As a leader do you feel that Land Navigation should be taken out from the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development System (NCOPDS)?

No. Every NCO and potential NCO should have a basic knowledge of land navigation, and how to use a map and compass.

If you rely heavily on electronics and they fail, what then? You need the skills that land navigation teach you. Why leave a valuable tool behind?

Definately no. GPS will not always be there. If you can not land navigate, using map and compass you are essentially combat ineffective, and of no use to a commander. The lives of your team is also a consideration. Cann't go from pint Ato B, B to C, you are lost and probably dead, unless you get lucky and spotted by air crew.

Every soldier should be able to navigate with a map and compass. It is a skill that is easily forgotten, and should be taught more often. The Army's answer is to make it part of every school training course. Your unit NCO s should step it up and make it part if your normal training, as well. It is generally taught in a forested environment, however, you also are taught how to navigate with the moon and the sun. These are important if you were to be lost in the desert. Believe me, as vast ad the deserts are, you can easily get lost. GPS s fail. Batteries die. But, with your map, compass, and sense of hearing. You can once again find your battle buddies.

Absolutely not. Why would that even be considered? Do troops today live by the GPS? I'm afraid we, as a society, have become far too dependent on electricity. In war the first target is the power grid, then command and control.

No!! Trust a battery, die like a battery. There are plenty of places that GPS just won't work. Like ravines, wadi's, Vermont, etc... You lose this skill, you're lost for sure.

NOPE! To this very day, because of my levels 1-4 infantry skills (1980s), especially land-nav (orienteering) training and experience I am a world-wide capable map and terrain reader and road navigator who always hits the ground knowing which way to go. Invaluable life-skill, that if not perfected as a junior NCO will be blown off and never used. Sure, your phone knows where you are, but when that battery dies or cell coverage is lost, aren't you? With Land Nav skills, you can still lead the way and get where you need to be...

Hell no. Any leader who cannot navigate will get his unit lost and not accomplish the assigned mission.

Hell no, soldier task.

Absolutely not!