Introduction

Land navigation is one of the most important and challenging tasks at Army Officer Candidate School (OCS). Whether you’re a novice or someone with experience, it’s essential to have the right mindset and preparation before heading into the field. In this post, we’ll share valuable tips to help you succeed in your land navigation exercises.

Tip 1: Know Your Map and Compass

Before you even step into the field, make sure you’re completely comfortable with reading topographic maps and using a compass. Take time to familiarize yourself with the map’s scale, contour lines, and symbols. Practice plotting grid coordinates and calculating distances. The more comfortable you are with these skills, the more confident you’ll be during your land nav.

Tip 2: Practice Terrain Association 

Terrain association involves recognizing features in your surroundings and matching them with those on the map. Study the contours of the land and compare them to your map, identifying hills, valleys, ridges, and other prominent features. This skill will save you time and help you correct mistakes in real-time.

Tip 3: Don’t Rush—Pace Yourself  

One common mistake during land navigation is rushing to hit all your points. Remember, accuracy is more important than speed. Set a manageable pace, calculate your steps using pace count (which varies for each person), and use your compass to stay on track. Rushing often leads to mistakes, which will cost you more time in the end.

Tip 4: Trust Your Compass

It can be tempting to rely on instinct or shortcuts, but always trust your compass. If you feel lost or unsure, recheck your azimuth and make sure you’re heading in the right direction. Trusting your compass will keep you on course and prevent unnecessary detours. 

Land navigation at OCS is as much about preparation and mindset as it is about physical endurance. By mastering your map and compass skills, practicing terrain association, and pacing yourself, you can approach your land nav exercise with confidence and precision.