The purpose of Training Circular (TC) 3-21.60 is to standardize visual signals and to serve as a training reference. It is a guide. It does not cover all visual signals used in the Army, only those that are commonly used. Signals used with equipment or during operations are in manuals that relate to such operations.
Efficient combat operations depend on clear, accurate, and secure communication among ground units, Army aviation, and supporting Air Force elements. Control and coordination are achieved by the most rapid means of communication available between Soldiers and units. When electrical and/or digital means of communication are inadequate, or not available, a station-to-station system of visual communication is an alternate means for transmitting orders, information, or requests for aid or support.
Through the use of hand-and-arm signals, flags, pyrotechnics, and other visual aids, messages may be transmitted. Although many of these signals are widely used, incorporated into unit communications-electronics operating instructions and standing operating procedures, Army-wide standardization will increase their effectiveness.
The principal audience for TC 3-22.240 is all members of the profession of arms. Commanders and staffs of Army headquarters serving as joint task force or multinational headquarters should also refer to applicable joint or multinational doctrine concerning the range of military operations and joint or multinational forces. Trainers and educators throughout the Army also will use this publication.
Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure their decisions and actions follow applicable United States (U.S.), international, and, in some cases, host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure their Soldiers operate according to the law of war and rules of engagement. (Refer to Field Manual (FM) 27-10 for more information).
Terms for which TC 3-21.60 is the proponent publication (the authority) are italicized in the text and are marked with an asterisk (*) in the glossary. Terms and definitions for which TC 3-21.60 is the proponent publication are boldfaced in the text. For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized and the number of the proponent publication follows the definition.
This manual applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG)/National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS), and the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) unless otherwise stated.
Unless otherwise stated, whenever the masculine gender is used, both men and women are included.
The proponent for this publication is the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). The preparing agency is the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE). Send comments and recommendations by any means, U.S. mail, e-mail, fax, or telephone, using the format of DA Form 2028, Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms. Point of contact information is as follows.
E-mail: usarmy.benning.mcoe.mbx.doctrine@mail.mil
Phone: COM 706-545-7114 or DSN 835-7114
Fax: COM 706-545-8511 or DSN 835-8511
U.S. Mail: Commander, MCoE
Directorate of Training and Doctrine (DOTD)
Doctrine and Collective Training Division
ATTN: ATZB-TDD
Fort Benning, GA 31905-5410
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