Hand & Arm Signals

Look at my hands!

Reference: Hand & Arm Signals

Overview

During platoon operations, more often than not the secondary method of communication outside the radio consists of Hand & Arm signals.

Now, It is important to acknowledge and pass down these signals when received. It is also important to know their meaning. It only takes 1 person to mess everything up so don’t be that guy. Acknowledge a signal and pass it down, it’s not that complicated!

Halt

Used whenever formation comes to a halt, you don’t have to stop moving immediately, keep moving until you are at a safe distance from the soldier in front of you and come to a security halt (Kneeling, looking at sides with weapon at ready)

Freeze

Similar to halt, except you freeze in place and stay still, get low

Take a Knee

Used whenever troops should take a knee

Go to prone

Used whenever troops should go to prone

Wedge Formation

Used whenever troops should wedge up

Move SL Forward

Used whenever SL should be called forward

Move PL Forward

Used whenever PL should be called forward

Move PSG Forward

Used whenever PSG should be called forward

Fix Bayonets

Double Time

Used whenever unit needs to go faster

Come Forward

Used if they are calling you forward

Rally

Used to rally up