Air Fronts: FM 21-25, Elementary Map and Aerial Photograph Reading - CHAPTER 1. Why Learn to Read a Map?

CHAPTER I: WHY LEARN TO READ A MAP?

In civilian life it is possible for a stranger to find his way around a large city or town by merely asking directions. Any policeman or friendly native of the town can supply enough information so that the stranger can locate the street or building he wants. He may have to overcome a few wrong directions thrown in with, the right ones, but he is sure of finding his way.

Figure 1

In war an army often finds itself in strange country, but often it does not find friendly people everywhere, ready and able to help it find its way. As a soldier in the army, you will have to ask directions like any other stranger, but you will ask your map. Your map has all the answers if you are able to read it, and if you can read it, it is one of your best friends.

There are lots of times in the army when you will need this friend. The two soldiers in figure 2 are using it to find their way to headquarters. They are messengers and they carry important news, but without knowing how to read and use a map they would never get there.

Figure 2

When you are on a patrol you and your detail are on your own. At times you may be entirely alone and a map will be your most trusted friend and guide. Reports from men in combat show that every man must know how to read and use a map if he wants to stay alive and keep his outfit safe.

Figure 3

If a vehicle takes a wrong turn the result isn't always pretty. Look at the pictures in figures 4 and 5. That happened because someone did not know how to read a map and use his compass. The drivers had both a map and a compass, but that was not enough. They did not know how to use them.

Figure 4

Figure 5

A native of a place can tell us lots of things to help us, but we have to be able to speak his language. In that way, a map is no different from a native. We must learn to read and understand the language of a map. It is a simple and clear language. You will use it very often in the army, many times when you are in a tight spot. If you learn to use it correctly, it won't let you down.