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Land Navigation

This course provides a comprehensive foundation for land navigation in a military or civilian context, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate in diverse and challenging environments.

Topics

Basic Navigation Skills (8hrs)

  • Map Reading:

    • Understanding map symbols and legends

    • Identifying terrain features

    • Understanding scales and distances

  • Compass Use:

    • Understanding compass parts and functions

    • Taking and following a compass bearing

    • Declination adjustment

  • Pace Count:

    • Measuring distance traveled using a pace count

    • Techniques for maintaining an accurate pace count over various terrains

  • Grid Reference System:

    • Understanding and using grid coordinates

    • Plotting and locating points on a map

  • Orienting the Map:

    • Using a compass to orient the map to the terrain

    • Relating the map to the ground

  • Dead Reckoning:

    • Navigating from one known point to another using a predetermined route and distance

Intermediate Navigation Skills (16 hrs)

  • Terrain Association:

    • Identifying and using terrain features for navigation

    • Recognizing and interpreting contour lines and elevation changes

  • Route Planning and Selection:

    • Planning safe and efficient routes

    • Understanding the factors that affect route selection (e.g., obstacles, enemy presence, weather)

  • Night Navigation:

    • Techniques for navigating in low-light conditions

    • Use of night vision equipment

  • Intersection and Resection:

    • Techniques for finding your location using known landmarks

    • Determining the location of an unknown point using known positions

Advanced Navigation Skills (hrs vary)

  • GPS and Digital Mapping:

    • Using GPS devices for navigation

    • Integrating GPS with traditional map and compass techniques

  • Navigating in Difficult Terrain:

    • Strategies for navigating in dense forests, deserts, mountains, and urban areas

  • Escape and Evasion Navigation:

    • Techniques for avoiding detection while navigating

    • Planning and executing evasion routes

  • Survival Navigation:

    • Using natural indicators (e.g., sun, stars, landmarks) for direction

    • Building and using makeshift navigation tools

  • Aerial and Satellite Imagery Interpretation:

    • Analyzing aerial photographs and satellite images for navigation

  • Communication and Reporting:

    • Relaying accurate navigation information to a team or command center

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