How to Navigate Using a Military Compass
- 1). Set your general course on the map as a straight line. This will set the directional arrow of the compass as well. You may need to make detours along the way to get around obstacles, and this should be done by making small route adjustments. If you need to make a big detour, plot a new route from the point of the detour accordingly.
- 2). Align the side of the compass with your route on the map.
- 3). Turn the bezel (compass housing) so that north, as indicated on the compass housing, matches north as indicated on the map.
- 4). Turn the map and the compass until the arrow is aligned with the bezel and the map. Everything should be pointing north together.
- 5). Compensate for the difference between true north and magnetic north. This figure varies regionally and should be indicated on your map; if it is not, you will have to make do without it. For example, if the difference is -6 degrees, subtract 6 degrees from your bezel setting.
- 6). Follow the directional arrow to proceed along your route. You will keep yourself moving in a straight line by keeping the magnetic needle aligned with the bezel. If you turn off course, they will come out of alignment.
Source...