8 photos of the terrifying knife hand in action

All military service members dread the ominous  "knife-hand" when being addressed by a superior as it usually means they are being corrected or some sort of discipline is soon to follow. Below are the 8 images designed to awaken your greates…

All military service members dread the ominous knife hand when being addressed by a superior as it usually means they are being corrected or some sort of discipline is soon to follow.

Below are the 8 knife hand images designed to awaken your greatest fears:

1. Recruits discover the hand gesture quickly

marine corps boot camp
Photo: Cpl. Octavia Davis/USMC

2. A loud verbal correction often maximizes the effect

navy knife hand
Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andre N. McIntyre/Navy

3. The knife hand extends across all branches of service

drill sergeant
(U.S. Army photo)

4. What better way to correct a trainee’s salute?

air force knife hand
Photo: Alan Boedeker/US Air Force

5. They come in handy while testifying before Congress

sgt major of the marine corps knife hand
Photo: Sgt. Marionne T. Mangrum/USMC

6. A four-star version is exceptionally attention-getting

commandant knife hand
U.S. Marine Corps photo

7. Even “poolies” can get a taste of the ominous hand gesture

marine corps DI knife hand
Photo: Sgt. Jose Nava/USMC

8. There are knife hands and then there are the Merhle from ‘The Walking Dead’ version

walking dead

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Mike is a Marine veteran turned author, producer, and actor. He joined WATM after being a contributor to TakePart.com’s Return the Service campaign and a producer for Pivot TV’s Take Part Live where he created awareness around veteran’s issues. Mike has consulted on a wide range of productions for studios, networks, and independent projects. He also co-founded the nonprofit Veterans in Film & Television, the premiere organization connecting Hollywood with the veteran community.