Air Fronts: FM 21-25, Elementary Map and Aerial Photograph Reading - CHAPTER 13. Taking care of your Map

CHAPTER 13: TAKING CARE OF YOUR MAP

In the field your map is as important as your weapons. Take as good care of it. Fold it small enough to slip into your shirt to protect it from rain. Figure 148 shows you how to fold it with face outward. Folded this way, you can read parts of it without unfolding the whole map. The accordion fold makes it easy to use.

When you mark your map mark it lightly. It may have to last you a long while. Many marks on it will confuse you. Erasures of heavy lines will smear it and make it difficult to read.

Try to avoid soiling it with mud or other matter.

Keep It From the Enemy

Keep your map out of the enemy's hands. Any marks on it may give him valuable information. If in danger of capture, burn it. If you can't burn it, tear it into small bits and scatter them widely. If you can`t do either, fold it as small as possible and bury it.