Navigate from one point on the ground to another point while dismounted (night)
TASK: Navigate from one point on the ground to another point while dismounted (night).
TEST CONDITIONS: During the hours of darkness, on a land navigation course, and given a lensatic compass.
TEST STANDARDS:
1. Locate two out of a possible three stakes by using dead-reckoning techniques.
2. Record the identification number of each stake.
3. Complete all performance measures within the specified time determined by the EIB board (2 hours).
SOLDIER’S MANUAL CROSSWALK: This task is based on task number 071-329-1006 in STP 21-24-SMCT and FM 3-25.26.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR POINT: Lensatic compasses, field tables, sample stake, lane stakes, operations tent (at start and finish points), lister bags (or other water container), radios, control vehicle, first-aid equipment and supplies, and FB Form 20-1-R
NOTE: In order to administer this station, members of the EIB committee must hold certification from the EIB board. Do not use a land navigation committee unless each member holds EIB board certification or at least answers to the EIB board.
SITE SETUP: Ensure the course conforms to the standards described in the following general instructions section. After candidates are briefed, they should move to their assigned starting stake. The candidates then proceed through the course, following the instructions provided on FB Form 20-R (EIB Test Requirements Sheet, Night Land Navigation). See Figure 5-4 (page 5-8) for an example of a completed requirements sheet for this task summary.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Each candidate must negotiate and successfully complete the day land navigation phase and night land navigation phase. For retesting purposes, the day and night phases each are considered one point. Candidates must satisfy all performance measures to receive a passing score on each point.
Brief all candidates on their responsibilities to other candidates in need of first aid. A candidate who fails due to having rendered aid to another candidate can retake the test without penalty.
The local EIB board ensures that the candidates can complete the courses within the time specified in the standards. FM 3-25.26 recommends one hour for up to a 1,000-meter lane. Base the time standards on the validation of the two courses (day and night) conducted SMEs, the number to be determined by the EIB board. The SMEs cannot have participated in the design of the course.
COURSE LAYOUT: Ensure the night land navigation course has sufficient stakes to allow candidates to use several lanes at once. Each lane should be at least 1,500 to 2,000 meters in length and include at least two directional changes and three legs. No stake should be closer than 100 meters to another stake. Mark the stakes clearly using signs.
The signs for both day land navigation course and night land navigation phase should be 12 inches by 12 inches; half of the sign is white and the other half is international orange. Stake the sign into the ground so that the bottom of the sign is neither less than 5 feet nor more than 7 feet above the ground. Each sign must have a clearly identifiable unique letter or number on it.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES: Say to the candidates–
“Let me have your attention.
“At this point you will navigate from one point on the ground to another point while dismounted (night). This will test your ability to navigate from one stake to another stake during darkness using only a compass.
“You will move to your starting stake and then proceed to stakes 2, 3, and the finish stake. At stakes 2, 3, and the finish stake you must identify and record all stake identification numbers. We will post identification numbers on 12-inch by 12-inch signs painted white and international orange. The signs are attached to stakes 5 to 7 feet above the ground.
“You will receive a compass and a requirements sheet. Do not begin this point test until we tell you to do so. Once all candidates have received their requirements sheets, I will announce ‘BEGIN.’
“At that time, you will move to your starting stake. Your time starts when I again say, ‘BEGIN,’ and it ends when you report to the scorer’s tent located at _____ (EIB board determines location).
“At this time, you will have _________ (EIB board determines time) in which to complete all requirements and report to the scorer’s tent located at ____ (EIB board determines location).
“If you do not meet the requirements, if you lose your requirements sheet, or if your requirements sheet is not readable, you will not receive a passing score.
“You will navigate individually, not by buddy teams.
“You will use flashlights with red lenses to read the requirements sheet and to write your answers. You will use flashlights with clear lenses in emergencies only. You will not use flashlights to negotiate the course.
“The course boundaries are (North)_______, (South)______, (East)______ and (West)______. The starting points are located at _________ and ________ (include the location of the starting stakes)”
Discuss appropriate safety precautions and candidates’ responsibilities for helping injured candidates. Then say–
“What are your questions?”
If anyone has questions, repeat the instructions but do not elaborate on what you have read.
Pause five seconds and then say–
“BEGIN”
