Figure AII-4.—Semaphore position circle.
Examining figure AII-2, you will see that C and E
also are used as special signs. The ANSWERING sign
is the same as letter C. The ERROR sign consists of
letter E made eight or more times. ATTENTION is
made by waving both flags from the horizontal to the
overhead position.
The various instructors of semaphore in Navy
schools teach different methods that they feel make
learning easier. One of the most popular of these
methods is the system of opposites. (See figure AII-5.)
The idea here is to learn one letter, then learn a letter
made by holding the hands in exactly the opposite
position. Going down the list, you see that letters of
the alphabet (except L, D, and R) have opposites that
form other letters.
As you practice, move your arms from one
position to another by the shortest route possible.
Notice the movement of the man's arm(s) in figure
AII-6 as he sends the word ships. Cutting out
unnecessary movement of the arms makes your
sending more uniform and increases your speed. As
soon as possible, start sending and receiving with
Figure AII-5.—The system of opposites
another striker. Always remember: Practicing
correctly makes perfection.
The remainder of this appendix is devoted to
semaphore drills for you to practice.
Drill 1
When you are able to send each letter of the
alphabet easily and without hesitation, you are ready
to start sending groups. Start with this exercise. Do
not try for speed; that will come later.
EGMGH RILCO MUCVX LXDIR
ZKOBW MGQEH WFKZO SMGDH
QFWRK LUIVN C I J Q V HJEGO
A P S I J BRSPZ PAYTD SCIVN
MGQEH LSMYZ FXNUV BRSPA
Figure AII-6.—Eliminatlng unnecessary movement.
AII-7
