Land Navigation Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Based in the California desert
• Purpose: Basic land navigation (land nav)
• Audience can include:
  • Army personnel (basic training, unit-based training)
  • General public interested in learning land nav

Essential Tools for Land Navigation

• Map: Preferably MGRS (Military Grid Reference System)
• Protractor: To determine map scale
• Compass: Must have degrees marked
• Pencil: Preferred over pen for ease of correction
• 3x5 Card: For writing and straightedge use
• Other Notes: Knowledge of pay scale (distance measurement using pace count)

Understanding Maps

• Map Symbols: Basic knowledge required, e.g., roads, rivers
• Grid Zone Designator: Crucial for navigation
• Example Grid Plotting: (70, 33) explained in detail.

Using a Protractor

• Example given with 1:50,000 scale map
• Steps:
  1. Locate grid square based on initial coordinates
  2. Use protractor to plot exact point within grid square

Using a Compass

• Compass should have internal degrees marked
• Two methods for shooting an azimuth:
  1. Holding the compass low and lining up the direction
  2. Using the magnifying glass for precise alignment
• Be mindful of metal interference (e.g., weapons)

Calculating Your Location

• Finding Known Points: Reference known objects like roads or mountains
• Shooting an Azimuth: Take note of degrees to known points
• Resection Method: Using back azimuth to triangulate location
  • Conversion from magnetic north to grid north
  • Adjusting azimuth with GM (Grid-Magnetic) angle

Plotting a Course to a Destination

• Draw a line from the starting point to the destination
• Example: 280 degrees converted to 293 after GM adjustment.
• Calculate distance using the map scale

Pace Count

• Determine how many steps equal 100 meters
• Example: 63 steps for 100 meters
• Methods to remember pace counts (e.g., pebbles, beads)

Moving to a Point

• Navigate using azimuth and pace count
• Periodically recheck azimuth to avoid drifting
• Overcoming obstacles:
  • Maintain original azimuth
  • Keep track of pace before and after the obstacle
  • Head back in the opposite direction for the same number of steps to realign

Accuracy and Adjustments

• Plotting next points from each reached location vs. returning to the start
• Experienced navigators may plot from current location; beginners should return to start

Conclusion

• Land navigation can be complex but is learnable
• Practice and proficiency vary among individuals
• Encouragement to seek additional resources and practice

Final Remarks

• Encouragement for comments and tips
• Gratitude and sign-off from the lecturer, Christopher Chaos