Field Navigation Exercises

Progressive field exercises taking you from parking lot compass work to night navigation in complex terrain. Each exercise includes scoring criteria, time standards, and lessons learned analysis.

Philosophy

The best classroom for land navigation is the field. No amount of instruction can substitute for practical application.
— US Army Land Navigation FM 3-25.26

Training progression:

  1. Controlled environment - Parking lots, sports fields (master basics)

  2. Easy terrain - Open woods, trails (build confidence)

  3. Moderate terrain - Mixed woods, rolling hills (develop skills)

  4. Difficult terrain - Dense vegetation, steep slopes (test competence)

  5. Night operations - All of the above in darkness (prove mastery)

Equipment Checklist

Item Specification Essential

Compass

Lensatic (M-1950) or baseplate with declination adjustment

Yes

Map

1:24,000 or 1:25,000 topographic

Yes

Protractor

Military (GTA 5-2-12) or civilian equivalent

Yes

Pace cord/beads

5mm cord with beads or ranger beads

Yes

Pencil

Mechanical, 0.5mm

Yes

Notebook

Rite in the Rain or equivalent

Yes

Red headlamp

Preserves night vision

Yes

Watch

With stopwatch function

Yes

UTM grid reader

1:24,000 scale

Recommended

Clinometer

Built into compass or separate

Recommended

Pace Count Calibration

Before any field exercise, calibrate your pace count.

Calibration Course

Course: 100m measured distance (verified with tape/GPS)
Terrain: Flat, open ground
Repetitions: 3 minimum

Record:
  Trial 1: ___ paces (single step count)
  Trial 2: ___ paces
  Trial 3: ___ paces
  Average: ___ paces per 100m

Terrain Adjustment Factors

Terrain Factor Example (if flat = 62 paces)

Flat road

1.00

62 paces/100m

Light brush

1.05-1.10

65-68 paces/100m

Heavy brush

1.10-1.20

68-74 paces/100m

Steep uphill

1.15-1.30

71-81 paces/100m

Steep downhill

1.05-1.15

65-71 paces/100m

Sand/gravel

1.10-1.20

68-74 paces/100m

Snow (packed)

1.10-1.20

68-74 paces/100m

Snow (deep)

1.30-1.50

81-93 paces/100m

Night

1.05-1.10

65-68 paces/100m

Your pace count WILL vary by day, fatigue level, and conditions. Recalibrate regularly.

Exercise 1: Compass Familiarization

Level: Beginner
Environment: Parking lot or sports field
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Prerequisites: None

Objectives

  • Identify all compass components

  • Take accurate magnetic bearings

  • Follow a bearing for 100m

  • Understand magnetic north vs grid north

Setup

Mark 4 points in a square pattern, 50m apart:

    N
    |
A --+-- B
|       |
|       |
D ------C

Tasks

Task 1.1: Component Identification (5 points each)

Identify on your compass: 1. Magnetic needle (red = north) 2. Orienting arrow (shed) 3. Bezel/housing 4. Direction of travel arrow 5. Index line 6. Baseplate 7. Declination adjustment (if equipped)

Score: _ / 35

Task 1.2: Bearing Practice (5 points each)

Stand at Point A. Shoot bearings to: 1. Point B: Expected ~090° ± 5°: Your reading: _ 2. Point C: Expected ~135° ± 5°: Your reading: _ 3. Point D: Expected ~180° ± 5°: Your reading: _

Verify by shooting back azimuths (add/subtract 180°).

Score: _ / 15

Task 1.3: Following a Bearing (25 points)

  1. Set compass to 045° (NE)

  2. Walk 50m on this bearing

  3. Set compass to 135° (SE)

  4. Walk 50m

  5. Set compass to 225° (SW)

  6. Walk 50m

  7. Set compass to 315° (NW)

  8. Walk 50m

Success criteria: Return within 5m of start point.

Score: * Within 2m: 25 points * Within 5m: 20 points * Within 10m: 15 points * Within 20m: 10 points * > 20m: 0 points

Score: _ / 25

Task 1.4: Declination (25 points)

Given: Magnetic declination = 12°E (Eastern USA example)

Calculate grid azimuth from: 1. Magnetic bearing 045° → Grid: _ 2. Magnetic bearing 270° → Grid: _ 3. Grid azimuth 180° → Magnetic: _

Solution

  1. 045° - 12° = 033° Grid

  2. 270° - 12° = 258° Grid

  3. 180° + 12° = 192° Magnetic

Memory aid: "East is Least, West is Best" (for converting magnetic to grid)

Score: _ / 25

Total Score

Section Possible Your Score

Component ID

35

Bearing Practice

15

Following Bearing

25

Declination

25

TOTAL

100

Passing: 70+ points
Expert: 90+ points

Exercise 2: Map Reading Fundamentals

Level: Beginner
Environment: Classroom with 1:24,000 topo map
Duration: 60 minutes
Prerequisites: Exercise 1

Objectives

  • Read contour lines

  • Identify terrain features

  • Plot UTM coordinates

  • Calculate distance and direction

Tasks

Task 2.1: Contour Interpretation (5 points each)

On your training map, identify: 1. Hilltop (closed contour) 2. Valley (V pointing uphill) 3. Ridge (U pointing downhill) 4. Saddle (hourglass shape) 5. Depression (closed with ticks) 6. Cliff/Steep slope (contours merged) 7. Gentle slope (contours spread) 8. Draw (re-entrant)

Score: _ / 40

Task 2.2: UTM Grid Reading (10 points each)

Read the 8-digit UTM coordinates for: 1. Point A (marked on map): _ 2. Point B (marked on map): _ 3. Point C (marked on map): _

Plot the following coordinates: 4. 17T 0567800 4312400 5. 17T 0568200 4312800

Score: _ / 50

Task 2.3: Distance Calculation (5 points each)

Calculate straight-line distance between: 1. Point A to Point B: _ meters 2. Point B to Point C: _ meters

Score: _ / 10

Total Score: _ / 100

Exercise 3: Point-to-Point Navigation

Level: Intermediate
Environment: Open terrain with clear landmarks
Duration: 2-3 hours
Prerequisites: Exercises 1-2

Course Description

5-point course, each leg 300-500m. Terrain: Open woods, trails, moderate slopes.

Pre-Mission Planning

Before stepping off, complete:

LEG PLANNING WORKSHEET

Leg | Start Grid | End Grid | Distance | Mag Azimuth | Paces | Time (3km/h)
----|------------|----------|----------|-------------|-------|-------------
1   |            |          |          |             |       |
2   |            |          |          |             |       |
3   |            |          |          |             |       |
4   |            |          |          |             |       |
5   |            |          |          |             |       |

Total Distance: _____ m
Estimated Time: _____ min

Scoring

Criterion Points Standard

Point 1 found

20

Within 25m radius

Point 2 found

20

Within 25m radius

Point 3 found

20

Within 25m radius

Point 4 found

20

Within 25m radius

Point 5 found

20

Within 25m radius

Time bonus

+10

Under par time

Time penalty

-5/15min

Over max time

Point Verification

Each point has a unique marker (code word, symbol, or punch):

  1. Point 1: _

  2. Point 2: _

  3. Point 3: _

  4. Point 4: _

  5. Point 5: _

Post-Exercise Analysis

After completing the course, answer:

  1. Largest error? Which leg had the most deviation? Why?

  2. Pace count accuracy? Did you adjust for terrain?

  3. Terrain association? Did you use attack points, catching features?

  4. Time management? Did planning match reality?

Exercise 4: Terrain Association

Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Environment: Varied terrain with distinct features
Duration: 3-4 hours
Prerequisites: Exercise 3

Concept

Terrain association uses map-to-ground correlation instead of pure compass work. You navigate by identifying features, not counting paces.

Key Techniques

Attack Points

Choose a large, obvious feature near your objective: * Trail junction * Stream crossing * Building * Distinct hilltop

Navigate to the attack point, then precise navigate to the objective.

Handrails

Linear features that guide your movement: * Streams * Ridgelines * Trails * Power lines * Fences

Catching Features

Safety features that tell you you’ve gone too far: * Road beyond objective * Stream you shouldn’t cross * Ridge that shouldn’t appear

Collecting Features

Features that confirm you’re on track: * "I should cross a small stream at 400m" * "The slope should change from up to down"

Course Design

6 points using terrain association:

Point 1: Hilltop (obvious landmark)
Point 2: Trail junction (handrail to it)
Point 3: Stream bend (follow stream as handrail)
Point 4: Saddle between hills (contour navigation)
Point 5: Distinct tree line (vegetation boundary)
Point 6: Start point (validate full loop)

Planning Template

For each leg, identify:

Leg 1:
  Attack point: _________________
  Handrail: _________________
  Catching feature: _________________
  Collecting features: _________________
  Emergency azimuth (if lost): _________________

Scoring

Criterion Points Notes

Pre-planning complete

15

All features identified

Points found (6)

60

10 points each

Terrain features used

15

Documented in notebook

No compass bailout

10

Pure terrain association

Exercise 5: Night Navigation

Level: Advanced
Environment: Familiar terrain from day exercises
Duration: 2-3 hours
Prerequisites: Exercises 1-4 in daylight

Safety Requirements

  • Course walked in daylight first

  • Whistle for emergency

  • Backup light (white)

  • Known recall signal (3 whistle blasts)

  • Buddy system or safety observer

  • Check-in times established

Night Adaptations

Challenge Technique

Can’t see map detail

Study map thoroughly before dark; memorize key features

Pace count unreliable

Slow down; use terrain association over dead reckoning

Compass reading

Red light only; brief illumination

Landmark recognition

Silhouettes against sky; sound cues (streams, roads)

Depth perception

Move slowly; use poles for stability

Pre-Dark Preparation

  1. Route memorization: Walk the course in daylight. Memorize:

    • Key terrain features

    • Danger areas (cliffs, water)

    • Attack points and catching features

  2. Landmark identification: Note what’s visible as silhouette:

    • Tree line against sky

    • Hilltops

    • Man-made structures

  3. Sound mapping: Identify:

    • Stream locations

    • Road noise

    • Animal sounds (orientation cues)

Night Course

4 points, shorter legs (200-300m), familiar terrain.

Scoring

Criterion Points

Pre-dark reconnaissance complete

15

Point 1 found

20

Point 2 found

20

Point 3 found

20

Point 4 found

20

No white light used

5

Exercise 6: Route Planning (Long Course)

Level: Advanced
Environment: Large area, 5-10 km total
Duration: 4-6 hours
Prerequisites: All previous exercises

Mission Brief

Navigate a 10-point course covering 8km. Time limit: 5 hours.

This exercise tests: * Route selection * Energy management * Decision-making under fatigue * Multiple navigation techniques

Planning Phase (30 minutes)

Complete full route study:

ROUTE SELECTION ANALYSIS

For each leg, choose route:
A) Direct (compass + pace)
B) Terrain association (longer but easier)
C) Hybrid

Leg 1: Route ___ Reasoning: _______________
Leg 2: Route ___ Reasoning: _______________
...
Leg 10: Route ___ Reasoning: _______________

Water points identified: _______________
Rest points identified: _______________
Bail-out routes: _______________

Decision Framework

When to choose direct compass: * Open terrain * Short distances (<300m) * No obvious terrain features

When to choose terrain association: * Dense vegetation * Long distances * Distinct features available

When to use hybrid: * Navigate to attack point (terrain) * Final approach (compass + pace)

Checkpoint Timing

Checkpoint | Distance | Cumulative | Planned Time | Actual Time | Variance
-----------|----------|------------|--------------|-------------|----------
Start      | 0        | 0          | 0:00         |             |
Point 1    |          |            |              |             |
Point 2    |          |            |              |             |
...
Finish     |          |            |              |             |

Scoring

Criterion Points

Pre-mission planning

10

Points found (10 × 8)

80

Time bonus (under 4 hours)

+10

No major errors

+10

Documented lessons

5

Exercise 7: Degraded Navigation

Level: Expert
Environment: Challenging terrain
Duration: 3-4 hours
Prerequisites: All previous exercises mastered

Scenario Constraints

Simulate equipment failure:

Variation A: No Compass

Navigate using: * Sun position (shadow stick) * Watch as compass * Star navigation (if night) * Terrain association only

Variation B: No Map

Navigate using: * Verbal description of route * Memorized terrain * Compass and pace only

Variation C: No Pace Count

Navigate using: * Time-distance (speed × time) * Terrain checkpoints only * Estimate distance by effort

Course Design

4 points, moderate terrain, each variation tests different failure mode.

Scoring

Criterion Points

Variation A: Points found (2)

30

Variation B: Points found (2)

30

Variation C: Points found (2)

30

Improvisation documented

10

Exercise 8: Combined Assessment

Level: Expert Certification
Environment: Unfamiliar terrain
Duration: 6-8 hours
Prerequisites: All exercises passed

Assessment Structure

Phase Activity Conditions Points

1

Written exam

30 questions, 45 min

100

2

Day navigation

6 points, 5km, 3 hours

100

3

Night navigation

3 points, 2km, 2 hours

100

4

Degraded nav

2 points, compass only

50

5

Route planning

Present plan to evaluator

50

Written Exam Topics

  • UTM grid coordinates (10 questions)

  • Declination conversion (5 questions)

  • Contour interpretation (5 questions)

  • Distance/azimuth calculation (5 questions)

  • Navigation techniques (5 questions)

Passing Standards

Level Score Designation

Fail

< 280

Retrain required

Pass

280-349

Competent Navigator

Pass with Distinction

350-399

Proficient Navigator

Expert

400+

Expert Navigator

Lessons Learned Template

After each exercise, complete:

NAVIGATION AFTER ACTION REVIEW

Date: _______________
Exercise: _______________
Conditions: _______________

WHAT WAS PLANNED:
- Route: _______________
- Time: _______________
- Technique: _______________

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED:
- Deviations: _______________
- Errors: _______________
- Surprises: _______________

ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS:
- Why did errors occur? _______________
- What information was missing? _______________
- What skill needs work? _______________

CORRECTIVE ACTIONS:
1. _______________
2. _______________
3. _______________

RATING: ___ / 10

Progressive Training Schedule

Week Exercise Focus Time

1

Ex 1-2

Compass & map basics

2 hours

2

Ex 3

First field course

3 hours

3

Ex 3 (repeat)

Build confidence

3 hours

4

Ex 4

Terrain association

4 hours

5

Ex 5

Night navigation

3 hours

6

Ex 6

Long course

6 hours

7

Ex 7

Degraded conditions

4 hours

8

Ex 8

Final assessment

8 hours

Total training time: ~33 hours over 8 weeks

Field Notes Pages

Blank Planning Sheet

MISSION: _______________
DATE: _______________
START TIME: _______________

LEG | GRID START | GRID END | DIST | AZ(M) | PACES | FEATURES
----|------------|----------|------|-------|-------|----------
 1  |            |          |      |       |       |
 2  |            |          |      |       |       |
 3  |            |          |      |       |       |
 4  |            |          |      |       |       |
 5  |            |          |      |       |       |
 6  |            |          |      |       |       |
 7  |            |          |      |       |       |
 8  |            |          |      |       |       |

TOTAL DISTANCE: _______
ESTIMATED TIME: _______

ATTACK POINTS:
_______________________________________________

CATCHING FEATURES:
_______________________________________________

EMERGENCY PLAN:
_______________________________________________

Point Log

POINT LOG

Point | Planned Grid | Actual Grid | Offset | Marker | Time
------|--------------|-------------|--------|--------|------
  1   |              |             |        |        |
  2   |              |             |        |        |
  3   |              |             |        |        |
  4   |              |             |        |        |
  5   |              |             |        |        |
  6   |              |             |        |        |
  7   |              |             |        |        |
  8   |              |             |        |        |

NOTES:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

Common Errors and Corrections

Error Cause Correction

Consistent drift left/right

Dominant eye, terrain slope

Check back azimuth every 100m

Distance short

Pace count too long

Recalibrate; account for terrain

Distance long

Pace count too short

Recalibrate; confidence in stopping

Wrong point entirely

180° error, parallel feature

Triple-check azimuth; verify with terrain

Lost completely

Accumulated errors

Stop, relocate from known feature

Recovery Procedures

LOST DRILL

1. STOP - Do not wander
2. ORIENT - Get map aligned
3. RECALL - Last known position?
4. IDENTIFY - Any recognizable features?
5. DECIDE - Return to last known OR proceed to catching feature
6. MOVE - Execute deliberately

References

  • FM 3-25.26 Map Reading and Land Navigation (US Army)

  • Silva Compass Manual

  • USGS Topographic Map Symbols

  • Orienteering USA Course Setting Guidelines

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