Which hand signal is used to cease fire?

Which hand signal is used to cease fire?

• A. Extend the arm in front of the body, hip high, palm down, and move it through a wide horizontal arc several times
• B. Raise the arm vertically to signal cease fire
• C. Extend the arm toward the leader with fingers extended and joined
• D. Raise the hand in front of the forehead, palm to the front, and swing the arm and forearm up and down several times in the front of the face

Answer: (D)

The signal to stop firing is designed to be fast, clear, and unmistakable even in smoke or low light. Raising a hand in front of the forehead with the palm facing outward makes it easy for everyone to see from a distance, and the deliberate up-and-down swing of the arm and forearm in front of the face creates a distinctive motion that signals immediate cessation. This placement near the face helps teammates focus on the gesture, and the palm-forward orientation reduces confusion with pointing or other commands. The motion pattern is simple enough to perform quickly and reliably under stress, making it the most effective way to signal “cease fire.”

The signal to stop firing is designed to be fast, clear, and unmistakable even in smoke or low light. Raising a hand in front of the forehead with the palm facing outward makes it easy for everyone to see from a distance, and the deliberate up-and-down swing of the arm and forearm in front of the face creates a distinctive motion that signals immediate cessation. This placement near the face helps teammates focus on the gesture, and the palm-forward orientation reduces confusion with pointing or other commands. The motion pattern is simple enough to perform quickly and reliably under stress, making it the most effective way to signal “cease fire.”