Graphic Control Measures (GCMs) allow Ground Force Commanders to better manage their troops through the use of: symbols, terms and text. The use of GCMs become increasingly important as the complexity of missions increase (such as in Combined Arms). GCMs allow the Commanders Intent (CI) to better remain faithful to its original mission outcome requirements.
In this guide we will look at both 'real-world' map markers and A3 map markers (default and modification) AND a scenario...
1) Military Units
1a) Real World Military Units
Friendly Forces - Rectangular shape (blue)
Enemy Forces - Diamond shape (red)
Neutral - Square shape (green)
UNK - Clover shape (yellow)
1b) A3 Military Units
Friendly Forces - Rectangular shape (blue)
Enemy Forces - Diamond shape (red)
Independent - Square shape (green)
UNK - Not used as symbol but as a color marker
2) Unit Size
2a) Real World Unit Sizes
2b) A3 Unit Sizes
3) Maneuver Markers
3a) Real World Movement
3b) A3 Movement
4) Civilian Markers
4a) Real World Civilian Markers
4b) A3 Civilian Markers
Civilian - Clear/white but can be colored if used by other forces
5) Terrain Features
5a) Real World Terrain Features
5b) A3 Terrain Features
6) World Flags
6a) Real World flags
6b) A3 flags
7) A3 Map Modification Example
Some examples taken from the Workshop mods:
8) A3 Scenario Example (Map Briefing)
Map view with NO markers
Map WITH markers
OBJ area
ASSLT lanes - covered by terrain/smoke
SBF position - covered by rock/smoke
OP Miller/IFV QRF Infil
EA Ford/Nissan - AT engagement area(s)
EA BMW - AA/Speedboat engagement area(s)
Supply Point/QRF
East Side Security Position - AT position
West Side Security Position - AT position
IDAP - No Fire Zone (NFZ)
Rotary/Medical - Restricted Fire Zone (Medical)
LOA
MLRS - On call only to avoid collateral damage
9) Real World Aviation Markers
10) Real World TRP
Target Reference Point (TRP)
11) Real World Engineer
12) Real World Target Overlay
13) Real World Support Markers
Medical
Supplies
14) Respawn Markers
Default plus some modification choices:
15) "Free-Hand" Markers
CQB marking (marking each house and side) (blue dot to signal house is 'cleared')
Blue/Purple Kill Box (Air to Surface/Air to Air engagements)
CAS targets with SDZ (Surface Danger Zone) and PL (Phase Lines)
Conclusion
As we can see, GCMs are very helpful for players to identify: