Military Hand Signals: Everything You Need to Know

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Military Hand Signals: Everything You Need to Know

Military hand signals are a form of non-verbal communication between military personnel. They are used in the military to communicate in battle without being overheard by enemies or without saying anything that might be picked up by listening devices. They can also be used to signify an order or instruction. You might see them on TV or movies if a scene is portraying the military. Have you ever seen a hand signal military themed films have portrayed and wondered what it meant? Do you want to learn some military hand signals that can be used during hunting trips so that you can communicate to your hunti

Here is a military hand signals chart for reference of the basic hand signals:

Military Hand Signals Guide

The Top Military Hand Signals and Meaning

There are many different hands signals military personnel use that can be seen in daily civilian life as well. Here are a few of the most popular ones and what they mean:

  • The "V" Sign - This gesture is used to signify victory. It's often seen when troops have successfully completed a battle or mission.
  • The Thumbs Up - This gesture means that everything is okay or that the person receiving it can proceed with the action they were doing before.
  • The Thumb Down - This gesture is used to say no or stop. It means that what was suggested should not be done or continued. For example, you might see it on a soldier who knows something bad is about to happen if they do what someone else suggests them do and wants to stop it from happening

Pointing Finger

Pointing finger signals that an enemy or target is in that direction. The pointing finger is often used when looking for the enemy. Sometimes a sniper might point at an area to let his partner know that he picked up on movement there. Or, if a group of soldiers are about to conduct a search for someone, then one of them will point in the direction where they believe the person may be hiding. Pointing fingers can also mean "There's your target."

Touching the Ear

The signal for "I'm going to report you" is touching the ear. This could mean that someone is going to report you for something, or it could be a way of saying "I'm listening." It's also possible that this means someone is listening in on another conversation.

The Salute

The salute is the most common hand signal used in the military. It can be used to show respect and attention, which is why it is often accompanied by a "Sir" or "Ma'am." When soldiers are saluting a flag, they are demonstrating that they have a high reverence for the nation.

The Finger to the Nose

One common military hand signal is the finger to the nose. This hand signal typically means that someone has said something embarrassing or is a liar. For example, if someone asks you what you think of them and you don’t want them to know how you really feel, you might give this military hand signal. It’s also used in movies when a character has been told an obvious lie and knows it.

Thumb to Forefinger Crossed by Middle Finger

One of the more common military hand signals is a thumb to forefinger crossed by middle finger. It means "enemy sighted, fire at will."

Another one is when the index and second fingers are held up parallel or pointing upwards. It means all clear.

The two fingers are extended and crossed by the thumbs, which can also mean that someone is a spy.

The thumb is held up with all other fingers folded in, it means "carry out assigned duties." The first three fingers are pointed down and the last two are pointed up, it gives the message "I'm waiting for you".

Conclusion

If you’re a military enthusiast or just curious, you may have noticed that military personnel often use hand signals to communicate with one another. There are several reasons why these hand signals work so well: they’re very easy to use and understand, they work in any language, and they work when it’s difficult to communicate verbally.

In this article, we have discussed the most common military hand signals and their meanings. We also hope this article will be a jumping-off point for those who want to learn more about this fascinating language!

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FAQS

Does the military use hand signals?

Yes! In general, hand signals can also be used for non-verbal communication with others, such as children, pets, and coworkers. Hand gestures have been used for centuries as a way to communicate with others, but military hand signals are unique to the military that are used for combat and reconnaissance situations. Military hand signals are different from general hand signals because they need to be used in silence so that they are undetected by the opposition.

What are military hand signals?

Military hand signals are a form of non-verbal communication used in the military to communicate during battle without being overheard by enemies or saying anything that might be picked up by listening devices. They can also be used to signify an order or instruction. Military hand signals are a secret language that only members of the military know and understand.

Why does the military use hand signals?

Military hand signals are used to communicate in battle without the enemy hearing anything, or without the enemy knowing that you are communicating. It also takes out the need for words because it is quicker and easier to use hand signals.