Military Symbol Colors
This color is used to represent friendly forces on military maps.
Blue
This single vertical line above a unit symbol represents the smallest standard maneuver element in most armies.
This frame shape represents friendly forces.
Rectangle
The primary purpose of military map symbols is to provide this across units and commands.
A standardized way to communicate information.
This graphic control measure is used to coordinate the advance of units and is often labeled with a name or letter.
Phase line
This color represents hostile or enemy forces.
Red
Two vertical lines above a unit symbol indicate this unit, typically made up of multiple squads.
Platoon
A red diamond tells you this about the unit inside.
Hostile or Enemy
Using standardized symbols helps prevent this common operational risk.
Misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
This measure prohibits fires into a designated area to protect civilians or friendly forces.
No fire area.
This color represents neutral forces.
Green
Three vertical lines above a symbol identify this element, typically composed of multiple platoons.
Company
A solid frame indicates this status.
Map symbols allow leaders to visualize friendly and enemy forces in relation to this.
Terrain
This graphic control measure designates a specific location that must be seized or controlled during an operation.
Objective.
This color represents unknown affilations.
Yellow
One dot above the symbol represent this unit size.
Team
A yellow quatrefoil frame signals this affiliation.
Unknown
Map symbols allow rapid updates to reflect changes in this dynamic environment.
Operational environment.
This measure defines the geographic area where a commander has authority to conduct operations.
Area of operations.
This color represents friendly graphic control measures.
Black/Blue
A battalion is represented by this number of vertical lines above the unit symbol.
Two vertical lines.
If a friendly unit is suspected rather than confirmed, the frame may be modified in this way.
Dashed or broken lines.
Decision making.
This measure identifies the forward most limit of an attacking unit's advance.
Limit of advance.