How to Use Military Map Symbols

What are military map symbols?

Military map symbols are essential visual tools used for marking enemy unit locations, organizing offensive or defensive strategies, for evaluating unit strengths, and are used to study avenues of approach (troop movement options and timelines) based on terrain features and in relation to unit characteristics. The use of distinctive military map symbols have been documented since the early 16th century. Military symbols have often been hand drawn, or made reusable with templates, or aided through the use of objects (icons) representing military forces and placed directly on the maps themselves. At times, symbols were drawn in dirt or within sand tray mock-ups. Before maps and symbols were utilized efficiently, commanders were often forced to rely solely on memory or other written reports for making crucial decisions. Often individual units were required to carry unit flags or banners in order to identify their dispositions or to convey information on the battlefield through long-range visibility. These were important methods at the time for sizing-up the battlefield. However, these methods alone rarely provided commanders with a definitive advantage especially in a more complex theater of war. Also, without the use of maps and symbols it's difficult for commanders to effectively direct their lower echelon units. Similarly, maps and symbols are useful visual tools for briefing the chain of command by keeping the decision makers abreast of important details and developments in a concise visual format.

Military Map Unit Symbol Image Icons

More universally recognized military map symbols didn't start appearing until after the 1700s. Military units are generally ordered by a hierarchy, specialty, and typically indicate unit size or strength. Below represents a sampling of types of units based on specialty without the size / strength designation or unit identifier. These military icons are loosely based on field experience and APP-6A Military Symbols for Land Based Systems with a few customized military image icons added.

Infantry	Mechanized Infantry	Motorized Infantry	Amphibious Mech Infantry	Mountain Infantry	Airborne
Airborne Infantry	Airborne Special Ops	Marines	Special Forces	Ranger	Cavalry / Recon
Mechanized Cavalry	Armored Unit	Towed Artillery	SP Artillery	Mortar	Anti-Aircraft
Air Defense	Anti-Armor	Medical Unit	Military Police	Signal Unit	NBC Unit
Electronic Warfare	Engineers	Military Intelligence	Laser Infantry	Transportation	Psychological Operations
Radar	Jungle Unit	Desert Unit	Maintenance	Aviation	Aviation 2