How to Read a Military Compass
A military compass is a navigational tool used for travel assistance. The compass is composed of a floating dial printed with degrees around the circumference to correspond to North (360), South (180), East (90) and West (270). It’s important to learn how to effectively read the compass to ensure you do not get lost while traveling.
Hold the military compass so that the face of the compass is upward. Point the compass in the direction you plan on heading.
Monitor the compass as the arrow moves. The arrow will point North at all times. Determine if you are traveling North, South, East or West by the position of the arrow.
Hold the compass still to gauge the accurate degree measurement. Degrees are printed within the outer glass circle. The degree at which you are traveling will register within the small circle.