What are the five major terrain features?

The five major terrain features are essential for understanding land navigation and tactical planning in military operations. The correct answer identifies these features as Hill, Ridge, Valley, Saddle, and Depression.

A hill refers to a naturally raised area of land, typically smaller than a mountain. It is significant in military context as it offers a vantage point for observation. A ridge is a long, narrow elevated landform that signifies a series of connected hills. It can serve as a boundary or a useful route for troop movements.

A valley is a low area between hills or mountains that is typically formed by a river or glacial activity. Valleys can be strategic locations for movement and placement of troops and equipment. The saddle is a dip or low point between two hills or ridges, which can be critical for navigation and understanding the layout of an area.

Lastly, a depression is a sunken area below the surrounding terrain, often playing a role in natural drainage and can also be advantageous for cover.

Understanding these features helps military personnel in planning operations, positioning forces, and effectively navigating the battlefield, emphasizing their importance in tactical scenarios. The other choices include features that may be relevant to natural geography but do not encompass the standard five major terrain features recognized in military training.