Which hand signal is described by raising both arms laterally to the horizontal with palms down, commonly used to indicate general direction?

Which hand signal is described by raising both arms laterally to the horizontal with palms down, commonly used to indicate general direction?

• A. Wedge
• B. Open up or extend hand signal
• C. Vee
• D. Skirmisher

Answer: (D)

In the field signaling system, spreading the arms out to the sides at shoulder height with the palms facing down is the gesture used to form a skirmish line. This signal signals troops to spread out and cover the front, giving each member a view and field of fire over a wider arc. It’s designed to convey a general direction and the idea of open order, rather than a precise bearing or a tight formation. This differs from a wedge signal, which directs troops to move in a tighter, pointed formation for a focused advance, and from a V-shaped or vee signal, which indicates a different alignment or maneuver of the unit. The open up or extend hand signal also serves a broader purpose of increasing spacing but does not specifically denote forming a skirmish line across the front.

In the field signaling system, spreading the arms out to the sides at shoulder height with the palms facing down is the gesture used to form a skirmish line. This signal signals troops to spread out and cover the front, giving each member a view and field of fire over a wider arc. It’s designed to convey a general direction and the idea of open order, rather than a precise bearing or a tight formation.

This differs from a wedge signal, which directs troops to move in a tighter, pointed formation for a focused advance, and from a V-shaped or vee signal, which indicates a different alignment or maneuver of the unit. The open up or extend hand signal also serves a broader purpose of increasing spacing but does not specifically denote forming a skirmish line across the front.