What are the lines on a lensatic compass?

The magnetic needle on a compass points to magnetic north. The dial, orienting arrow, and sighting line are used to help you find East, West, South, and the points in between. Unfortunately, true north and magnetic north are not located at the same place.

What are the black numbers on a lensatic compass?

The floating dial is used to determine the direction in which you are pointing your compass. b. The outer, “black” ring of numbers and tick marks is used for finding direction in mils. Figure 5-25.

How do you read a compass?

Orient the compass, by turning the dial until the orienting arrow aligns with the compass needle. Once aligned, you can read the bearing degrees aligned with the direction of travel, which in this case is 300 degrees.

What compass do Army Rangers use?

the Garmin eTrex 20x. The Garmin is a great navigation tool and anyone backpacking in the wilderness wouldn’t get lost using this device. The Silva Ranger is a great compass, probably the best compass on the market today.

What is the best lensatic compass?

Our Top Picks

Best Overall. Suunto MC-2 Compass.
Best Budget. AOFAR Military Compass AF-4580 Lensatic.
Best Military Grade. Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Compass.
Best For Hiking. Silva Ranger 2.0 Compass.
Best For Adventure Racing. TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass.
Best For Survival. Coghlan’s Function Whistle.

What compass does the US military use?

lensatic compass
A lensatic compass is often referred to as a military compass, and is typically used by the U.S. Military. The lensatic compass is comprised of different parts compared to a baseplate compass.

What are the two ways to hold a compass army?

Place the thumb of the other hand between the lens (rear sight) and the bezel ring; extend the index finger along the remaining side of the compass, and the remaining fingers around the fingers of the other hand. Pull your elbows firmly into your sides; this will place the compass between your chin and your belt.

What do the numbers mean on a compass?

Compasses often show angles in degrees: north corresponds to 0°, and the angles increase clockwise, so east is 90°, south is 180°, and west is 270°. These numbers allow the compass to show azimuths or bearings which are commonly stated in degrees.

How do you find the direction of a lensatic compass?

Locate yourself and a prominent distant object on the map, and measure its magnetic bearing with the compass. To use your lensatic compass to find the direction of your intended azimuth which you probably got from your map, using your protractor:. Putting the two in a opaque bag or enclosure is effective as well.

What can an engineer lensatic compass be used for?

An engineer lensatic compass, also known as a hand compass or sighting compass, allows you to take bearings on physical landmarks which can then be used to determine your exact position on a map or navigate toward the landmark even when it can no longer be seen.

Which is the best way to read a compass?

To point the compass in a direction, your elbows need to be placed by your side. You only need to move your body to get the positional reading. Most military compass feature a glowing design that makes it possible to read at night when it is dark. The compass to cheek method is the most accurate way of reading a compass.

What’s the best way to use an engineer compass?

Putting the two in a opaque bag or enclosure is effective as well. In the southern temperate zone, point the 12 in the direction of the sun, and then north is halfway between the 12 and the hour enyineer. How to Use the Engineer Compass.