Soldiers traverse with land navigation

Photo By Staff Sgt. John Onuoha | Sgt. Thomas Green (right), a combat medic with Troop D, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, shows Soldiers how to use a wet bulb thermometer to check the temperature prior to land navigation training at Fort Stewart, Ga., May 18, 2016. Checking the temperature was one safety measure taken to prevent heat casualties. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. John Onuoha / Released)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

05.18.2016

Story by Spc. John Onuoha 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Spc. John Onuoha, 6-8 Cav., 2IBCT UPAR

FORT STEWART, Ga. – Soldiers of Troop D, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division conducted land navigation training at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 18.

Land navigation is the act of traveling through terrain by foot or in a vehicle. It requires the ability to read maps, use a compass and identify land and water features.

“Land navigation training is important for Soldiers because you never know where or when you might need it,” said Spc. Dennise Coney, a supply specialist with Troop D. “There are some environments that Soldiers are not familiar with and it is important to understand map reading, because you always want to know your location and how to travel through different terrains using a map.”

Land navigation training increases Soldier readiness so troops will be able to quickly plot their position on a map and navigate to another known location regardless of where they are deployed. The training builds basic skills necessary for every U.S. Army Soldier regardless of military occupation specialty, according to Coney.

“The training teaches Soldiers basic land navigation skills and how to plot on a map,” said Sgt. 1st Class Romick Spencer, lead training instructor with Trp. D. “It shows Soldiers how to move from one point to another successfully, and these skills can be very useful in combat.”

The training was valuable for junior Soldiers because it prepares them for Noncommissioned Officer Education System schools later in their careers.

“It is one of the [requirements for] Basic Leader’s Course and some Soldiers turn out to be better at it because they have been training, and are quite confident on their knowledge of the course,” said Sgt. Jalanika Bellamymendoza, a supply specialist with Trp. D.
Coney said the training was valuable in different ways because as a leader you can teach your Soldiers how it can be used in combat, as well as in non-combat situations when required.

Soldiers worked together to find their way through the Fort Stewart woodline and refine their skills on this warrior task.

“I enjoyed how Soldiers overcame the challenges by understanding how to plot on a map and move to different points,” Bellamymendoza said. “It was a learning experience for Soldiers because they were put in a situation where they had to figure it out, and accomplish the mission as a team.”

Bellamymendoza said Soldiers found the course interesting as they understood more about map reading and land navigation equipment. The training was something they would like to do again in the near future, and consistency in training will help Soldiers become adept in land navigation.

• Date Taken: 05.18.2016
• Date Posted: 05.23.2016 15:00
• Story ID: 198773
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US