Essential Topography, Navigation, and Military Procedures
Topography and Mapping Concepts
Topography
Topography is the science that studies, models, and describes the graphical representation of the Earth’s surface, with its shapes and details, both natural and artificial.
Map
A Map is a drawing that uses symbols to represent an extension of land with all its features, according to a scale fixed in advance.
Scale
Scale is the relationship between the size of the drawing and the object in reality.
Sketch
A Sketch is a lightweight design of a site, landscape, or military position, which is made by eye and without the use of geometrical instruments.
Using a Compass
Compass Basics
A Compass is an instrument containing a magnetic needle that always points to magnetic north.
Precautions
- Do not set up near large metal masses.
- Do not take measurements near power lines.
- The compass should be held horizontally.
Map Orientation
- Set 0 degrees (North) on the compass dial at the index line.
- Place the compass parallel to a south-north grid line on the map, with the direction of travel arrow pointing towards the top of the map.
- Rotate the map and compass together until the red end of the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow (pointing North).
Following a Bearing
- Rotate the dial so the index line reads the desired bearing (e.g., XXX degrees).
- Hold your compass in front of you, with the direction of travel arrow pointing away from you.
- Keep the compass level so the needle can swing freely.
- Keep the compass still and rotate your whole body until the red end of the needle lines up with the red orienting arrow.
- Always ensure the red end of the needle matches the red orienting arrow and the needle has stopped moving.
- The direction of travel arrow now points in the direction you should walk.
Military Coordinates and Communication
Military Grid Coordinates
Military grid coordinates are split into two parts. The first part represents the easting (reading right on the map). The second part represents the northing (reading up the map).
ACP 125 Voice Procedure
The aim of ACP 125 is to prescribe the voice procedure for use by the armed forces of Allied nations on secure and insecure tactical voice nets.
Callsigns
A Callsign is a combination of letters and figures that identify a communication facility, an organization, or an individual on a radio net. Its primary use is to establish and maintain communications.
Authentication
Authentication is a security measure designed to protect Allied communications against deception from fraudulent transmissions by unauthorized persons.
Codeword
A Codeword is a single word with a prearranged meaning, used to establish a condition, an alert, or to initiate the implementation of a plan or operation.
Figures Pronunciation
Figures are often preceded by a proword (like “FIGURES”) to help distinguish them from other similarly pronounced words during transmission.
Net Types
Free Net
In this type of net, the Net Control Station (NCS) authorizes member stations to transmit traffic to other stations in the net without obtaining prior permission from the NCS.
Directed Net
In Directed Nets, stations must obtain permission from the NCS prior to communicating with other stations in the net.
Signal Reporting
Signal Strength
- Loud
- Good
- Weak
- Very Weak
- Fading
Readability
- Clear
- Readable
- Unreadable
- Distorted
- With Interference
Operational Procedures and Rules
Dress Code
Dress Code refers to the mandatory way personnel must be equipped when patrolling outside the compound.
Alert State
Alert State defines the situation of readiness for action according to any given threat level.
Rules of Engagement (ROE)
ROE are the internal rules or directives for military forces that define the circumstances, conditions, degree, and manner in which the use of force, or actions which might be construed as provocative, may be applied.
ROE Card
An ROE Card is a document that provides soldiers with a summary of the Rules of Engagement regulating the use of force for a particular mission.