What units use GPS and what is their backup plan should GPS fail?

SSG Matt Murphy — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 10:24:04 -0400

Response by SSG Matt Murphy made Oct 18 at 2017 10:24 AM

SSG Matt Murphy — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 10:24:17 -0400

http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/15194/russia-jammed-phones-and-gps-in-northern-europe-during-massive-military-drills

russia-jammed-phones-and-gps-in-northern-europe-during-massive-military-drills

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Oct 18 at 2017 10:30 AM

SSgt Holden M. — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 10:30:23 -0400

I remember when I went though combat skills training before I deployed we did land navigation with a map and compass and after we showed that we could accurately navigate with that they let us use the gps.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Oct 18 at 2017 10:32 AM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 10:32:01 -0400

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2017 10:41 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 10:41:53 -0400

What unit doesn't (whether they know it or not)? Unless you mean hand held devices for training, cellphones, er.. PLGRs/DAGRs..Electronic maps using Blueforce Trackers? Backup: Maps, Compass, protractor, ruler, and math. In the Army, all Forscom units at BDE and above have map makers under either their 2 or 3. Otherwise, all maps can be ordered through the Engineers or NGA through your preferred request chain. Compasses and protractors through the 4.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Oct 18 at 2017 12:51 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 12:51:02 -0400

Never used one in the Reserves, but used Daggers when active. Still did land nav training in both regardless.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Oct 18 at 2017 3:44 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 15:44:56 -0400

A map and lensatic compass were always within reach!

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Oct 18 at 2017 6:44 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 18:44:16 -0400

Map, compass and protractor are the usual backup plan. Basic soldiering skills. Sometimes the best backup plan is the simplest one.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2017 7:28 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 19:28:21 -0400

Absolutely! And as quick as I am to use it, I can/do utilize my lensatic compass and map to verify. You can not plan properly without the map. Technology has provided us a tool to navigate through all types of terrain more swiftly to meet mission. It is a tool that is in the toolbox. I also have pencil and paper in there as well. I keep my pencil sharp so it is ready when called upon. For those who say they do not use a GPS device, I ask why not. I mean you use technology to communicate. Look in the mirror, you are reading this! As with any tool in your toolbox, you must keep them at the ready for any and all times. You never know which is required to facilitate mission and speed, but you know that all are ready because you keep them sharp and fine tuned.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2017 11:16 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 11:16:03 -0400

Just remember that when the map and the terrain vary from each other, go with the terrain.