Posted on Feb 15, 2016
MAJ Operations Officer (S3)
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One of the things I've wrestled with since transitioning to a light formation is downsizing and not bringing unnecessary gear now that I have to carry it all. The only piece of gear I haven't found a good replacement for so far is my map board. (See the attached image). My plexiglass map board worked great when I could simply stick it in the turret when I didn't need it. Its pretty much useless now that I have to dig it out of my ruck to navigate. At a minimum I need to be able to quickly access my map, graphics, target list worksheet, and reports. What are my fellow light leaders using to replace this bulky piece?
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Responses: 46
MAJ Ken Landgren
15
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Laminated map.
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1LT William Clardy
1LT William Clardy
>1 y
MAJ Ken Landgren, that's not true. All you need is a quartet of appropriately sized rocks -- or, if rocks are in short supply, a pair of privates who can keep their boots stationary.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
MAJ Ken Landgren
>1 y
I have never needed 4 privates to read a map. I am quite appalled.
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1LT William Clardy
1LT William Clardy
>1 y
Not 4 privates, MAJ Ken Landgren -- 4 large boots, presumably still attached to a pair of privates.

And if using your privates to hold down a map seems inappropriate, you could use second lieutenants instead. But they tend to have a harder time standing still...
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MAJ Ken Landgren
MAJ Ken Landgren
>1 y
A fold laminated map requires just the LT. You don't want to los cool points.
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SFC Instructor
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14
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Go to supply and get a flight crew book. It's a small, blue notebook with rings. Inside of it, is basically smaller sheet protectors. I use this for all of my reporting formats, leaders book info (names, battle rosters, blood types, serial numbers, etc) and for any map overlays that I may need.
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LTC Barry Hull
LTC Barry Hull
>1 y
Tis heavy but I have used it.
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MAJ Operations Officer (S3)
MAJ (Join to see)
>1 y
MAJ Thomas Person it would be nice if I had an FSO to control fires for me. In nearly 10 years in the RC I've yet to see an FO or FSO actually attached to a unit for training or deployment. 99% of the time I call all of the pre-planned fires myself, which is why I like to have a target list or an overlay to look at. The training mission we're running in April is 6 klick straight-line movement, so you're correct in that I should be able to work off of one sheet.
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MAJ Joe Pimentel
MAJ Joe Pimentel
>1 y
I agree. That is what we used in the old days, prior to 2003. You can customize it with whatever you need.
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1stSgt Sergeant Major/First Sergeant
1stSgt (Join to see)
>1 y
Flight Crew Checklist book is great, but do NOT use alcohol pens on the pages. It stains.
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SSgt Military Police
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Seriously you're going to laugh. Glad brand press and seal. I used it for my land nav at wlc, my map went into puddles and swamp, it stayed dry. I brought it with me in country. It provides a perfect seal around maps, and you can use dry erase, pencils, pens, and sharpies on it. A roll of it is a lifesaver. Plus you can fold it if you need t.
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SSgt Military Police
SSgt (Join to see)
>1 y
Sir, it is super light too!
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
>1 y
If it's stupid but it works, its not stupid.
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MAJ Operations Officer (S3)
MAJ (Join to see)
>1 y
Your post reminds me of the saying: "If it's stupid but it works, it isn't stupid." I'll have to look into it.
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SSgt Military Police
SSgt (Join to see)
>1 y
One more perk, unlike laminated, you can seperate it and it doesn't damage papers underneath. That honestly is my favorite sayin.
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