Tactical Signals/Gestures: A Guide for Western and NATO Military Personnel

 

Communication and Guidance

You (You) — Pointing a finger at the interlocutor.

Me (I) — The thumb is pointing towards the chest.

Come Here (Come here) — The hand is palm up, the movement of the fingers is "luring".

Message Received (Message received) — Fist raised.

Do Not Understand - Turning your hand palm up.

Understood (Understood) — Clenched fist, short downward movement.

People and Goals

Hostage — A hand on the neck, symbolizing capture.

Sniper — The index finger touches the eye, then points into the distance.

Kid/Children (Child /Children) — Touching the head and imitating growth (hand up).

Suspect — Pointing forward, followed by a short downward movement.

Female (Female) — Touching the chest crosswise.

Male (Man) — A hand on the groin, like a waist belt.

Commander — Touching the shoulder with his fist.

Directions and Movement

Move Forward — Circular movement of the hand forward.

Corner - Pointing with the elbow bent to the right or left.

Window - A rectangle in the air with your hands.

Door — The "door handle" gesture, a sideways movement.

Faster/Hurry (Faster) — An up-and-down moving fist.

Halt/Stop - Raised palm, fingers up.

Enter (Enter) — Pointing forward with a sharp movement.

Down (Lie down/down) — Pointing down with an open palm.

Regroup (Collection) — Rotation of the index finger in a circle.

Support and Maintenance

Cover Me (Cover me) — Touching your shoulder and pointing forward.

Silent (Softly) — Finger to the lips.

Don't Worry /Disregard (Don't pay attention) — A sharp waving gesture.

Tear Gas is a gesture of putting something in the face (mask).

Dog — The hand in front of the body, palm down, moving forward.

Adult - An indication of height, palm on top of head.

Weapons and Equipment

Shot Gun (Shotgun) is an imitation of reloading a pump—action shotgun.

Automatic Weapon — Holding an imaginary machine gun.

Rifle - A raised hand with simulated aiming.

Handgun/Pistol — The hand is like an imitation pistol.

Ammo (Cartridges) — Imitation of pulling out the clip.

Transport and Construction

Car / Vehicle (Car) — Two hands make a circle, imitation steering wheel.

Single File (Single build) — Vertically raised finger.

Single Line - Horizontal extended forearm.

These signals provide visual, silent and understandable interaction between fighters in conditions where voice communication is impossible. It is important to know them by heart and practice them to the point of automatism.