ArmyUncoolGuy Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 I am looking to purchase my first GPS unit within the next week to a month and I want to know what map systems are read. I am going to be using it primaraily in Iraq, and all I know is that since this is not a military PLGR I will not be able to access the military map system, but I do believe that on the Military maps alternate coodinate systems are refrenced. I was also wondering if mapquest or any company out there sells maps for the middle east that I can download into my GPS unit, I am looking at getting a Legend if that helps. Thanks guys Quote Link to comment
+aka Monkey Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 I found this on Garmin's website: "I am a Lt. Col. with the Marine Reserves and was activated for Iraqi Freedom. I served as an Air Officer for the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion. We were seriously short of gear, and I personally used the eTrex to medevac over 20 injured Marines. I made a special holder for it which is very functional." J. T. USMC Gator 106 There's also a movie, but it's 16 MB in size. As far as answering your specific map questions, I don't know. My suggestion would be to contact Garmin directly, they're usually very helpful. Quote Link to comment
Alphawolf Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 I am looking at getting a Legend if that helps. Keep in mind that the only maps any GPS will show, are those that are put out by the maker of the GPS. You won't find any maps of Iraq(that would do you any good) by those companies. However, many, many soldiers are using handheld GPS units with great success in the batlefield. They can be used in conjunction with maps in the field with great precision. I wouldn't even worry about a mapping unit, just learn to use a GPS with a great degree of proficiency with maps and you'll be doing great! Incidently, the U.S. Air Force is using older (non-mapping) units in the survival kits of fighter pilots. They don't use and don't need mapping units. And, if you have ever used the military standard GPS receiver, you'll know how much better the small modern units are! Quote Link to comment
+º Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 I'm using an etrex together with the good old papermaps which works out very well, since you always have a second option if the GPSr fails. The NATO maps have the UTM-Grid and the WGS84 Datum which is just fine for a GPSr. I wouldn't recommend something fancy - better a robust device like the good old etrex. Greetz from a German Paratrooper Philipp Quote Link to comment
bnolan Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 Most of the new handheld GPSr's from Garmin and Magellan have the capability to use MGRS grid coordinates. Quote Link to comment
+Blaidd-Drwg Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 I never made it to Iraq, but the Garmin WorldMap program had most roads for Kuwait. The use of this would require either a Legend or Vista to load the maps onto. While in Kuwait I used just the plain old yellow etrex along with paper maps. Things worked out find. Good luck over there. Quote Link to comment
+Desert_Warrior Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 My son ARMY_SCOUT is currently serving as a scout in the 3d Armored Cavalry, at Hadithah Dam. He is on his third E-Trex, the first two were destroyed in combat. He sent the second one home, the screen was shattered by a mortar round impacting next to him. The electronics work, and I was able to save his tracks and waypoints. He is using the GPS only for the data, but using paper maps for the mapping. And he is also carrying a compass. He has proven that it isn't wise to rely on the GPSr alone. dadgum, that kid is tough on gear! GPSRs, cameras, watches, socks & boots.... I thought he was gone from my budget... Your choice of the Legend is wise. Take along plenty of batteries, especially rechargables. 2200 mah MAHA/Power-X batteries are good. Very reliable in my ham radio equipment. Believe it or not, the Yellow E-Trex is maybe the best choice if for no other reason than battery life. Thank you for doing what you do. I retired 9 years ago, but would be pleased to join my son for another dash through the desert. People who have not faced it will never understand. Freedom isn't free - but it sure tastes good when you have earned it. Best of luck to you sir! Do your job, then get back home. Quote Link to comment
Alphawolf Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 (edited) Thank you for doing what you do. Amen to that! Those who are serving seldom get the thanks they deserve. The same goes to all those who have previously served this great nation also! Thank you and God bless! Edited January 27, 2004 by Alphawolf Quote Link to comment
Alphawolf Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 Oh yeah...One more thing...HOOAH!!! Quote Link to comment
+SWE_Bridgeman Posted March 1, 2009 Share Posted March 1, 2009 I found this on Garmin's website: "I am a Lt. Col. with the Marine Reserves and was activated for Iraqi Freedom. I served as an Air Officer for the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion. We were seriously short of gear, and I personally used the eTrex to medevac over 20 injured Marines. I made a special holder for it which is very functional." J. T. USMC Gator 106 There's also a movie, but it's 16 MB in size. As far as answering your specific map questions, I don't know. My suggestion would be to contact Garmin directly, they're usually very helpful. Any further news if this guy who posted the movie is back home and safe & sound? Cheers from Sweden, Viktor Quote Link to comment
jholly Posted March 1, 2009 Share Posted March 1, 2009 Do a search on Iraq in this forum. There are about 4 pages of links, some comment on gps units, some comment on maps available. Jim Quote Link to comment
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