What is the proper direction to read a military map?

Reading a military map is essential for effective navigation and understanding terrain. The proper direction to read a military map is to start at the upper right corner and move toward the lower left corner, generally following a contour that allows for better comprehension of the layout and features presented.

When you read "right and up," this means that you begin by examining features on the right side of the map, which typically includes vital information such as scales, legends, and key topographical elements. Moving up further allows you to view critical data, including grid lines, north indicators, and other topographical details that assist in orientation. This approach aligns with standard practices in map reading, ensuring that you are comprehensively taking in all information that contributes to navigation and tactical planning.

While alternative options may have elements that seem plausible, they don’t align with standard military map reading practices, making them less effective for achieving an accurate understanding of the terrain and contextual information necessary for operations.