Which hand signal indicates a decrease in speed and how is it performed?

Which hand signal indicates a decrease in speed and how is it performed?

• A. Extend the arm horizontally to the side, palm to the front, and wave downward while keeping the arm straight
• B. Extend the arm upward and point at the sky
• C. Tap the helmet with a finger
• D. Cross the arms over the chest

Answer: (A)

Decreasing speed in marching drills is shown with a clear, sideward signal that followers can read at a distance. Extend the arm straight out to the side so the motion is easily seen along the formation. With the palm facing forward, move the arm downward in a deliberate sweep while keeping the arm straight. This downward motion is the cue to slow down, and the straight, extended arm helps ensure the signal reads loud and unambiguous through the unit, even in a noisy environment. Other gestures in the options perform different commands or cues and aren’t used to tell the unit to slow down. Pointing upward isn’t a speed cue, tapping the helmet is a quick alert or acknowledgment, and crossing the arms over the chest signals a different posture or instruction.

Decreasing speed in marching drills is shown with a clear, sideward signal that followers can read at a distance. Extend the arm straight out to the side so the motion is easily seen along the formation. With the palm facing forward, move the arm downward in a deliberate sweep while keeping the arm straight. This downward motion is the cue to slow down, and the straight, extended arm helps ensure the signal reads loud and unambiguous through the unit, even in a noisy environment.

Other gestures in the options perform different commands or cues and aren’t used to tell the unit to slow down. Pointing upward isn’t a speed cue, tapping the helmet is a quick alert or acknowledgment, and crossing the arms over the chest signals a different posture or instruction.