cartome.org

5 February 2002

Source: http://164.214.2.59/general/factsheets/evasionchart.html

The National Imagery and Mapping Agency

DOD Evasion Chart
FACT SHEET

When Air Force Captain Scott O Grady was shot down over Bosnia during June 1995, one of the items he acknowledged assisted in his survival was the Evasion Chart he carried in his vest pocket. In addition to using the chart to pinpoint his exact location, he used this unique product in a seemingly unusual way, but in fact one way that it was designed for--as a protection against the elements.

Produced by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), the charts are 1:250,000 scale and cover different geographic areas of the world. This product line was developed for the Air Force Intelligence Service in 1990 on behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It is designed to assist in survival, evasion, resistance and escape by military personnel.

Chart Description: The EVC is a derivative of a standard NIMA product, the Joint Operations Graphic (JOG), which contains details such as lakes and tributaries, which enable user to recognize features while on foot.

EVCs are produced on a strong, moisture resistant polyester material (spin-bonded olefin). The material does not stretch or crack, and is not sensitive to temperature changes. It is displayed on a camouflage pattern background.

On the chart is various survival data including: navigation and travel information; celestial navigation aids; climate of the region; a list of both edible and poisonous local plants and animals (complete with descriptions and/or photos); food preparation instructions; sources for water; first aid procedures; and environmental hazards.

Intended Uses:

Sized specifically to fit in aircrew flight suit pocket,the EVC can be used:
To catch rain for drinking water;
As a shade, wind, rain, and/or shelter, cape and/or blanket;
As a bag to haul and purify large quantities of water or food;
As a liner in a hole to serve as a wash basin;
As ground cloth on moist ground, or as camouflage when sleeping;
To wrap clothing in when swimming or fording streams;
To wrap torso with as an extra layer of clothing;
To wrap sleeping gear in it during foul weather; or
To splint a broken wrist.

Background: The history of the evasion goes back to charts printed on rayon during the 1940s, and to cloth "blood chits" printed in various languages that identified American airmen and offered rewards for safe passage during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

DOD and military customers may order the EVC through the Military Standard Requisiting and Issue Procedure (MILSTRIP) or Defense Automated System (DAS). Contact:


DLA Product Center 9
Customer Service Desk: 1-800-826-0342
DSN: 695-6500
Commercial: (804) 279-6500
(Dated October 1996)

Last review: 2 January 2002