Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

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WhiskeyRiver
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Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by WhiskeyRiver »

Rangers, I'm here to humbly ask your opinion on the matter of compasses.

First of all, I've got the old tried-and-true M1, as well as an M2 compass in excellent condition. I certainly don't mind using them, and they both have nice features, but if I could find a single commercial compass that would combine the features of the two, it would be great.

Specifically, I'd like a compass that is/has:

- a baseplate-type, clear.
- sighting mirror
- clinometer
- 1:25000 and 1:50000 scales
- graduation in mils
- not über-expensive, so when I smash it against a rock / 'buddy' steals it / I fail to dummy cord it properly, I won't cry
- thumb-ring (optional, but nice)

The closest I've found is the Silva Expedition 15, but it lacks the mils. I realize that the probability of actually needing mils is slim, but if I ever needed it, I want to have it handy. I also realize that I could just suck it up and carry both the M1 and M2, but every little bit of weight counts. This is coming from a guy who saws off his toothbrush and only carries the blades and not the razors proper. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
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Jim
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by Jim »

You need to have mils for adjusting fire. Don't worry you will be issued a compass. Army compasses are good quality and very stable.
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Slowpoke
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by Slowpoke »

Compasses are evil Voudou and contain bad Jeaujeau!!!!!!!!!!



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WhiskeyRiver
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by WhiskeyRiver »

You need to have mils for adjusting fire. Don't worry you will be issued a compass. Army compasses are good quality and very stable.
Roger, Ranger Jim. My dad was a cannon-cocker, so he's all over my case about that. I'm not worried about getting a bad compass or anything like that; as I said, I am comfortable with the issued compasses. I'm just looking for something post-OBC (staying in my lane in the meantime - OBC above everything else, nitpicky things come later). Everyone has their little gear fetish, mine just happens to be compasses. Not exactly sexy, but important.

Ranger Slowpoke, I have to bite - what daemons possess my navigational tools?
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PocketKings
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by PocketKings »

The only problem with Army compasses is that a lot of them are crap, having been banged up and abused by those who went before you (especially 2LTs). So, go buy a used, serviceable one from an Army Navy store and, when you get issued a better one, swap it out. When you get done with your school turn the worse of the two in to supply. If one is broken, let them know it's crap and they'll DX it. This way, you always get the better of the 2 compasses and, even more importantly, you always have a spare.

I can't tell you how many times I had to loan one out or use it myself. You can help yourself or a buddy at a vital time.

No shit, I did the RS land nav (day) with a watch strap compass after my issue one froze up on me. Thank God the course was easy, more terrain association than land nav, and self correcting or I'd have been hosed.
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by Ranger Ron »

Can't believe you guys got to use a compass!!!
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for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother!"
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Slowpoke
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by Slowpoke »

WhiskeyRiver wrote:
You need to have mils for adjusting fire. Don't worry you will be issued a compass. Army compasses are good quality and very stable.
Ranger Slowpoke, I have to bite - what daemons possess my navigational tools?
The evil Voudou that causes parts of the Compass to move of their own accord, if left unguarded, will lead you to strange and mysterious places! Beware, the bad Jeaujeau that resides in the compass hates 2nd Lt's especially and will lead them astray every time!!!!
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IEDmagnet
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by IEDmagnet »

Jim wrote:You need to have mils for adjusting fire.............Army compasses are good quality and very stable.

x2. Even for your local Indirect support, it is nice to get the calls in Mils....MBC's don't always last and it can cut time off your 911 call.
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by Silverback »

If the weight of a compass is going to hold you back...you might want to rethink your career choice.
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Slowpoke
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by Slowpoke »

RangerRon wrote:Can't believe you guys got to use a compass!!!


Legend has it that Marie Laveaux was a practioner of the Dark Arts of the Compass!

Alas, we had to climb a tree, shake it, and watch for the map to move!
I never wore a cape, but I still have my dog tags.

Experienced Peek Freak!!

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WhiskeyRiver
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by WhiskeyRiver »

Thank you for the replies, Rangers.
If the weight of a compass is going to hold you back...you might want to rethink your career choice.
:cry: Think I'll go find an ice pack for that burn. :lol:
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Ranger Ron
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by Ranger Ron »

Slowpoke wrote:
RangerRon wrote:Can't believe you guys got to use a compass!!!


Legend has it that Marie Laveaux was a practioner of the Dark Arts of the Compass!

Alas, we had to climb a tree, shake it, and watch for the map to move!
The problem was sticking to the trunk of the rubber trees! :roll: By the time you got loose, the team was long gone!
SUA SPONTE - "We few, we happy few, we BAND OF BROTHERS;
for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother!"
- Shakespeare

RLTW! - Land of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave

RS 3-70
SSG VN 69-70
I Co., 75th. Inf.
4/9 Inf., 25th ID

Mentored Ranger kozzman555
http://www.75thrra.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - LM 183
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The Holmchicken
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Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses

Post by The Holmchicken »

Lunch wrote:H3 is your friend; embrace the glow.

Not only is H3 your friend, it'll also prevent you from paying for a new compass when the one you go to turn in does not have "H3" on it.
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It's not that I'm lazy........it's that I don't care


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