Terrain features - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)
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Group

Terrain features



FM/G328 - Terrain features
Guide
FM/BG-1477 - Understanding terrain features
Guide

Understanding terrain is essential for tactical movement. Terrain influences movement, observation, cover, and concealment.

  • High ground provides superior observation and firing positions; ideal for overwatch, observation posts (OPs), and fire support.
  • Low ground offers concealment but limits visibility and increases risk from enfilade fire.
  • Ridges and hills offer a balance of cover and visibility; reverse slopes protect from direct fire.
  • Valleys and depressions allow concealed movement but increase ambush risk; difficult to observe externally.
  • Water features may restrict movement; bridges and fords become critical control points.
  • Forests and woodblocks provide concealment and cover; facilitate stealth movement.
  • Open terrain increases exposure but allows rapid movement if supported by fire or smoke. 
Skill
FM/BS-1478 - Recognise geographic features on a map
Skill
  • Identify hills, valleys, ridgelines, depressions, rivers, and forests.
  • Assess their impact on observation, cover, and movement.
  • Distinguish natural obstacles from man-made features. 
Skill
FM/BS-1479 - Identify dead ground and observation lines
Skill
  • Locate concealed areas hidden from enemy observation (dead ground).
  • Identify optimal observation points for overwatch and surveillance.
  • Evaluate exposure risks and blind spots on terrain. 
Skill
FM/BS-1480 - Identify natural and man-made obstacles
Skill
  • Detect rivers, cliffs, fences, walls, and urban structures.
  • Assess obstacle impact on infantry, vehicles, and logistics movement.
Skill
FM/BS-1481 - Plot movement routes using terrain analysis
Skill
  • Choose routes providing cover and concealment.
  • Avoid known or suspected danger areas and obstacles.
  • Consider terrain slope, vegetation, and obstacles on movement speed and safety. 
Skill
FM/BS-1482 - Perform line-of-sight (LOS) checks on a map
Skill

Perform LOS checks to determine visibility between observer and target.

  1. Identify observer and target positions.
  2. Compare elevations via contour lines or shading.
  3. Assess terrain or structures blocking visibility.
  4. Determine visible portion of the target area.
  5. Annotate arcs, dead ground, and blocked areas on the map. 
Skill
FM/BS-1483 - Estimate travel time for dismounts
Skill

Measure straight-line distance using the map scale and convert it with grid tools.

  • Use ~10 km/h as baseline  speed on flat, open terrain.
  • Adjust for terrain:
    •  Roads / open ground: maintain ~10 km/h.
    •  Hills, forests, etc reduce speed by: -30–50% speed.
  • Add time for obstacles (fences, rivers, buildings) requiring detours or crossings.
  • Adjust for unit load and type, as weight and role affect movement speed.
  • Compute travel time: distance ÷ adjusted speed.
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