We live in a world where most things are regulated, and to inform us of that regulation, a sign is the easiest way to convey the information. This is true in combat zones as well. Since printing capabilities are limited in austere environments, we make do with what we have. Our weapon of choice in the advertising wars? PowerPoint printouts on 8.5x11" paper. Hey, you work with what you got...
There are signs that inform us of information and events. They let us know about classes in anger management, Tai Bo, or P90X. They can be for general health like quitting smoking or which foods in the DFAC are healthier choices. When we rotate back home, we have garage sales of sorts, complete with advertising of things we need to get rid of quickly. Sometimes, they tell of upcoming events such as Chapel service times, Salsa dance night or a celebrity visiting on the USO circuit. Often they advertise for retailers such as the bazaar or the local commercial Internet provider, or that maybe the PX is having a sale on some item because their antiquated ordering system ordered 10x too much of it. My personal favorite is people who post strict office hours. We all know that you work 24 hours a day here.
There are signs that warn us of threats to our safety. I posted some pictures a few days ago about OPSEC, to help us remember not to give the enemy an upper hand. There are also pictures that warn of impending dangers, such as dehydration or other force protection issues like biological hazards. Bio hazards could include flora or fauna, or they cold be environmental such as not drinking the ware while in the shower or ensuring you always wash your hands to ensure germs aren't spread. We also need to be reminded to clear our weapons once we come inside the gates of our compound so that we don't have negligent discharges. Unfortunately we have other signs that remind us of the enemy within our own ranks to help protect people from sexual assault. Unfortunately it happens all to frequently in the Military.
There are also signs that enforce regulations. Although, if someone is going to break a regulation, I'm pretty sure they're going to do it whether a sign tells them it's wrong or not. According to signs I've seen, writing graffiti on bathroom walls is wrong. So is not wearing your uniform in accordance with your service's regulation. No loud noises after 2200hrs. (But did anyone tell them this was a war zone?) Don't feed the animals, don't buy certain animal furs at the bazaar, and for God's sake, don't try to smuggle or mail anything illegal back to the U.S.
And sometimes there are signs that are meant to be funny, albeit still convey a serious point. Like a sign that states the cafe on the North KIA is now called "Little Alaska" because it no longer has any flies. (I need to hire their advertising department next time I open up a bistro in a third world country) Or a sign in the bathroom asking to conserve water, and gives you the following jingle to remember: "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down." And my personal favorite, banning suspicious packages from the gym, because you never know what those European military are packing in their workout thongs...
More to follow.
There are signs that inform us of information and events. They let us know about classes in anger management, Tai Bo, or P90X. They can be for general health like quitting smoking or which foods in the DFAC are healthier choices. When we rotate back home, we have garage sales of sorts, complete with advertising of things we need to get rid of quickly. Sometimes, they tell of upcoming events such as Chapel service times, Salsa dance night or a celebrity visiting on the USO circuit. Often they advertise for retailers such as the bazaar or the local commercial Internet provider, or that maybe the PX is having a sale on some item because their antiquated ordering system ordered 10x too much of it. My personal favorite is people who post strict office hours. We all know that you work 24 hours a day here.
There are signs that warn us of threats to our safety. I posted some pictures a few days ago about OPSEC, to help us remember not to give the enemy an upper hand. There are also pictures that warn of impending dangers, such as dehydration or other force protection issues like biological hazards. Bio hazards could include flora or fauna, or they cold be environmental such as not drinking the ware while in the shower or ensuring you always wash your hands to ensure germs aren't spread. We also need to be reminded to clear our weapons once we come inside the gates of our compound so that we don't have negligent discharges. Unfortunately we have other signs that remind us of the enemy within our own ranks to help protect people from sexual assault. Unfortunately it happens all to frequently in the Military.
There are also signs that enforce regulations. Although, if someone is going to break a regulation, I'm pretty sure they're going to do it whether a sign tells them it's wrong or not. According to signs I've seen, writing graffiti on bathroom walls is wrong. So is not wearing your uniform in accordance with your service's regulation. No loud noises after 2200hrs. (But did anyone tell them this was a war zone?) Don't feed the animals, don't buy certain animal furs at the bazaar, and for God's sake, don't try to smuggle or mail anything illegal back to the U.S.
And sometimes there are signs that are meant to be funny, albeit still convey a serious point. Like a sign that states the cafe on the North KIA is now called "Little Alaska" because it no longer has any flies. (I need to hire their advertising department next time I open up a bistro in a third world country) Or a sign in the bathroom asking to conserve water, and gives you the following jingle to remember: "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down." And my personal favorite, banning suspicious packages from the gym, because you never know what those European military are packing in their workout thongs...More to follow.
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