COMMAND | CONTROL | CONQUER, US Military Public Typography

US Military

Public Typography

COMMAND CONTROL

COMMAND | CONTROL | CONQUER U.S. Military Public Typography

Anthony Schmiedeler

on deck all hands

Intro: A well-oiled machine

2

Chapter 1: Command

5

read here: Instruction

restricted area: Safety

Chapter 2: Control rank and file: Organization

Chapter 3: Conquer

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full stack: Honors espirit de corps: Insignias

Honorable Discharge

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government issue: Labeling

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IGH

purred on to

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machine States Military is one of the best in the world when it comes to power and effectiveness.

One could attribute that efficiency to many things, but a primary ingredient that is typically overlooked is the US Military typographic system.

The United States uses typography to keep the cogs of its military machine moving like a welloiled machine. The three primary cogs of that machine are Command, Control, and Conquer.

When these parts are working together, soldiers stay informed, vehicles and weapons stay organized, and they are all spurred on to fight.

a well-oiled

There is no doubt that the United

command

here typography focuses on instructing for the purposes of safety as well as the spread of knowledge. Most of this typography is strictly utilitarian and therefore possesses no personality or narrative. This typography is all for function with its primary job being to keep that machine moving.

read

OMMA

The ‘Command’ Portion of US military

In the military, no matter what your profession, when worse comes to worse you are a rifleman. For that reason, one must be able to take over for a fallen comrade in the most basic scenarios. To ensure that this is possible, the US military uses basic, instructional signage in and around most structures, vehicles, and weaponry. This typography is always very legible and direct. Positioning is important for this type as it is only to be read when needed.

This signage also serves as reminders for those already in the know. In times of distress, it’s easy for someone to misstep during a process so the US Military Typographic system includes bold, short, signage, large enough to be read quickly and legible enough to be interpreted clearly.

Bradley Fighting Vehicle, US ARMY

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restriced

area

‘Command’ Type also includes signs marking dangerous areas and components.

As the military is constantly changing and improving, almost all of the type is stenciled directly onto these objects and places or temporary signs are affixed in ways that can be easily changed.

Spray-painted on barriers facing into a small outpost, this type reminds the guard what to shoot at as a vehicle approaches.

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control

issue typography is the “organizational” cog of the machine. This type is used to label and manage the many people and parts of the military to maintain its prevailing structure. This type is also utilitarian but possesses some character to emphasize separation and hierarchy.

government

ONTR

The ‘Control’ portion of US military

Former marine corps tanker Sgt. Ehren schmiedeler

“ Tanks weigh about 70 tons and most of the pieces that run the tank and tools that fix the tank are heavy and dangerous. These pieces and tools all had markings that helped identify tools and pieces that belonged to each tank. Everything in the military looks the same. So without markings, you’re kinda lost.�

14

OS

without markings you’re kinda

FORMER MARINE CORPS TANKER, SGT. EHREN SCHMIEDELER

US Army Vehicle Markings

by Tim Keennon

“ The US Army fielded approximately 3 million trucks, tanks, halftracks and other vehicles during WWII. Ideally each

vehicle

was

painted;

had

national

markings applied and was identified by a unique registration or ‘hood’ number.

At times each vehicle was also marked with a simple ‘bumper’ code system that allowed anyone to identify a vehicle and know its parent unit.”

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rank and

file

Organizational typography usually combines letters and numbers in distinguishable, repeated patterns. Like Command type, it is usually applied directly onto objects but is much smaller, tighter, and technical. Serialized and numbered objects are often, at least, semi-permanent to last through a period of changing hands.

The most basic and recognizable element of the Control cog is the ranking system, which is used by all branches of the military. Rank is mostly iconic but typographic elements are sometimes used.

The first number in this particular vehicle numbering system is used to indicate section in the platoon whereas the last number is used to dictate order of march during a patrol.

ESIGNAT NIT

Control’ type is used to

s well as for wayfinding and

ABELING UILDING

Military Science Building, University of Kansas

conquer

ONQU

The ‘Conquer’ element of the US military typographic system is perhaps the most important of all because it is what drives the machine. It is empowering and influential.

As opposed to organizational and instructional typography, this motivational type is much more expressive and illustrious. This mostly vernacular typography, is frequently accompanied by symbols or imagery and used as a source of pride for individuals as well as entire companies.

A large amount of motivational type borrows from the past and emulates distinguished periods of American military history. A unit guidon, for instance, is typically passed down over many years and always maintains the same design.

Other examples of ‘Conquer’ type include unit t-shirts, tattoos, relics, and plaques. These things habitually use illustrious type, sometimes handdrawn, but always menacing and proud. The historic vernacular gives these elements character and meaning far beyond their simple appearance.

B.O.H.I.C.A - Bend Over Here It Comes Again

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full

stack

Iraq Campaign Medal

Motivational typography applies to the various badges and medals that soldiers strive to earn. Some use very small type to define levels of achievement. Most ribbons are categorized by color and pattern. Accrued over many years, a successful soldier can earn a “full stack�.

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I E

..they were part of something

” FORMER MARINE AAV CREWCHIEF CPL. MATTHEW ENZ

Distintive Unit Insignia

By Arthur E. Dubois

�

“ If a new design is to be made, very careful study is done of the history and battle honors of the unit. The most important decorations, honors, combat service and missions are represented in the design of the insignia. Sometimes up to two centuries of history are condensed into the symbolism for a distinctive unit insignia.�

de corps Guidons began as a control measure in battle thousands of years ago, marking a rallying point for troops or the location of the commander. As it evolved, it was used to keep regiments in

espirit

formation and to determine a regiments location in battle. With modern tactics, the guidon is reserved for formal occasions and serves as a point of pride for those who fall under it.

Typography on guidons is almost always accompanied by a distinct unit insignia, symbolic of a unit’s historic combat service. Many units are represented by just a single number or letter. Despite their brevity, any good soldier is willing to die for that guidon and their fellow soldiers it represents.

Former marine Cpl. Matthew Enz

“ For me it felt great knowing that I was part of a distinct, self-sustained unit in the Marines. It gave me pride in my MOS and never let me forget the hardtimes and the good times I had while serving in garrison and overseas. Many peers came along way after realizing that they were part of something bigger, and the more they saw it being represented, the more it pushed them to strive for greatness.�

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After taking a closer look, it’s very clear that typography plays a significant role in the function of the United States military machine.

Its clarity COMMANDS, its uniformity CONTROLS, and its brilliance CONQUERS any who challenge it.

Without it, the greatest military force in the world would not be the same.

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on carry

Special Thanks to

Sources:

My brother Ehren Schmiedeler

Signs: Lettering The Environment

by Phil Baines & Catherine Dixon

My buddy Matt Enz The Value of the Narrative in the Education of a Typographer KU Army ROTC Cadre & Staff

by Chris Myers

Msgt Chad Brown Cadet Howard Ting

US Army Vehicle Markings

by Tim Keenon

the Kansas National Guard Distintive Unit Insignia and all the men and women of

By Arthur E. Dubois

the Armed Forces still fighting the good fight.