a. Determine your general location by
(1) Developing a working knowledge of the operational area.
[a] - Geographic checkpoints.
[b] - Man-made checkpoints.
[c] - Previous knowledge of operational area.
(2) Using the Rate x Time = Distance formula.
(3) Using information provided in the map legend.
(4) Using prominent landmarks.
(5) Visualizing map to determine position.
b. Determine cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) by
(1) Using compass.
(2) Using stick and shadow method to determine a true north-south line (Figure II-1).
Figure II-1. Stick and Shadow Method
(3) Remembering the sunrise/moonrise is in the east and sunset/moonset is in the west.
(4) Using a wristwatch to determine general cardinal direction (Figure II-2).
[a] - Digital watches. Visualize a clock face on the watch.
[b] - Northern Hemisphere. Point hour hand at the sun. South is halfway between the hour hand and 12 o'clock position.
[c] - Southern Hemisphere. Point the 12 o'clock position on your watch at the sun. North is halfway between the 12 o'clock position and the hour hand.
Figure II-2. Direction Using a Watch
(5) Using a pocket navigator (Figure II-3)
[a] - Gather the following necessary materials: lat writing material (such as an MRE box), 1-2 inch shadow tip device (a twig, nail, or match), Pen or Pencil
[b] - Start construction at sunup; end construction at sundown. Do the following: Attach shadow tip device in center of paper, Secure navigator on flat surface (DO NOT move during set up period), Mark tip of shadow every 30 minutes annotating the time, Connect marks to form an arc, Indicate north with a drawn arrow.
[c] - Do the following during travel: Hold navigator so the shadow aligns with mark of present time (drawn arrow now points to true north).
[d] - Remember the navigator is current for approximately 1 week
Figure II-3. Pocket Navigator
(6) Using the stars (Figure II-4) the
[a] - North Star is used to locate true north-south line.
[b] - Southern Cross is used to locate true south-north line.
Figure II-4. Stars
c. Orient the map by
(1) Using a true north-south line (Figure II-5)
[a] - Unfold map and place on a firm, flat, level nonmetallic surface.
[b] - Align the compass on a true north-south line.
[c] - Rotate map and compass until stationary index line aligns with the magnetic variation indicated in marginal information. Easterly (subtract variation from 360 degrees), Westerly (add variation to 360 degrees).
Figure II-5. Orienting a Map Using a True North-South Line
(2) Using a compass rose (Figure II-6)
[a] - Place edge of the lensatic compass on magnetic north line of the compass rose closest to your location.
[b] - Rotate map and compass until compass reads 360 degrees.
Figure II-6. Map Orientation with Compass Rose
(3) If there is NO compass, orient map using cardinal direction obtained by the stick and shadow method or the celestial aids (stars) method.
d. Determine specific location.
(1) Global Positioning System (GPS).
[a] - DO NOT use GPS for primary navigation.
[b] - Use GPS to confirm your position ONLY.
[c] - Select area providing maximum satellite reception.
[d] - Conserve GPS battery life.
(2) Triangulation (resection) with a compass (Figure II-7).
Figure II-7. Triangulation
[a] - Try to use 3 or more azimuths.
[b] - Positively identify a major land feature and determine a line of position (LOP).
[c] - Check map orientation each time compass is used.
[d] - Plot the LOP using a thin stick or blade of grass (combat) or pencil line (non-combat).
[e] - Repeat steps (b) through (d) for other LOPs.
e. Use the compass for night navigation by
(1) Setting up compass for night navigation (Figure II-8).
(2) Aligning north-seeking arrow with luminous line and follow front of compass.
(3) Using point-to-point navigation.
f. Route selection techniques follow:
Figure II-8. Compass Night Navigation Setup
(1) Circumnavigation.
[a] - Find a prominent landmark on the opposite side of the obstacle.
[b] - Contour around obstacle to landmark.
[c] - Resume your route of travel.
(2) Dogleg and 90 degree offset (Figure II-9).
(3) Straight-line heading as follows:
[a] - Maintain heading until reaching destination.
[b] - Measure distance by counting the number of paces in a given course and convert to map units.
Figure II-9. Dogleg and 90 Degree Offset
- One pace is the distance covered each time the same foot touches the ground.
- Distances measured by paces are approximate (example in open terrain, 900 paces per kilometer [average], or example in rough terrain, 1200 paces per kilometer [average]).
[c] - Use pace count in conjunction with terrain evaluation and heading to determine location. An individual’s pace varies because of factors such as steep terrain, day/night travel, or injured/uninjured condition. Adjust estimation of distance traveled against these factors to get relative accuracy when using a pace count.
(4) Deliberate offset is--
[a] - Used when finding a point on a linear feature (that is, road or river).
[b] - Intentionally navigated to left or right of target so you know which way to turn at the linear feature.
(5) Point-to-point is same as straight line.
[a] - Pick out landmarks on the heading and walk the trail of least resistance to a point.
[b] - On reaching a point, establish another landmark and continue
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