Where can I find information on how to build or use a terrain model kit?

Cadet SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:30:50 -0500

I am preparing for Advanced Camp. I have found very little guidance on building a good terrain model kit for FTXs.

I am wondering what materials and symbols can be used to build an effective terrain model?

Also what do the Terrain Model Kits at Ranger School look like and include?

I know for materials, you should laminate symbols with glued pennies to the back; yarn for grid lines and roads; Golf Tees or Tent stakes to secure the yarns; and a toiletry bag to keep all this gear in.

I know these are some useful symbols to include:
- LOA (Limit of advance
- LDA
- LOD Line of Departure
- North Azimuth
- RP (Rally Point)
- Primary Route
- Alternate Route or Secondary Route
- Security
- SL (Squad Leader)
- RP (Release Point)
- LPOP (Listening Point/ Observation Point)
- R and S team (Recon and Surveillance/Security) 1 and 2
- Road
- EPW (team)
- A&L (team)
- Cas CP (casualty collection point)
- EPW CP (EPW collection point)
- ORP (Objective Rally Point)
- Kill Zone
- AA (Assembly Area
- OBJ (Objective)
- Danger Area
- PB (Patrol Base)
- Support
- Assault
- TRP (target reference point)
- A- Team
- B- Team
- Mission legend(Big Azth:, Dist:, LD Time: AA:, OBJ: Square
- Leaders Recon
- ERP (Enroute Rally Point)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 9:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:52:07 -0500

Keep your kit simple and light. Get a copy of FM 7-8. Read it. And then read it again. In between that read About Face by Col Hackworth. Then read 7-8 again. Last, don’t over think it. Brief the plan, execute it violently. (If you plan a CCP you will be 90% above your peers. 9 line, mark it, golden hour. It’s too easy. Best of luck in both schools.

Response by SPC John Smith made Jan 11 at 2019 9:55 PM

SPC John Smith — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:55:13 -0500

I was RTO and helped build many terrain models. It might sound dumb but the sticks from long (10"or so) fireplace matches are really handy. They can show lines of advance, lanes of fire etc. Use them to build tree lines, watch towers or represent buildings or roads. Use your imagination. They'll be huge in helping you define the objective.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 10:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 22:01:49 -0500

Here you go brother. I forgot to get you a link: https://myleadersource.com/product/terrain-model-kit-2/
I’d check out Ranger Joes and see what they have. There are a couple of military stores around Fort Benning where you can pick up some items for your kit. Just go light. I’d look at your MRE condiment package as something to use along with colored yarn.

terrain-model-kit-2

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 10:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 22:33:17 -0500

ADP 1-02

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 11 at 2019 11:28 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 23:28:59 -0500

Unless it's changed drastically, When you are at Advanced Camp the terrain models are built and you are simply augmenting it. While training for camp you'll likely have to build them from scratch. The ones at Bragg were built in the first cycles using natural materials by the committees. They were painstakingly crafted and accurate.

A TTP I used was taking tent pegs and kite string and lay out the grid lines. Then build relief with an e-tool and some dirt grid by grid. Then you use the yarn and what ever markers you need.

The Gucci terrain models were at NTC when I was in the OPFOR. They were football field sized and the terrain was 2-3 feet high so you could picture the valleys, draws, and mountains. Grid lines spray painted on (can't do that anymore....EPA). The MRB commanders would physically walk through the model. The S2 shop role played the enemy commanders on the model.

Response by Farah Tlk made Jan 11 at 2019 11:41 PM

Farah Tlk — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 23:41:12 -0500

Nice list, we're you able to buy from somewhere??

Response by MAJ James Woods made Jan 12 at 2019 2:15 PM

MAJ James Woods — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 14:15:01 -0500

Don’t get consumed with the idea of having a prep kit. It’s okay to use materials around you, rocks, sticks, drawing in the dirt, tearing pieces of paper out of your notebook. You’re not being graded on creative look of your terrain model but the ability to depict information and convey that information to your squad and platoon.
In the classroom they typically have all the materials you’ll need. Also ask the MSIV cadets in your program if you haven’t already. They should’ve came back from camp with what worked best for them and others in their squad.

Response by 1LT Christopher Gonzales made Jan 12 at 2019 4:31 PM

1LT Christopher Gonzales — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 16:31:51 -0500

Honestly, the more complex ones I've seen are not the best in practice.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 12 at 2019 4:36 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 16:36:00 -0500

I am disappointed to see that your program is not training you on this. It is a staple training task for our MSIIIs. There is some good advice here so listen to it and you will be fine.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Jan 13 at 2019 4:46 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 16:46:20 -0500

Keep it Simple Stupid, KISS principle, keep it simple. A sand box is what has been used for years, the plain dirt on the ground is used in Ranger School and with combat units in the field. Objects and building and bariier can be as simple as rocks and sticks, roads and paths, scratches in the dirt. You can mold hills out of dirt/sand. You set the terrain model up during preparation time of an OPORD. The first thing you do when actions on the objective are discussed, explain the objects and lines and use your imagination to identify the objects and continue the assault plan. Remember keep it simple so everyone can understand what what means. Some instalations have terrain model kits that can be signed out for class room environment. You can use the ground under your feet in the field and available objects for details.