How not to direct your SWAT unit

[figmo]

Real SWAT hand signals with "alternate" meanings.

Comments

[drewkitty.livejournal.com]

Seen it. But the version I saw was rather more ... scatological.

In the real world, SWAT teams try to keep their signals secret; this is part of their "intellectual property," which also includes which tactics they use, whether they are fond of explosives and how effectively they use them in tactical situations, and details of weapons and equipment.

(Real SWAT teams don't do doors. Or windows. Or especially stairs. They do ceilings by preferences, walls if they must.)

[gridlore.livejournal.com]

Two one we actually used in the Army.

One had "flips the bird", the other is held over it with fingers extended.

"Cover me, I'm fucked."

Reversed, the bird above the horizontal hand.

"Fuck you, I'm covered."

[pbristow.livejournal.com]

Yowch! One hopes the latter was not frequently employed? At least, not in actual battle...?

[gridlore.livejournal.com]

Never saw it in combat, but it was common in training situations.