Wedge

• Pros: it is easily controlled, provides all-around security, fire is adequate in all directions, and it is flexible

• Cons: can't move very fast

Line

• Pros: good when searching an area for something

• Cons: vulnerable to fire

Column

• Pros: permits rapid and easily controlled movement and permits fire and maneuver to the flanks

• Cons: vulnerable to fire from the front and the ability to fire to the front is limited

Diamond

• Pros: good to protect a person or thing, easily controlled

• Cons: can't move very fast

• Entry Control Point: a location and/or personnel established to screen persons and articles entering the secure area

• Cover: protection from the effects of direct and indirect fires (ex: standing behind bulletproof glass - you are still visible to the enemy, but protected from fire)

• Concealment: protection from observation and surveillance (ex: hiding under a tarp - you are not visible, but could still be hit by enemy fire)

• Rules of Engagement (ROEs): directives issued by the commander that explain when, under what circumstances, and how and how much force a solider may use

• Latitude: horizontal lines that run east to west, but measure your distance north or south

• Longitude: vertical lines that run north to south, but measure your distance east to west

  • When you are given coordinates, longitude will be the first number given followed by latitude. 

• Azimuth: a horizontal angle measured clockwise by degrees or mils between a reference direction and a line to an observed or designated point

To find the azimuth:

1. Find the starting point on the map and mark it. 

2. Identify the endpoint on the map and mark it. 

3. Using a protractor, draw a straight line from the starting point to the endpoint. 

4. Put the center of the protractor on the starting point, then follow the line connecting the two points to find the degrees marked on the protractor. Make sure the protractor is facing the correct way. This is the azimuth.

5. Once you have the azimuth, face that direction using your compass, making sure that the compass is completely leveled and centered. 

6. Turn the bezel ring on your compass to line up with the magnetic arrow to make sure you continue to travel in the correct direction.

The colors on a topographic map are used to distinguish between types of landmarks

• Red is for roads and, within the U.S., surveying features that belong to the U.S. Public Land Survey

• Black is for man-made objects

• Blue is for water

• Green is for vegetation

• White is for areas where there is sparse vegetation or none at all. This could include desert, grass, sand, rocks, snow, boulders, etc.

• Purple is for features that have been added to the map due to aerial photographs, but have not been checked in the field

Contour lines:

• The closer together the contour lines, the steeper the slope.

• The further apart the contour lines, the gentler the slope.

• If you see contour lines that form a V pointing uphill, you’re looking at a valley. This will usually also indicate a stream or a river that runs downhill from a higher altitude.

• If you see contour lines that form a V pointing downhill, you’re looking at a ridge.

• If you see a contour line in a circle with no other lines inside it, you’re looking at a summit.

• If you see contour lines in concentric circles and they’re marked by hachures, you’re looking at a depression, or sunken geological formation.

Shout - verbal warning

Shove - physically restrain, block access, or detail

Show - show that you are armed and willing to use force

Shoot - fire aimed shots only (no warning shots), fire no more rounds than necessary, fire with due regard for the safety of bystanders, take reasonable efforts to not destroy property, and stop firing as soon as the situation permits.