5-10. General
Prior march reconnaissance includes memorizing details of the country to be traversed. Routes should be plotted and as many landmarks located as possible to insure that personnel will not be without recognizable features for any appreciable length of time. If on barren terrain, all navigation instruments must be thoroughly checked and one of the most experienced men should be given the job of navigating and maintaining the "dead reckoning log." It is possible to become temporarily lost while operating in friendly areas of enemy terrain, as on a long range patrol. Each situation should be considered separately, and the main point to remember in any case is to remain calm.
5-11. When Lost Within Known Locality
If the sector is quiet and there is an absence of war noises or aircraft to guide the patrol toward friendly lines, stop in place. In a wooded area steps should be retraced to the last known point. If this is not practical, estimate the present location and send a small detail in search of the next known point. Opinions should be taken from the group as a whole if it is felt they will contribute. Search parties must mark their trail carefully in order that they may return and guide the main group forward or rejoin the group should their search be fruitless. In the meantime, the remainder of the group should seek shelter. If it is still not possible to locate the route, carry out the group action discussed in paragraph 5-12.
5-12. Conduct When Lost
At the first suspicion that a patrol or unit is not on the right course, it should not keep moving in the hope that it will come across a known landmark. The leader should halt the patrol, not cause unnecessary panic by appearing concerned, and immediately make a detailed check of the route starting at the last known point passed. If extensive checking of the position does not clarify the situation, inform all concerned personnel of the circumstances. When it has been determined the group is definitely lost, the patrol leader must accomplish the following:
a. Seek a shelter, evaluate the situation, and formulate a plan.
b. Gather all food and drink and institute a rationing system.
c. Send a few selected personnel to search for a route, while the balance of the party remains in a sheltered position.
d. Arrange necessary ground-to-air signals appendix B.
