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                       COMMAND AND CONTROL

    TOPIC:   Navigation in the Desert.

    OBSERVATION:   Navigation may be the single most important
technique for desert warfare.   Units have traditionally used a
combination of compass, odometer and time to assist in
navigation when terrain features were minimal.   These methods
are effective and should continue to be emphasized in unit
training.

    LESSON LEARNED:   Division-or-corps-level staffs should
publish the exact degree reading for sunrise and sunset.  It
would be helpful and more accurate for soldiers to know the
exact bearing to the sun every day.   Additionally, a summary
sheet on celestial navigation should be published.   Since most
movement in desert operations is conducted at night,  it would
be very beneficial to have instruction and navigational aids
available to units.   Senior commanders should also consider
ways to mark critical routes during operations.   Training
should stress the ability to navigate during periods of reduced
visibility in unfamiliar terrain.   Techniques, such as
resection, the use of marking rounds, and the designation of
extra navigation teams within tactical functions,  should
be employed.   Every vehicle should be equipped with a compass.

    VIEWER NOTES:


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