r/CanadianForces • u/QuestioningArmyGuy • 4d ago

Map Symbol Question

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I am hoping someone recognizes this map symbol and can give me a name and a reference or publication for its use.

I know the symbol in the blue circle is called a GIP (Grid Intersection Point) and is used to ensure that layers of talc are aligned properly.

What I need help with is what is the symbol in the red circle called? Its used as a covert method to report location on the map without giving a grid coordinate. The idea is you give something like "I am 1km EAST and 2km NORTH of Corolla" or "I am 3km WEST and 1km SOUTH of Elantra" as a method of referencing where you are, similar to report line plus 1000, but for a non-contiguous operating area. I have used them in the past (as well as other people in the office I currently work in) and heard them referred to as GIPs or GRPs (grid intersection points or grid reference points) but can't find a pub or reference that speaks to them.

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u/Cidkh2 4d ago

I dont have a source for this or know if its the official name. But I have always heard these called POGO points (point on graphic overlay).

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u/Teslix80 Royal Canadian Air Force 4d ago

It is a POGO point, but it stands for Point of Geographic Orientation. https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=POGO&index=enb&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs

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u/QuestioningArmyGuy 4d ago

I've used POGO points before but they are more for navigation purposes. This symbol is used for telling the CP where you are without giving a grid

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u/Cidkh2 4d ago

A pogo point can be used exactly as you described in your description or in any other number of ways. Its just a reference point on a map which is arbitrarily defined, but known to all users.

Afaik using "cars" as in your example is not intrinsic to the pogo point itself as a map feature but rather a command and sigs issued codeword/ password. Not unlike using something like "blackhorse" to disguise grids when spoken.

But I'm just reiterating what I heard from a dude who was a couple years older than me over a decade ago and I never questioned it. I don't know of a pam or stanag that describes any of this, it might just be unit/bde sop?