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Archive for the ‘Movement by Dead Reckoning’ Category
Directional Aids!
Identify & Movement to Landmark!
When navigating with a compass on a specific azimuth/direction, never walk with the compass in the open position. It’s not only hard on the compass, it further subjects it to possible damage ; plus, it’s not accurate when used this way.
It is better to identify an easily recognizable landmark on the azimuth/direction line of movement. These landmarks or steering marks can not be based on map study but rather what you see on the ground. They are singularly selected and progressively replaced as the march continues. They’re normally on or near the highest point along the azimuth/direction line, and you would navigate from one steering mark to the next. Considerations for a good steering mark would be:
- Easy to recognize as you progress forward based on color, size, and/or shape;
- The highest and furthest steering mark is normally the best. It should be continuously visible as you move forward.
- Steering marks at night should be based on unique shape not color (at night red appears black).
- During hours of limited visibility or when natural steering marks are not available, use situational imagination and expedience. Example: Send out a human (far as you can see): 1. direct them to azimuth line; 2. move to them; 3. repeat the process. It’s slow but workable.
There are binoculars and/or night vision devices that would simplify movement during the hours of limited visibility.
Navigate by Dead Reckoning!
No Room for Error!
Movement by Dead Reckoning consists of two basic, fundamental Map Reading/Land Navigation steps:
- The use of a protractor and graphic scales to determine the direction/azimuth and distance from one point to another on a map.
- Use of a compass and some means of measuring distance to apply this information on the ground.
Essentially, Dead Reckoning normally begins with the determination of a polar coordinate on the map and ends with the process of finding it on the ground. This process will require the knowledge and ability to apply advanced Map Reading/Land Navigation and Compass principles, techniques, and skills.
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