How is the hand and arm signal for "squad" executed?

The execution of the hand and arm signal for "squad" involves both arms being extended toward the squad leader while moving the hands up and down. This motion is designed to clearly communicate to the squad the leader’s intent and to ensure that all members are attentive and ready to follow commands. The up-and-down movement emphasizes urgency and is visually distinctive, making it easily recognizable even from a distance or in noisy environments.

This signaling method is crucial for effective communication within a squad, particularly in situations where verbal commands may not be heard due to environmental conditions or the chaos of combat. By using both arms and the specific movement pattern, the signal becomes more pronounced, reducing the risk of misunderstanding the leader's orders.

Other methods, such as simply raising arms or pointing forward, may not convey the necessary urgency or may lack clarity in visually representing the collective readiness expected from a squad. The detailed and specific nature of this signal helps maintain organization and cohesion among squad members during operations.