RAT-SAR instructors trained up another 17 students this past weekend in the art of land navigation. This is a crucial skill for adventurers and SAR technicians working in the backcountry. While we all love the convenience of electronic devices, never trust them as your only means of navigation. Learning how to use map and compass in concert with GPS or smartphone apps can mean the difference between life and death when batteries die or GPS coverage becomes spotty. Always have a map and compass and know how to use it. As with most technical talents, land navigation is a perishable skill, so be sure to brush-up and practice before heading out.
