![army protractor army protractor](https://etc.usf.edu/clipart/46300/46306/46306_protractor_sm.gif)
Now move to point 2 and repeat the same process to get the bearing for point 3. In a notebook, write your bearing next to the coordinate for your first plot to remind yourself that when you’re at point 1, you’ll shoot a bearing of 165° on your compass to get to point 2. So from point 1 to point 2, there’s a bearing of 165°. Look where the line you just drew on your map lines up on your protractor hashmarks. When reading and plotting MGRS coordinates, follow the rule of “right and up.” I’ll show you what is meant by this by continuing our example. 9530 (this is our northing coordinate - the horizontal lines that run east/west on your map).
![army protractor army protractor](https://sc01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB11V_3FVXXXXaRaXXXq6xXFXXXF/7152361/HTB11V_3FVXXXXaRaXXXq6xXFXXXF.jpg)
3046 (this is our easting coordinate - the vertical lines that run north/south on your map).We’re going to split that up for easier reading:
#ARMY PROTRACTOR HOW TO#
I’ll walk you through how to do that, using for an example the eight-digit coordinate number: 30469530 You’ll then need to plot those points on your map, using a military coordinate protractor. Using a GPS or an online tool, you can acquire 8-digit MGRS coordinates for the various spots you’re targeting during your trek in the wilderness. Prep Workīefore we learn how to use MGRS coordinates and get out into the field, we’re going to do some prep work to make sure that we have all the information we need to navigate. You can plot those points on your map and you’ll have a backup navigation tool in case you lose your GPS device or if it fails.īesides the practical uses of knowing how to plot coordinate points and navigate to them, it’s just plain fun to do. Part of your prep work should be knowing the MGRS coordinates for your start point and your secluded hunting cabin out in the woods. Let’s say you’re planning a weeklong hunting trip out in the wild. That way, if GPS fails on a mission, they can still make it to their intended waypoints – even if they’re small and specific with MGRS coordinates and a military protractor, you can plot a point on a map within 10 meters of accuracy.įor civilians, knowing how to plot MGRS coordinates by hand and navigate to them can be useful for active outdoorsmen. Soldiers are required to know how to plot MGRS coordinates on a map with nothing but a military protractor, and how to find those coordinates in the field with a map and compass. Two is one, and one is none which is to say, technology fails, and you need to have a contingency plan for when it does. Why would you want to employ this old/new method of land nav? To do that, you plot MGRS (military grid reference system) coordinates on your map before you head out. With the aid of modern technology at the outset, you can get a whole lot more specific with your land nav rather than just finding your way to a major landmark, you can locate a little stake in the ground. You’re ready to start doing some serious land navigation. Always keep your land navigation skills fresh by practicing with a map, compass and military protractor.If you’ve read the first parts of this land navigation manual, you should now know how to read a topographic map, find your bearings, and orient yourself with a map and compass. Moisture is a common malfunction of the GPS.ĭon’t let yourself be caught relying solely on electronics or batteries that can fail you. It can be jammed and detected when near or behind enemy lines. GPS readings are distorted during thunderstorms, electronic interferences and when bombing support is very close on enemy positions. The GPS will not penetrate sandstorms, rainstorms, snowstorms, smoke, structures, forest canopies, and thick cloud cover.
![army protractor army protractor](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/IKcAAOSwr~lYnqPq/s-l300.jpg)
Protractors without the conversion formula will provide a reading that is off the exact grid coordinate position. The RM Military Square Protractor is the only protractor with a printed formula and a diagram to align map grid north to match the compass magnetic north. The only known BACK-UP of the GPS when it malfunctions is your ability to use a military protractor and sighting compass. Description Military Square Protractor #21