So, yesterday, I was steeped in discussion with a young associate of mine. He was prying me for information about what I, personally, would do should an apocalyptic SHTF scenario unfold (on a national level).
We started discussing the pros and cons of hunkering down at home versus bugging out. I told him I would be departing on foot were the situation truly bad. He then asked me how I would be navigating. I told him, "My maps and my compass". With a befuddled look on his face, he looked at me and responded, "How would that help you?".
Right away, I knew he was not experienced with map reading nor land navigation techniques (using a compass). I asked him if he had any maps. He replied, "No, not really". I asked him if he knew how to use compass. He replied, "No, I'm confused by it all". I downloaded and printed the U.S. Army FM on Land Navigation and handed to him stating, "Here's your start. Read it. Learn it. Know it".
I then directed him to the USGO Topo Maps website.
I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing land navigation let alone having the correct maps on hand (if for no other reason than in the event you may need them).
We started discussing the pros and cons of hunkering down at home versus bugging out. I told him I would be departing on foot were the situation truly bad. He then asked me how I would be navigating. I told him, "My maps and my compass". With a befuddled look on his face, he looked at me and responded, "How would that help you?".
Right away, I knew he was not experienced with map reading nor land navigation techniques (using a compass). I asked him if he had any maps. He replied, "No, not really". I asked him if he knew how to use compass. He replied, "No, I'm confused by it all". I downloaded and printed the U.S. Army FM on Land Navigation and handed to him stating, "Here's your start. Read it. Learn it. Know it".
I then directed him to the USGO Topo Maps website.
I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing land navigation let alone having the correct maps on hand (if for no other reason than in the event you may need them).