NAV 1060 - Basics of Mounted Land Navigation

Open

Aug 14

Written By The Verdant Compass Institute

(1) Enrollment Requirements: None (Open; NAV 1000 recommended)

(2) Duration: 3 hours

(3) Format: Classroom

(4) Course Description: This introductory course establishes the core operational skills required to navigate environments from a motorized platform. Instruction focuses heavily on the theoretical mechanics of high-speed terrain association, dead reckoning, and odometer error calculation across various terrain. Participants will study vehicle approach angles, turn radius constraints, and macro-spatial orientation metrics necessary to choose viable paths before entering tight or hazardous trails. This course is designed specifically for individuals with little to no orienteering or land navigation experience.

(5) Terminal Learning Objectives (TLO):

Participants will be able to:

TLO 1: Calculate mathematical odometer error corrections.
TLO 2: Formulate high-speed terrain association protocols to verify location using major features visible from a moving platform.
TLO 3: Evaluate vehicular route constraints, including clearance, slope gradient limits, and turning radiuses on standard topographic maps.

(6) Course Outline:

Phase I — Introduction & Conceptual Frameworks (2 Hour)
- Instruction: Classroom instruction detailing mounted land navigation. Topics include map reading on a moving platform, managing resources, and translating contours into motorized route options.
- Key Topics: Mounted land navigation, map reading, resource management, route planning.
Phase II — Practical Exercise (1 Hour)
- Practical Application: Sandbox route planning exercise. Participants develop a route plan and present their course of action. Feedback is provided by instructors and classmates.
- Key Topics: Route planning, resource management.

(7) Completion & Assessment Requirements:

This course is informational or experiential and does not carry a formal assessment. Credit is awarded based on attendance, participation, and adherence to the Code of Conduct.

(8) Awarded Certificates & Identifiers: