Text taken from the Telegram channel of topograph_rus
[ColonelCassad] From Report 57, dated April 12, 2025.
According to junior officers who fought until January 2025. During combat operations, there were situations where units assigned to consolidate positions or provide fire support overtook assault units. This is due to the significant difficulties in mutual orientation on a virtually empty battlefield. No one can see each other.
For example, there was an instance where a DShK crew, which was supposed to support an assault on a trench, ended up ahead of an assault group that was supposed to clear it. It is noted that the initial advance to designated points, which is thoroughly reviewed using maps before the start of the movement, is generally carried out correctly. Problems with disorientation arise when it is necessary to maneuver further.
In practice, many soldiers are unable to transform information from a paper or electronic map into a mental picture of the terrain, even if they know all the conventional topographic symbols, and they become disoriented. It is noted that many landmarks are inherently destructible. Therefore, by the time an action plan is drawn up, a landmark may disappear from the map. For example, a dugout may be destroyed by a Baba Yaga-type drone drop. As a result, the point on the electronic map where the order to advance is received is no longer linked to a landmark on the ground.
Typically, after discovering such a discrepancy, a group of soldiers attempts to join another group in the hope that this other group has not lost its bearings. This often results in the group being thrown back and forth, which can confuse other groups.
Problems:
- lack of skill in comparing the map with the terrain;
- disorientation in a stressful situation in unfamiliar terrain;
- lack of proper navigational aids and their preparation;
- use of unreliable objects as landmarks.
The method for solving the first problem lies in conducting two levels of training - an initial one at a stadium and then in familiar terrain, preferably rich in various landmarks. For the first training session, we draw up a map and arrange the objects in a stadium, field, or gymnasium. We teach students to identify objects from a diagram and communicate their location relative to them. Then we move on to the terrain.
For this, we need an electronic Topo and Sputnik map to show the difference between objects in real life, on a topographic map, and on a satellite image. We add a stress factor. During training at the PPD, the primary stress factor is time constraints – the less time there is to determine coordinates, identify objects, and establish communication, the better, but everything should be moderate for the current category of students. Next, we and then included in tactical or medical training (for example, during a simulated assault or evacuation of the wounded).
Preparing navigation aids is especially important. In modern warfare, navigation requires devices that are resistant to electronic warfare. Currently, the proven recommended versions are the Garmin GPSMAP H1 and GPSMAP 67 (the latter is no longer in production). Regarding the selection and preparation of devices, I refer you to this group
- i_shturmovik
Secondly, preparing maps. I will not argue whether they are paid or free, just take a look at the comparison here ( https://vk.com/wall-216821177_1468 ).
The map should be:
- legible,
- up-to-date,
- understandable.
Landmarks are prominent objects on the terrain with high survivability.
For example, intersections, power lines, bridges, individual buildings, towers, forest plantations, fields (in wooded areas), rivers, etc.
A bush, a small tree, a pole, a road sign, or a dugout are not suitable as landmarks.
However, in the current theater of operations, this is problematic. Objects such as a tank, dugout, or trench can be used during preliminary reconnaissance with a UAV, given the fact that the data can quickly become outdated.
In conjunction with reliable navigators, we link to points entered during mission preparation.
📱 Topography on VK
📱 Topography on Zen