USMC Hand & Arm Signals Quiz

Special Signals

• Special signals include non-standard methods of communication in the Marine Corps, such as smoke or flares.
• All special signals must be rehearsed and understood by unit members prior to use.

Standard Hand and Arm Signals

• Provide a standardized communication method for units, especially when rehearsal of special signals is not feasible.

Common Hand Signals

• Decrease Speed: Extend arm horizontally, palm forward, wave downwards several times.
• Enemy in Sight: Hold rifle horizontally, stock in shoulder, muzzle pointing toward the enemy.
• Range: Extend fist towards the intended recipient; open fist to show one finger per 100 meters.
• Cease Fire: Raise hand in front of forehead, palm forward, swing hand up and down several times.
• Assemble: Raise hand vertically, wave in large horizontal circles.
• Commence Firing: Extend arm hip-high and move it in a wide horizontal arc; modify the signal's speed for faster or slower firing.

Movement and Formation Signals

• Form Column: Raise arm vertically and move it in circles parallel to the body.
• Shift: Raise hand on the side of the new direction, swing across the body to indicate direction.
• Echelon: Extend one arm at a 45-degree angle; direction indicated by the lower arm's position.
• Skirmishers: Raise both arms laterally, hands extended, with 'scissor' motion.
• Wedge: Extend both arms downward and outward at a 45-degree angle.

Team and Unit Commands

• Fire Team: Place right arm diagonally across the chest.
• Squad: Extend arm to squad leader, moving hand up and down.
• Platoon Hand Signal: Extend both arms forward, palms down, making large vertical circles.
• Close Up: Arms extended horizontally, palms forward, then bring hands together.
• Open Up: Start with arms in front, palms together, then move to horizontal position.

Special Commands

• Disperse: Extend arm overhead, wave in all directions with palm faced out.
• Leaders Join Me: Extend arm toward leaders, beckoning with a finger.
• I Do Not Understand: Raise both arms at hip level, palms up, shrug shoulders.
• Forward: Extend arm horizontally to the rear, move overhead in direction of march.
• Halt: Carry hand to shoulder, thrust it upward to indicate stop.

Signals for Action and Safety

• Freeze: Make halt signal and form a fist.
• Down/Take Cover: Extend arm sideways at a 45-degree angle above horizontal and lower it.
• Increased Speed & Double Time: Thrust closed fist upward from shoulder repetitively.
• Mount: Extend hand down at side, raising it to an angle of 45 degrees.
• Disregard Previous Command: Raise and cross both arms over the head.

Directional Signals

• Flank (Right or Left): Extend both arms in the direction of desired movement.
• Hasty Ambush: Raise fist at shoulder level, thrust it toward the desired direction; signifies immediate response.
• Rally Point: Touch belt buckle, point to the ground.
• Objective Rally Point: Touch belt buckle, point to the ground, make circular motion for final preparations before an objective.

Counting Signals

• Pace Count: Tap boot heel repeatedly with an open hand.
• Head Count: Tap the back of the helmet with an open hand.

Danger Signals

• Danger Area: Draw the right hand across the neck in a throat-cutting motion.
• Vee: Extend arms at 45 degrees above horizontal, forming a "V" shape.