Posted on Feb 15, 2016
What do you recommend as an infantry ready map board in the field?
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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?
11A: Infantry Officer
Company Commander
11B: Infantryman
Gear
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 44
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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.
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SFC (Join to see)
I misread the question at first, although you can still use this idea. I just used my typical leaders book that contained just about everything but the size of a green notebook inside of those coyote tan covers that zip, and map within my map protector/map pouch. All used in conjunction and about as light weight as you can get. Prepare an opord with the shell in the leaders book, orient the map for the A.O, then draw a blow up of the OBJ and brief off it. It's like a mini class room/briefing room. You have the order, the map, and a white board
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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.
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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.
-T.J.
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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
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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
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Amazon.com : Rothco Map & Document Case : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : Rothco Map & Document Case : Sports & Outdoors
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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