The use of hand signals predates written history. It is a form of communication that can work over long distances and is silent. Because hand signals use light instead of sound to communicate, they are helpful in situations where the two people that are attempting to communicate can not hear each other. Additionally, they are helpful in situations where communication is needed but maintaining sound discipline is important.

The US Army details the very core hand signals in Field Manual 21-60, Visual Signals, Chapter 2. In addition to the hand signals in FM 21-60, each unit may or may not have its own set of hand signals that can add or modify the core US Army hand signals. A lot of hand signals have been modified since the latest publish of FM 21-60, which was in September of 1987. Many of the modifications involve using one hand instead of two for various signals, allowing the signalling person to keep one hand on their weapon.

This article will only go into signals that are useful for dismounted troops on the ground. If looking for hand signals for vehicles, convoys, crew served weapons, and more, FM 21-60, Chapter 2 has such material.

Many of the hand signals below are used during movement and some pertain directly to formations. This article will not cover formation. There will, however, be another article available on this website that will cover formations in the near future.

When issuing hand signals in a formation, they must be echoed to all members of the formation. When a signal is issued, all men in the formation should repeat the signal to insure that everyone in the formation sees the signal.

Hand Signals for Moving and Movement Techniques

Traveling
Extend the arm overhead and swing it in a circle from the shoulder.

Traveling Overwatch
Extend both arms and raise them up and down.

Bounding Overwatch and Cover my move
Extend one arm to a 45-degree angle. Bend the arm and tap the helmet. Repeat.

Hand Signals for Formations

Wedge
Extend the arms downward and to the sides at an angle of 45-degrees below the horizontal, palms to the front.

Vee
Raise the arms and extend them 45 degrees above the horizontal.

Line
Extend the arms parallel to the ground.

Echelon Left
Extend the right arm and raise it 45 degrees above the shoulder. Extend the left arm 45 degrees below the horizontal and point toward the ground.

Echelon Right
Extend the left arm and raise it 45 degrees avove the shoulder. Extend the right arm 45 degrees below the horizontal and point toward the ground.

Staggered Column

Column
Raise and extend the arm overhead. Move it to the right and left. Continue until the formation is executed.

General Use Hand Signals

Disperse
Extend either arm vertically overhead; wave the arm and hand to the front, left, right, and rear, with the palm toward the direction of each movement.

Assemble or Rally
Raise the arm vertically overhead, palm to the front, and wave in large, horizontal circles.
NOTE: Signal is normally followed by the signaller pointing to the assembly or rally site.

Join Me, Follow Me, or Come Forward
Point toward person(s) or unit(s); beckon by holding the arm horizontally to the front, palm up, and motioning toward the body.

Fix Bayonets
Simulate the movement of the right hand in removing the bayonet from the scabbard and fixing it on the rifle.
A personal favorite of Yuka's.

Increase Speed, Double Time, or Rush
Raise the fist to the shoulder; thrust the first upward to the full extend of the arm and back to the shoulder level; do this rapidly several times.

Quick Time or Slow Down
Extend the arm horizontally sideward, palm to the front, and wave the arm slightly downward several times, keeping the arm straight. Do not move the arm above the horizontal.

Enemy in Sight
Hold the rifle in the ready position at the shoulder level. Point the rifle in the direction of the enemy.

Take Cover
Extend the arm at a 45-degree angle fromt he side, above the horizontal, palm down, and then lower the arm to the side.

Move to Left
Extend the arm to the left and raise it up and down.

Move to Right
Extend the arm to the right and raise it up and down.

Contact Left
Extend the arm parallel to the ground. Bend the arm until the forearm is perpendicular. Repeat.

Contact Right
Extend the arm parallel to the ground. Bend the arm until the forearm is perpendicular. Repeat.

Radio Operator Forward
Raise the hand to the ear with the thumb and little finger extended.

Freeze or Hold
Raise the first to head level.

Danger Area
Draw the right hand, palm down, across the neck in a throat-cutting motion from left to right.

Sources

FM 21-60 - Visual Signals
NOTE: The above descriptions and pictures of each signal are taken and copied directly out of FM 21-60. They are not the creation of MilSim.com or any of its writers.