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THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION MEMBERS WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN IT IS FINISHED Battlefield Communications Hand Signals By Dean Wayland Listed below are the 43 hand signals, mostly of British Army origin, as used in infantry actions. Some of which, like the RANGE signal, have been adapted to meet the peculiarities of combat when not using real firearms. They do not include all the vehicle and aircraft marshalling signals, apart from "STOP" and "CUT YOUR ENGINES", which are listed here purely for use as emergency safety signals ONLY. Unless qualified and insured so to do, you should not attempt any further marshalling of vehicles or aircraft, as you would become liable for any resulting damage or injuries. Learn, practise and enjoy, and hopefully survive! IMPORTANT: These signals are used at close range for line of sight communications between squad members to send very simple messages with fixed meanings. They are used when normal speech or other techniques are not available, when in close proximity of possible hostiles, who are as yet unaware of your presence or intentions, and you wish to keep it that way, or when the environment is too noisy for even shouted messages. The value of these signals is diminished by poor visibility, whether due to dusk, dawn, fog or smoke. At night or in darkness they are of very limited value indeed, unless visibility is improved by either moonlight, artificial light sources or night vision equipment. To be of any value, all squad members must be well versed in the correct use of the selected signals. During combat you should periodically scan fellow members, both behind and in front of you, for incoming signals and where required pass them on. Failure to maintain this scanning procedure may well result in a missed signal with the consequential obliteration of your team by enemy action! Before sending your signal ensure that someone can see it. If you need to attract their attention, either use the ATTENTION signal (No.1), that is wave your hand at them, or if that is not appropriate, make an improvised noise, like tapping a magazine, clicking your fingers or the like. All signals should be BOLD, REPEATED and ACKNOWLEDGED. Execute the signal as slowly as is relevant to prevent detection, and to ensure clarity of transmission. Obviously some signals require rapid movement, try to conceal this from your enemy's potential view. An acknowledgement should be given by either a nod or shake of the head, an "OKAY" signal (No.12), or by the immediate execution of the instructions therein. Remember to ensure that all other squad members have also received the instruction whenever possible or relevant. Signals maybe combined to form longer messages, however it is recommended that overly complex messages be avoided, due to the risk of confusion during transmission. As a guide four is about the absolute limit, two or three is better. Remember KISS ("Keep It Simple Stupid!"). It is important that you do not alter these signals or their meanings in any way, as this would render them useless, especially with variable unit composition/participation. The Hand Signals (1) "ATTENTION!" Wave your arm and hand towards the person to whom you wish to send a signal to gain their attention. Even if they are not currently looking at you, the movement will catch their eye, or that of a comrade. Note that sometimes it is unwise to wave furiously on the battlefield, you never quite know who is watching. (2) "YES" or "NO" & "AFIRMATIVE" or "NEGATIVE" The familiar nod of the head for "YES" and shake for "NO" must be performed in a slowed and exaggerated manner to ensure clarity. Small or quick movements will be misread, and may possibly betray your presence to the enemy. (3) "REPEAT" A single cupped hand held behind an ear to request the repetition of a verbal or non-verbal signal. Note Regarding Signals No's 4 ~ 7: With the exception of the "RANGE" and ""NUMBER OF X" element of signal 7 (7c and 7d), the balance of these signals are designed to direct messages towards particular teams or single individuals. Typical unit sizes in practice varry between 2 ~ 12 members, but the system can cope with up to 21 members in three units if required. (4) "FIRE SUPPORT GROUP (TEAM)"/"GUN GROUP" A clenched fist held aloft, used as a prefix to another signal, indicating that the following message is exclusively for the members of the "support" element of the squad, or FSG. Note that US forces now use this signal to mean "FREEZE", which can cause confusion, see FREEZE (No.16) below. (5) "ASSAULT TEAM"/"RIFLE GROUP" The first two fingers extended with the thumb held out to the side, much as a child's imaginary pistol, raised aloft, used as a prefix to another signal, indicating that the following message is exclusively for the members of the "Assault" element of the squad. (6) "RECONNAISSANCE TEAM" The first and last fingers of the hand extended and the thumb used to hold down the middle two fingers. Thus forming a pair of horns, raised aloft as a prefix to another signal to indicate that the following message is exclusively intended for the members of the "recon" or scout element of the squad. (7) "ID NUMBER", "RANK", "RANGE" or "NUMBER OF X" A number of fingers and the thumb of one hand held separately and aloft, used to represent either the number of "X", an identification number between one and five, or a range from ten to fifty metres, or alternatively when placed upon the arm or shoulder to indicate rank/position in the unit, as set out below. Note that the thumb MUST NOT be used to represent the number one, as this will be confused with the "NO ENEMY SEEN OR SUSPECTED" signal (No.13). (7a) "ID NUMBER" When used as a suffix to either a "SUPPORT TEAM" (No.3), "ASSAULT TEAM" (No.4) or "RECON TEAM" (No.5) signal, it acts as a combined prefix to a message indicating that it is exclusive to a specific member of that team. Team members without command rank must be assigned a team number prior to the mission. (7b) "RANK" if after the team prefix the hand is placed upon the opposite shoulder, this indicates that the following message is intended for that team's commander (CO), whereas if it is placed upon the opposite arm it refers to that teams second in command (2IC). This mirrors the old practise of officers wearing their rank upon their shoulders, and NCO's wearing theirs upon their sleaves. It applies irrespective of their actual individual rank title, which may vary from unit to unit.* * Note that if more than one member of a team is required to receive a given message, then the team and number/rank prefix for each person must be given prior to sending the actual message. This kind of thing should be avoided if at all possible, as the signal can get too complex. It is recommended that instead the signaller goes to, or summons the whole team or just points at the individuals they wish to talk to. (7c) "RANGE" When not prefixed by a team signal the number of fingers and/or thumb of the hand that is held aloft represents a range bracket in tens of metres from the signaller. Thus one digit means from 1-10 metres, while five will mean from 41 to 50 metres respectively. Range indications over fifty metres are normally safe enough to permit normal speech or whispering, but if it is really necessary then the other hand can be employed as well, giving up to 100 metres. It is often used as a suffix to a DIRECTION signal (No.7) or the ENEMY SEEN OR SUSPECTED signal (No.14), or the TACTICAL OBSTACLE warning signals (No.36-43). It is best given as a suffix although it will work as a prefix, but less well. For if the signal is interrupted squad members will waste time scanning the specified range band in all directions, where as if the direction is given first, then all eyes are aimed in the right direction, merely having to cover the 50 metres of one strip of ground. (7d) "NUMBER OF X" Used to indicate the number of things, enemy, obstacles etc. It is ONLY ever used in a signal AFTER the Range has been given, otherwise this can cause confusion. The use of this signal in this role is sometimes omitted to avoid this problem. However with good practise it is a tremendous asset in the field. (8) "DIRECTION"/"YOU"/"ME" A single finger poked or jabbed in a given direction to indicate that direction. NB; this signal is also used to indicate objects or "Hazard" (No.35) and to point out individuals, including "self", effectively a "you" and/or "me" signal. The context usually is self evident. (9) "LISTEN" Two cupped hands, one held behind each ear to indicate "Listen", normally prefixed by a Direction signal (No.7). (10) "OBSERVE" An open hand held to the forehead so as to shade the eyes, thus indicating "Look", normally prefixed by a Direction signal (No.7). (11) "CLOSE ON ME" A single flat open hand is placed or patted upon your head to indicate "come to me". If given without a team or ID/Rank prefix, it means "ALL come to me". It is used to summon a stealthy conference. Such a grouping is often referred to as a "cluster-fuck", as it makes members very vulnerable to enemy action! Note that unless suffixed with a "Go Faster/Go Slower" signal (No.19), you should approach the signaller at the speed at which the unit has been moving, unless the situation obviously demands stealth or haste. (12) "AS YOU WERE" Used to indicate "return to previous status". For example; return to march after a "FREEZE" (No.16) or "LIE DOWN" (No.18) signal has been given. The upper arm is held straight out to the side of the body and the lower arm is swung from side to side from the elbow. (13) "OKAY" The thumb and fore-finger form an "O", while the remaining fingers are held out straight so as to indicate "Are you ready/okay" or "I am ready/okay". (14) "NO ENEMY SEEN OR SUSPECTED" The thumb's up signal, meaning that it is all clear. Do NOT use this to signal "okay". (15) "ENEMY SEEN OF SUSPECTED" The thumb's down signal, indicating that you have seen or suspect the presence of the enemy. Used when you remain undetected and you wish to keep it that way. Normally suffixed by a DIRECTION and a RANGE signal (No.7 and No. 6c). Sometimes following the direction and range signal it is supplemented with the "Number of X" signal (No.6d) to indicate the number of hostiles. NB: If you are convinced the enemy has seen you, but they have not yet begun to attack, subject to your standing orders; shoot and cry "CONTACT!". (16) "ENEMY AMBUSH SEEN OF SUSPECTED" A hand with its fingers spread wide apart placed upon the face, indicating that an enemy ambush has been seen or is suspected. Usually followed by the DIRECTION signal (No.7) and the RANGE signal (No.6c). (17) "FREEZE" & "STOP YOUR VEHICLE" A flat open hand, with the fingers held together and raised aloft, used to indicate "freeze your position, as any movement whatsoever may reveal our presence to the enemy". Do not move in to a crouch or fidget. Only absolutely vital movement is permitted, such as placing a foot upon the ground to steady yourself. You must remain motionless until told otherwise, even if the signaller themselves or the unit commander continues or recommences movement. Pay attention to what's going on and be ready. This same signal, often pushed forward of the body is used to order a vehicle to STOP. This is done for reasons of safety ONLY, as otherwise the signaller has taken control of the vehicle, and would thus be responsible for any resulting accident or damage if they tried to marshal the vehicle. (18) "ALTERNATE FREEZE" Used to indicate "FREEZE" as above, but used when the tactical situation precludes the use of the standard signal. Here the hand is held down to the flank, when for example holding it high would compromise the safety of the signaller, or when obstacles would prevent it from being seen by the squad. (19) "LIE DOWN" With your arm held straight out from the shoulder or slightly angled down, with the palm facing downward, make several short swift downstrokes, with slow upward rises to the starting position. Used to indicate "get down" and make yourself less visible. This does NOT mean run for cover, and then get down! The idea is to minimise the chances of being observed by the enemy. Movement should be slow and quiet. Note that as it was possible to confuse this signal with the British Army's original for "SLOW DOWN", that one has been intergrated with the "SPEED UP" signal (No.19) below for clarity. (20) "SPEED UP" or "SLOW DOWN" A clenched fist pumped up and down to indicate "move more quickly" or "move more slowly". The rate of movement makes the difference clear. Note that the British Army's original signal for SLOW DOWN is very similar to their "LIE DOWN" signal (No.18). The only difference being that the motion up and down is even when meaning "SLOW DOWN". The version here aids clarity, especially when the "LIE DOWN" signal is desired to be given slowly and stealthily. (21) "CLOSE UP" With your arm outstretched behind you, sharply move it forwards, then slowly back again and repeat. Used to indicate that unit members are spread out too widely and that they should reduce their spacing. (22) "SPACE OUT" The absolute reverse of "Close Up" (No.20). (23) "ADVANCE" A circular motion of the arm, with the hand moving forward at the top of the arc, meaning "move forward". Sometimes in terminating in a DIRECTION signal (No.7) to show route. (24) "GO BACK" The absolute reverse of "Advance" (No.22), but rarely with the DIRECTION signal (No.7) appended, as it tends to be too awkward to perform backwards. (25) "FLANKING" Used to order a flanking move, in a given direction, which is done by the choice of hand used to give the signal. Thus for a right hand flanking command, the right arm is held out to the side and behind. It is then swept forward, ending in a DIRECTION signal (No.7) pointing in the direction to be flanked. (26) "HASTY AMBUSH" A clenched fist repeatedly punched in a given direction, used to indicate that the entire unit is to take up an improvised ambush position in the direction punched. This is usually done when proceeding down a path or road and the enemy is spotted coming the other way. The right to initiate the ambush rests with the unit commander, unless someone is spotted of course. Remember that your mission objective may be better served by allowing the enemy to pass by unhindered. (27) "E.R.V." This is the signal indicating the precise location of the "Emergency Rendez-Vous" point. A single finger pointing towards the ground draws a circle and finishes by jabbing downward at the precise spot defined as the ERV. An ERV is superseded by another, by either verbal or written orders, or by its replacement during the march by the repetition of the ERV signal at a new location. Thus when contact is broken, the rendezvous point is relatively close, as in effect it moves along behind the unit in bounds as it marches. The signal is initially always given by the person holding the point position, who is responsible for their selction. VERY IMPORTANT: Note that as this signal is slowly passed down the line of marching personnel, each signaller MUST ensure that they only give the ERV signal as they pass directly OVER the designated point, otherwise the ERV can end up spread over a surprisingly wide area indeed, rendering it useless. Likewise, as mentioned above only the "point" selcts the ERV, as if other unit members do it, the forward elements have no idea where it is, and will inevitably fall back to an earlier ERV, causing the break up of the unit. (28) "ATTACK" A "karate" style chop used to order an assault. Usually suffixed with a "Direction" signal (No.7), giving the route of the assault. Sometimes the direction of the attack is made clear by the direction in which the "chop" is pointing, but sometimes this is not practical. (29) "STEALTH ATTACK" & "CUT YOUR ENGINE(S)" A hand drawn across the throat in the manner of a knife, ordering a silent attack, such as taking out a guard during a raid. This same signal, directed towards a vehicle, is used to order that vehicle to CUT YOUR ENGINE(S). This is done for reasons of safety ONLY, as otherwise the signaller has taken control of the vehicle, and would thus be responsible for any resulting accident or damage if they tried to marshal the vehicle. Formation Signals No.30 ~ 35 These are instructions to the unit indicating the formation to be adopted during movement or in defence. (29) File/Staggered File/Coloumn Both arms held aloft, hands open, palms inward, indicating File formation, which is sometimes called "Double File". If required a team signal is used to indicate if a particular team is to take position on one side or another. (30) Single File Similar to "File" (No.28), but only one arm is used to indicate Single File Formation. If required a team signal is used to indicate that a particular team is to take the lead (31) Extended Line Arms held straight outward to indicate Extended Line formation. If required a team signal is used to indicate on which side a particular team is to be positioned. (32) Arrow Both arms held outward to the sides, and angled downward and rearward to indicate Arrow formation. If required a team signal is used to indicate on which side a particular team is to be positioned. (33) Diamond Both hands clasped together and held out to one side, indicating Diamond Formation. The position of the resulting clenched fist indicates the flank position of the Support team. If the commander wishes the Support team to take either the point or the rear, this can be simply done by swinging the clasped hands to the fore or rear relative to the line of march, as required. (34) All Round Defence A single hand held aloft and drawing a wide circle to indicate All Round Defence Formation. Obsticle Signals (35) Hazard A single finger pointing and punched towards an obstacle lying across the line of march, such as fallen tree or rabbit hole to warn following squad members. Not to be confused with the ERV signal (No.26). (36) Tactical Obstacle Both arms crossed upon the chest forming a "skull and cross-bones", to indicate that a Tactical Obstacle has been encountered. Also used as a prefix to signals No.37-43. (37) Pathway A single finger drawn across the body as a suffix to the Tactical Obstacle signal (No.36), indicating a dirt track suitable for non-vehicular traffic. (38) Track Two widely spaced fingers drawn across the body as a suffix to the Tactical Obstacle signal (No.36), indicating a dirt track wide enough for vehicular traffic. (39) Road Three widely spaced fingers drawn across the body as a suffix to the Tactical Obstacle signal (No.36), to indicate a proper metalled roadway. (40) Building Both arms held aloft, with the fingers of each hand touching one another, forming a "roof" above the head. Used as a suffix to the Tactical Obstacle signal (No.36) to indicate a building or similar structure. (41) Fence/Wall A single finger drawn across the body, in an elongated spiral, like a coil of barbed wire. Used as a suffix to the Tactical Obstacle signal ((No.36) to indicate a fence, wall or similar barrier. (42) Water A single finger drawn across the body in a bold wavy line. Used as a suffix to the Tactical Obstacle signal (No.36) to indicate a significant water obstacle, such as a stream, river, lake, marsh or even the sea. (43) Mine/Trap And Grenade (a) A clenched fist springing open and shut several times, used as a suffix to the Tactical Obstacle signal (No.36) to indicate the presence of a bomb, mine, grenade, IED (Improvised Explosive Device) or some other kind of booby trap type device as follows: Palm Up: meaning a ground located omni-directional mine or trap. Palm Down: meaning a omni-directional airburst mine or trap, that is one positioned up a tree, beneath the eaves of a building or the like. Palm Out (implying a direction): meaning a uni-directional mine or trap such as a Claymore. The direction used indicates the orientation of the device. If you don't know which way its pointing perform each "explosion" movement in several random directions across the suspected arc. (b) When this same signal is used WITHOUT the Tactical Obstacle prefix, it means use a grenade, or lay a Claymore mine, usually as part of a Hasty Ambush or All Round Defence, as follows: Palm Up: meaning prepare and use a fragmentation grenade. Palm Down: meaning prepare and use a smoke screening grenade to provide concealment, the hand position implying "covering". Palm Out (implying a direction): meaning prepare a uni-directional mine such as the Claymore. Note that this signal is often followed by the Direction signal (No.7) and the Range signal (No.6c) and the Number signal (No.6d) when applicable. Note that laying of buried or airburst mines is not something you do in haste, as it is a time consuming and usually noisy or silent and well planned procedure.

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