What are some field expedient Pathfinder tools?

2017-02-15T08:45:25-05:00

Without getting into OPSEC, I have an opportunity to employ my Pathfinder training in an operational capacity. What I'm looking for are alternative methods for calculating things like obstacle height. My compass and pace count should be sufficient for most things, but I can't exactly pull my tape measure out and start measuring things in an urban environment.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 15 at 2017 8:49 AM

2017-02-15T08:49:53-05:00

Laser range finders are your friend... Distant from you to obstacle base, and obstacle top and some math.. And you have obstacle height, having never moved an inch.
That can be an issued AN/PED-1 or a smaller civilian version

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Feb 15 at 2017 8:52 AM

2017-02-15T08:52:55-05:00

Why not? Pull out your tape measure, civilian contractors do just that ALL THE TIME?

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Feb 15 at 2017 9:10 AM

2017-02-15T09:10:13-05:00

As a fellow Pathfinder, I'm interested to here your opportunity for civilian application.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2017 9:33 AM

2017-02-15T09:33:43-05:00

Suunto, such as used by sattelite dish installers. Measure distance from object, then measure degrees to top with the Suunto, to get an accurate estimate of height.
http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/Products.asp?mi=13052&itemnum=32293&redir=Y
You can do it cheaper, by buying a construction inclinometer at the hardware store for about 10 bucks. One soldier will have to sight across the top and another read the pitch, as it isn't meant for that use.

Suunto Tandem Global Compass/Clinometer

Combines a liquid damped precision compass and clinometer in one compact, rugged aluminum housing that protects against impact, corrosion, and water. Clinometer scale is graduated in percent and degree (0-90, 0-150%); compass scale is in azimuth (0-360) with the option of declination adjustment (20 East and West). The compass is balanced for global use and is graduated in 1/2 increments, and the clinometer is graduated in 1/1% increments. Both...

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Feb 15 at 2017 9:45 AM

2017-02-15T09:45:47-05:00

There are simple tools to use for this. Look in to some of the items they use for Forestry in calculating the heights of trees before they fall them.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 15 at 2017 10:09 AM

2017-02-15T10:09:42-05:00

The engineer bible FM 5-34 has techniques for field expedient calculations of object heights, angles and widths and curves. They are very accurate and fairly easy to learn.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2017 9:12 AM

2017-02-19T09:12:26-05:00

When I taught PFDR we taught students to use the straight edge method.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2017 2:58 PM

2017-02-22T14:58:44-05:00

Vector used with a DAGR will tell you exact height/length/width of things if you know how to pair the two.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 10:06 PM

2017-02-25T22:06:09-05:00

When we set up airfields at night we would use lasers NVGs and compasses to help set up staggered LZs. Once you do the pace count for the first two it's point the lasers and look for intersections.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Feb 27 at 2017 7:08 PM

2017-02-27T19:08:20-05:00

Hold a pencil out at arms length. Fingers at the bottom of an object, top of the pencil at the top of the object. Turn it sideways and have someone pace out the distance the pencil covers on the ground. That will give you a good estimate of the height.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 2:08 AM

2017-03-09T02:08:56-05:00

Since you are in a semi-tactical setting, if you have access to downloading apps to a smartphone, there are several apps available to measure things via the camera or integrated sensors. That is if you have a smartphone/tablet on-hand. Android Apps I use most often are Smart Protractor, Smart Measure Distance, GPS Essentials {I love this one, it will also estimate distance using the GPS location and object of interest in a picture you take using the App.}