Orient The Map

Before effectively utilizing your compass, you must establish your present position on the map and orient the map with the compass. Work closely with the NAVIGATOR and accomplish the following:

1. Place the side edge of the compass base plate alongside and parallel with any north south grid line (lines from top to bottom of map). As a reference, position the compass so the direction of travel arrow points to the top of the map.

2. Carefully rotate the map until the red end of the magnetic needle is centered (boxed) in the orienting arrow.

3. Your map is now oriented to magnetic north and the surrounding landscape.

4. It is imperative throughout the exercise to keep the map oriented to magnetic north at all times.

Establish a bearing in the field:
Once your points have been plotted on the map (the NAVIGATOR), you must now establish your course (the NAVIGATOR will determine the course through the use of the UTM grid reader):

1. Ascertain the desired course from the NAVIGATOR.

2. Turn your body and face the direction of the plotted course.

3. Holding the compass at waist level, slowly rotate the compass housing (azimuth ring) until the red end of the magnetic compass needle is centered (boxed) within the orienting arrow.

4. Read your bearing in degrees at the center index point—where the compass housing meets the direction of travel arrow on the compass base plate (“read bearing here”). This is the course you must maintain to accurately find your checkpoint. Slowly with your eyes extend that bearing along the axis of the direction of travel arrow.

5. Pick the first significant point of reference in line with the direction of travel arrow and your planned course, such as a large rock, tree, or some other object you won’t lose sight of. Additionally, look over your shoulder and select a major landmark (as aforementioned) directly behind you. Again, this should be a point you won’t lose sight of. Visually referencing these points will help keep you on your desired course.

6. Ensure the PACER is ready to begin the pace count from your present plotted position to the next checkpoint

7. Do NOT touch the compass dial after you set your course! Walk directly towards your point of reference, cross-checking the compass (the red end of the compass needle is still centered) to make sure you aren’t drifting off course

8. When you reach the desired point, cross-check with other squad members to affirm overall situational awareness.

9. Repeat above procedures for movement to next point.

Plot The Course
Along with the Navigator, you too have the ability to plot a course or bearing to a plotted position on the map. This is called a “map bearing”. To establish a map bearing:

1. Orient your map using the procedures described earlier in this handout.

2. Place the edge of the compass base plate like a ruler with the direction of travel arrow pointing from your current location on the map toward your intended plotted destination. The edge of the base plate should exactly connect your current location and your intended destination, or run along a drawn line which does connect the two points.

3. Being careful NOT to move either the map or the compass base plate, rotate the compass housing until the north end (red end) of the compass needle centers itself exactly inside the orienting arrow. The index line under the azimuth ring now indicates your desired course bearing. Add six degrees to this bearing!!

4. Without moving the compass housing, stand up holding the compass level at your waist and rotate your body until the north end of the compass needle centers itself exactly inside the orienting arrow.

5. The direction of travel arrow indicates your course.

6. Whenever you travel with the compass, to maintain desired course, always keep the red magnetic needle centered within the outline of the orienting arrow.