Which description matches the signal to commence firing?

• 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 above the head and spin slowly.
• C. Extend the arm to the side with palm up.
• D. Bring the hand to the chest and rub.

Answer: (A)

In field signaling, commands must be clear, repeatable, and easily seen from a distance. The firing command uses a specific, unambiguous motion: extend your arm in front at hip height with the palm facing down, and sweep the arm through a wide horizontal arc several times. This combination is distinctive and immediately recognizable, reducing the chance of confusion under stress or poor visibility. The motion is performed at a consistent height and uses a downward-facing palm to signal action (fire) rather than a different order.

Other gestures don’t convey the same clear firing instruction: lifting the arm above the head and spinning isn’t the standard cue for starting fire and can be misread or look like another signal; extending the arm to the side with the palm up doesn’t align with the recognized firing signal and could be misinterpreted; rubbing the hand over the chest is a personal gesture, not an official unit command, and would not reliably communicate “begin firing.”