Customer Reviews

U.S. Army Map Reading and Land Navigation Handbook (U.S. Army)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

There are many misconceptions and misstatements in the other reviews so I thought I would try and clarify a few things.

First, this book is not the current Army FM 3-25.26 Land Navigation manual. It is a reprint of an older FM. If you want the Army FM just do a search here in Amazon for FM 3-25.26 and it will take you to the Army publication which goes for around $16. Any problems with print clarity is the fault of this manufacturers printing not the US Army. Go to FM 3-26.26 and you will see the difference.

Second, these book were written for people/soldiers whose very lives will depend on the their ability to navigate any where on Planet Earth. If you're looking for an easy to read and do, mind numbing eco course forget it. This book and it's results are for those who want to be professionals. If they get it wrong, people drop bombs and rockets on them. If you're not interested in a professional approach don't buy it (forget all about putting Fred in the Shed to navigate).

Third, this book is written for those who will navigate in the jungle, snow fields, deserts, mountains, etc. The process is taught and accepted worldwide by all of the major countries and is approved by NATO. Special Forces, Navy SEALS, Marine RECON, Delta Force, etc all use the same basic system. It is a lot of work but it is effective. The writing is step by step and provides the background information professionals will need to know. If you are a hardcore orienteerer or geocacher, search and rescue volounteer, Scout volounteer, etc this is the book for you.

Last, don't waste your money on this reprint. Buy the US Army manual so you'll have the latest and correct information.

Oh, yeah, one other thing. Throw the crackerjack compass away. Get yourself a good compass (yes, it will cost more than $20). This manual tells you what to look for. Personally, I have three compasses - a Silva Ranger, Brunton Surveyor and a US Army Lensatic Compass. I NEVER go cross country with out at least two of them ON me.

I own several excellent books on compass use and "orienteering."
The Army version "Map Reading and Land Navigation" is the simplest and most straightforward explanation of how to get around with just a compass and a map. If I were teaching teenagers (Scouts, etc.) how to use these tools this would be my choice of text.

Soldiers need to know how to read maps accurately, how to navigate, and how to understand all manner of maps, compasses, celestial navigation and more. So does the outdoorsman. For the military and the outdoors wilderness trekker, U.S. Army Map Reading And Land Navigation Handbook provides basic instruction on grids, scale and distance, reading overlays and using navigation equipment. A 'must' for any who might need basic survival skills.

Very good book.All who venture outback should have one of these.Very informative,and could save your life in a catastrophic sitiation.Do yourself a faver be prepaired,you never know what could happen in these unstable times.Great book very knowledgeable,and informative.Would recomend to anyone.CTR Wesley Chapel,Florida

I am interested in learning navigation, so ordered this book. It is a military (U.S. Army) teaching manual, and contains information on troop movement and navigation that I don't think should be available to just anyone. I was shocked that this manual was being sold on Amazon. It is also very complicated and not useful to anyone just wanting to learn to navigate. There are better books out there.
Not recommended.

This book is loaded with good info on LAND-NAV, but some of the printed examples in the book are very unclear, such as the chapter on using a protractor. It is very hard to see. Other than that, it is a helpful book.

There is nothing special you will find in this book. There are no military secrets or better techniques. It is a very simple, easy to understand guide - covering the basic skills required for navigation.

After finding the text of this book on some global security website I felt really stupid having paid for it.

I've encountered several books on map & compass usage only to be disappointed by the poor manner in which the subject was presented.

Before you spend money on the topic, I suggest you browse the following website which is so easy to understand that you might not ever want to spend money on another reference book regarding maps/compass work.

Its FREE..... and its totally user friendly. It even offers a list of characteristics to seek when purchasing a compass. (not all compasses are effectively safe to use in life threatening situations).

CompassDude (dot) com

I"m hoping that it is okay to post this information here. I am not the owner of the website & I derive no financial or other gain from it. I just recommend it to anyone who wants to learn the necessary map/compass information without being bamboozled into spending good money on an entire book when the website teaches you easily what you need to know.

Found this book confusing. Maps are illegible which makes the text irrelevant. It covers way too much detail all at once instead of progressing through steps. Covers alot of info and data useful only for those in the military. May work in conjunction with a lecture course, but by itself I would be surprised if anyone learned only from this book. I am new to this so maybe it's just not for beginners.

Book legibility very poor. That is the biggest complaint. How can a book be instructional when it can't be viewed. If the Army actually buys this book in this condition, fire the buyer.