FMF Land Navigation and Patrolling 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'hasty ambush' in Marine Corps patrolling doctrine?
- An ambush planned weeks in advance with detailed rehearsals
- An ambush conducted immediately upon chance contact with the enemy without full preparation (Correct answer)
- An ambush using only indirect fire assets
- An ambush that targets only vehicles, not dismounted infantry
Correct answer: An ambush conducted immediately upon chance contact with the enemy without full preparation
A hasty ambush is executed upon unexpected enemy contact, using immediate action drills rather than deliberate planning.
Question 2: Which map reading skill involves identifying your position by cross-referencing two or more known terrain features?
- Dead reckoning
- Resection (Correct answer)
- Intersection
- Terrain association
Correct answer: Resection
Resection is the technique of locating your own position by taking azimuths to two or more known points on the map.
Question 3: What is the significance of the 'limit of exploitation' in a combat patrol order?
- It defines the farthest point a patrol may advance beyond the objective (Correct answer)
- It identifies the minimum number of personnel required to complete the mission
- It sets the time by which the patrol must return to friendly lines
- It specifies the maximum weight of equipment each Marine may carry
Correct answer: It defines the farthest point a patrol may advance beyond the objective
The limit of exploitation defines the farthest point the patrol can advance, preventing overextension.
Question 4: When using a lensatic compass, the 'sighting method' requires the Marine to:
- Hold the compass at waist level and read the dial directly
- Align the rear sight, front sight, and target while reading the azimuth under the hairline (Correct answer)
- Place the compass flat on the ground and rotate until north aligns
- Use only the bezel ring to set the desired azimuth
Correct answer: Align the rear sight, front sight, and target while reading the azimuth under the hairline
The sighting method uses the rear sight notch, front sight wire, and target alignment to take a precise azimuth reading.
Question 5: A patrol must navigate 1,200 meters on foot. If a Marine's pace count is 62 paces per 100 meters, how many paces should be counted to cover the distance?
- 620
- 744 (Correct answer)
- 680
- 600
Correct answer: 744
Multiply 62 paces per 100 meters by 12 (for 1,200 meters) to get 744 total paces.
Question 6: In patrol formations, what is the primary advantage of the file formation?
- It provides maximum firepower to the flanks
- It is ideal for movement through dense terrain where a wider formation is impractical (Correct answer)
- It allows the patrol to observe all directions simultaneously
- It is the fastest formation for open terrain movement
Correct answer: It is ideal for movement through dense terrain where a wider formation is impractical
The file formation is used in dense jungle or terrain where movement in any other formation would be impossible or too noisy.
Question 7: What does the military symbol for the color 'red' on a map overlay typically indicate?
- Friendly unit positions
- Enemy unit positions or activity (Correct answer)
- Planned air support routes
- Restricted fire areas
Correct answer: Enemy unit positions or activity
Red on military overlays typically denotes enemy positions, activity, or known threats.
FMF Land Navigation and Patrolling 3
What is a 'hasty ambush' in Marine Corps patrolling doctrine?