[Ansteorra-archery] Signal Flags

[Dewart, Charles R. --G3 Contractor (Anteon Corp)]

If the battle plan works without a hitch, everything is great.  If not, then
there's a problem.  And that problem is the age old problem is battlefield
communications: how to get the commanders new orders out to the troops he's
commanding.

Without the use of modern technologies, we are left with the same sort of
choices they had in period.  Those choices are: 1)verbal, ie runners, word
of mouth, 2)visual, ie flags, hand signals, etc, 3)audio, ie horns, drums
etc.  All have good points and bad points as well.

To get the word out that there is a change in plans, the commander may need
to use a combination of techniques.  For example: to tell a specific unit to
do a specfic task, a runner would be used; to tell the projectile folks to
expend all ammo as quickly as possible, a flag could be used and as folks
get the word they pass it on to those who can't see the flag.

What ever the method used is, it's use must have already been determined.
It's basic use should have been practiced so as to reduce confusion, ie
doing something differant than the desired results.

The commander will need a battle field command staff to use these
communications effectively.  The size of this "staff" would vary based on
folks avaliable and expected useage.  I'm not talking about a "planning
staff" here, but folks to act as runners of flag bearers.

If flags are the communication tool of choise, the information could be got
to the archers in such a way that wouldn't endanger them.  Here is how.  As
your tactical situation allows (such as relocating your position), glance
back to where the flag is suspose to be.  If you can see the flag do what it
indicates. If it appears that the folks next to you hadn't seen the flag,
pass the word as your situation allows. If you can't see the flag, continue
as you were doing. The folks next to you might also inform you of new
instructions of the flag if they could see it and you hadn't yet.

A system of flags could be worked out.  It would have to be kept simple.
The purpose of the flags would be to quickly convay commands over long
distance on the battlefield, not to get folks killed while trying to read a
long message.

I think a two flag system would work.  On a LONG length of ratan, the top
flag could give general mission directions: such as GREEN=continue as
planned, YELLOW=shift left, RED=shift right or whatever.  The second flag
could give general fire support instructionssuch as: GREEN=fire at will,
RED=reduce fire to conserve ammo, BLACK=mad minute or whatever.

But like Michael says, what ever it is, we *have to practice it*.
Otherwise, it will probably do more harm then good.

Gilli

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Catron [mailto:meggiddo at netzero.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2002 10:36 AM
To: ansteorra-archery
Subject: [Ansteorra-archery] Signal Flags


Greetings,

I was presented and provided some input to the archers' meeting that was
held at Warlord this weekend. One thing that was bought up was
communicating with combat archers on the field during a battle. I did
raised one point - if this is established, then practice is required!

I have given this some more thought, the result - I am oppose to this
for the following reasons:

1. Need more people who are carrying a bow and are shooting;

2. Carrying a flag is not being active; and does not provide the
manpower that is needed on the field to support the shield walls
directly;

3. There is no way that I will turn my back on the opposing force to
look for a flag.

Or does the supporters intend to place the flags 20 yards behind the
opposing forces line? (Rather silly question to ask is it not.)

If I do turn my back on the opposing force, let us say, every 5th arrow
to check the flag and turn back around. There may will be a fighter in
my face due to the way combat is on the battlefield. Even in the ravine
battle, the lines flow and ebb through the battle. If an archer does not
their focus on the front and the sides then they will face that opposing
fighter!

This does NOT seem to have been taken into account and gives the
appearance that the battle will be stationary much like a "static or
target" archery competition is.

When I take the field with Fray, I have already received my main
instructions, with secondary options - all based upon the fluid actions
of the forces in play on the field.

Therefore, I will not seek nor even bother to look at flags nor will I
support such a effort nor will I instruct other archers that are either
in the Fray or supporting the Fray to do so!

Michael of the Fray
Combat Archer for the Fray
Fray Archer commander (since 2000)
Greater Fyrd

Remember, we are always outnumbered!