National Museum of the United States Army

Whatever the means, always have audio and visual signals ready to use.

What is Communication?

People communicate through verbal and nonverbal interactions. Body gestures, noises, text messages, clothing, objects and even online interactive environments such as social media websites are all part of complex system of human communication.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Communication based on spoken language that can be categorized as vocal or nonvocal.

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Communication based on body language broadcasts our feelings and intentions in any given moment.

VOCAL VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Spoken language

VOCAL NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Pitch, accent, loudness, tempo, tone

NONVOCAL VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Sign language, finger spelling, braille

NONVOCAL NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Body language, environment, objects, attire, time, smell, space, touch

Approximately 70% of all communications is nonverbal.

Audio Signals

RADIO

Typically the best method of communication. Radios transmit tone or voice messages through radio waves.

WHISTLES

Ideal for close range signaling. Some can be heard up to 1.6 kilometers away.

GUNSHOTS

Three shots fired at distinct intervals usually indicate distress. Do not use this technique in enemy territory.

Signal Safety

Whatever signalling technique or device you plan to use, know how to use it and be ready to put it into operation on short notice.

Avoid using signals or signalling techniques that can physically endanger you.
Keep in mind that signals to your friends may alert the enemy of your presence or loaction.
Before signalling, carefully weight your rescue changes by friends against the danger of capture by the enemy.
Do not flash a signal mirror rapidly because a pilot may mistake the flashes for enemy fire. Do not direct the beam in the aircraft’s cockpit for more than a few seconds as it may blind the pilot.

Visual Signals

CLOTHING

Spread clothing on the ground or in the top of a tree in a geometric pattern. Select articles with bright colors.

FIRE

At night fire is the most effective visual means for signalling. Three fires in a triangle or a straight line is the international distress signal.

FLASHLIGHTS, STROBE LIGHTS OR FLARES

At night you can use a flashlight or a strobe light to send an SOS to an aircraft.

MIRRORS

If you don’t have a mirror polish your canteen cup, belt buckle or a similar object that will reflect the sun’s rays.

NATURAL MATERIALS

Use natural materials to form a signal that can be seen from the air. Build mounds using brush, foliage, rocks, or snow.

SMOKE

Three columns of smoke is an international distress signal. Different foliage will emit different colored smoke.

Visit the Museum

Exhibits

Public Programs

Programs & Education

Events

News and Articles

About Us

Get Involved