The primary instrument you need to determine and maintain direction during land navigation is the lensatic compass. It provides you with the most reliable means of maintaining direction while navigating from one point to another.

The lens is used to read the floating dial.

The rear sight slot is used in conjunction with the front sighting wire when aiming at objects.

The thumb loop is attached to the base.

The bezel ring contains 120 clicks when turned one full rotation. Each click equals three (3) degrees.

The floating dial is mounted on a pivot so that it rotates freely when the compass is held level. It contains the magnetic needle. The arrow points to magnetic north. There are two (2) scales: 1) the outer scale denotes MILS (black); and 2) the inner scale denotes degrees (red).

The glass encasement housed the floating dial and contains a fixed black index line.

Used to determine azimuths using prominent features.

Used for night navigation.

The rear sight is used to lock the floating dial. It must be opened more than 45-degrees to allow the floating dial to float freely.

The base contains the floating dial housing and thumb loop.

The cover protects the floating dial and the glass encasement.

REAR SIGHT

COVER

BASE

LUMINOUS SIGHTING DOTS

SIGHTING WIRE

GLASS ENCASEMENT

FLOATING DIAL

BEZEL RING

THUMB LOOP

REAR SIGHT SLOT

LENS