how many miles is the overnight land navigation course

What is the land navigation course?

This course is focused on preparing military personnel for assessment and selection programs where command of land navigation skills is essential. It is run either as a group program or one-on-one private instruction.

Where do you go for land navigation training in the Marines?

Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, complete the land navigation course aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, June 11. Land navigation is part of Basic Warrior Training and is designed to teach recruits how to use a compass and map for navigation.

Do you need to know map reading and land navigation for selection?

My advice is to know map reading and land navigation to the point that you could teach a class on it long before you arrive at Selection. For those that aren’t yet in the military, it may present more of a challenge but it isn’t impossible. The skills and terms that you should be very familiar with include, but won’t be limited to:

What is the distance between points on a golf course?

Distance between points: no less than 300 meters; no more than 1,200 meters. Total distance of lanes: no less than 2,700 meters; no more than 11,000 meters. Total number of position stakes: no less than seven for each lane; no more than nine for each lane.

How long is land navigation?

Land navigation Students have 2.5 hours during limited visibility and 2.5 hours during the day to complete the test using only a pencil, map, compass, protractor and red- lens flashlight. It is a self-correcting course, and distances traveled between points are typically 1,000 to 1,500 meters.

How far are land nav points at SFAS?

Five land navigation points spread out in roughly the shape of a star, covering between 2 and 13km's per point totaling anywhere from a lot to a LOT of miles before you're all done.

How do you do night land navigation?

0:158:12How to use a compass at night - Land Nav Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCommon ways that we can change conditions. Is by conducting land navigation in low-light. But usingMoreCommon ways that we can change conditions. Is by conducting land navigation in low-light. But using a compass at night is something that for a lot of people is just really nerve-wracking.

How do you pass army land navigation?

So, here are our tips for getting a go at Land Navigation in Selection:Soak up everything that the cadre put out in classes and briefings. ... Take advantage of all the Land Nav practice sessions out there. ... Find the motivated candidates from the class and talk AFTER the day's events are over. ... Red lens flashlights only.More items...

How do I prepare for land nav in SFAS?

The keys to conquering SFAS Land NAVKnowledge: Learn the Basics. ... Buy a compass and a topographical map of your area, and learn how to use them. ... Mental: Develop Psychological Toughness.Land navigation is as much mental as it is physical.More items...•

Is land navigation hard?

Land Navigation is one of those skills that while it isn't hard to learn the basics, mastering them takes practice. And the more you know about it going in, the odds of your being selected go up markedly. In previous segments, we touched on Map reading and the importance of your pace count.

Where does Ranger school do land nav?

Ranger SchoolU.S. Army Ranger SchoolPart ofAirborne and Ranger Training Brigade, U.S. Army Infantry SchoolGarrison/HQFort Benning, GeorgiaMotto(s)"Rangers lead the way"Insignia9 more rows

How many clicks does a compass bezel ring have?

(3) The bezel ring is a ratchet device that clicks when turned. It contains 120 clicks when rotated fully; each click is equal to 3°. A short luminous line that is used in conjunction with the north-seeking arrow during navigation is contained in the glass face of the bezel ring.

What is a back azimuth army?

A back azimuth is a projection of the azimuth from the origin to the opposite side of the azimuth circle. There are 360 degrees in the azimuth circle, so the opposite direction would be 180 degrees (half of 360 degrees) from the azimuth.

What is the pass rate of SFAS?

Assuming you are reasonably intelligent, and in good physical shape, you have a 31% chance of successfully passing the US Army Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course (SFAS).

Do you learn land nav in basic training?

Basically the U.S. Army will continue "training" recruits in land navigation during Basic Training, but it will no longer be a skill that requires "qualification." In other words recruits won't be tested on land nav any more in order to graduate from Basic Training, if I understand correctly.

What is needed for Army land nav?

Basic land navigation only requires three (3) "tools". A topographic map, a compass (for this Instructable I will be using a basic orienteering compass), and a dry erase marker (if your map is laminated or sealed in plactic) or pencil.

What is the most useful feature of a compass at night?

And the most useful feature of your compass at night is the bezel ring . If you’re following a basic azimuth, rotate your bezel ring so that your North seeking arrow aligns with the luminous bubble. So, say if you are traveling on an azimuth of 65 degrees, your North seeking arrow will be in the approximate 10 o’clock position, rotate the bezel ring so the bubble aligns with the North seeking arrow and it is a quick way to keep on your azimuth, especially in the dark.

Why is it important to plan a route at night?

Route Planning: Route planning and selection are even more important at night as opposed to during the daylight as many of the features are invisible or nearly so in the dark. Trying to use dead reckoning for 5-6 clicks in the dark is a very, very tough proposition.

How often should you check your compass?

Avoid the draws if you can, but if you have to, cross one check your compass every 20-25 paces as it is easy to get turned around in those things. There have been a ton of students out there, if you see a well-worn path that cuts across a draw, it probably means that the students before you have found the path of least resistance across the draw and I’d take advantage of that.

Why do people fail land navigation?

There are basically two reasons that people fail at land navigation. One is the course, especially the one in Hoffman, NC that is used in both the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) and the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) is exceptionally difficult, the most difficult, toughest individual land navigation course you’ll find in ...

How to keep maps dry?

Invest a nice map case, one that will keep your maps dry and allow you to make some marks on the clear portion with a grease pencil to make any notes to help you along. And secure your map case to your body. Secure everything to your body. Your map case, your weapon, and your compass.

How long is PT training?

It is a 17-week physical fitness training program that starts gradually and works your way up to where you should be ready to take it on. But today, we’re going to jump into Land Navigation

Is land navigation difficult?

But before you all psyche yourselves right out of passing, remember this. Thousands and thousands of land navigation students have passed the course before you and thousands more will pass it in the future. It is far from impassable, so get that in your head. Difficult? Absolutely, but it is something that everyone who is properly prepared can get a first-time go on.

What is the role of a unit commander in a land navigation course?

The unit commander provides specific guidance on what he requires in the development of a land navigation course. It depends upon the unit’s mission, training plan, and tasks to be trained. There are basic guidelines to use when setting up a course.

How much terrain is required for a dismounted course?

The training area for a dismounted course needs to be at least 25 square kilometers; mounted courses require twice as much terrain so that vehicles are not too close to each other. Perform a Map and Ground Reconnaissance.

How long should a tactical unit train?

Time allowed: no less than three hours; no more than four hours. Decide on the Terrain. The unit should use terrain that is similar to terrain they will be using in tactical exercises, but, terrain should be different each time training is conducted.

What is night land navigation?

Night land navigation is an important event at Marine OCS. It makes up 5% of the 25% academic grade (i.e., 5% of your total OCS grade). There is going to be at least one practice round so don’t worry too much if you aren’t confident in this area. Candidates will be able to get the help they need from instructors to be successful with this.

What happens if you don't do the night navigation course?

The catch is that if you don’t do it properly you automatically fail. The risk simply does not outweigh the reward. There are several other ways to get through the night land navigation course successfully without any additional light.

What percentage of OCS grade do you get for night navigation?

As mentioned, the night land navigation course makes up around 5% of your total OCS grade. If you don’t think that’s much you should check the evaluation guidelines again. Candidates must pass OCS with at least an 80% average overall AND in each of the three categories: leadership, academics, and physical fitness.

How to make a night land navigation card visible?

Bring a highlighter with you into the field when you know night land navigation is coming up. Use the highlighter to mark the entire card you get with the starting points, azimuths, and distances. This will make the card more visible in the night.

How many times do you have to report a compass?

Since candidates report after every point you will have to do this at least 5 times. Forgetting to do this is an automatic miss for the point you are reporting on. Just don’t forget.

Does PLC Juniors do land navigation?

As a final note, PLC Juniors generally does only day land navigation. The night element will be added when you attend seniors. If you are in that program then don’t worry too much about this, but keep it in the back of your mind for when it does arrive. By USMC Officer |.

Can you score zero on night navigation?

It is uncommon for a candidate to score a zero. However, the night land navigation grade is based on only 5 points. Candidates who miss 2 of the 5 points will still fail the course with 60%. Just like any other exam a failing score has to be retaken on the weekend, or occasionally during the week. Candidates retain their original score ...