UFC 3-120-01
FEBRUARY 6 2003
Chapter 5
DIRECTION SIGNS
Section 5A--Introduction
5.1. Importance. There are too many potential destinations on any Air Force base to list on direction
signs, but effective direction signs help visitors find their destinations more easily. Direction signs,
proper street identification, and effective base maps form the basic keys to visitor orientation.
5.2. Priorities (Master Sign Plan). Coordinate the content and location of all direction signs in the
base Master Sign Plan. These signs should form part of a logical system which directs each visitor
from the point of entry through every intersection to a final destination. Prioritize destinations to be
listed. Give the highest priority to the destinations that are most often sought by people new to the
base or that serve as highly visible landmarks on base. Those who live or work on base or who visit
frequently do not need the degree of help required by a first time or infrequent visitor.
5.3. Common Destinations. Facilities that are likely to have a great deal of first time traffic include
the Commissary, Base Exchange, Hospital, Community Center, clubs, in-processing points, billeting,
and major military activities.
5.4. Maps and Signs. Use the same names on base maps as on direction signs, and direct the
security police to use the sign and map terminology when giving directions.
5.5. Message Limitations. Area designations such as East Base or West Base should be used only if
they are meaningful. No more than four destinations should appear on one direction sign. If it is
necessary to show more than four destinations, add a second sign, but do not use more than two
direction signs in any situation. See Chapter 2 for sign placement standards
5.6. Visibility. Fabricate all graphics from white reflective materials to facilitate nighttime visibility.
Green reflective sheeting is preferred to paint for the sign background.
5.7. Criteria. All traffic control signs on base streets should comply with the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), as the streets are considered public roads.
5.8. Further Information. This chapter gives the criteria for exterior direction signs, including
information on sizes, appearance, message, permitted graphics, and layout. Recommended
specifications and structural details are given in Chapter 12. See Figure 12.6 for the Type G3
Pedestrian Information Signs.
Section 5B--Direction Signs Typography
5.9. Tile System and Arrow. The type of letter tile system used on direction signs is the same as the
type used on identification signs. (See Chapter 2 for specific information on sign typography.) The
standard Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices arrow is used to indicate direction.
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