What do you recommend as an infantry ready map board in the field?

2016-02-15T13:45:57-05:00

One of the things I've wrestled with since transitioning to a light formation is downsizing and not bringing unnecessary gear now that I have to carry it all. The only piece of gear I haven't found a good replacement for so far is my map board. (See the attached image). My plexiglass map board worked great when I could simply stick it in the turret when I didn't need it. Its pretty much useless now that I have to dig it out of my ruck to navigate. At a minimum I need to be able to quickly access my map, graphics, target list worksheet, and reports. What are my fellow light leaders using to replace this bulky piece?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-02-15T13:50:16-05:00

Go to supply and get a flight crew book. It's a small, blue notebook with rings. Inside of it, is basically smaller sheet protectors. I use this for all of my reporting formats, leaders book info (names, battle rosters, blood types, serial numbers, etc) and for any map overlays that I may need.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 15 at 2016 2:12 PM

2016-02-15T14:12:22-05:00

Laminated map.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-02-15T15:07:17-05:00

I use laminated 3x5 cards with my base reports. Then made some blank 3x5 cards for tgt lists and anything mission specific. Real easy to clean and reuse for next mission. Laminated map. All fit in cargo pocket. Did have 1 "geardo" pouch that was a little bigger that fit on my FLICK so I could put cards, alcohol pens etc

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 3:34 PM

2016-02-15T15:34:13-05:00

Go sterile Sir. Blank map of AO.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 4:40 PM

2016-02-15T16:40:29-05:00

Seriously you're going to laugh. Glad brand press and seal. I used it for my land nav at wlc, my map went into puddles and swamp, it stayed dry. I brought it with me in country. It provides a perfect seal around maps, and you can use dry erase, pencils, pens, and sharpies on it. A roll of it is a lifesaver. Plus you can fold it if you need t.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 5:06 PM

2016-02-15T17:06:33-05:00

Here's another idea for the overlays problem, introduced to me by the foreign legion- use a typical laminated map. Lay packing tape on top of your map for your general AOR, with a pull tab built into the end. Draw, write, plot, whatever you need to do on top of the packing tape. When you're finished, you can lay more packing tape on top to waterproof it. Then, in the event of compromise, you can rip the whole thing off, and your mission will remain a secret.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 15 at 2016 6:18 PM

2016-02-15T18:18:56-05:00

A lot of good ideas contained herein. Wish I had thought of some of them at the time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 6:20 PM

2016-02-15T18:20:35-05:00

I really like the flight book idea. I didn't know it existed. At my level I didn't need much for maps so I always kept it simple. Laminated maps or ziplocks. I used pencil during the opord with very little markings and abbreviated bullet notes that only my squad / section could interpret. Once sealed I used sharpie for hard references and dry erase for variable references. If something changed the dry erase removed the sharpie. Fine tip marking pens worked best since I like to see under the writing. I'm going to try the flight book and I thing I'm going to give the glad press n seal a try. So many great ideas on here. Reports I always wrote the line in sharpie and then I would add the variable info in dry erase on the go. I made my own shorthand so it was fast and I wasn't standing on objective doing administration type stuff for too long. I've always kept a low profile admin pouch on my kit right under my name tape. It's modified for what I need and excess was cut and trimmed off. It's also where I mount moral patches... ;-)

Response by SGT Jonathon Caldwell made Feb 15 at 2016 7:51 PM

2016-02-15T19:51:03-05:00

Marked all TRP's on the map then laminated it. Reverse side is blank so anything extra got put on the reverse side. Always left enough room to draw any quick sector sketches etc. Had laminated cards with all basic reports to fill out in case of UXO/IED report, 9-Line, Call for Fire etc. All could be cleaned and reused after mission. Got an extra saw gunner pouch to carry all in to attach to FLC.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 8:23 PM

2016-02-15T20:23:16-05:00

if your interested there's a place outside of Bragg called the Hobbit https://www.facebook.com/The-Hobbit-Hobby-Shop [login to see] 91287/....yes its a comic book store...but they professionally laminate maps that are pocket size....I had them do a Fort Bragg map (which was already a product they carried) and on the reverse side was all routine report formats (MEDAVAC/UXO?SLANT/SITREP...etc) I'm in a heavy unit and I still don't like large bulky mapboards...with a clip and some laminate I can overlay anything on the map and write on the map itself without worry in sharpie or erase markers...normally last me about 18 months before I replace (wear and tear) BLUF prob the best money in the military I've spent besides buying a good pair of boots....you can ship them stuff and they will customize as well. Most bases have a some-sort of place that caters to this type of thing....just mu 2 cents....I like the flight book idea as well

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Response by COL Mike Humphrey made Feb 15 at 2016 8:38 PM

2016-02-15T20:38:55-05:00

I just used a laminated map

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 15 at 2016 9:32 PM

2016-02-15T21:32:30-05:00

Finger and dirt if you really want to go light.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 6:04 AM

2016-02-16T06:04:57-05:00

I had the very same issue: my first assignment was with a mechanized infantry battalion, and the map board was key, but my second assignment was with a light infantry battalion, and my nice, big map board just didn't fit in my cargo pocket. My solution was to make a mini-map board that DID fit in my cargo pocket. Same concept as the big one, just smaller; it was maybe 5 x 8 or so, perfect for the cargo pocket or sticking in a cargo carrier on the IBA. I commanded two light infantry companies (a rifle company and an HHC), in Iraq and at Ft. Riley, for a total of just about 31 months, and I used my mini-map board the whole time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 7:09 AM

2016-02-16T07:09:52-05:00

i somehow managed to be mechanized for 10 years but i never used a map board. i did however come up with a system using document protectors. for field problems that were to be more than one day and more than one "mission" i would create an overlay for each mission on a separate document protector and store them behind the map in the document protector that i was currently using. it's not a perfect system but it did save me from having to erase something written on a laminated map every time a new mission started. fore warning, if you want to use this method then reference points will be needed at the corners of the overlay so all of the grid markers, routes, etc. line up in their proper place. it only occurred to me now that by simply cutting the excess material from other document sleeves one can just slide them in front of the map inside of another document protector. like i said, it wasn't a perfect system when i did it but it may be a good starting point for you to create a system that works for you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 7:10 AM

2016-02-16T07:10:06-05:00

i somehow managed to be mechanized for 10 years but i never used a map board. i did however come up with a system using document protectors. for missions that were to be more than one day and more than one mission i would create an overlay for each mission on a separate document protector and store them behind the map in the document protector that i was currently using. it's not a perfect system but it did save me from having to erase something written on a laminated map every time a new mission started. fore warning, if you want to use this method then reference points will be needed at the corners of the overlay so all of the grid markers, routes, etc. line up in their proper place. it only occurred to me now that by simply cutting the excess material from other document sleeves one can just slide them in front of the map inside of another document protector. like i said, it wasn't a perfect system when i did it but it may be a good starting point for you to create a system that works for you.

Response by SSG(P) Jarrod Taylor made Feb 16 at 2016 7:44 AM

2016-02-16T07:44:49-05:00

I'd suggest laminating it. I've even cut them along the folds, put 9-lines and other things on the back, then laminated them with 1/4 inch gaps between the sections, so it'll fold without messing up the laminate and paper at the creases.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 8:13 AM

2016-02-16T08:13:35-05:00

Sir- You need to get a "Hobbit" map. Its a map special, made at the Hobbit Shop, just outside the gate of Fort Bragg. They take orders over the phone, and will hobbitize your map, regardless of your current duty station.

A hobbit map is a standard 1:50k, broken down into multiple sections, on the backside of my hobbit map, I would attach FSCM, reporting cheatsheets, and any whatever else i needed. Best part, when it's all folded up, it fits perfectly in the center compartment of your Army-issued TAPS. Throw any overlays, and whatever else you need in there. It worked great for me throughout 3.5 years as a light 1SG.

If you have more questions about what I mean, or want pictures of what I'm talking about, I will send them to you via another medium. Just reply back here and we'll get the ball rolling.

Response by CPL Phillip Hubbard made Feb 16 at 2016 8:21 AM

2016-02-16T08:21:12-05:00

They make map covers that fit in your BDU leg pocket. Coming from Light Infantry, we laminated the map (using clear shelf paper) and folded it up, stuck it in the right leg pocket of our trousers and moved out - with haste of course...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 8:24 AM

2016-02-16T08:24:07-05:00

Cut your map into sections than apply your overlay paper, than add document protectors around your folds so you can change out overlays, orders, etc.

Response by SPC Chris Owens made Feb 16 at 2016 8:45 AM

2016-02-16T08:45:39-05:00

They sell small ones already made for your kit at ranger joes or is cav

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 10:40 AM

2016-02-16T10:40:34-05:00

The flight crew book is great for your reports/status type stuff. The video shows how we use to do it "back in the day". The only thing the video doesn't show is the laminating. I use contact shelf paper not the heavy army lamination. Laminate the map with the contact paper first and then fold and cut. Basically turns your map sheet into a GRG. I still use this technique.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AERUazh1qo

How to Fold a Topographic Map and Other Techniques

Join ITS Tactical as Bryan walks through some techniques for folding Topographic Maps and even making a booklet out of a sheet of paper. Check out our full w...

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Feb 16 at 2016 11:20 AM

2016-02-16T11:20:54-05:00

I used a zip lock bag....

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:40 AM

2016-02-16T11:40:56-05:00

Well, the good thing is that your map doesn't have to be 100Kx100K any more. Your map is significantly smaller. Thus, it should be able to fit in your cargo pocket. Carry two. Keep your battle-board, but slim it down and put it between your back and the frame if you can do it comfortably. Only one plexi-glass sheet that fits in that space. That should be more than you need since you are now moving at the speed of smell. Then, a laminated map that fits in your cargo pocket for navigation. Navigate your way to the ORP or staging area then get out your planning map from your ruck. Lighter is better in your new world.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 2:37 PM

2016-02-16T14:37:46-05:00

Well there CPT being an 11MJ3 years ago and platoon Daddy/Leader I use to laminate my maps then I used green duck tape and cardboard for backing and sprayed waterproof spray on the back of it when it was done for I did have the same thing but now it was more flexible and water proof then what I had like you. Improvise is key here and lots of imagination when you a Mechanized Infantry Grunt. Master Gunner class of 90'. 5/18 mech inf batallion, "Spartans
kills Tanks" Friedburg Germany Desert Storm 91'!!!! 3AD Spearhead.....Capt Cloy awesome Company Commander!!! Ohh Waaa!!!!

Response by SGT Darreck Lisle made Feb 16 at 2016 2:53 PM

2016-02-16T14:53:01-05:00

Are you really relying on that as an Infantry leader? That sure is cute. It must be a big hit with all the other O-2 and 0_3s.

You had better be at the ass end of the Company manning a desk then. Infantry combat is fluid reaction, action, and execution. Situational awareness is what you need to achieve and maintain. Keep your head out of the map and on your men. Knowing where they are. What their disposition is and squad and platoon competencies will save everyone. Leave that crap back in you hooch with your F@& Bag. As a 0-3 you should be able to recite the Ranger handbook. Looking cool with all your high-speed crap will not cut it. Unless it will stop a FMJ then it might be worth considering.

As for "sensitive items information"? The USA must have changed a hell of a lot since I was in. If I had anything with documentation other than the Ranger Handbook on my person in the field? Instant removal from the team and on the Rat Rig manning radios. Brevity book was the exception. And that was usually a crew notebook as SSG Chaney describes.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 2:53 PM

2016-02-16T14:53:38-05:00

I used the shiny self-adhesive acetate (the thinner matte kind will permanently stain with alcohol pens and non-permanent pens are worthless in a light mode). Get two maps and cut the first one to the size you desire (cargo-pocket size worked the best for me). Then acetate them (front and back) and tape the seams with 100mph tape to lower moisture seepage at the edges. Use more 100mph tape to create "hinges" between sections so you can fold the whole map...the other map is so you can cut it offset from the first to account for the areas the tape overlapped. The flight crew book others mention is ideal for the other things you might have to carry as a leader, but this can go in your backpack or assault pack as you don't need it all the time. Anything you need readily (areas to sketch, notes, etc...) can be done by leaving part of the backside of the map uncovered by the 100mph tape. That way you have a nice white area to mark on. If you're looking for a less permanent solution, clothing sales will usually have something like this (http://www.tacticalnotebookcovers.com/store/map_cases/tactical_admin_data_organizer_map_case.htm). If not, try a Ranger Joes, US Cav store, or whatever the local civilian tactical store is near your post. These map covers fold up nicely and will hold a map sheet folded in two. The advantage here is you can change out maps. The disadvantage is you can't write on them and expect the map to stay in place (plus permanent markers are usually permanent on these).

Response by LTC Barry Hull made Feb 16 at 2016 2:57 PM

2016-02-16T14:57:10-05:00

Think cargo pocket size. Movements are much shorter dismounted. You don't need as much area. Plexiglas is fine, just cut it smaller.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Feb 16 at 2016 5:44 PM

2016-02-16T17:44:33-05:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner What Happened to the eight fold map sheet. It puts a full map sheet in front of you or you can view only a eighth of it at a time. When folded it fits easily inside a field jacket, some guys carried them around in clear plastic envelopes, which was also good to carry a map template and to waterproof them. It worked well in Vietnam and the two world wars also. You can also use a grease pen on the plastic and just wipe it off for the next mission.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 6:21 PM

2016-02-16T18:21:54-05:00

There's a lot of great ideas here. It looks like my first step is going to be finding some Ft. Campbell maps. I'm in Missouri, so driving to range control isn't an option. I appreciate the advice everyone.

Response by MAJ Thomas Person made Feb 16 at 2016 7:11 PM

2016-02-16T19:11:46-05:00

Well CPT...I guess SOF is or was somewhat spoiled. :-). You are the leader now. I have no idea how it is now. Good points. Good luck stud

Response by SSG Robert Rodgers made Feb 16 at 2016 8:05 PM

2016-02-16T20:05:14-05:00

Laminate a map and laminate other cards and put it in a ducktape sack or 5/50 cord arnd and wear it under your shirt

Response by MAJ John Holbert made Feb 16 at 2016 10:24 PM

2016-02-16T22:24:53-05:00

http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-9838-Map-Document-Case/dp/B018MTQM5M/ref=pd_sim_200_6/ [login to see] -1323335?ie=UTF8&dpID=51iekZRfdCL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1AWCSKFNJ6RVSS2K0FN4
I also recommend attaching a tether to the map case and attaching to your belt loop to prevent losing the map case. I used an under-the-arms strap from a gas mask hood. Easily detachable on both ends if necessary.
John Holbert
[login to see]

Amazon.com : Rothco Map & Document Case : Sports & Outdoors

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 3:43 AM

2016-02-17T03:43:36-05:00

A standard 8.5 x 11 sheet of anything works just fine. Or you can reduce the size and put it on half sheets. If you skip the Plexiglas, regular page protectors will cover what you need to carry and keep it dry if you tape the edges up, but thin laminate covers work much better if you need a more permanent solution. Layer it up, make it double sided, punch a hole in the corner (or corners), hold it together with a zip-tie or two, and just page through what you need. You can roll it up and stuff it in a pocket that isn't used. Folding gets a bit messy so rolling it up is better.

-T.J.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 17 at 2016 5:43 PM

2016-02-17T17:43:16-05:00

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Feb 17 at 2016 10:15 PM

2016-02-17T22:15:27-05:00

Some tactical companies make plastic sleeves for your arm for maps and things of that nature that fold out if you prefer to go that direction. The age old acronym KISS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-02-18T16:24:48-05:00

You can do amazing things with a couple map markers and the plastic backing of your assault pack! Lol. Drawn on terrain models, time line, task org. Just put the CONOP right on that. You're most likely carrying it anyways. Then just stick in back in your assault pack and roll out. No more terrain model kits, sterilizing an area, you can pitch the SL's, then those squad leaders can easily pick it up and go brief their squads if in a PB type setting...the possibilities are endless. Just use your map, the plastic, some map markers, and any imagery.

Response by PFC Aaron Cox made Feb 18 at 2016 8:44 PM

2016-02-18T20:44:02-05:00

I've always preferred topographical maps personally. in a pinch I've made rudimentary maps.

Response by COL John Hudson made Feb 23 at 2016 6:22 PM

2016-02-23T18:22:55-05:00

A Second Lieutenant!

Response by Capt Daniel Kapavik made Jan 29 at 2017 9:56 PM

2017-01-29T21:56:27-05:00

These map boards are great for viewing maps, worksheets and reports, and writing on the surface at the same time. Here's the link: https://www.battleboard.us/

Battle Board | Battle Tracking for Soldiers & Marines

Marines and soldiers use Battle Boards to navigate, track operations, and deconflict indirect fires. Maintain momentum in training and on the battlefield.

Response by Capt Daniel Kapavik made Jan 29 at 2017 9:56 PM

2017-01-29T21:56:34-05:00

These map boards are great for viewing maps, worksheets and reports, and writing on the surface at the same time. Here's the link: https://www.battleboard.us/

Battle Board | Battle Tracking for Soldiers & Marines

Marines and soldiers use Battle Boards to navigate, track operations, and deconflict indirect fires. Maintain momentum in training and on the battlefield.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2017 6:25 AM

2017-05-20T06:25:11-04:00

Hi everybody I think this one is the best battle board have seen
It's modular thanks to the zip and easily foldered
Light and you can easily insert map, orders graphics
Unfortunately I don't know who produce it and where we can buy it
Any help?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2017 4:41 PM

2017-05-25T16:41:07-04:00

If it was a training area, I had a map laminated, cut, and duct taped to the specific area I needed. I then had a zipper notebook with everything else I needed sized to fit it (found it at clothing sales or in one of the stores on Victory Drive outside of Benning). If I had a larger sheet I had to carry, I folded it like this: http://www.itstactical.com/skillcom/navigation/how-to-fold-a-topographic-map-and-other-techniques/ so that it would fit in that zipper case. Bottom-line, whatever you get, IMO needs to be able to fit in a cargo pocket. I kept everything I needed in the cargo pocket so I could get at it quick without fumbling around with my pack or anything else. With today's equipment, I would probably go for something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Outdoor-Products-Unisex-Tactical/dp/B01GQT3CTY because I can put it on my vest or body armor with the molle straps.

How to Fold a Topographic Map and Other Techniques

Hopefully many of you are not only familiar with Topographic Maps, but have had some experience folding them. I say... View Article

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jun 1 at 2017 3:55 PM

2017-06-01T15:55:07-04:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner A single two sided vinyl sleeve that will take a six folded map. Its easy to follow over two folds and the back side can be use with a pice of line paper and a grease pencil. It fits inside a field jacket in cold weather and can be kept between the bumper and the hatch in a commanders couplet when going down the road. No unfolding, easy for quick checks of benchmarks. Why make it hard.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 10:38 PM

2018-03-01T22:38:15-05:00

Battleboard.us

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 11:06 PM

2018-03-01T23:06:44-05:00

Our CO always used his Radio Operator to carry anything he didn't want to carry, Radio Operator was always an arm reach from the CO.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 2 at 2018 12:29 PM

2018-03-02T12:29:38-05:00

Map boards are for Arty, and the TOC. Grunts get clear foldable map cases- which fit your pants billow pockets- throw in a ranger/arty protractor and you are good. If training , then piece together a Post map and acetate it.