Posted on Feb 15, 2017
What are some field expedient Pathfinder tools?
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Without getting into OPSEC, I have an opportunity to employ my Pathfinder training in an operational capacity. What I'm looking for are alternative methods for calculating things like obstacle height. My compass and pace count should be sufficient for most things, but I can't exactly pull my tape measure out and start measuring things in an urban environment.
Pathfinder
Pathfinder School
Air Assault School
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 11
Laser range finders are your friend... Distant from you to obstacle base, and obstacle top and some math.. And you have obstacle height, having never moved an inch.
That can be an issued AN/PED-1 or a smaller civilian version
That can be an issued AN/PED-1 or a smaller civilian version
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MAJ (Join to see)
I didn't even think about an LRF. I'll have to see if I we have one in the supply room I can draw.
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SGM Erik Marquez
MAJ (Join to see) - Sir it should be stored in the Arms room...though acquisition may need to take place though supply channels
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SGM Erik Marquez
SSG Carlos Madden - Exactly a2 + b2 = c2 where a & b are the triangle legs and c is the hypotenuse or longest side or the side opposite the 90º angle.
from a distance you can est a and c allowing you to solve for b.
The unknown height of the obstacle will be leg b, and what is solved for.
You will measure leg a, and c (the hypotenuse), then solve for leg b.
And that all comes from the mind of a dumb infantry grunt
from a distance you can est a and c allowing you to solve for b.
The unknown height of the obstacle will be leg b, and what is solved for.
You will measure leg a, and c (the hypotenuse), then solve for leg b.
And that all comes from the mind of a dumb infantry grunt
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The engineer bible FM 5-34 has techniques for field expedient calculations of object heights, angles and widths and curves. They are very accurate and fairly easy to learn.
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Suunto, such as used by sattelite dish installers. Measure distance from object, then measure degrees to top with the Suunto, to get an accurate estimate of height.
http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/Products.asp?mi=13052&itemnum=32293&redir=Y
You can do it cheaper, by buying a construction inclinometer at the hardware store for about 10 bucks. One soldier will have to sight across the top and another read the pitch, as it isn't meant for that use.
http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/Products.asp?mi=13052&itemnum=32293&redir=Y
You can do it cheaper, by buying a construction inclinometer at the hardware store for about 10 bucks. One soldier will have to sight across the top and another read the pitch, as it isn't meant for that use.
Suunto Tandem Global Compass/Clinometer
Combines a liquid damped precision compass and clinometer in one compact, rugged aluminum housing that protects against impact, corrosion, and water. Clinometer scale is graduated in percent and degree (0-90, 0-150%); compass scale is in azimuth (0-360) with the option of declination adjustment (20 East and West). The compass is balanced for global use and is graduated in 1/2 increments, and the clinometer is graduated in 1/1% increments. Both...
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SSgt (Join to see)
SSG Ray Inabnitt - can be gotten for much cheaper on eBay, etc. I paid around 100 bucks for mine.
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SFC(P) (Join to see)
You can also download a Protractor app to your smartphone and use that instead.
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