Thu Mar 24, 2011 3:59 pm
Hand signals
I've been looking for UK/Commonwealth hand signals to use in the field - they differ from the US ones and seeing as we're kiwis we might as well standardise around what the NZ Army use. Anyway this is what I've found so far, post up if you see anything else that could be useful.
And also, with diagrams: http://www.practicalairsoft.co.uk/tactical-field-sigs.asp
Many of them are fairly unnecessary for most airsoft games but there's a bunch that could prove useful if most club players were aware of them and were able to communicate effectively in them. Might be something worth practicing.
1. Ready to move - Hands moved as if cranking a handle
2. Deploy - Arm extended below shoulder level, waved slowly from side to side, hand open.
3. Advance or Follow me - Arm swung from rear to front below shoulder.
4. Halt or Rest - Arm raised until the hand is level with shoulder. Indicate length of halt by number of fingers. Point to �rest area�
5. Go Back - Hand circled at hip height.
6. Join me - Pat head.
7. Double Time - Clenched fist moved up and down between thigh and shoulder.
8. Enemy seen or Suspected - Thumb down.
9. All Clear - Thumbs Up
10. Scout Group - Clenched Fist with fore finger up
11. Section Commander - Two open fingers held across arm to represent corporal stripes.
12. Platoon Commander - Two open fingers held to shoulder to represent Lieutenant�s Stars.
13. Obstacles - Arms crossed. For water obstacles, make waves.
14. House or Hut - Hands folded in an inverted V
15. Reconnaissance - Hand held to eye, as if looking through an eye glass.
16. Attack - Chopping movement of the hand in direction which attack is required.
17. Move up - Fingers spread, arms swung slowly in the direction movement is required.
18. Form Ambush - Hands placed over face, followed by pointing to the place of the ambush.
19. Freeze & Listen - Hand cupped to ear.
20. O Group - Fingers together moved in conjunction with thumb to indicate person talking.
21. Right or Left Flanking - A curved sweep movement of the arm in direction concerned.
22. Space Out - Left arm extended in front of body, right hand moved towards it and away.
23. Single File - One arm fully extended above head
24. Double File - Both arms fully extended above head
25. Arrowhead Formation - Both arms forced backwards or forwards depending whether arrow is backwards or forwards.
26. Diamond - Arms raised above the head with arms slightly bent so that hands touch to form diamond shape.
27. Extended Line - Arms raised to the side level with the ground indicate flank and which group is to go.
From http://forum.gateworld.net/showthread.php?19316-Military-Hand-Signals
And also, with diagrams: http://www.practicalairsoft.co.uk/tactical-field-sigs.asp
Many of them are fairly unnecessary for most airsoft games but there's a bunch that could prove useful if most club players were aware of them and were able to communicate effectively in them. Might be something worth practicing.