Special Forces Assessment and Selection Success: Expert Land Navigation Techniques

Volunteered for Special Forces? Congratulations! Now comes the legendary Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS), a grueling test of your physical and mental fortitude. While physical fitness is crucial, consider this your initiation. Dedicating yourself to a rigorous PT (physical training) program will not only ensure you meet the minimum standards but also position you to excel. Imagine leaving others in the dust during runs while you feel strong and focused. That’s the power of preparation.

The Land Navigation Course: A Major Hurdle

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the Land Navigation course. This might be the true test of your SF aspirations. It’s a notorious course, claiming the dreams of many aspiring Green Berets during SFAS and even the SF Qualification Course (SFQC). While we’ve covered essential skills like map reading, pace counting, and plotting points, the Hoffman area throws unique challenges your way. Now, let’s delve into mastering this navigational maze.

Practical Tips for Navigating Hoffman

Fold Your Map

This might seem obvious, but folding your map correctly saves time. Fold it to fit perfectly in your map case, showing only the part you’re traveling through. This simplifies quick checks and keeps you focused on your current and next locations.

Thumbing Technique

Many experienced navigators use a technique called thumbing. Keep your thumb on your current position on the map. As you move, shift your thumb forward. This reduces the confusion of finding your location, especially in the dark.

Navigating Techniques

Starting Point

After plotting your starting location and your first point, fold your map and place it, along with your protractor, in your map case. Orient the map to the direction you’re traveling so the terrain matches what’s in front of you.

Gear Check

Ensure your weapon and compass are tied down and easily accessible. Have a red lens flashlight and a waterproof notebook ready. Double-check your gear before moving out. Don’t leave anything behind!

Using Your Compass

Take a quick reading with your compass. If you can see far enough, use the cheek hold method: align the rear sight notch and the front sight wire with a distant point, then move quickly to it. For basic azimuth (horizontal angle from a cardinal direction), rotate the bezel ring so the North-seeking arrow aligns with the bubble. Each click in the bezel ring equals three degrees.

Trust your map, pace count, and azimuth. During night movements, you’ll veer off course. Everyone’s perception changes in the dark. Check your compass every 20-25 paces, especially in tricky terrain like draws.

Cross the Draws

When crossing a draw, look for well-worn paths—they’re good indicators of the best spots to cross. Avoid crossing if you can, but if you must, keep checking your compass frequently to avoid getting turned around.

Checking Coordinates

Instructors will be present at your points, but you’ll also find green engineer stakes with dog tags. These tags have eight-digit grid coordinates. Stop and check them to confirm your location.

Follow the Rules

Don’t talk to other students and avoid running on roads. Crossroads at a 90-degree angle. They’ll be watching, and breaking these rules will get you in hot water quickly.

Learn the Terrain

Take full advantage of practical exercises to learn the terrain. Talk to other candidates after each day’s course to share notes and experiences. It’s like debriefing after a mission.

Night Movements

Get used to moving at night. Practice night navigation until it becomes second nature. It will serve you well in operational groups.

Move with Purpose

Move with purpose but stay in control. Land navigation, like Selection, requires using your head. Think through every step, and don’t let doubt creep in. Thousands have done it before you, and you can too.

Familiar Landmarks

You’ll become familiar with various landmarks on the course. Here are some common names from my time and some newer ones:

• Five Points
• Puppy Palace
• Lake Baggett
• Bones Fork Creek
• 3 Wire Road
• Jurassic Park
• Scuba Road
• Dagobah (kudos to whoever named this one in the north)

Final Thoughts

Land navigation in SFAS is challenging, but you’ll succeed with preparation and a clear head. Trust in your training, keep your wits about you, and you’ll find your way through Hoffman.

Note: This article has been reviewed and updated by the SOFREP News Team.