The Lost Skill of Map Reading
Why MGRS Navigation Still Matters in Protective Operations
By Nathan A. Seabrook
Introduction
In an era dominated by GPS and digital mapping, the essential skill of map reading has become increasingly neglected. While GPS technology provides unparalleled convenience and accuracy, the over-reliance on digital navigation poses a significant risk in protective operations. If a GPS system fails due to jamming, cyberattacks, or environmental interference, security teams must have alternative methods to navigate. Understanding the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) and traditional land navigation techniques remains crucial for ensuring mission success and the personal safety of both the principal and the team.
The Importance of MGRS in Protective Operations
The Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) is a globally recognized coordinate system used by military and security professionals for precise location tracking. Unlike standard latitude/longitude systems, MGRS divides the Earth into a standardized grid, simplifying the process of determining locations and communicating them efficiently.
What are the advantages of MGRS over GPS-dependent systems? Let’s dig a bit deeper into this.
Advantages of MGRS Over GPS-Dependent Systems
Reliability: Works in remote or signal-denied environments where GPS may be unavailable.
Accuracy: Provides precise location data that is easily shareable with other team members.
Security: Immune to GPS jamming or cyber threats that can compromise digital navigation.
Tactical Efficiency: Allows for rapid, standardized communication of coordinates.
Mastering MGRS map reading ensures protective details can function effectively in GPS-denied environments, whether in urban settings, remote wilderness, conflict zones, or semi-permissive locations globally.
The Downfall of GPS Dependence in Protective Operations
Unfortunately, with the rise of GPS apps on phones and GPS navigation systems, people have become complacent and started planning missions based solely on GPS rather than maps. Granted, GPS allows for quick planning and the building of specific routes for a motorcade to follow.
Listed below are three key points that should always be considered during the planning and operational phases of a motorcade operation, emphasizing the need for a backup—a good old-fashioned map, compass, and protractor.
1. GPS Jamming and Cyber Vulnerabilities
Adversaries can disrupt GPS signals using jamming devices, making digital maps and waypoints unreliable. Hostile actors, cyberattacks, or even environmental interference can render GPS inoperative at the worst possible moment.
2. Environmental and Terrain Challenges
Urban Canyons: High-rise buildings can obstruct satellite signals.
Dense Forests or Underground Structures: GPS may struggle to provide accurate readings in such locations.
Electromagnetic Interference: Certain military operations or solar activity can disrupt digital navigation systems.
3. Over-Reliance on Technology
Many security professionals lack fundamental land navigation skills due to their dependency on GPS. This reliance creates operational vulnerabilities when teams cannot quickly transition to manual navigation. This failure could be the difference between life and death in a protective movement.
Essential Map Reading Skills for Protective Operations
To mitigate GPS dependency, security personnel should master fundamental land navigation skills, including:
1. Carrying and Reading an MGRS Map
Learn how to read grid coordinates, contour lines, and terrain features.
Use grid squares and scale bars to determine distances accurately.
Familiarize yourself with legend symbols and topographical details.
2. Using a Compass and Protractor
A lensatic or baseplate compass allows for accurate azimuth readings.
A map protractor helps determine precise bearings and distances.
Practice triangulation to pinpoint locations when GPS is unavailable.
3. Taking a Land Navigation Course
Military-style land navigation training teaches real-world application.
Practice navigating in low-light or adverse weather conditions.
Conduct real-time drills without the aid of digital devices.
4. Always Having Backup Tools
Physical maps of the operational area.
Extra compasses and protractors.
Pace count beads or ranger beads for distance tracking.
Notebook and a waterproof case for logging coordinates and route details.
Conclusion
In modern protective operations, technology should enhance—not replace—fundamental navigation skills. Security teams must be prepared for scenarios where GPS fails, jamming occurs, or terrain disrupts digital signals. By mastering MGRS map reading, compass navigation, and land navigation techniques, professionals can operate with confidence and efficiency, regardless of technological limitations.
A well-prepared team is never lost—even when the GPS screen goes black.
I have attached several resources for further reading and planning for both veteran and new protectors looking to add additional tools to their “Toolboxes.”
References
U.S. Army Field Manual (FM) 3-25.26: "Map Reading and Land Navigation."
U.S. Army Training Circular 3-25.86: "Military Grid Reference System Applications."
U.S. Marine Corps Land Navigation Manual.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) MGRS Mapping Resources.
Department of Homeland Security: "Navigation Preparedness in Tactical Environments."
this was an interesting read! who would think all this would go into the job!? people need to be able to read a paper map, and have one on hand to be sure, especially if traveling. but sooo many rely on gps. how many times has gps led to a dead end! sad thing, lost ‘art’ rather ability. love the P. stories, too.