TacSkills

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Overnight Field Exercise

Location: Olympia, WA- Capital Forest (Remote, Off-Trail Terrain)

Course Overview:

This intensive two-day course is designed to develop practical land navigation skills using the Suunto M3 compass in challenging terrain. The course is tailored for individuals who operate in austere environments, including military personnel, search and rescue teams, and backcountry adventurers. The training emphasizes precision navigation without reliance on GPS, decision-making under stress, and overnight survival skills while remaining mobile.

Students will be required to navigate through varied terrain over an extended period, spending a night in the field without traditional camping gear. The course will push endurance and mental resilience, simulating real-world tactical and operational scenarios.

Course Breakdown:

Day 1: Fundamentals & Practical Application

• Introduction to Map and Compass Skills

• Topographic map interpretation

• Terrain association and route planning

• Pace count and distance estimation

• Compass basics (declination adjustment, taking bearings)

• Advanced Navigation Techniques

• Dead reckoning vs. terrain association

• Handrails, attack points, backstops, and catching features

• Re-section and triangulation

• Movement & Navigation Drills

• Individual and team-based navigation exercises

• Route selection in variable terrain

• Accuracy drills with the Suunto M3

• Night Navigation Introduction

• Low-visibility navigation techniques

• Movement considerations in darkness

• Field Deployment (Late Afternoon - Overnight)

• Self-supported movement into the field

• Night navigation exercise (solo and team)

• Improvised bivouac (no tents or sleeping bags)

• Tactical rest and observation periods

Day 2: Tactical Navigation & Endurance Challenge

• Early Morning Navigation

• Relocation techniques

• Precision azimuth walking

• Navigating obstacles and unexpected terrain features

• Scenario-Based Navigation Challenges

• Speed vs. accuracy trade-offs

• Moving under time constraints

• Emergency re-routing and contingency planning

• Final Endurance Navigation Test

• Solo land navigation exercise with mission parameters

• Long-distance movement with multiple objectives

• Debrief, lessons learned, and skill reinforcement

Gear List (Required)

Students must carry all gear; no resupply or external support.

Navigation Gear:

• Suunto M3 Compass (mandatory)

• 1:24,000 Topographic Map (provided)

• Map Case or Ziploc Bag - Link

• Notebook & Pencil (weatherproof recommended) - Link

• Squiggly Lines by Mark Lattanzi - Link

Personal Gear:

• Sturdy Backpack (small, light, and durable)

• Rugged Clothing for Bushwhacking (synthetic or wool, no cotton)

• Weather-Appropriate Layers (light rain gear, thermal layers)

• Gloves & Hat

• Headlamp & Spare Batteries - Link

Sustenance & Hydration:

• 2L+ Water Carrying Capacity (bottles or hydration bladder) - Link

• Water Purification Method (filter, tablets, or drops) - Link

• High-Calorie, No-Cook Food (MREs, energy bars, nuts, etc.)

Fieldcraft & Survival:

• Small Emergency Bivy or Space Blanket - Link

• Tarp or Lightweight Shelter Material (optional but useful)

• Paracord (25ft minimum) - Link

• Knife or Multi-Tool - Link

• Lighter & Backup Firestarter

• Emergency Whistle - Link

• First Aid Kit (Personal & Blister Care)

Optional / Recommended Gear:

• Gaiters for brush-heavy areas

• Trekking poles for stability

• Sunglasses & sunscreen

• Small binoculars for terrain observation

This course is fast-paced and physically demanding, requiring students to cover long distances while maintaining precise navigation. There will be no traditional camping setup—participants must stay mobile and adapt to the environment while navigating through varied terrain.

Prerequisites: Basic fitness level, comfort with extended outdoor activity, and ability to carry all required gear over rough terrain. No prior navigation experience is necessary, but beneficial.