The Oklahoma-based 401st Multi-Role Bridge Company had 15 minutes to build a small section of bridge in the Missouri River.  The exercise let the troops practice what they will soon do, in a war zone.

"It takes a lot of focus because the other obstacle that we have is the water," said First Lt. Shawn Gilbert. "We're wearing about 50 pounds of equipment flying into the water even with a life jacket on is a life threatening situation as well, so that is why we're doing these rehearsals."

The bridges are meant to span narrow waterways and they have to support troops, vehicles, and other equipment.

"You know insurgency problems, if they arrive, we have to take care of it. We have to keep the soldiers pretty much safe. I wanna bring them all home," said Staff Sgt. Floyd Hathaway.

Just as soon as the troops had finished putting the bridge together, they took it right back down.  The 401st takes the pieces of this bridge with them wherever they go, which later this Spring, includes Iraq.

"It's fast paced," said Staff Sgt. Connie Cabanagh, "you can see what you've done at the end of the day...after a hard days work, you can see the completed product."

To view a slideshow and extended interviews click on the link to the left side of the screen.