TAR 713 Land Navigation Techniques

Question 1

Dead Reckoning

Answer 1

The process of following an established azimuth for a specified distance

Question 2

Dead Reckoning Steps

Answer 2

1. Locate the starting point of each leg
2. Use resection, intersection, and attack points
3. On your map, determine azimuth from starting point to finish point, then convert the grid azimuth to a magnetic azimuth
4. Determine the horizontal distance to that point on your map and convert it to a pace count

Question 3

Resection

Answer 3

The method of locating one’s position on a map by determining the grid azimuth to at least two well defined locations that can be pinpointed

Question 4

Resection: Map and Compass Steps

Answer 4

1. Orient the map using the compass
2. Identify two or three known distance locations on the ground and Mark them on the map
3. Measure the magnetic azimuths
4. Convert to grid azimuths
5. Use a protractor to draw back azimuth lines

The intersection is your location

Question 5

Magnetic Azimuth

Answer 5

The arc between the point on the horizon and the direction of magnetic north

Question 6

Grid Azimuth

Answer 6

The angle between grid north and a line drawn on a map

Question 7

True North

Answer 7

North according to earth’s axis, not magnetic north

Question 8

GM Angle

Answer 8

The angular distance between grid north and magnetic north

• Expressed to nearest 1/2 degree

Question 9

Declination

Answer 9

The difference between the three types of north

Question 10

Magnetic North

Answer 10

North as determined by earth’s magnetic field

Question 11

Grid North

Answer 11

North as determined on a flat map

• Parallel lines that do not converge

Question 12

Convert Grid to Magnetic

Answer 12

• Add if westerly
• Subtract if easterly
• LARS (Left Add, Right Subtract)

Question 13

Convert Magnetic to Grid

Answer 13

• Subtract if westerly
• Add if easterly
• RALS (Right Add Left Subtract)

Question 14

LARS

Answer 14

Left Add, Right Subtract

Question 15

Attack Point

Answer 15

An easily identifiable and recognizable feature on the map and on the ground

• Preferably 300m or less from your objective

Question 16

Steering Mark

Answer 16

A well defined object on the ground in the direction of travel toward which the navigator must steer

Question 17

Deliberate Offset

Answer 17

A process of intentionally offsetting to a particular direction when your objective is located on a linear feature

• One degree offset equals 17m for every 1,000m traveled

Question 18

Number of MILS in Compass

Answer 18

6,400

Question 19

RALS

Answer 19

Move right add, move left subtract

Question 20

RALS Rule

Answer 20

• Used to bypass obstacles or enemy positions by detouring around them and still staying oriented to them by moving at right angles for specified distances
• At night, hold compass and turn until center of the E or W is under the luminous light

Question 21

Collecting Features

Answer 21

• Features you plan to cross at any particular leg of a course
• Checkpoints to your objective
• Ideally 3+ per leg
• Check azimuths as you cross

Question 22

Limiting/Stopping Feature

Answer 22

• A feature, preferably linear, beyond the objective

- Indicates you’ve traveled too far

Question 23

Drift

Answer 23

The tendency to veer from the planned path

Question 24

Factors that Affect Drift

Answer 24

• Terrain
• Obstacles
• Error in holding compass
• Compass error

Question 25

Terrain Association

Answer 25

The process of using terrain features to guide the navigator to the objective

Question 26

Terrain Association Steps

Answer 26

1. Locate your starting point and finish point 2. Identify all terrain features between the two points 3. Move to finish point by reading the ground along the direction of movement

Question 27

Keys to Terrain Association

Answer 27

- Use contour lines - Match terrain to map by examination - Compare the vegetation on map - Adjust for terrain masking by vegetation - Use hydrography - Use man made features

Question 28

Combo Land Nav Steps

Answer 28

1. Determine start point and objective 2. ID a prominent terrain feature <300m from objective as attack point 3. Determine magnetic azimuth and pace count to objective 4. Determine route to attack point 5. ID collecting features and collect as you move 6. ID limiting feature 7. Move to objective using steering marks - Continually check azimuth and pace count

Question 29

Field Expedient Methods

Answer 29

- Shadow Tip Method - North Star - Southern Cross

Question 30

Shadow Tip Method

Answer 30

- Used when compass not available 1. Place stick vertically in level ground with a distinct shadow. - Mark shadow tip with a stone - First mark is always the west direction 2. Wait 10-15 minutes for shadow to move - Mark the new shadow tip position 3. Draw a straight line through the two marks made on the shadow tips - This is the east-west line 4. Stand with the first mark to your left and the second to your right - First mark is east, second is west

Question 31

North Star

Answer 31

- Polaris - Five finger widths up from the two end stars in Big Dipper (Ursa Major) bowl - Also the end of the tail of Little Dipper (Ursa Minor)

Question 32

Southern Cross

Answer 32

- Only visible in the Southern Hemisphere - Four finger widths from bottom star marks due south - Shown on Australian flag and Raider emblem

Question 33

Searching Techniques

Answer 33

- Circle Search - Box Search - No more than 25 meters

Question 34

Intersection

Answer 34

Shooting an azimuth at one point from two known locations, then determining location by their intersection on the map

Question 35

Back Azimuth

Answer 35

- Plus (<180) or minus (>180) 180 degrees, 3200 mils from original azimuth - Can help determine how far off course you are

Question 36

Using a Back Azimuth

Answer 36

- When you lose sight of the objective, but not the known starting point - Backsight to starting point, then calculate back azimuth to current position - The difference between original azimuth and back azimuth is how off course you are