What fundamental skill is taught to all cadets regarding navigation?

Map reading is a fundamental skill taught to all cadets regarding navigation because it provides the essential knowledge needed to understand and interpret various types of maps. This skill includes the ability to identify key features such as terrain, contours, and landmarks depicted on a map, which is crucial for effective navigation in both familiar and unfamiliar environments.

Understanding map reading allows cadets to plan routes, orient themselves, and make informed decisions while on the ground. This foundational skill is particularly important in scenarios where electronic navigation aids may be unavailable or unreliable. While GPS navigation and compass usage are also important skills, they often rely on a foundational understanding of maps for effective application. Chart interpretation, while relevant in certain contexts, is less universally applicable than map reading, making the latter the core skill emphasized in navigation training.