Questions and Answers
What must happen prior to using special signals?
What is the purpose of standard hand and arm signals?
To provide a standard way of communication within a unit.
How do you signal to decrease speed?
Extend the arm out horizontally sideward, palm to front, and wave arm down several times.
What is the signal for 'enemy in sight'?
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How do you indicate range?
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What does the cease fire signal look like?
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How do you signal to assemble?
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What does it mean to commence firing?
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How do you signal to form a column?
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What does the signal 'Are you ready?' entail?
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What does the shift signal indicate?
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What does the echelon signal look like?
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How do you signal skirmishers?
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How do you signal for a wedge formation?
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What does the fire team signal look like?
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What does the squad signal entail?
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What is the platoon hand signal?
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How do you signal to close up?
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How do you signal to open up?
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What does the disperse signal indicate?
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How do you signal for leaders to join?
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What does the signal 'I do not understand' look like?
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How do you signal to move forward?
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What does the halt signal entail?
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How do you signal to freeze?
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What does the down/take cover signal look like?
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How do you indicate increased speed or double time?
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What does the mount signal look like?
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How do you signal to disregard a previous command?
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What does the flank signal entail?
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How do you perform a hasty ambush signal?
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What does the rally point signal involve?
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What does the objective rally point hand signal look like?
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How is the pace count signaled?
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What does the head count signal entail?
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What does the danger area signal look like?
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What does the vee signal involve?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Test your knowledge of USMC hand and arm signals with this quiz. Learn about special signals and their proper uses within a unit. Rehearsal and understanding of these signals are crucial for effective communication in the field.