Drafting Standards
Introduction
Drawings for Department of Defense (DOD) use must follow prescribed
standards.
Paper size, format, and symbology are but a few of the
standardized practices used in government facilities. Compile a list of
standards and familiarize yourself with their content.
Drawing
standards
The policy of the Department of Defense (DOD) is to use to the maximum
degree possible nongovernmental standards that fully satisfy the needs of the
military with respect to their technical sufficiency. The American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) publish standards of particular interest to draftsmen. Unclassified
specifications, standards, and related standardization documents and those
industrial documents coordinated for DOD use are published by the Assistant
Secretary of Defense (Supply and Logistics), Office of Standardization.
DOD drawing standards are constantly updated and are identified by the
terms DOD-STD (Department of Defense Standard) or MIL-STD (Military
Standard) followed by a number. When starting a new project, make sure
you have current standards. Check for the latest editions in the Department
of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards, issued annually. Also
check for supplements to the Index that are issued every 2 months. The
Index and its supplements appear in two-part format: (1) an alphabetical
listing by subject and (2) a numerical listing. DOD-STD-100 is the listing of
standards you will require most often. To electronically download DOD
specifications and standards, visit url http://dodssp.daps.mil/ (internet
website).
Determining
standards
Many of the drawings you work with have been in use for years. These old
drawings may contain many obsolete symbols and markings. Also many
architectural and engineering consulting firms who prepare drawings for
DOD do not closely adhere to DOD- and MIL-STD symbols. For this
reason, always look for a legend on the drawing. A legend helps you
interpret any symbols unfamiliar to you . If there is no legend, study the
drawings carefully to find the meaning of unfamiliar symbols and
abbreviations. As more work is reallocated and contracted out, your
vigilance as a DM and proficiency in drawing and drafting standards are an
invaluable safeguard against costly wastes in time and material.
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