Washington National Guard’s Western Regional Counterdrug Training Center (WRCTC) conducted a specialized land navigation course on March 27, 2025, at the Sammamish Police Department, equipping local law enforcement officers with fundamental outdoor navigating skills to aid in everyday law enforcement operations.
Personnel from multiple agencies including King County Sheriffs Office, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Des Moines Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security learned how to traverse difficult environments without relying on GPS technology—a crucial skill for interdiction efforts in remote or urban settings.
“In the field, especially in wooded areas or unfamiliar terrain, knowing how to navigate without digital assistance can make the difference in a successful operation,” said U.S. Army Capt. Jacob Wilkins, WRCTC tactical skills instructor. “This training reinforces our readiness to take on the challenges posed by narcotics trafficking.”
Thursday’s session included hands-on navigation exercises in a nearby wooded area, where students applied their skills under realistic conditions. The training focused on traditional map and compass navigation techniques, terrain association, and route planning.
“Our goal is to ensure law enforcement has every tool available to combat drug trafficking and organized crime,” said Wilkins. “Land navigation is an overlooked but vital skill in surveillance, search operations, and rural interdiction.”
WRCTC provides training to federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, as well as community-based organizations and military personnel, aiming to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks. The center’s mobile training teams bring specialized courses directly to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
“We want officers to leave this course feeling confident in their ability to navigate any environment, no matter the conditions,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Kotwica, WRCTC tactical skills noncommissioned officer in charge. “These are skills that could mean the difference between success and failure in critical operations, and WRCTC is proud to provide this training at no cost to agencies nationwide."
WRCTC provides the training completely free to anyone who request it. WRCTC plans to return to the region later this year to provide additional training.
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