What is the principal purpose of using a lensatic compass in OT Direction?

The principal purpose of using a lensatic compass in officer training (OT) direction is to determine direction in the field, which is closely related to how one scales from a map. A lensatic compass helps military personnel and others navigate through diverse terrains by allowing them to take accurate bearings based on the magnetic north. It is particularly useful when overlaying that information onto a map, enabling users to scale distances and make effective decisions based on their physical surroundings.

The lensatic compass provides the necessary functionality to align the map with the terrain and allows for precise navigation and orientation, which is crucial for operational success. Mastering this technique ensures that individuals can find their way and plan movements based on accurately representing distances indicated on the map.

While navigating urban areas is certainly a skill that might involve using a compass, it is not the primary reason for utilizing a lensatic compass, which is more commonly associated with outdoor navigation in less structured environments. Measuring distance and determining enemy positions are also important skills, but they are not the core function of the lensatic compass, as it primarily focuses on directional accuracy.