Was just wondering how many people actually use the compass attachment on their NODs. I don't think I ever used or seen it used while I was in the service. If you do, how and when do you use it? How well is the accuracy of it for you?

There's a compass attachment?  Subscribed for the answer...

I think I put it on once just for fun. I've never used it for anything other than that.

Same for me.

Would like to have the compass at some point. Probably wouldn't use it all that much, but there are times it would be handy.

Not very useful in my honest opinion. A good ol lensatic compass can be used night AND day.

When I was deployed yep kept it on my 15s at all times these days nope don't really use it

I've also heard the compass is affected by the magnet in the GI Rhino arm. It needs to be removed if you're going to use effectively. The compass is kinda neat, as it doesn't require batteries, just a squeeze, to work with your NOD.

I, like others, prefer the regular lensatic compass though.

It has a internal battery that can't be changed as far as I know. Once it is used up the compass is trash. Takes a lot of use though.

wrong, the battery can be changed. its just a low strength epoxy that holds the bottom cap on, pop it off with a flat head, and it takes a cylinder type- battery.
do a search for the number/type, but it can be replaced quite easily.

I will amend my statement and say they were not designed to have the battery changed. They were meant to be disposable.

Ive used mine a few times but now that i have a really good gps, really haven't messed with it.

I never have moved far enough overland in the dark to worry beyond what a Cammenga wrist compass w/tritium and a map can do for me. Well within "get lost" accuracy for what I do.
When I do think I might move far in strange areas, day or night, I shoot waypoints with GPS and still use the wrist compass.

I've never used one in thirteen years of service between the Marines and the Army. My thought was that it was more of a novelty than anything, but I keep one for "just in case" conditions as I like the idea of having it available. This kinda confirms my thoughts on it for the most part. Thanks for everyone that responded.

anyone who never uses theirs feel free to send it to me, as I have a use for it

I have found the compass attachment most useful when running around in unfamiliar area under tree canopy and covering too much ground to have my face in a GPS or map. The stories about them not being all that accurate have been around for a while-I can't agree with or dispute them-but without a sun or moon for dead reckoning it's easy to get lost even in places you have been before so any amount of direction finding capability is worth having.

When I first got my PVS7's, I rode mountain bikes a lot in a county park near where I lived. When I would get off work, I'd go ride the trails and I got disoriented a few times-sooner or later trails and trees start to look a lot alike and a few times I ended up exiting the park a few miles from where I thought I was and had to ride the street/sidewalk back to my car.

It's like anything else, you have to practice with your equipment to get the best of it, whether it be walking, riding, or driving. Having a compass is handy if you ask me.