Land Navigation and Patrolling Flashcards

During a patrol, your fire team unexpectedly encounters an enemy squad at close range. Both units are surprised. Which immediate action drill is most appropriate for this situation?

Answer: Immediate Assault

An immediate assault is the correct drill for a meeting engagement. This drill provides a swift, positive offensive action to decisively engage the enemy. 'Hasty Ambush' is for when the enemy is unaware, 'Freeze' is for when you see the enemy but they have not seen you, and 'Break Contact' is typically used defensively after being engaged.

You are unable to determine your location on a map. You can, however, identify two prominent, known terrain features on the ground that are also on your map. Which land navigation technique should you use to find your position?

Answer: Resection

Resection is the method of locating one's own position on a map by determining the grid azimuth to at least two well-defined locations that can be pinpointed on the map. Intersection is used to locate an unknown point, not your own. Terrain association is a general method, but resection is the specific technique for this scenario.

Which of the following is the primary purpose of a reconnaissance patrol?

Answer: To gather information about the enemy, terrain, or resources.

The primary mission of a reconnaissance patrol is to gather information. While they may have to engage the enemy in self-defense, their goal is to avoid decisive engagement and report their findings. Combat patrols, on the other hand, are tasked with missions that require actively engaging the enemy.

A patrol leader is planning a route and wants to use linear features that are easy to follow, such as streams, roads, or ridgelines as guides. This is a key component of which navigation method?

Answer: Terrain Association

Terrain association is the skill of using terrain features to guide movement and determine location. Using linear features as 'handrails' is a fundamental technique within terrain association navigation. Dead reckoning relies on compass azimuths and pace counts over a set distance.

While on patrol, the point man gives the hand and arm signal for 'FREEZE'. What is the most likely reason for this signal?

Answer: The patrol has detected the enemy, but the enemy has not yet detected them.

The 'FREEZE' signal is used when a patrol member detects the enemy, but the patrol itself has not been seen. This allows the patrol leader to assess the situation and decide on the next course of action without giving away their position.

When reading a military map, what do the contour lines represent?

Answer: Elevation and the shape of the terrain.

Contour lines on a topographic map connect points of equal elevation. The closeness and shape of these lines indicate the steepness of a slope and depict terrain features like hills, valleys, and ridges.