow of personnel, equipment, and supplies. The LOCB system has evolved to accommodate increased vehicle weight requirements, now supporting higher military load classifications for tracked and wheeled vehicles. It provides a 50-meter dry gap crossing and a 130-meter wet gap crossing capability, with modular components that can be linked to span various lengths as needed.

For the LOCB, program objectives include the procurement of training sets to ensure readiness and operational proficiency. The Program of Record requirement specifies training sets for both the 50-meter fixed LOCB and the 130-meter floating LOCB. Additionally, the LOCB supports specific operational needs in both the Pacific and European theaters, with requirements identified for All Things Pacific and All Things Europe. The Army Acquisition Objective for LOCB is set at 12 units, reflecting the targeted distribution for training and operational support.

Justification for the Tactical Bridging program is grounded in its critical role in enabling rapid maneuver and sustainment operations. The bridging systems are essential for overcoming natural and man-made obstacles, maintaining operational tempo and logistical support in contested environments. These assets are also necessary for domestic emergency response and military support to civil authorities, as mandated by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. This dual-use capability ensures the Army can respond effectively to both military and civil contingencies.

There is no FY 2026 budget request for the MX0100 Tactical Bridging program, indicating that procurement objectives for the current cycle have been met or deferred. Previous years' funding supported both Pacific and European operational requirements, as well as the transition to the Program of Record for LOCB production. The absence of a new request in FY 2026 does not diminish the ongoing importance of these bridging systems, which remain integral to Army mobility and support missions.