Field Signals
Section commanders can always save time and effort by using field signals to control the section.
When in close proximity to the enemy a the commander must use field signals in order to avoid any
unnecessary movement
The members of the section must always be alert and ready to receive a section commander’s
signals and act upon them at once.
It is the responsibility of each member of the section to pass each signal on to the next member of
the section and to ensure it has been received.
Field signals give a means to conversing silently. They should be used whenever possible, and should
be practised constantly.
Before a signal is given the attention of the next cadet must be attracted.
Some possible methods to attract a cadet’s attention:
a. Single whistle blast (during fire contact only).
b. Snapping forefinger and thumb.
c. Knocking rifle butt with knuckles.
Field Signals;
READY TO MOVE
DEPLOY
Move hand as if cranking car
handle.
Arm extended below shoulder
level and waved slowly from side
to side, hand open. If deployment
to either flank is wanted, the
commander points to the flank
concerned, after completing the
signal.
ADVANCE /FOLLOW ME
HALT/REST
Arm swung from rear to front
below the shoulder.
Arm raised until the hand is level
with the shoulder. Indicate length
of halt by fingers. Point to rest
area.
GO BACK/TURN ROUND
CLOSE/JOIN ME
Hand circled at hip height.
Hand placed on top of head,
elbow square to the right or left,
according to which hand is used.
DOUBLE
SLOW DOWN
Clenched hand moved up and
down between thigh and
shoulder.
Arm extended to the side below
the shoulder, palm downwards,
moved slowly up and down, wrist
loose.
LIE DOWN
AS YOU WERE
Two or three slight movements
with the open hand towards the
ground (palm downwards).
Forearm extended downwards,
hand open, waved across the
body parallel to the ground.
1HLDRS ACF (03/15)
OBSTACLE
ENEMY SEEN/SUSPECTED
Arms crossed. For water
obstacle make waves.
Thumb pointed towards the
ground from a clenched fist.
NO ENEMY IN SIGHT/ CLEAR
LSW GUNNER
Thumb pointed upwards from a
clenched fist
Clenched fist raised to shoulder
height.
SCOUT
SECTION COMMANDER
Clenched fist with forefinger
upright.
Two opened fingers held against
arm to indicate Corporal’s stripes.
PLATOON COMMANDER
GIVE COVERING FIRE
Two opened fingers held on
shoulder to indicate a
Lieutenant’s stars.
Weapon brought into aim.
HOUSE OR HUT
RECONNAISSANCE
Hands folded in inverted V to
indicate shape of roof.
Hand held to eye, as though
using monocular
ATTACK
MOVE UP
A chopping movement with
edge of hand in direction attack
is required.
Fingers spread, arm swung
slowly in direction movement is
required.
FORM AMBUSH
FREEZE AND LISTEN
Hand placed over face,
followed by pointing to place of
ambush.
Hand cupped to ear.
RIGHT/LEFT FLANKING
FIRE AND MANOEUVRE
A curved sweeping movement
of the arm in the direction
concerned.
One hand used in a rolling
forward action in front of the
body.
SPACE OUT
SINGLE FILE
Palm of hands held against
weapon and moved away
several times.
One arm fully extended above
the head.
STAGGERED FILE
ARROWHEAD
Both arms fully extended above
the head.
Both arms forced backwards or
forwards at an angle of 800
mils, depending on whether
arrow is to the back or forward.
EXTENDED LINE
Arms raised to the side level
with the ground, indicate which
side gun group is to go.
1HLDRS ACF (03/15)