Part 3 (1/2)

When the firing line is firing, each squad leader suspends firing and fixes his attention at a _short blast_ of his platoon leader's whistle. The platoon leader's subsequent commands or signals are repeated and enforced by the squad leader. If a squad leader's attention is attracted by a whistle other than that of his platoon leader, or if there are no orders or commands to convey to his squad he resumes firing at once.

_Suspend firing._ A _long blast_ of the whistle.

All other whistle signals are prohibited.

(_C.I.D.R., No. 15._)

_Arm Signals._

43. The following arm signals are prescribed. In making signals either arm may be used. Officers who receive signals on the firing line ”repeat back” at once to prevent misunderstanding.

_Forward, march._ Carry the hand to the shoulder; straighten and hold the arm horizontally, thrusting it in direction of march.

This signal is also used to execute quick time from double time.

_Halt._ Carry the hand to the shoulder; thrust the hand upward and hold the arm vertically.

_Double time, march._ Carry the hand to the shoulder; rapidly thrust the hand upward the full extent of the arm several times.

_Squads right, march._ Raise the arm laterally until horizontal; carry it to a vertical position above the head and swing it several times between the vertical and horizontal positions.

_Squads left, march._ Raise the arm laterally until horizontal; carry it downward to the side and swing it several times between the downward and horizontal positions.

_Squads right about, march_ (if in close order) or, _To the rear, march_ (if in skirmish line). Extend the arm vertically above the head; carry it laterally downward to the side and swing it several times between the vertical and downward positions.

_Change direction_ or _Column right (left), march._ The hand on the side toward which the change of direction is to be made is carried across the body to the opposite shoulder, forearm horizontal; then swing in a horizontal plane, arm extended, pointing in the new direction.

_As skirmishers, march._ Raise both arms laterally until horizontal.

_As skirmishers, guide center, march._ Raise both arms laterally until horizontal; swing both simultaneously upward until vertical and return to the horizontal; repeat several times.

_As skirmishers, guide right (left), march._ Raise both arms laterally until horizontal; hold the arm on the side of the guide steadily in the horizontal position; swing the other upward until vertical and return it to the horizontal; repeat several times.

_a.s.semble, march._ Raise the arm vertically to its full extent and describe horizontal circles.

_Range_, or _Change elevation._ To announce _range_, extend the arm toward the leaders or men for whom the signal is intended, fist closed; by keeping the fist closed battle sight is indicated; by opening and closing the fist, expose thumb and fingers to a number equal to the hundreds of yards; to add 50 yards describe a short horizontal line with forefinger. _To change elevation_, indicate the _amount of increase_ or _decrease_ by fingers as above; point upward to indicate increase and downward to indicate decrease.

_What range are you using?_ or _What is the range?_ Extend the arms toward the person addressed, one hand open, palm to the front, resting on the other hand, fist closed.

_Are you ready?_ or _I am ready._ Raise the hand, fingers extended and joined, palm toward the person addressed.

_Commence firing._ Move the arm extended in full length, hand palm down, several times through a horizontal arc in front of the body.

_Fire faster._ Execute rapidly the signal ”Commence firing.”

_Fire slower._ Execute slowly the signal ”Commence firing.”

_To swing the cone of fire to the right, or left._ Extend the arm in full length to the front, palm to the right (left); swing the arm to right (left), and point in the direction of the new target.

_Fix bayonet._ Simulate the movement of the right hand in ”Fix bayonet” (par. 95).

_Suspend firing._ Raise and hold the forearm steadily in a horizontal position in front of the forehead, palm of the hand to the front.

_Cease firing._ Raise the forearm as in _suspend firing_ and swing it up and down several times in front of the face.

_Platoon._ Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader; describe small circles with the hand. (See par. 44.)

_Squad._ Extend the arm horizontally toward the platoon leader; swing the hand up and down from the wrist. (See par. 44.)