Spartan signals: Difference between revisions

Over their years of [[SPARTAN-II training|training]] and decades of combat, the [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] and [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-IIIs]] have developed intricate '''shorthand communications systems''' for use among themselves. Many of these ideas are known and understood by the Spartans only, some of them being well-guarded secrets. These also sometimes make normal conversations with the Spartans impossible, as they can do a great deal inside their [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR]] armor that is indistinguishable from the outside. These signals include slight movements, cryptic statements, and radio communications. Many of the signals originally used by the SPARTAN-IIs were taught to the SPARTAN-IIIs by [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Kurt Ambrose]] due to his past as a SPARTAN-II.<ref name="goo16">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 16''</ref> In the years after [[Lucy-B091]] lost her ability to vocalize due to [[posttraumatic vocal disarticulation]], she and [[Tom-B292]] developed their own kind of sign language based on the signals Spartans use to communicate during a comms blackout.<ref>''[[Halo: Fractures]]'', ''[[Lessons Learned]]''</ref>

;"Wait a second": Flicking one's index finger up.<ref name="Halo page 254">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 254''</ref>

===Other gestures===

*A subtle sideways "cut" gesture to a given direction signals other members of a team to direct their attention to something.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 171''</ref>

*A Spartan may silently ask for their team members' opinions on a given subject by holding up their hands with palms up and making a subtle shrug.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 213''</ref>

*The Spartans signal to one another to open private COM frequencies by the flick of a finger. It is a move performed only in non-combat situations, when the Spartans can pay attention to each other's movement. This way they can communicate with one another without any unintended people hearing the conversation.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 3'' (2003 edition)</ref><ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 120'' (2003 edition)</ref>

*The Spartans may click a COM channel once or twice to get the attention of their teammates if they need assistance.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 16'' (2003 edition)</ref> This gesture is impractical on [[Covenant]] installations and ships, as the Covenant are able to track UNSC communications and pinpoint the Spartans' position.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 314'' (2003 edition)</ref>

;"Retreat": Flashing the red status light three times.{{Ref/Reuse|goo250}}

==Oly Oly Oxen Free==

**''[[Lessons Learned]]'' {{Mo}}

*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''

==Sources==