What are the best tools to get ready for WLC?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:22:15 -0400

I am slotted to go to WLC next summer and I hear some horror stories of people getting booted before graduation for failing the Land Navigation. I didn't do so good during basic many moons ago and I want to get a head start so that I can be prepared.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 9:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:25:38 -0400

Ask someone in your unit to help you out, try taking a little extra time to get in that extra training you'll need.

Remember WLC operates on the "crawl, walk, run" method. Give your SGLs the opportunity to train you while you're there. Pay attention especially in areas you know you're weak in. Don't be afraid to ask for the help. That's what they're there for! Good luck!

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 9:42 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:42:33 -0400

From my experience to be successful at WLC you need a good base in a few areas. You'll want a basic understanding of the different AR's, ADP's and ADRP's. Make sure you are doing your PT to the standard. Anything less won't be counted. For land nav you just need to practice and make sure you have a technique that works for you. Some people will plot their points and find their azimuths and break brush the whole way. Depending on where you go to WLC you might be able to use some land features and plot paths around brush. Just pick a technique, stick to it and nail it. Above all else the SGL's know exactly what you need to successfully complete the course. Listen to what they have to say. Go to them for any extra help you need and you'll do great.

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Aug 10 at 2015 9:53 PM

CPL Richard Flagg — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:53:13 -0400

The best advice I can give for Land Nav at WLC is to learn to land navigate in a heavily wooded area. I learned to Land Nav down in the jungles of Panama; where I shot azimuths from tree to tree; sure it may sound tedious, but as long as you know your pace count and keep track of distance with a cord of 550 cord like I did things should work out for you.

Best of luck and practice if you need to before attending the course is the best advice I can give you.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 10:03 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 22:03:51 -0400

WLC is a "made to succeed" type course. I went through as a brand new SPC, so I was unfamiliar with much of the content other than completion of SSD1. I still did fine. As your SGLs will remind you, WLC teaches the same material you learn in SSD1.
You will get plenty of time to learn and refresh tasks at WLC, however the more prepared you are the easier of course, it will be.
Download a copy of FM 3-25.26 which is the FM on land nav. There will be a couple chapters in there that will be useful to you. Pay attention to your instructors, and don't be afraid to ask them, and ask your classmates for help.
As I mentioned before, despite the bad rap, WLC is made to set you up for success. I went through WLC with a soldier who was a dentists assistant by MOS. I know she hadn't done land nav since basic. I helped her study the material, and explained a few questions that she had, when we went out on the course, she found all her points, and beat half students or more back. Land Nav is terrifying to many people, and takes a lot of practice to get really good at; however, you don't need to be an expert to pass WLC. You simply need to know how it works, and find your points on a course. It will boost your confidence when you succeed!
If you set your sights on excelling at WLC rather than just passing, I would recommend that you get a copy of the Ranger handbook, and familiarize yourself with the TLPs, opords, and principles of patrol. Practice the preparation drills for PRT from FM 7-22, performing the exercises exactly as they are in the book, and brush up on D and C. I believe that if I had done that before I went, I could have made commandants list, instead of just graduating.
Of course, don't forget to be good on PT, and body weight. The SGLs aren't unfair, they simply grade to standard. Units fail to set their soldiers up for success by fudging the standard.

Response by SFC John Birks made Aug 10 at 2015 10:27 PM

SFC John Birks — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 22:27:43 -0400

The biggest thing I've seen Soldiers fail on is Land Nav & map reading..

Response by SGT Jonathon Caldwell made Aug 10 at 2015 10:32 PM

SGT Jonathon Caldwell — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 22:32:17 -0400

Land Nav is only as hard as you make it. Take your time and plot your points good. Double or triple check your pace count to get it accurate. Go to your start point. In WLC its going to be given to you up front so your starting off in the right spot. Plot all of your points from your start point. Number each point as you plot them so you know what number point you are going to. After plotting draw your lines in the shortest route possible. Nobody says you have to go in order. Thats why you numbered them when plotting, to make sure you put the right point on your answer sheet. That way you are saving time by walking the shortest distance instead of back and forth across the course. The biggest thing is dont second guess yourself. If you come to the end of your pace count and nothing is there. Mark your spot good with something so you can come back to it. Then cloverleaf out from that point 25m at a time til you find a point. Write it down shoot your next azmuth and keep going. After you find that last point beeline back to the turn in point and be confident you are right and you know what youre doing. Like Sgt Brainard WLC is not meant for anyone to fail. Another big thing make sure you take your own compass from your unit. See if your armsroom or supply whoever is issueing it has a new one. All the loaners at WLC are just that loaners that nobody has taken care of and just get tossed around. A degree off over not so long of a distance puts you way off course. Hope this helps you. If you have any questions just reply back and ill do my best to explain so you fully understand. Good luck and youll do fine. Infantry Leads the Way. "FOLLOW ME"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 11:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 23:23:39 -0400

Study your land nav skills. Everything else should be a breeze. This is the first step in a long line of NCOES.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 11:26 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 23:26:01 -0400

Really everything can be learned in class there and you can succeed if you pay attention. But I suggest getting drill and ceremony down as well as Army PRT. Get used to public speaking as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 12:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 00:21:34 -0400

The SGLS will teach you land nav and they will break it down in very simple terms. One of the best classes I had on land nav was from my WLC instructor and he was a laundry specialist. Pay attention to the class and use the study groups to your advantage. Everyone in my class passed the land nav from the infantryman to the chaplain assistant. Follow the trails as many of these points are at the end of these trails. Some WLC courses for land nav have self correcting points so each point has a grid written on it so you know if you are on the right track. Good luck and don't stress it but is a good idea to ask people around your unit or any of the infantry units for help. We helped out our medics on land nav intructions before their EFMB and all passed their land nav.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 1:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 01:14:05 -0400

It is the responsibility of your leadership to ensure that you are ready to go. I would suggest that you get in as much training as possible. Land navigation can make or break you in PLDC. But you can do it if you pay attention and listen to the instructors. they will help if you ask. But ask you leaders, they should be more than willing to set aside some time for you to train.. Land navigation is probably the hardest subject in WLC/PLDC so prepare yourself as much as possible.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 1:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 01:23:04 -0400

The Ranger handbook has some awesome land nav tips.

Study up on Army correspondence, practice giving training classes/leading PT.

I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting. Lol.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 2:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 02:37:04 -0400

Where are you going? Some of the classes have self correcting courses and anything you fail the first time (not that we want that), you do get a second shot. - as far as preparation, get with anyone you know that is going and practice with them. Get another Soldier to sit down with you for a refresher

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 6:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 06:39:04 -0400

This is something I used to tell Soldiers. While it is the leaders job to know where Soldiers need help it is just as important for the Soldier to seek a mentor and ask for help. If you are weak in land nav and you know, just ask someone to help you out.
Practice PRT at the unit
Level to prepare and practice teaching classes.
All leaders have been through WLC and know what is expected so if they are not preparing their Soldiers they are failing their Soldiers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 8:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:44:04 -0400

I graduated in 2014 from Ft. Indiantown Gap (FIG). We had a guy get the boot after failing Land Nav. Study up on all the the things that go along w/land nav (map reading/terrain association, using a compass, etc). Overall, if you have a fear of public speaking, you need to practice since you will be required to give a presentation. Being knowledgeable on executing D&C, leading PRT, and writing CRMs. STX Lanes at towards the end. Be participative in class discussions as well. One thing that I was disappointed in (criteria wise) is that we did not talk about NCOERs. Perhaps, that's a something you can bring up in class. Good luck, SGT!

Response by SGT JoAnne Bastable-Parisi made Aug 11 at 2015 10:27 AM

SGT JoAnne Bastable-Parisi — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 10:27:44 -0400

It's been many moons since I completed WLC, but land nav, like others have said, is as hard as you make it. I believe they still give you 3 chances to cycle through it if you fail the first in the time allotted. Take your time and plot your points, triple check your work, and pay attention to what is around you. Just be confident in yourself and listen to your instructors. Land Nav was one of my biggest weaknesses as well, I had people in my unit who went through just before me help me study and I got through it so you can too.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Aug 11 at 2015 12:26 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 12:26:16 -0400

This course, just like any other the Army has, is designed to be tough, but have you succeed, too. If you know you're weak in an area (eg land nav), practice it before leaving. Honor grad is nice, but don't worry about not getting it. Focus on graduating. Everyone walks out of there with the same rack you've got. Remember that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 12:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 12:28:23 -0400

The only way to get better at it is by doing it. Unfortunately if your in the Reserves or NG it is a hard skill to maintain. Reading a map can be done at your unit and so can the other skill but until you get out to the woods all the knowledge will not do any good if you lack the confidence to walk to your points. Again the only way to gain the confidence is by doing a course and find your points. Talk to your Senior NCOs and they should be able to help you.

Response by SPC Johnathen Lieber made Aug 11 at 2015 12:53 PM

SPC Johnathen Lieber — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 12:53:13 -0400

I would agree with the OP ORDers and other basic infantry skills. As a signal corp repairman that was the most difficult part for me... and also please make sure you can pass your PT test (Passing grade plus a little as everyone counts different) before you get there..

Response by SGT Kenneth Curtis made Aug 11 at 2015 1:28 PM

SGT Kenneth Curtis — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 13:28:27 -0400

You can get booted of being late for morning formation, should your WLC allow you to live at your on post domicile. As for failing, you should get a second chance later on in the cycle. Fail the second time and yes, you're booted. The first day is all orientation/PT Test and how things work for WLC. From what I recall, failing the PT Test, weight/tape, will get your booted. They tend to do those all first.

But it's basically, like others have said; crawl, walk, and run course. You will learn how to do everything as an NCO properly, by doctrine. WLC is not the same as boot camp, the SGLs won't smoke you, shout and scream. It's more of a gentlemen/ladies course, meaning you're treated as adults and not kids. Also, note that everyone there will be addressed as, 'Sergeant'. Even if they are a Specialist, it's part of how things run there. Just know that as the course goes you'll eventually get the TL or SL role and everything your team/squad does may be counted for or against you, something to keep in mind (they'll explain that when you get to it, so don't freak).

That all being said, if you're shaky on something, don't be afraid to reach for the TMs and FMs or even ask your SL or somebody who you feel knows the things you're not sure of 100%. It's best to go prepared than unsure, in my opinion.

Response by SGT Patrick Wesley made Aug 11 at 2015 1:44 PM

SGT Patrick Wesley — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 13:44:21 -0400

Get some help, but also on land navigation focus on the terrain on your map for navigation. Use the compass to get you in the right direction and count your pace (they have beads for counting distance that you can buy in the PX) so you know how far you traveled. If you get off track, you will know how far you traveled by keeping pace and can look for landmarks (hills, valleys, water, towers, etc.) to determine your position. Night land navigation is the most tricky, so check your position as much as possible on your map as you count your pace and make sure you know where you are as you go. If you have a buddy or team, get some of them to keep pace as well and cross-check your position.

Response by SGT Morgan Irell made Aug 11 at 2015 1:57 PM

SGT Morgan Irell — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 13:57:30 -0400

KISS. IT'S EASY!

Response by SP5 Paul Pechin made Aug 11 at 2015 2:34 PM

SP5 Paul Pechin — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 14:34:11 -0400

Read FM 6-22 (Army Leadership). Then go to the Project Management Institute and pick up a copy of the Project Management Body of Knowledge and read that.

Response by SGT Bradley L. made Aug 11 at 2015 3:29 PM

SGT Bradley L. — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:29:55 -0400

1. Make sure you are exceeding either weight or tape standards with ease. The fastest way people were booted or got a marginal 1059's was for being overweight.
2. PT, PT, and PT. Quality push-up and sit-ups, so every one is counted. The run or walk based on what you are slated to do. Do not be someone who can barely pass it. You'd be surprised how many people could barely pass the run.
3. Find a senior NCO, and get some land nav training. We did land nav training as easily as setting Milk jugs out, and sending soldiers out to them.
4. Be motivated. You wouldn't believe how many people get nailed for not being motived. When we were in the field people wouldn't fire blanks because they didn't want to clean the weapon.
5. Everything else is easy. They tell you exactly what you need to know, and where to find it.

Response by SFC Rich Goldstein made Aug 11 at 2015 3:32 PM

SFC Rich Goldstein — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:32:34 -0400

SGT Pratt,

I've just skimmed the previous half-dozen responses and they each offer sound advice. Increase your knowledge before you go, listen to the SGL's, ask questions, use available tools, etc. My additional advice is to not let your self doubts defeat you. Worrying adds nothing valuable to the equation. As we like to say -- there's nothing to it but to do it. When I attended WLC there were some in the class who were certain they would fail, but excelled because they applied the lessons that they learned and applied the basic fundamentals. As a side note, don't get over confident. The one infantryman in our group who felt he was an expert did things his way and failed miserably, 0 for 5. The point of mentioning this should support everyone's advice about listening to the SGL's and paying attention to their training. They are there to teach and help you succeed. Hope this helps.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Aug 11 at 2015 3:35 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:35:31 -0400

Get practice on leading pt from start to finish, get hard copies of FMs to read over, Leadership, etc. Practice reading a map, plotting points, using a compass and land nav, the more practice you have ahead of time the better you will be as well as more comfortable doing it. When there, listen to your SGLs (Instructors), they are SMEs for the course, remember you have 2 ears and 1 mouth, use the ears more and good luck!!

Response by SGT Erich Schmidt made Aug 11 at 2015 3:38 PM

SGT Erich Schmidt — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:38:01 -0400

Unless WLC has changed, all I really got out of it was poor time management and double standards.

Response by CSM George Gattone made Aug 11 at 2015 3:57 PM

CSM George Gattone — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:57:01 -0400

If you know where you will be attending determine the type of terrain you'll be doing land nav on. For relatively flat or gently rolling terrain get a good accurate pace count. That, combined with a good plot and accurate azimuth, are key. If the course is very hilly or mountainous terrain association is the way to go. Either way, some practice and assistance from an NCO in your unit will be incredibly helpful.

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Aug 11 at 2015 4:11 PM

SGT Robert Andrews — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:11:20 -0400

Map reading is a skill its one you lose if you dont practice. The main thing is that if your electronics fail you ...you dont fail the mission. Practice finding the grid coordinates first then practice your distance both road and straight line. Then get your pace and range it use your normal walk if you dont it throws off your steps.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 4:44 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:44:57 -0400

I taught PLDC back in the early 90's, and the biggest reason people were booted from the course was failure to pass the APFT.

But, if you are interested in increasing your land navigation, I recommend you fire up the Internet and search for ORIENTEERING near you. Orienteering is a sport which combines cross country running with map reading. It's common at universities, especially those with and ROTC program. Nearly all O-meets have a training session for newbies about 1 hour before the course opens. It's a great way to build your confidence in your map reading and land navigation skills.

Response by SSG Jason Carter made Aug 11 at 2015 4:48 PM

SSG Jason Carter — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:48:30 -0400

When I went thru, it was still called PLDC. As others already stated, be ready for PT. My unit gave me a PT test before they sent me and made sure I was well within the standard.

Remember that much of what you are being evaluated on is how well you perform as a leader. This involves communication. Each member of the small group is the leader for a day. Once during a garrison environment, once in the field. So be ready to march everyone to and from classes, chow, etc. Be ready to give op orders and brief your teams. Make sure they can back brief you to check that they understand. Be ready to lead PT.

Practice drill and ceremony, there is a test on that. It's not difficult but some people get nervous. Don't be afraid to take charge.

There is a good bit of classroom time on land nav. Pay attention. Brush up on it before you go. Practice your pace count and shooting azimuths. Make sure you can measure distance on a map. Take your time and don't rush it.

Have fun there. I met some really good people and learned a lot. One of the best courses I ever took. The SGL's are there to help you, learn from them. They want you to succeed.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Aug 11 at 2015 5:42 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 17:42:09 -0400

SGT Jennifer Pratt, I attended the PLDC class in 1988 and I didn't know anything about land navigation at that time. I paid very close attention in class and when it came to the course I was the second person to complete the course. With today's technology there should be some internet page somewhere that can give you a review of it. I heard all the horror stories before I went in but I was confident in myself and knock it out the park. I made the Commandants list for the course. Good Luck.

Response by SGT Richard Daniells made Aug 11 at 2015 5:48 PM

SGT Richard Daniells — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 17:48:42 -0400

Make sure you have an up to date packing list. Tripple check to make sure you have everything. Expect to score lower than usual on the pt test. Stay hydrated and remember caffeine in your friend. You will be lucky to get 5-6 hours sleep every night. Also make sure you get someone from your unit to sponser you. That way they can bring you whatever you forget or need. Good luck. "Train to Lead!"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 5:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 17:56:20 -0400

Never had WLC when I was active, but did have NCO schools and other advanced infantry schools. Some people can try and try and just not do well on Land Nav courses. Have you thought about a non warrior MOS.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Aug 11 at 2015 6:03 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 18:03:02 -0400

Listen to your SGL when I went through many moons ago in a course called PLDC my SGL said "I don't care how many times you have done LandNav on my course, if you do not listen to me you will fail." Guess what one of the infantry guys in my class blew off the SGL and guess what he failed not only did he fail but it took him out of Honor Grad contention. The point I want to make listen to your SLG, don't be overconfident, trust yourself, and finally pay attention to details.

Since you have time ask your training NCO to get you out on a LandNav course in the state. Ask others around you to get you ready. Good luck.

Response by SSG Clarence Blackburn made Aug 11 at 2015 8:54 PM

SSG Clarence Blackburn — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 20:54:30 -0400

Do you have any friends that are 11B if so have them help you. Or 13B.

Response by SSG Douglas Turner made Aug 11 at 2015 9:22 PM

SSG Douglas Turner — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 21:22:02 -0400

My advice is to get a Topographical map of a forest near you, get a compass and do some Grid Coordinate Hiking. Or Get a compass and go to an open field, put a start peg in the ground, then walk off at a coordinate several yards, change coordinates and repeat 8 times ending at the start peg. Do this over and over and even backwards. Know your pace count so you can practice it. Also study and orient a map with terrain and learn all the symbols on the map and compare land elevation with the actual terrain. It is best if you have someone to work with to verify your results!

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 10:25 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 22:25:22 -0400

SGT Pratt...where are you scheduled to attend WLC? As the AO/XO of the 199th REG (RTI) in Louisiana, I can tell you that the two things that get Soldiers dismissed from WLC the most is height/weight and the APFT. Our WLC instructors are great and will make sure you are prepared for land nav. However...it is all on you to prepare yourself for the two hurdles I mentioned.

Response by SGT Jason Dworak made Aug 11 at 2015 10:46 PM

SGT Jason Dworak — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 22:46:08 -0400

One quick tip with land nab is to shoot your azimuth at the farthest object you can. It'll help you from drifting if your going towards something far away. Recheck it often

Response by SGT Matthew Waldroup made Aug 11 at 2015 11:47 PM

SGT Matthew Waldroup — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 23:47:50 -0400

I found that the way basic training rushes groups of soldiers through, it is easy to leave with a weakness in this area or another. I was very fortunate to have learned much about land nav through my experiences in boy scouting in my youth and that experience put me well ahead of the curve when it came to put these skills to use in the military. Perhaps you can contact a scout troop. They may be able to put you in touch with the orienteering merit badge counselor. The local scout camp may already have a course set up for you to practice on as we are nearing the end of summer. I see no reason why you would not be welcomed with open arms.

Regards,
MAtthew R Waldroup

Response by SSG Leslie Hobgood made Aug 11 at 2015 11:49 PM

SSG Leslie Hobgood — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 23:49:12 -0400

Better know your land navigation....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2015 12:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 00:56:40 -0400

a lot of people worry about LandNav but most LandNav courses are self correcting, if you get lost and find yourself going in circles, stop take a deep breath, relax and replot.
Also remember if passing only requires 3 out of 4 points and making it to the finish line on time........ Forget that 4th point if you don't think you can find your last point and make it to the finish line on time. Nothing is worst then having to redo landNav because you didn't make it to the finish line on time.
The biggest fails that got people kicked out of my class was HT/WT & PT failure.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2015 1:38 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 01:38:24 -0400

WLC should be a snap. Everything you are expected to know is taught. As far as land nav...they are self correcting courses and most do not cover long distances. Just dead reckon and try not to limp and you'll be good.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2015 3:48 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 03:48:11 -0400

SGT Pratt,

Not to minimize your emotions towards land navigation. Understanding that it's not your strong suite. However, remember this land navigation is 90% confidence in your ability and 10% execution. You were successful in BCT. I can assure nothing has changed you still read a map to the right and up. This is not to insult your intelligence, please do not be offended. Your leadership sees potential in you to succeed in our great Army or else they would not be sending you. If you have additional questions, comments or concerns feel free to message me and I will gladly assist you.

Response by SPC Gill Jones made Aug 12 at 2015 5:02 AM

SPC Gill Jones — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 05:02:15 -0400

Have any friends who may be a Foward Observer (FIST)?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2015 8:51 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 08:51:53 -0400

WLC IS TOO EASY! Just pay close attention to detail and you will get through it. On the land nav course work on getting the ten digit grid coordinate. Then work on your pace count. You will be walking between 800 and 1000 meters. Know your surroundings before you get started as well as landarts suck as where the tallest tree or mountain is in reference to where your standing. Everything else is reference, hands on and open book. You will learn how to do everything before you actually do it.

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Aug 12 at 2015 10:20 AM

SGT Stanley Bass — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 10:20:38 -0400

I hate to date myself but here we go. If WLC is the new name for PLDC. It will not be as rushed as Basic training was. Basic is more of a crash course to flow everybody through it. You will have more time to learn and train and ask questions of you're leadership. As mentioned is previous comments. They are there to help you succeed, not just push you through. What helped myself, as well as alot of other people, in PLDC ( again if it is the same as WLC) is the night land navigation portion.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2015 11:12 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 11:12:26 -0400

the main thing was pt.... and then land nav

Response by SGT Paul Melendez made Aug 12 at 2015 11:25 AM

SGT Paul Melendez — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 11:25:13 -0400

WLC has classes that will prepare you for the LandNav test. Just pay attention to the Cadre and you should be fine.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2015 11:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 11:56:33 -0400

Be familiar with D & C and confident, be familiar with PRT and expect to conduct it. Land Nav has been covered already....do some actual land nav training and you will be fine. You must give a 5 minute oral history brief, you will teach a CIT class ( Warrior Skills Training ). There are three written tests for the three blocks of instruction in Leadership, Training and Warfighter blocks. And, of course, passing the first test, which is your APFT is essential as well as HT/WT. The higher your score the better your GPA will be as it is added in or calculated into your overall GPA. The rest of the evals and instruction are easily accomplished with a little attention to detail. Also, be familiar with the Creed of the Noncommisioned Officer aka NCO Creed and you will be way ahead of the game and good to go. Good luck !

Response by SFC Jon Vandeyacht made Aug 12 at 2015 12:12 PM

SFC Jon Vandeyacht — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 12:12:10 -0400

Most you need is already said. The hardest part is leading PT. Learn the opening and closing commands. Practice marching your squad. These things take a little bit of time and practice. Land Nav isnt so bad. Practice plotting points on a map and getting the new azmuth to head as well as distance. As for movement, shoot a direction with the compass frequently. More so in thick areas. Most of the land nav sites are heavily traveled so it can help but dont be too dependant on prior trails...shoot frequently and keep your pace count. The course is set up for success...it isnt jumpmaster or ranger schools...pay attention and do what they say, when they say it, and you will very much so succeed.... Good luck on your future as a leader of Soldiers.....

Response by SSG Darryl Cullum made Aug 12 at 2015 12:24 PM

SSG Darryl Cullum — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 12:24:31 -0400

Basic navigation with a map and compass is really easy, look it up on youtube to get the poop on how to shoot azimuths and triangulate to your position or multiple positions. Longitude and latitude lines do not change, however navigation in different directions can be a little tricky with a math compass if you have to use one. Youtube is a great by the book do it your self tool.

Response by SFC Brian Criswell made Aug 12 at 2015 12:40 PM

SFC Brian Criswell — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 12:40:17 -0400

The best advice is to get with your unit to assign a sponsor that is very knowledgeable in land nav so they can prepare you for everything including the pre execution checklist. Best of luck.
SFC Criswell (Ret)

Response by SGT S Sharpless made Aug 12 at 2015 5:26 PM

SGT S Sharpless — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 17:26:07 -0400

If you fail itll be because you didn't listen in class. They break everything down and have you practice before they let you go on the land nav site. Pay attention, take notes, ask questions...you'll be fine

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2015 9:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 21:34:55 -0400

Land Navigation is the most overestimated, underdeveloped, and poorly trained skill I have seen in the military. You do land nav every day. You drive to the store and get milk. You don't low crawl across buildings, or do a box technique to get around an obstacle. You find waypoints, checkpoints, and follow predetermined points of reference.

Good land navigation is the same. read the reg, pay attention to the section covering offset, and get some good intel from people who know what they are doing. Land navigation is not difficult. The way that the Army instructs the material is.

Response by 1SG Clifford Walters made Aug 12 at 2015 10:20 PM

1SG Clifford Walters — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 22:20:27 -0400

When I went through Recondo School way back in 1976 I also remember Land Navigation being a key element. The ability to find your initial location, orient the map to the terrain, taking accurate compass readings, and keeping a good pace count are all important to your success. The planning phase before you take the first step can save you lots of time and effort on the actual course.

Brush up on all basic military skills. You may be called upon to plan and lead a PT session, a patrol, etc..

Response by CPL Gregory Cembrola made Aug 12 at 2015 10:29 PM

CPL Gregory Cembrola — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 22:29:44 -0400

I went to the PLDC and found it to be a "refresher" in land navigation............you need to know where you are, to know where you're going

Response by CPT Tamara Brewer made Aug 13 at 2015 2:09 AM

CPT Tamara Brewer — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 02:09:29 -0400

SGT Pratt,
Congrats on continuing your career in the Army! WLC is a great course and you will do fine! I know this because you are: 1. Asking for advice, so you are teachable and 2. You are focusing on your weak points to improve prior to attending.
My advice is to seek help from a knowledgable fellow Soldier and also, get out your FMs and read. Most importantly...DO NOT OVERTHINK IT!

Response by SGT Michael Proctor made Aug 13 at 2015 10:45 AM

SGT Michael Proctor — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 10:45:00 -0400

To my knowledge, when I went in 2010, they were phasing out land nav and no longer making it a requirement for WLC

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 11:18 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 11:18:31 -0400

Land NAV / PT TEST critical factors that will make you or break you!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 11:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 11:19:54 -0400

land Nav and APFT , pivotal elements of WLC that will make you or break you!

Response by SGT Richard Ellis made Aug 13 at 2015 5:17 PM

SGT Richard Ellis — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 17:17:29 -0400

Get yourself a map, protractor, compass and soldiers manual and study. Azimuth declination is the hardest part to remember when doing your land nav. Also, get up to date on your pace count.

Too many soldiers now a days depend too much on technology. ALL of my troops who I tutored in land nav aced that part. I prefer the old map and compass better than GPS, because i've seen gps screw up too many times, even though it is nice at times and I still do use it in a pinch

Response by SFC Lisa Hirst made Aug 13 at 2015 6:55 PM

SFC Lisa Hirst — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 18:55:23 -0400

Practice land nav before going. Talk to your training room or S3 to see if they have maps with points and a compass and practice. We had common task books that also showed you how to read a map. Ask your NCO for guidance

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 7:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 19:17:10 -0400

I just graduated from WLC at Fort Stewart yesterday. Everything was pretty easy in the course. The material is all easily passable. You will learn a lot as well. If you have any questions, you can feel free to message me.

Response by SSG Brian L. made Aug 17 at 2015 1:36 PM

SSG Brian L. — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 13:36:08 -0400

Find a field to practice your pace count. You can also find a wooded area to place markers to create your own land nav course and practice. Familiarize yourself with military maps as well. I've always excelled at Land Navigation but ran into a challenge while I did the Reserve Component course at Fort Jackson, SC. Toward the beginning of the course, I slammed my knee into a tree stump hidden in a bush. I had to complete the course with a serious injury which threw off my pace count and my time. I was still able to complete it with time to spare. If you practice the basics of Land Nav, you should do fine.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 7:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 19:26:11 -0400

Get you a map of your area