How to Read a Military Compass

When using the compass to cheek method you can come within three degrees of where you want to be.

The parts of the compass are as follows:
---A floating dial which determines the direction you are pointing your compass.
---An outer black ring with numbers and tick marks that is used for finding directions in mils.
---An inner red ring of numbers and tick marks used for finding directions in degrees. (This is what we will focus on in this tutorial),

Things You'll Need

• Compass

Instructions

1. There are a few things you need to know before you begin. There are 360 degrees in a circle. These are marked with a tick mark every 5 degrees. Not all of these marks have numbers by them and you will need to figure out the number for these lines by using the ones that do have numbers.

2. To read the compass point it in the direction you want to go.

3. The arrow on the compass points to magnetic north. (Be sure you use it away from metal objects as these can affect the reading).Look beneath the index line on the outer glass cover and estimate to the nearest degree. Be careful to hold the compass still while you are doing this.

Tips & Warnings

• To perform the compass to cheek method:

• Open the cover to a 90 degree angle to the base and position the eyepiece at a 45 degree angle

• Place your thumb through the loop and use your second and third fingers to form a base for the compass, extend your index finger alongside it.

• Place this hand in the palm of the opposite hand to form a steady base.

• Bring your hands up to your face and place the thumb that is it the loop next to your cheekbone

• Look through the lens (you may have to move it up or down slightly to bring it into focus)

• Allow the sighting slot of the eyepiece with the sighting wire in the cover to the point you are determining.

• Look through the lens and read the index line.