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Archive for the ‘Compass Holding Techniques’ Category
Compass to Cheek Method!
Sighting the Compass!
The Compass to Cheek method of holding a Lensatic Compass is used almost exclusively for sighting. Obviously, if using, there must be enough light to see the far distant aiming point/object. The following sequential steps can be used to place the compass into operation:
- Open the Lensatic Compass cover (w/sighting wire) to a vertical position.
- Pull up the sighting lens slightly, place thumb through the thumb loop and provide a steady base by forming a fist around the thumb with four remaining fingers.
- Take second hand and grasp supporting hand and depict in diagram above.
- Lift compass to cheek and look through the rear-sight slot and align the front-sight hairline with the far distant aiming point/object.
- Glance down at the dial through the eye lens and read the direction/azimuth in either degrees or mils.
Remember, the direction/azimuth obtained with a Lensatic Compass is a magnetic reading and must be converted to a grid direction/azimuth before plotting on a map.
Using a Lensatic Compass!
Centerhold Position!
There are several Lensatic Compass holding techniques; however, in the interest of expedience, this posting will cover the most common and generally preferred method. The Centerhold Technique is assumed by:
- Open the compass (fullest extent).
- Move rear sight to the upright position (unlocks floating dial).
- Place thumb through the thumb loop; form a steady base with third and fourth fingers; extend index finger along side the compass; place other thumb between the rear sight and the compass dial; extend the index finger along the other side of the compass and remaining fingers around the other hand; pull your elbows into your side and turn your body in the direction of the target/object for azimuth reading/determination.
To determine the azimuth, once the compass is pointing at the target, look down and read the azimuth from beneath the fixed black index line. Remember, this is a magnetic reading and must be converted to Grid before plotting on a map.
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