Special Operations Forces still carry and use folded paper topographic maps during actual combat operations as a reliable backup when electronics fail (GPS jamming, dead batteries, heavy rain, dense jungle, or electronic warfare).
Key practices in combat:
The map is pre-folded small (or cut into sections) and carried in a waterproof map case, arm pocket, or chest rig β only the relevant part of the mission area is kept for quick access.
They use it for fast checks (5β30 seconds) while in cover or during short halts:
β Confirm current position by terrain association (matching visible hills, rivers, roads, or buildings with the map).
β Shoot a quick azimuth with the lensatic compass to set direction of movement.
β Verify distance, obstacles, or routes using contour lines and grid coordinates (UTM/MGRS).
β Mark enemy positions, new threats, or extraction points with a grease pencil.
No stopping to study β everything is done on the move or behind cover while the team maintains security. The map is oriented to the ground (north aligned with real north) in seconds.
Pace count (counting steps) combined with the map helps estimate distance without relying on GPS.
In high-risk environments (deep jungle, night ops, or areas with heavy enemy jamming), the paper map + compass becomes the primary tool to avoid detection and complete the mission.