The brace position creates a stable platform for you to take accurate bearings from. It makes it easier to use a map and a compass together by having the map on a flat stable base where you can take bearings from the map and then creates a good stance to get an accurate reading from your bearing.
To get in the brace position:
- Get down on one knee
- Place the map on the flat of your thigh
- Place the compass on top
Once you are in this position then you can easily take a bearing from your map and then use your compass to get a bearing.
If the terrain is too rough to get into the brace position then the easiest way to use a bearing is to raise the compass to between waist and chest height, then face the direction of travel and work of of that.