Nonverbal Communication

Purpose

Nonverbal communication provides a silent alternative to verbal or radio communication, particularly during stealth-based operations or when comms are compromised. Using lasers, lights, and physical gestures allows fireteams and sections to maintain coordination without revealing their presence.

Definition

Nonverbal communication includes signals made using visible or infrared lasers, flashlights, body language, or gestures to silently transmit intent, direction, and confirmation of actions.

These are especially critical in:

Night operations (especially under NVGs)
CQB environments
Scenarios requiring radio silence or stealth
Situations where verbal communication would cause confusion or compromise

⚠️ Note: Available nonverbal signals may vary depending on the game or mission era. For example, Arma Reforger, set in the Cold War era, does not provide NVGs or IR lasers. In such cases, teams must adapt signals using visible light or physical gestures instead.

Key Principles

Use tools consistently (e.g., lasers vs lights).
TL and 2IC should control signals to reduce miscommunication.
Requests made via nonverbal signals are assumed to be understood and acted upon unless explicitly denied.

Application

🔹 General Signals

Barrel Lift: Raise barrel up-and-down → “Ready!”; buddy returns the motion to say “Go go go!”
Soft Contact (unconfirmed): Circle/lasso with IR or visible laser on object
Hard Contact (confirmed): Solid IR/visible laser on target
Action Confirmation: Vertical laser ( | ) across object
Action Cancellation: Horizontal laser ( — ) across object

🔹 Movement Signals

Use under NVGs or in dark interiors

Pull Call / Last Man: Blink IR light at individual until they pull. Once they move, shine IR laser briefly to avoid crossfire.
Stack Move: Solid flashlight/IR light past point man (initiated by TL/2IC)
Direction of Travel: Solid light pointing in desired direction. Turn off once most of the element is moving.

🔹 Deployable Device Requests

Flashbangs

Request: Two quick flashes (top of door)
Negative: One solid flash (2 sec hold)

Fragmentation Grenades

Request: Lasso/circle above door with laser
Negative: Solid laser above door (2 sec hold)

Breaching Charges

Request: Lasso/circle directly on door
Negative: Solid laser on door (2 sec hold)

Confirmation / Cancel

Confirm: Vertical laze ( | ) on door
Cancel: Horizontal laze ( — ) on door

All CQB-specific signals covered here assume familiarity with IR/laser tool usage under NVGs. Other nonverbals specific to urban/CQB will be covered in that dedicated section.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using nonverbal cues inconsistently across team members
❌ Misinterpreting silence as approval without a clear pre-briefed protocol
❌ Using laser in inappropriate environments (e.g., daytime or near civilians)
❌ Confusing signal types (e.g., mix-up between cancel and confirm)

Summary

Nonverbal communication is a mission-critical skill when radio and verbal options aren’t viable. By training in signal clarity and discipline, teams can silently coordinate movements, initiate breaches, and maintain stealth in hostile environments.