What is the origin of 'watch your six' like 'watch your back'?

1. 60

   aspiretoinspireposted 14 years ago

   What is the origin of 'watch your six' like 'watch your back'?
   
   I tend to either hear this on American tv shows, or in American books.

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2. 59

   Jaggedfrostposted 14 years ago

   I am not sure this is worthy of a hub but definitely worth discussion.  In military terms, watches or directionality is often taken from the details on a stander two armed watch.  Watching one's six is watching the direction of six o'clock considering that twelve o'clock is right in front of you.  When it comes to flying, military personnel often add the reference points of high and low to give the person you are speaking to a quick place to look without having to constantly worry about where the compass rose is oriented to.

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3. 55

   CuChulainposted 14 years ago

   As another writer mentioned,the term has it's roots in military patrol/reconnaisance where a group of soldiers ,in something of a diamond formation,would be on patrol,usually behind enemy lines. The point,left and right flanks,and rear,were given simply the labels corresponding to the numbers on the face of a watch. "watch your six'' refers to the man taking up the rear,often along with the point man man (12) considered to be the most dangerous spots. Watch your six worked it's way into everyday vernacular as an equivalent to "watch your back out there" or be careful. Cu

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