You must also determine if there are seasonal variations
that will affect the use of the ford. For example, in a monsoon climate,
there would be periods of heavy rain that would turn the stream into a
raging torrent.
A good indicator of such variations is high water marks
along the bank. If you are unable to determine this information, you will
represent it in the symbol with a question mark.
Once you have gathered the information it must be entered
on the overlay. The symbol for a ford is an arrow. The head of the arrow
points to the location of the ford, and the stem of the arrow is a broken
line (---).
If the approaches are difficult, the broken line contains a
zig-zag. Data for the ford is then entered above and below the line in a
set order. Each item is separated from the next by a slash. Above the line
is entered serial number/ford type (P for pedestrian, V for vehicular)
/stream velocity in meters per second/seasonal limitations (X for none, Y
for significant).
Below the line the data are length/width/bottom
type/depth. All measurements are expressed in meters.
m.
Civil/Military Road Designations.
Many roads have been given
numerical designations by civil authorities.
For example, the European
equivalent of interstate highways are designated by an "E" followed by a
number, e.g., E-5.
The military authorities may also give roads a
designation.
Where such a designation is known, it should be marked
alongside the route in parentheses; for example, (E-5).
n.
Turnoffs.
You should be on the alert throughout the recon for
areas suitable for short halts, bivouacs, and areas of dispersion that offer
cover and/or concealment. Areas that offer concealment are indicated based
on the type of vegetation involved.
Deciduous trees are indicated by a
group of circles.
Evergreens are indicated by a group of inverted "V's."
The possibility of turning off the main road is indicated by an arrow. The
arrow points in the direction of the turnoff. If the turnoff is suitable
for wheeled vehicles, a circle is drawn on the stem; for tracked vehicles a
square is used.
The length of the turnoff is written, in meters, at the
point of the arrow. If the turnoff involves a side road which is usable and
is one kilometer long, a double arrow is used.
Most of the symbols and formulae are in FM 5-36.
As you can see, a great deal of essential information can be
placed on an overlay by using these symbols and formulae.
Any of the
information can be expanded upon, or drawn in greater detail, by adding
sketches on separate pieces of paper. When this done, a note should be made
on the overlay. The overlay is critical to the successful accomplishment of
your mission.
MP1028
1-58
Previous Page
