CONDITIONS

Given a vehicle with driver, state road map, topographical map, and compass.

OBJECTIVE

Successfully navigate to three designated points and return to the start point within 1 hour.

TRAINING AND EVALUATION

Training Outline

1. Virtually every sortie begins with driving to some point. Additionally, entire hasty searches must be done mounted (in a vehicle). Because of this, team leaders must become proficient at mounted navigation.
2. To find a point by mounted navigation
1. On the map, determine the route you will take (see task O-0209 - Identify Topographical Symbols on a Map)
2. Choose checkpoints along the way. These should be easily recognizable features along your route, such a bridges or road intersections. Every point where you will turn should be a checkpoint.
3. Measure the distance between each checkpoint (see task O-0211 - Measure Distance on a Map) and write it down.
4. Move to the point:
1. Don't try to navigate and drive. Let someone else drive so you can concentrate on the map.
2. Use the odometer to measure the distance between points. That way you’ll know when checkpoints are coming up, or if you passed them by accident.
3. Rely on terrain association whenever possible (see task O-0217 - Locate Own Position by Terrain Association). The metal in your vehicle will make compasses unreliable.
4. If you must use a compass. Get out of the vehicle and move at least 10 yards away from it. This keeps the metal in the vehicle from affecting the compass (See task O-0201 - Use a Compass).
5. Don't speed, stop abruptly, block traffic or break any traffic laws. Make sure to park clear of the road when stopping, and be careful when exiting the vehicle when traffic is driving by.

Additional Information

More detailed information on this topic is available in Chapters 3, 5 and 7 of the Ground Team Member & Leader Reference Guide.

Evaluation Preparation

Setup:

Pick at least three points, approximately 5 to 10 miles apart. At each point, place a marker, clearly visible from the road, with a number on it. Choose points that are located on the topographical map, but are not marked on the objective state road map. Provide the team leader with a vehicle and driver, a compass, a state road map marked with all three points (their approximate locations) and a topographical map marked with all three exact locations.

Brief Team Leader:

Tell the team leader what the signs at each point look like. Tell the team leader to travel to each point, record the number on the sign, and then return to you within 1 hour. (You may allow more time if the route chose requires driving at slow speeds).

NOTE: If you are testing a group of people, pick more than three points, and have each person go to different combinations of points.

Evaluation

Student must receive a pass on all performance measures to qualify in this task. If the individual fails any measure, show what was done wrong and how to do it correctly.