LAND

NAVIGATION
LAND NAVIGATION
1. Navigation Equipment and Methods
■ Compasses are the primary navigation tools to use
when moving in an outdoor world where there is no
other way to find directions. Soldiers should be
thoroughly familiar with the compass and its
uses. Part one of this manual discussed the
techniques of map reading. To complement three
techniques, a mastery of field movement
techniques is essential.
Types of Compasses
a. Lensatic. The lensatic compass is the most common and
simplest instrument for measuring direction.
b. Artillery. The artillery M-2 compass is a special-
purpose instrument designed for accuracy.
c. Wrist/Pocket. This is a small magnetic compass that
can be attached to a wristwatch band. It contains a
north-seeking arrow and a dial in degrees.
d. Protractor. This can be used to determine azimuth when
a compass is not available. However, it should be noted
that when using the protractor on a map, only grid
azimuth are obtained.
LENSATIC COMPASS
PART FUNCTION
Thumb • Serves as a retaining device to secure the compass in the closed position
Loop • Also used as a wire loop for your thumb when you hold the compass in position for sighting in on objects
Cover • When closed, protects the face of the crystal
• Contains the sighting wire
Sighting Used for: - sighting in on objects for which an exact azimuth is needed
Wire - compass calibration
• Is comparable to the front sight post of the service rifle
• Holds the upper glass crystal in place
Bezel • Helps preset a direction for night compass navigation
Ring • Contains 120 clicks when rotated fully; each click equals 3°
• A short luminous line is used in conjunction with the north-seeking arrow for night navigation
Black • Stationary line used as a reference line for determining direction
Index Line • When the compass is held properly, the azimuth found directly under the black index line identifies the
direction that the compass is pointing
• Is delicately balanced and free floating when in use
Compass • Can be locked in place by closing the eyepiece
Dial • Contains two complete circular scales, one in - Degrees (red scale)
- Mils (black scale)
Field Expedient Methods
When a compass is not available, different techniques
should be used to determine the four cardinal directions.
1. Shadow-Tip method – a simple and accurate method of
finding direction by the used of a stick and a shadow
created by the sun.
2. Star Method – Navigators‟ use less than 60 of
approximately 5,000 stars visible to the eye.
■ a. North Star – less than 1 degree off true north and
does not move from its place because the axis of the
earth is pointed toward it. The North Star is in the
group of star called the little dipper. It is the last
star in the handle of the dipper. Two stars in the big
dipper are help in finding the North Star.