Although Captain McEwen's suggestion for a response plan was timely and worthy of close consideration, there are at least two other more practical steps the U.S. Air Force could take to reduce the possibility of terrorist attacks. Air University Review , September-October 1984, pp.
Huge signs identify the overwhelming majority of buildings on most USAF bases.
While admittedly useful to personnel trying to find a particular office, such signs are an open invitation to terrorists. Even more serious is the traditional military practice of using door plaques to identify, by rank and name, individuals living in base housing. This custom not only provides potential terrorists with a valuable guide to the whereabouts of USAF personnel but also needlessly endangers family members. To make Air Force bases safer and less of a target for terrorists, all identification signs should be removed. Such a nonidentification policy would be a clear deterrent to terrorists and would help to resolve some of the problems Captain McEwen discussed.