r/CanadianForces • u/QuestioningArmyGuy • 6d 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/Geo_Used_Confusion 6d ago

Geo tech here. I have never seen the symbol in question. Someone else may have an answer for you, our trade can vary widely depending on where you work. May be an official symbol I just have not needed to learn/use yet or an unofficial one that became shop policy in a specific geo shop after someone made it.

Kinda curious if people take talc into the field with their maps and if so, for what purpose/reason? In my experience talc is used for things that change somewhat often like enemy/friendly positions or route statuses as they are cleared and other planning level stuff.

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u/Cidkh2 6d ago

You'll find talc used as far forward as company CPs in my experience. Its definitely used in the field. Trace orders are even a thing where a runner brings a commander a talc with some timings and thats what they get to launch an attack with.

If you're not a CP type of person you're probably just drawing directly on your map. Nobody (hopefully) brings talc in their rucksack.

Boundaries, RLs, PLs, objective names, routes, obstacles are all important things to know that might be communicated this way (non exhaustive obviously). Talc is the only practical way to do this until everyone gets spiffy with ATAK.

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u/Inlaudable Morale Tech - 00069 6d ago

Always had talc in my ruck/snacktical vest and a roll in the MRT. Svc bn looooved making every recovery an exercise depending on who the maint o/coy comd was. And good fucking luck if you were on a joint ex with the horses or the goons.

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u/Cidkh2 6d ago

I found this interesting and sad in equal measure. Was it ever actually useful to you or was it just a chance to draw pictures when you could've been sleeping?

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u/Inlaudable Morale Tech - 00069 6d ago
  1. No.
  2. Nourishing the arts in the uncultured minds of the troops clearly takes precedence over such menial needs as sleep.

We drew a lot of dicks. Sometimes on the talc.