Should the observer continually update his terrain sketch?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

Continual updates keep the terrain sketch accurate as the situation changes. The sketch is the visual reference that ties what you observe to targeting data, so whenever you notice a new feature, obstacle, movement, or change in position, you revise the sketch. This ensures bearings, ranges, and lines of sight reflect the current picture, reducing the chance of miscommunications with the fire-support team and preventing errors in fire corrections. Waiting to update can leave you basing decisions on outdated information, which undermines accuracy and speed. So the practice is to keep the terrain sketch continually updated as conditions evolve.