Figure 11-28.--Combat arm and hand signals.
is distinct enough to be heard easily. A squad leader
In daylight, an individual giving the signal should
operating at night may find the use of raps on his helmet
point toward the danger; at night, the alarm should be
supplemented by voice warning to indicate the
or rifle effective. Signals must be determined and
directionfor example, ENEMY TANKS AP-
practiced before they are used. Various pyrotechnic and
PROACHING BY THE NORTH ROAD or HOSTILE
smoke signals may be chosen as signals to attack,
AIRCRAFT APPROACHING FROM THE WEST.
withdraw, mark front lines, or indicate targets.
Unit leaders should devise special signals whenever
Certain special signals are standard for all branches
they appear to be useful in a particular situation. Before
of the armed forces to indicate the approach or presence
devising a special signal for the unit, the leaders should
of hostile aircraft or mechanized vehicles. They are as
make certain that higher authority has not assigned some
follows:
other meaning to the same signal.
1. Three long blasts of a whistle, vehicular horn,
siren, or Klaxon repeated several times.
Combat Arm and Hand Signals
2. Three equally spaced shots with rifle or pistol.
Signals are used to transmit commands or
3. Three short bursts of fire from automatic small
information when voice communication is difficult or
arms.
impossible or when silence must be maintained. Leaders
11-32
