---
name: "Military Symbols"
type: topic
source: https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Military_Symbols
revid: 377934
updated: 2026-01-11T16:52:03Z
---

# Military Symbols

[Military Symbols](../topics/Military_Symbols.md) allow to display units' military symbol in real time either in-game (above units), on map or both.

### Initialization

#### Module Location

- Arma 2: Modules (F7)
- Arma 3 Eden Editor: Systems (F5) > Modules > Other > Military Symbols

#### Enable Icons

Place the "Military Symbols" module and include the following code in the init line:

```sqf
setGroupIconsVisible [true /* markers on map */, true /* 3D markers */];
```

#### Set up Module

##### Set variables to BIS_marta_mainscope with desired values

- **rules = <array>;** - custom settings which defines how will be each side/faction shown. Array contains of array in format [<prefix>,<markercolor>]. Prefix is one of NATO marker prefixes ("b_" for BLUFOR,"o_" for OPFOR or "n_" for NEUTRAL) and markercolor is color of marker from CfgMarkerColors. If number of array items is 4, it is applied to sides. Otherwise it is applied to factions.

Example:

```sqf
BIS_marta_mainscope setVariable ["rules", [["o_", "colorred"], ["b_", "colorgreen"], ["n_", "colorgreen"], ["n_", "coloryellow"]]];
```

Default value: [["o_", "colorred"], ["b_", "colorgreen"], ["n_", "colorgreen"], ["n_", "coloryellow"]]

To set up colors in RGB format put the following into module`s init line:

Example:

```sqf
this setVariable ["rules", [["o_", [0.00001, 1, 0, 1]], ["b_", [1, 0, 0, 1]], ["n_", [0, 0.7, 0, 1]], ["n_", [0.8, 0.8, 0, 0]]], true]
```

Where array after prefix has format : [Red, Green, Blue, Alpha (transparency)]

- **delay = <number>;** - Refresh delay in seconds

Example:

```sqf
BIS_marta_mainscope setVariable ["delay", 0.1];
```

Default value: 0.5

- **duration = <number>;** - duration defines how long will be markers shown after group get out from detection area (destroyed groups will have 1/10 of this duration)

Example:

```sqf
BIS_marta_mainscope setVariable ["duration", 600];
```

Default value: 300 (5 minutes)

- **minSize = <number>;** - Minimal size of group which is requested to draw a marker.

Example:

```sqf
BIS_marta_mainscope setVariable ["minSize", 3];
```

Default value: 1

- **WPgroups = <array>;** - Set which groups will have displayed waypoints.

Example:

```sqf
BIS_marta_mainscope setVariable ["WPgroups", [group soldier1, group player]];
```

Default value: empty array

#### Set up groups

- **MARTA_customIcon = <string>;** - Define custom marker class for given group

Example:

```sqf
(group player) setVariable ["MARTA_customIcon", "b_recon"];
```

- **MARTA_WP_isText = <boolean>;** - true if waypoints numbers are to be displayed

Example:

```sqf
(group ruOfficer) setVariable ["MARTA_WP_isText", true];
```

#### Set up units

- **MARTA_showRules = <array>;** - Custom show rules of specific unit for given faction (1 is always show, 0 means automatic detection when spotted, -1 is never show).

Example:

```sqf
player setVariable ["MARTA_showRules", ["USMC", 1, "CDF", 0]];
```

(GeneralCarver, 11/27/10) - As of Arma 2 v1.7 and Operation Arrowhead v1.55 this command seems to be ignored in multiplayer, but works in single player.
A complete list of factions can be found here: [faction](../commands/faction.md)

- **MARTA_reveal = <array>;** - Groups which will be always visible for given unit.

Example:

```sqf
player setVariable ["MARTA_reveal", [group ruTarget]];
```

- **MARTA_hide = <array>;** - Groups which will be always hidden for given unit.

Example:

```sqf
player setVariable ["MARTA_hide", [group usmcPatrol]];
```

### Functions

> [!IMPORTANT]
> In Arma 2 you have to use `waitUntil { not isNil "BIS_fnc_init" };.`.

#### Get visible groups

```sqf
[centre, radius] call BIS_Marta_getVisibleGroups;
```

- centre, radius - none (using whole map data) or both arguments
- Returned value: list of groups that have visible NATO marker (in given circle)
- Returned value: Group - marker associated with group

### Marker list

Icon name consists of **prefix** and **name**. Prefix is used to define side and can be one of following:

| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| b_ | BLUFOR |
| o_ | OPFOR |
| n_ | neutral |

Name defines purpose of the icon. See picture on the right or code below to get visual list of icons:

| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| inf | Infantry |
| motor_inf | Motorized infantry |
| mech_inf | Mechanized infantry |
| armor | Armored platoon |
| air | Rotary wing aircraft |
| maint | Maintanance group |
| hq | Headquarters |
| supply | Supply convoy |
| plane | Fixed wing aircraft |
| art | Artillery |
| mortar | Mortar |
| med | Medical |
| recon | Reconnaissance team |
| uav | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle |
| empty | Unknown |

For example, to set icon of enemy artillery, use prefix `o_` and type `art` to get `o_art` icon type.

Icons are defined in *cfgGroupIcons* section.

<sub>Source: [BI Community Wiki — Military Symbols](https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Military_Symbols) (revision 377934).</sub>