Military

APPENDIX C

Emergency Warning Signals

Air attacks will be swift and often unexpected. Therefore, early warning of a probable attack is necessary to give troops a chance to take cover. This warning may be passed through normal command channels, or given by local observation posts, Stinger teams, or air sentries. All observation posts should have air watch included in their duties and alertness for enemy aircraft required as part of normal observation. They will not always have a good view of the air around them, in which case a special air guard must be detailed. All vehicles should have an air guarded detailed.

Hostile, low-flying aircraft may appear suddenly from behind low hills, belts of trees, or haze. To gain surprise, they will try to attack you with the sun behind them.

The alarm must be given immediately, if troops working in the open are to have any chance of taking cover. This warning is the responsibility of every man in the area and will be passed by whistle, voice, radio, or any other method. When the alarm is given, all troops except those in close contact with the enemy must immediately take cover, if possible, below ground level, and remain there until the all-clear is given.

Evasive maneuver is the initial reaction of mounted units under air attack. Each vehicle turns away from an airplane's axis of attack and seeks cover and concealment. They then shoot at attacking aircraft as appropriate.

To provide a standard method of disseminating emergency warnings within NATO forces operating on land, the United States Armed Forces have concurred in the provisions of STANAG 2047 Emergency Alarms of Hazard or Attack, in NBC and air attack only. Pertinent extracts from STANAG 2047 suitable for use by Stinger personnel are listed in the Emergency Alarms and Warning Signal illustration.