MHIFM 5-20
DEPARTMENT

OF THE ARMY

FIELD

MANUALCAMOUFLAGE

HEADQUARTERS,DEPARTMENT
MAY 1968

OF THE ARMY*FM 5-20

HEADQUARTERS,FIELD MANUALDEPARTMENT OF THE ARMYWASHINGTON, D.C., May 20 1968

FM 5-20CAMOUFLAGE

1.

INTRODUCTION ------------------------------

Paragraph
1-4

Page
3

2.
3.

5-8
DETECTION --------------9,10
CONCEALMENT _____________________------------

4
14

4.

CAMOUFLAGE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL ----------

11-17

26

5.
6.

FIELD FORTIFICATIONS ---------------------VEHICLES AND ARTILLERY

18-22

31

SectionI.
II.

35
Vehicles -----_--------____---_------------------23,24
44
25,26_____________________________----------Artillery --------

CHAPTER

7.
8.

AIRCRAFT ___-________--____________-----------27-31
BIVOUACS, COMMAND POSTS AND
SUPPLY POINTS __________________-_ -_-----32-38
LARGE SCALE AND RELATIVELYPERMANENT INSTALLATIONS --------------39-55
DECOY INSTALLATIONS -----------------56-74

49

REFERENCES _----______-___________-----------_--______

102

CHAPTER

9.
10.
APPENDIXINDEX_________________________-----_________

57
66
86

103

*This manual supersedes FM 5-20, 21 January 1959; FM 5-21, 23 December 1958; and together with TM 5-200, 25 September
1959 supersedes FM 5-23, 3 October 1956, and all changes.

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1. Purpose and Scopesponsible for his own concealment. His respon-a. This manual provides a comprehensive

sibility here is just as great as his responsibil-reference and guide in all aspects of camouflage. It describes in detail the principles involved in concealing or disguising troops, vehi-

ity for his rifle, and he must know as muchabout camouflage as he does about his weapon.
Just as training in marksmanship teaches thecles, weapons, and field installations. The lastsoldier to hit a target accurately, so does

chapter discusses the planning for and theknowledge of camouflage teach him how to es-

operation of decoys and decoy installations.
For technical information regarding thenatural and artificial materials and equipment
available for both concealment and visual
deception, the reader is referred to TM 5-200.

cape becoming a target himself.
b. Command. Overall unit camouflage is the
responsibility of the commander. He must insure the complete understanding by every man
in his command of the importance, principles,
and techniques of camouflage. In addition to
his responsibilities in the training and supervision of the individual soldier's concealment
efforts, he must plan and execute camouflage
measures for the operational, administrative,
and logistical areas of his command. Finally,
to insure the effectiveness of all camouflage
measures, he is responsible for the strict enforcement of camouflage discipline.

b. Information and data presented in thismanual are applicable to both nuclear and nonnuclear warfare. It must be remembered thatin the event of a nuclear burst near a camouflaged position, the thermal radiation may ignite the camouflage if it is of a flammable substance. In addition, radiological decontamination operations may be hindered by thepresence of elaborate camouflage construction.
These are calculated risks and must be taken
into consideration when planning camouflage
measures.
Users of this manual are encouraged to submit
recommended changes or comments to improvethe manual. Comments should be keyed to thespecific page, paragraph, and line of the text
in which the change is recommended. Reasonsshould be provided for each comment to insure
understanding and complete evaluation. Comnments should be forwarded directly to the Commandant, U. S. Army Engineer School, Fort
Belvoir, Va., 22060.
3. Responsibilities for Camouflage andDeceptiona. Individual. The individual soldier is re-

4. Importance of Camouflage
Camouflage is one of the basic weapons of war.
Correctly used, it can spell the difference
between a successful campaign and defeat; tothe individual it can mean the difference between life and death. Regardless of the type of
warfare-all out nuclear or internal defense
operations-camouflage remains important.
Small semi-independent units must furnish
their own security, reconnaissance, and surveillance. They must be able to exist for long
periods of time with a minimum of control
and support from higher headquarters. As aresult, their success will depend to a large
extent upon their ability to remain concealed
from the enemy. This in turn will depend upon
the knowledge and proper execution of theprinciples of camouflage.

3

CHAPTER 2
DETECTION
5. Introduction
Before it is possible to employ effective camou-

fiage it is necessary to know something about
observation. There are two broad categories ofObservation-direct
and indirect.
6. Direct Observation
Direct observation refers to that process
whereby the observer sees the subject physically, that is, with his eyes-aided or unaided.
Examples of this type of observation include
an observer sitting on a hilltop with binoculars
or an aerial observer viewing the landscapefrom an aircraft. Direct observation has many

advantages: It offers immediate information
on which action may be based; the picture isseen in the true third dimension and is easily
evaluated by the brain; the eye is normally an
accurate and sensitive receiver; and it allows
observation of movement. It has four major
disadvantages: There is no permanent record
for future direct comparison; weather andtime of day may limit it; the observer's experience and mission may limit the information
obtained; and human error may result in incomplete and incorrect information.
7. Indirect Observation
In indirect observation the observer sees apicture or an image of the subject, and not thephysical subject itself. Photography, radar,infrared, and television are used in indirect observation. The advantages of indirect obervation are: Successive photos of the same area
may detect changes which have taken place; it
results in a permanent record; it increases the
spectrum for observation to the infrared andother spectrums invisible to the human eye; it
can be distributed to all echelons for their
4particular needs; the photographs may bestudied at length; it reduces distance of obser-

vation by enlargement; and radar will usuallydetect a metallic object behind a nonmetallic
screen, such as a conventional burlapgarnished camouflage net. Its disadvantages
are: The time required to develop photographsand disseminate the information; weather may
interfere with aerial photograph; the skill of
the photointerpreter may limit information obtained; and there is a lack of the third dimension, except on special stereophotography.

a. Aerial Photography. In modern warfare

aerial photography has assumed a place of
extreme importance, and in regard to camouflage detection and inspection, photography hasreachedindispensable.
reached aa stagestage where
where itit is
is indispensable.
three

itary photographs are divided intoand low
categories(1) Vertical. The vertical photograph is
one taken directly above the subject. It shows
practically no detail in the third dimension
other than shadow and can be compared witha plan view of buildings on a blueprint. Whentaking a vertical photograph, the line of sighton the camera is perpendicular to the line offlight of the aircraft (fig. 1). In verticalphoto interpretation, the process of stereovision s used extensively. By taking two photographs of the same subject and stereoscopic
glasses, the third dimension, depth, becomesapparent. This is of great advantage in examining enemy camouflage or in inspecting ourown camouflage.
(2) High oblique. High oblique photographs are those taken at an angle raised fromthe vertical so that the apparent horizon showson the photo. It also shows a partial third

Vertical

Figure 1.

Vertical photograph.

dimension by giving the side and top view ofthe subject (fig. 2).
(3) Low oblique. The low oblique is similar to the high oblique except that it does notshow the horizon. This is accomplished by(b) Color film. Color film will detectcamouflage which does not match the colors
in the background. However, this film has
many operational difficulties and gives best
results only under ideal conditions. Colors

taking the photograph at an angle less thantend

300 from the perpendicular to the line of flightshadow density is not as accurate on this film

(fig. 3).
(4g
heear
) Fim otpsffim(4) Films. There are four types of filmusedused inin aerial
aerial photography:
photography:

to

blend

togetherathigh altitudes,

as on the black and white film, and atmosphericconditions must be ideal in order to obtain aclear photograph. For these reasons, this film
is not widely used (fig. 5).
(c) Infrared film. Infrared waves or(a) Black and white. Black and whitefilm records images in tone gradation between
white and black. While not reproducing color,
it does provide a permanent record of tonaldifferences. Select filters are often used to imsefr
in
the
man
prove
the
spectrum which is invisible to the human eye.
prove thethe photographphotograph oror toto record
record only
only thelight that is known to give the greatest tonal
Most things in nature, such as living, green
it doesrecordprovide aofpermanent
tonal~~ reflect~~ infrared~differences between natural
backgrounds
andvegetation,thesewaves readily
the object being sought (fig. 4).
and in large quantities. Most artificial ma-

High Oblique

Figure 2.

High oblique photograph.

terials normally do not reflect these infrared
waves to the same extent. Thus, infrared film
which is nothing more than black and whitefilm that is sensitive to infrared waves, canresult in a picture showing contrasts between
natural materials and artificial materials. The
natural materials will show up as a light toneof gray while the artificial materials will show
up as a dark tone of gray. Infrared film has
another important use. It can be used to takephotographs photographs
at
at night
night if
if there
there isis aa source
source ofofinfrared radiation. To counter the detecting
ability of this film, camouflage paints and dyes
have been developed that have a high infrared
reflectance, similar to foliage. All camouflage
materials are now issued with this type ofcoloring so that infrared film can no longer
detect differences between natural and artifi6

cial camouflage that has been treated with such
paint and dye (fig. 6).
(d) Camouflage detection film. Thisfilm was designed specifically to detect green
colored artificial camouflage by recording it asblue to blue-green in contrast to a red recording ofof natural vegetation.
vegetation.
ItingnaturalIt combines
combines thetheadvantages of both infrared and color films.
The structure of the film is such that highinfrared reflective objects-natural vegetation-record as red; low infrared reflective objects
re cordblue
asgror een.
b. Radar. Radar detecting devices emit radio
signals, usually in the form of pulses of an
ultrahigh frequency, which are reflected fromthe object being viewed and received back at
the point of transmission. By analyzing theseLow Oblique

Figure 3.

Low oblique photograph.

minute reflected signals, the characteristics ofthe object under observation may be determined. Concealment from radar depends
upon the reduction of this reflection. This canbe accomplished by digging in or by use of a
defilade. It is important to remember, thatfoliage cover alone cannot be relied upon completely to defeat detection by radar.
c. Infrared. There are two types of infrared
detectors: Active (near) which requires illumination of the target by some light source,
such as infrared spot or floodlights or the sun;and passive (far) which detects the heat emitted by the target and converts the signal to avisual picture graph or sound record. Concealment from active infrared depends on the reduction of reflectance contract between the object

and its surroundings. If the object and its background are of the same reflectance and texture,
total concealment is achieved. Concealment
from passive infrared is dependent upon reducing heat emission of objects which are hotter than their surroundings. Therefore, someinsulation or shield must be used. Defilade,heavy brush, or even tree cover will at least

attenuate thetheheat radiation. To what extent,. Factors of Recognition
Regardless of the method of observation employed, there are certain factors which must
always be present to help the eye and brain
identify an object. These are termed factors ofrecognition (fig. 8).
7

Figure 4.

Black and white film.

a. Position. An object is often identified byits position with relation to its surroundings.
A long object on a railroad track is assumed to
be a train; similar objects on a river and parallel to its banks are assumed to be boats orbarges. A large structure in a group of framebuildings might be a barn. Position is nothing
more than the relative space relationship of one
object to another object or objects.
b. Shape. Experience teaches people to associate an object with its shape or outline. At
a distance, the outline of objects can berecognized long before the details of makeup
can be determined. Trucks, guns, tanks, andother common military items of equipment all
have distinctive outlines that help to identify
them.
c. Shadow. Shadow may be even more revealing than the object itself. This is particularly true when viewed from the air. Such items

as factory chimneys, utility poles, vehicles,
bridges, and tents have distinctive shadows.
Sometimes it may be more important to breakup or disrupt the shadow of an object than it
is to conceal the object itself.
d. Texture. Texture refers to the ability ofan object to reflect, absorb, and diffuse light
It may be defined as the relative smoothness orroughness of a surface (fig. 9). A rough surface, such as a field of grass, reflects little
light and casts many shadows on itself. Consequently it appears very dark to the eye or ona photograph. A smooth surface, such as anairstrip or the roof of a building, reflects
more light on an aerial photograph. Thus, anairstrip, even though it might be painted thesame color as the surrounding terrain, would
show up as a lighter tone on a photograph.
The almost total absence of texture results inshine. One of the most revealing breaches ofFigure 5. Color film.

camouflage discipline is shine. This alone canattract attention to a location under enemy observation regardless of the type. Shine is generally associated with the reflection of sunlightfrom windshields, windows, mess kits, andother such almost textureless surfaces. Even
the lenses of field glasses, when used in direct
sunlight, can reflect a bright shine similar tothat of a mirror. (Some substances, such as
certain plastics, regardless of the degree of
texture, still present a shine.)e. Color. Color is an aid to an observer-when
there is contrast between the color of an object
and its background. The greater the contrast
in color, the more visible the object appears.
While color alone will usually not identify an
object, it is often an aid in locating the object

or confirming a tentative identification. A
secondary consideration is the tone of a color.
This is the modification of color in varying
shades. Usually darker shades of a given color
will be less likely to attract an observer's attention than the lighter, more brilliant shades.
f. Movement. The last factor of recognition
is movement and although this factor seldom
reveals the identity of an object by itself, it is
the most important one for revealing existence.
Even though the other factors of recognition
have been completely eliminated, an enemy observer will be attracted to the area if movement is not controlled. He may even be concentrating his attention on some other area
but he will not fail to detect movement inanother area through his peripheral vision.
9

Figure 6.

10

Infrared film.

Figure 7.

Camouflage detection film.

11

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w

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Figure 9.

How texture influences dark and light appearance.

CHAPTER 3
CONCEALMENT
9. Principles
Siting, discipline, and construction are thethree principles employed to eliminate the factors of recognition. Good camouflage is obtainable only through a thorough understanding of the factors of recognition and careful evaluation and utilization of these principles of concealment.
a. Siting. Siting is nothing more than selecting the most advantageous position in which
to hide a man, an object, or an activity (figs.
10 through 14). No matter what kind of terrain it is, even an apparently featurelessdesert, there is always some discernible pattern, natural or manmade, which can be used
to conceal or at least blur the tactically vital
signs of military activity. If these features
are utilized, concealment will often be effective
without employment of artificial camouflage
construction measures. Experience has shownthat a vast majority of all concealment problems can be solved by proper siting. There arethree governing factors for site selection.
(1) Mission. This is paramount. A certain
location may be excellent from the concealment
standpoint, but if it makes it impossible tocarry out the mission, it is pointless.
(2) Dispersion. The requirement for dispersion dictates the size of the site. A site isuseless if it will not permit enough dispersal
for effective operation.
(3) Terrain patterns. The final point tokeep in mind is "What, if any, disturbance inthe terrain pattern will this particular sitenecessitate?" The answer should be "none."
This is vital since any change in an existing
pattern will immediately indicate the presenceof some activity. The four generalized terrain
patterns-rural, urban, wooded, and barren14g

1 WRONG

1
2 RIGHT

Figure 10. Choice of position.

WRONG
Figure 11.

RIGHT
Example of proper siting and dispersal of tents insparsely vegetated terrain (barren).

all have distinctive characteristics, which arenecessary to preserve.
(a) Rural terrain.This terrain is recognized from the air by virtue of its peculiar
checkerboard pattern. This is a result of thedifferent types of crops and vegetation foundon most farms.
(b) Urban terrain. A picture from theair of most urban terrains is characterized bymore or less uniform rows of housing, interwoven with streets, and punctuated by carefully located trees and shrubs.
(c) Wooded terrain. The picture that
this terrain presents to the aerial observer isa natural, irregular work of nature, unlike thealmost geometric pattern of the manmade ruraland urban terrain.

rigid routine of such discipline, both visual andaudio, is not followed by only one man, theentire camouflage effort will fail. Carelessness
and laxness will undoubtedly reveal the position to the enemy. Tracks, spoil, and debris
are the most common signs of military activity
which indicate concealed objects. Therefore,
new tracks should follow existing paths, roads,
fences, or natural lines in the terrain pattern.
Exposed routes do not end at a position, but
are extended to another logical termination. If
practicable, exposed tracks are camouflaged bybrushing out or covering. Spoil and debris
are covered or placed to blend with the surroundings (figs. 15 through 17) A camouflage
SOP listing rules like the ones mentioned
will help a great deal in enforcing camouflage
discipline. It should assign to certain in(daitr) Barren terrain. Likesethe wooded
dividuals the responsibility of enforcing thisterrain, barren terrain present the aerial obdiscipline. It should list rules for conduct ofserver with an uneven, irregular work of naindividuals, units, vehicle drivers, etc., inture, without the abrupt patterns of the rural
combat, in bivouacs, or in any other situation
combat, in bivouacs, or in any other situation
which may be appropriate to the unit.
b. Camouflage Discipline.b. CamouflageDiscipline. (2) No less important is the strictob, (1) The second basic condition for theservance of blackout rules. At night, windows,
achievement of success in any camouflage effort
hatches, entrances, and other openings throughis the strict maintenance of camouflage diswhich light can shine must be covered withcipline, by both the unit as a whole and the
shutters, screens, curtains, and other special
individual soldier. This means avoidance of any
opaque materials to prevent enemy ground andactivity that changes the appearance of an
air observers from noticing the interior illuarea or reveals the presence of military equip-

mination. Fires can be lighted only in speciallyment. It is a continuous, round-the-clock necessity and applies to every individual. If thedesignated and equipped areas. Smoking isforbidden near the enemy, as is the display of
15

WRONG

RIGHT

4

4\

;

1
2
3
4

Corners cut short
Tracks and parked vehicles contrast withterrain pattern
Insufficient dispersion and exposed tracksof three vehicles
newly madedispersion;
Irsufficient
tracks point to position

5
6
7
8

,

Existing tracks used for accessCorrect dispersion. Good use of lines
in terrain pattern
Correct dispersion and good use of overhead cover
Inconspicuous tracks to cultivated field

Figure 12. Use of terrainand proper dispersion.
160;8i~

i/

!

>

If

WRONG
.......

,,'~:'!::~?':-'':X:;;:/'~'~it!

movers, and tractor engines along a broad/ jfpfront;
or by the operation of sound projection
stations which can imitate various battle
sounds.
c. Camouflage Construction. The third andfinal principle on which good camouflage isbased is camouflage construction. When theterrain and natural vegetation are such thatnatural concealment is not possible, artificial
camouflage is added. Artificial or natural
materials
YX's are used to help blend the object orindividual with the surrounding terrain.
Camouflage construction should be resorted toonly when siting and discipline cannot produce
the desired concealment. Natural materials areover artificial materials, since theformer resemble the surrounding vegetation.

A--("/~>'[rpreferred.Bibs t-If artificial materials are used, they must be
so arranged as to blend with the surroundings
to the greatest possible degree. They must beof sturdy construction to withstand varying
weather conditions and be constantly checked
and maintained. The construction work mustbe hidden, with the work parties observing thestrictest discipline. If possible, all engineering
work should be carried out at night, with all
traces of the night's activities camouflaged before morning. There should be no disruption

Figure 13. In regular urban terrain, military objects
must be sited parallel to and close to pattern lines.

lights of any types. Combat and transport
vehicles can be allowed to travel only with
their lights turned off or obscured. Aerial
photographs taken at night by the light offlares or by the use of image intensificationequipment can pick up breaches in camouflage
discipline, which are more likely to occur atnight than in the daylight hours. Consequently,
the same standard of camouflage discipline
must be adheredto by night as by day.
(3) Troops must pay special attention tosound camouflage during night movement andapply all the principles of scouting and patrolling. During nighttime river crossings, thenoise from the paddles should be muffled. Revealing sounds from tank and truck movementfrom engineering work can be muffled bystronger sounds, e.g., so called sound screens,created by the firing of machineguns and artillery pieces; the running of tanks, primeof the terrain pattern; no destruction of plants
or trampled grasses; nor should there be any

new roads or open ditches visible. This is difficult to do, but unless strict discipline is maintained during such construction, there is little
point to the camouflage effort.
10. Camouflage Methods
There are three fundamental ways of concealing installations and activities: Hiding, blenda. Hiding. Hiding is the complete concealment of an object by some form of physicalscreen. Sod over the mines in a minefield hides
the mines; the overhead canopy of trees hides
the objects beneath it from aerial observation;
a defilade hides objects from ground observation; a net hides objects beneath it; a road
screen hides the obstacle behind it. In somecases, the screen itself may be invisible to theenemy. In other instances, while visible to theenemy, a screen conceals the amount and type17

I1.I·fAi r~i",'r~iv) '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~fr,4i/i )" b '. ;i.
x ¢'.~a ,;¢...:;~ "
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and aeral

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it.

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~~~~tl~~~~~Vq.

i!·~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i:·J~~~·r.~~~·:grundand:-.;eril freais~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~iC~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,A,.

~DISURBANCEWILL,TTRACT IMMEDIATE"vATTENTIONOFTYPE
IS THE
THIS
ALLOW
MAY
DISCIPLINE THATREMAINTOPOSITIONTHE
INDEFINITELY
UNDETECTED

Figure 15. Track discipline.
19

application of camouflage materials on, over,
and around the object so that it appears to bepart of the background. For example, the individual soldier can apply stick face paint to
the exposed areas of the skin; add burlap,
paint, and live vegetation to his helmet andclothing so that he will closely resemble or
blend into the background. The same things
can be done to equipment and structures tomake them inconspicuous. Blending distinctive
manmade objects into a natural terrain pattern is necessary to maintain a normal andFigure 16. It is obvious here, to even the untrained

observer, that some activity is taking place at both
0 and 0and bears watching.

of activity behind it. Figure 18 illustrates two
examples of hiding.
b. Blending. Blending is the arrangement or

20

natural pattern (figs. 19 and 20).
c. Disguising. Disguising is the third method.
It involves the simulation of an object or

activity of military significance. Clever disguises will mislead the enemy as to identity,
strength, and intention, and will draw his firefrom the real target.

1 Before

Figure 17.

2 After

Turnoff tracks are well concealed by clever use of a camouflage net.

21

ZIP~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,

Jr

!-

--

cYi~~~c

_

_

_

_

I

Figure 18. --Examples

22~~1222~~r-_-

of hiding.r

This screen hides from ground observation the amount and type of traffic using thisimportant main supply route in Korea.
Figure 18-Continued.

23

-I-"

Figure 19.

24

A tank blending into its background somewhere in Korea.

Figure 20.

An installation blended into its background.

25

CHAPTER 4CAMOUFLAGE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL
11. Introduction
a. Individual camouflage is the concealment
a soldier uses in combat to surprise, deceive,and outwit his enemy. He must know how to

use the ground. He must adapt his dress toblend with his background. He must carefully
select his routes between positions to gain suchconcealment as is possible while he is inmotion. The simple principles in this chapter
have been battle tested. If the soldier learns
andthem
practices
continuously inand practices them continuously in training hewill know what to do in actual battle.
b. Individual camouflage activities are designed to deceive two kinds of enemy observers-ground and air. Views from the ground arefamiliar, but views from the air are usuallyquite unfamiliar. In modern warfare the enemy
puts much reliance on aerial photographs for
information as to our activities and intentions.
It is important to become familiar with the"bird's-eye-view" of the terrain as well as theground view in order to learn how to guard
against both kinds of observation.
c. Effective concealment of the individual
depends primarily on the choice of backgroundand its proper use. Background is the surrounding area seen from the ground and theair. It may be anything-a portion of thejungle, an area in a barren rocky desert, afarm yard, or a city street. It is the controlling
element in individual camouflage and governs
every concealment measure. The clothes thatare worn must blend with the predominantcolor of the background. Skin and light coloredequipment are toned down for the same purpose. The individual soldier must practiceblending with the background by hiding inshadows and avoiding contrast between his;silhouette and the background. He must avoid
movement which the immobile background will
26

emphasize. To keep the appearance of the
background free of signs which point to thepresence of military personnel and activities,hehe mustmust follow
follow hidden
hidden routes,
routes, andand conceal
concealspoil, tracks, equipment, and installations.
12. Disguising the Helmet
The outline of the helmet is one of the striking
characteristics of a soldiers equipment, and its
curved familiar shape can be easily identified
by the enemy. One of the first steps for individual camouflage is the disruption, both of
the form of the helmet and the strong straightlined shadow it casts. There are several waysof doing this (fig. 21). Improvised helmet
covers can be made from circular pieces of
osnaburg, burlap, or other cloth, 20 inches indiameter. A 1-inch hem is sewn around theedges, a drawstring is pulled through it, andthe whole cover is pulled tightly onto the helmet. Discarded sand bags, because of theirappropriate size make excellent improvised
covers. The sack is tucked up into the helmet
and the liner then replaced to hold it firmly inplace. The covers, regardless of what they are
made, should be painted to break up the solid
color. Two-inch slits are cut in the cover toallow for the insertion of foliage or bows. No
matter what kind of helmet camouflage is used,
it is incomplete if the shadow beneath thehelmet is not broken up by arranging a bit offoliage or garnishing so that pieces of it hangover the rim of the helmet. Small irregularpieces of cloth, similarly arranged, will accomplish the same thing.
13. Canvas Equipment
Age and repeated washings will fade canvas
equipment. When this occurs it must be
darkened with paint, mud, charcoal, or anything else that will reduce the tonal contrast.

(1)Rubber bands, or expedient bands made from old
inner tubes or burlap strips, secure natural
materials. (Note position of band.)(4)

Texturing diminishes shine from steel helmet.

(2)

Slits in burlap allow insertion of natural material.

(5)

Burlap helmet cover pattern painted to break up
solid color before natural materials are inserted.

(3)

Form disrupted by burlap bows tied into slitted
cover.

(6)

A disruptive paint pattern, with the pattern
carried across the curved lines of the edges,
especially those seen from the front.

Figure 21.

Various techniques for camouflaging the helmet.

14. SkinFace, neck, and hands should be toned down
by painting them in a disruptive pattern or by

toning them down in an even color (fig. 22).
When using disruptive painting the patterns
should cut across the nose lines, cheek bones,
27

eye sockets, and chin lines. Burnt cork and mud
can be used, or in the absence of natural materials, the face paint stick may be used. A
mesh mosquito netting, properly toned down,
is an effective way of breaking up the otlines

15. Weapon Tonedown
One of the simplest ways to distort the giveaway outline of a weapon is by wrapping itwith burlap garnishing or strips of cloth dyed
to match the background. Pattern painting theweapon is another excellent method of distorting the weapon outline. The shiny parts canbe covered by cloth, paint, or mud. Care must
be taken when camouflaging a weapon not tocause interference in the sighting and firing ofit (fig. 23).

Figure 22.

28

16. Shiny Objects
Reflection from brightly shining objects is acommon breach of camouflage discipline. All
shiny objects must be concealed. This includes
such items as watches, rings, belt buckles,
and mess kit items. A common breach of discipline is the wearing of goggles on the helmet.
This is a violation which should be avoided.
Individual concealment requires a little
planning and thought and ingenious use ofmaterials at hand. This applies to the camouflage of clothing also. In the absence of issued
camouflage uniforms, the soldier can make his
own camouflage suit, adapting its color andpattern to the terrain background. Any color-

Shiny and bright skin must be toned down.

M-60

MACHINE

GUN

RIFLE

AR

15

Figure 28.

-

WRAPPEDPATTERN

COVER

WITH

CLOTH

PAINTED

SHINE

WITH

MUD

Suggestions for camouflaging an individual weapon.

29

ing materials can be used, such as dyes, crankcase oil, or even a mixture of mud and grease.
The important thing is to make the clothing
look less like a uniform and more like theterrain in which it is to be worn (fig. 24). For
use in snow covered terrain there is available
a white garment designed to blend with awhite or mottled white and black background.
The snowsuit does not conceal the small
patches of shadow that surround a human figure, but this is not necessary since snow
country is seldom all white-it does containnumerous dark spots and shadows. If certain
snow areas are all white with absolutely no
shadows, use is made of defiles, snow drifts,

and natural folds in the ground. It must be
remembered that camouflage clothing andcamouflaged equipment alone won't conceal.
The tonedown, the camouflaged helmet, thepainted suit, the covered shiny objects are
just the beginnings of the concealment job.
Too often, men have relied with complete faith
on a camouflaged helmet and a camouflaged
suit, thinking themselves miraculously invisible, and completely disregarding all thebasic elements of camouflage. This invariably
leads to disastrous results. These measuresmake it easier to conceal, but only when taken
in conjunction with the principles of scouting
and patrolling (FM 21-75).

Figure 24. Self-made camouflage suits blend this patrol into the terrain.

30

CHAPTER 5
FIELD FORTIFICATIONS
18. Sitinga. After the demands of the military situan Aftdemadsio
thef thavebenietasitu
tonmssonan te have been met, siting
with proper background is the first consideration given to the concealment of a fortification.
From the standpoint of ground observation,
the emplacement should be sited to avoid

THIS

SPOIL SHOULD

HAVE

creating a silhouette against the sky or against
a background of contrasting color. To avoid air
observation, the emplacement should be locatedunder trees, bushes, or in dark areas of therrain.
b. It is equally important that the concealing cover chosen is not isolated, since a lone

BEEN CARRIEDAWAY INSANDBAGS OR OTHER CARRYING DEVICE; OR HIDDENUNDER BUSHES;DUMPED ON DIRT ROADS OR IN A
POND OR STREAM. IF TIME AND CIRCUMSTANCES
DO
NOT

ALLOW

WITH
PINE

NATURAL
NEEDLES.

REMOVAL, THEN
MATERIALS,ITSHOULDLEAVESSE

COVERED

BRANCHES,

OR

Figure 25. Spoil clearly reveals the positions.

31

clump of vegetation or solitary structure is aconspicuous hiding place and will draw enemy
fire whether the enemy sees anything or not.
c. The natural look of the terrain should not
be disturbed. This is best accomplished by removing or camouflaging the spoil (fig. 25).
d. Natural terrain lines, such as edges offields, fences, hedge-rows, and rural cultivation
patterns are excellent sites for emplacements;,

to reduce the possibility of aerial observation.

i

l\l'
j

1,

-

Regular geometric layouts are to be avoided.

19. Construction
Before any excavation is started, all natural
materials, such as turf, leaves, forest humus,
or snow are removed and placed aside to be*

used later for restoring the natural appearance\of the terrain. Concealment while constructing
an elaborate fortification is vital.

20. Covers
When a position cannot be sited under natural
cover, camouflaged covers are valuable aids inpreventing detection (figs. 26 through 28).
Materials native to the area are preferred,
but when using natural materials over an emplacement they must be replaced before theyHi)v

Figure 27. Details of a foxhole cover.

wilt and change color, leading to detection.
Artificial materials may be used effectively,
such as those made to simulate tall grass,bushes, stumps, and rocks, whichever the terrain calls for. They are valuable principally
against aerial observation. They are light inweight and may be easily pushed out of theway.
_- ,~q,

21. Machinegun Positions-'fFigure 26.

32

Cover made from burlap and tree bark.

The machinegun receives the close attention ofenemy troops and its concealment must be
as perfect as possible. Usually, machinegun
emplacements are hasty, in which case camouflage means siting to best advantage and thenusing any materials at hand.

'Il

Figure 28. A roadside foxhole with a 3.5 rocket launcher. (Back blast from suchrecoilless weapons as the rocket launcher must be considered when locating
and constructing emplacement.)

22. Mortars
Mortars should always be sited in defilade.
Since a mortar covering a designated target
area has a wider choice of position than theother smaller weapons, such defilade can almost
always be found and concealment from direct

ground observation is fairly easy. Proper
siting in shadow and broken ground patternmaking certain there is the necessary overhead
clearance for firing, together with intelligent
use of natural and artificial materials offer therequired mortar concealment from the air.

33

Figure 29. Mortar emplacements.

34

CHAPTER 6
VEHICLES AND ARTILLERY

Section I. VEHICLES
23. Revealing Factors
more than just a lost vehicle; it may mean
discovery of a unit, disclosure of an important
tactical plan, or complete destruction of an installation. Camouflage of vehicles depends not
only on concealing the vehicles themselves,
their shine, shadow, and shape, but equally on
preventing and concealing their all-revealing
tracks. (It should not be forgotten that enemy
ground and aerial observation is drawn quickest by anything that moves, and that nothingcan be done to conceal vehicles moving throughundergrowth or along exposed routes.)a. Tracks. Tracks are especially revealing to
the aerial observer. They indicate type, location, strength, and even intentions of a unit.
The gradual turns of wheeled vehicles are distinguishable from the skidding turns of a tracklaying vehicle, and often a single track acrossan area of low vegetation is clearly visible. The
last is especially true in the early morning
hours when there is a heavy dew. Tracks
should follow closely and be parallel to hedges,
fences, cultivated fields, and other natural
terrain lines in order to remain inconspicuousfrom the air. Also, tracks should always continue past the position to a logical termination.
(1), Completl
cconcealede rd(1) Completely
roads rarely
exist. Even the comparatively small amount oftimber which must be cut down to clear aroadway through a wooded area leaves gaps in
the overhead cover that are clearly seen fromthe air. Partially concealed roads do exist however, and they are better than exposed ones.
Reconnaissance parties should locate them.
Any gaps in overhead cover on such a road canbe concealed by erecting overhead screens oreither artificial or natural materials. On shortstretches, exposed tracks may be erased bybrushing leaves and debris over them. All conuse and guards posted to insure minimum disturbance in the area.
(2) If possible, before a unit occupies aposition, a quartering party should first makea reconnaissance and lay out a concealed trackplan. No vehicle should enter the new area
until then. This plan should be laid out to fit
into the terrain pattern as inconspicuously as
possible by taking advantage of existing roads,
overhead cover, and shadow casting lines.
Many factors must be considered in such aplan: duration of occupation; time allowed forentering and leaving; size, character, and mission of occupying unit; distance from theenemy; and weather effect on visibility. A
standard track plan is impossible-an idividual solution is required for each installation. In addition to laying out a plan on the
ground itself, a plan should be sketched oneither a map overlay or a sketch of the area.
Parking areas should be indicated as well as
those portions of routes to be patrolled bytraffic guides.
(3) Since a unit may have to occupy aallpositionpriormustreconnaissance,
camoufagewithout
training
insure that unit

personnel are trained to follow terrain patterns
and utilize all overhead cover, when possible.
Particular attention must be directed to training of vehicle drivers, so that they will follow
these rules automatically, even in the absenceof NCO's and officers. The officers and NCO's
must instruct all personnel that when the firstvehicle enters an area, guards must be sta35

tioned at critical points to direct traffic. This
prevents unnecessary vehicle slow-down, stopping, or jamming on a roadway.
(4) In snow covered terrain, concealmentof tracks in a major problem. Even in lightsnow, tracks make strong shadow lines visible
from great distances. Sharp turns should be
avoided because the resulting snow ridges casteven heavier shadows. The same principles
stressed throughout this discussion apply tosnow covered terrian, with a bit more emphasis
on following natural shadow casting terrain
lines. It is also important that all vehicles
keep to the same tracks. Vehicles leaving the
track or road may achieve short periods oftrack concealment by driving directly into oraway from the sun, as shadows cast by thesetracks will not be apparent until the sun strikes
them from an angle. Short lengths of tracks
may be obliterated if they are not too deep, bytrampling them with snowshoes.
b. Shine. Siting and track discipline do muchto conceal a vehicle, but shine can nullify thebest site and finest track discipline. Shine isalways present when there is light in the sky,
sunlight, moonlight, or the light of flares. It iscaused by windshield, headlight, cab window,
wet vehicle body, and even by the light paintof the insignia. These danger spots must beconcealed by any means. The betraying natureof shine should never be underestimated. Even
under heavy overhead cover, shiny objects may
be revealed through the smallest of gaps.
c. Shadow. There are two kinds of shadows
to consider in camouflage. One is the concealing
shadow cast by objects on the ground. From
the air, these appear so dark that a vehicle
parked within them has a good chance of remaining undetected (fig. 30). In the northernhemisphere, the north side of an object higher
than the vehicle is the best side on which topark; the east and west sides are dangerous
for half a day. The other kind of shadow to
consider is that cast by the vehicle itself. Thisrevealing shadow must be hidden by parking
either in the shadow of a larger object as explained above, or by parking on the sunny sideof the object (fig. 31). In addition, the smaller
shadow areas contained within the vehicle
itself such as the shadow line of the truck bodyin and around the cab, beneath the fenders,within the wheels, and in the open back of the
cargo space must be blocked out for they too
36

facilitate identification. In snowy areas withlittle or no cover, vehicles can be parked facing
directly into the sun to reduce the shadow,which can then be further reduced and broken
up by large snowballs or deep holes dug in thesnow. Snow thrown on the wheels helps todisrupt this tell-tale area.
24. Camouflage Measuresa. Siting and Dispersion. As is always thecase in camouflage, the aim of good vehicle
siting is to occupy the terrain without altering
its appearance. To do this, vehicles should beparked under natural cover whenever available. When cover is inadequate, they should beparked so that the shape of the vehicle will
disappear into the surroundings. Before adriver can site his vehicle to take advantageof the concealment possibilities of his surroundings, he must know how the different
terrains look from the air. In combat zones
this knowledge is as important as knowing how
to drive the vehicles.
b. Use of Natural Materials.While good siting and dispersion are essential, sometimes
they are not enough. Greater concealment canbe had by supplementing these measures withnatural materials to break up the shape andshadows of the vehicles. This material is almost always available near a parking site andcan be erected and removed quickly. When cut
foliage is used, it should be replaced as soon
as it starts to wither (figs. 32 and 33). Altering the color of vehicles or adding texture tothem are other ways to supplement siting anddispersion. Color may be changed by applying
mud to the body and tarpaulin, following thepatterning principles given below. Texture
may be added all over or in pattern shapes byattaching leaves, heavy grass, or course sandto the surface with an adhesive.
c. Pattern Painting. Pattern painting of avehicle is not a cureall. It is, however, a valuable supplement to other camouflage measures.
Added to good siting, dispersion, discipline,
and the use of nets, it increases the benefit to
be derived from such measures. Vehicle patterns are designed to disrupt the cube shape of
vehicles from all angles of view, to disrupt
shadows, and to tie in with the shadow at therear of a vehicle when it is faced into thesun, as well as the large dark shadow areas ofwindows, mudguards, wheels, and under-

iX

37

Figure 31.

Throw the shadow onto something irregular.

carriage. The patterns must be bold enough tobe effective at a distance. White or light graypaint is applied to the undersurfaces of thevehicle to cause them to reflect light, thus
lightening the dark shadows of the undercarriage. This is termed "countershading." Aspreviously stated, pattern painting alone will
not conceal a vehicle. To be effective, it must
be combined with proper background andsiting. Because today's modern mechanized andhighly mobile units have the capability oftraveling great distances over varied terrain
and growth, pattern painting effective one day
may be totally ineffective the next day. In
fact, the pattern may even prove to be a detriment by rendering the vehicle conspicuous.
In areas where snow is a daily problem, vehicle
concealment is made much easier if the vehicle
is painted with the snow pattern shown in fig-

removed. Drape nets can give complete concealment against direct observation, but, aswith most artificial camouflage materials, canfrequently be detected by photographic observation because they often fail to blend
properly with the background. In every case,however, properly suspended and supported,
drapes do conceal the identity of a vehicle,
even though the drape net itself may be detected. Nets are not recommended in snow
areas. They require excessive maintenance,cannot support a snow load, and become wet,frozen, bulky, and hard to handle.

ure 34- The national symbols have been leftbe made to dig in important vehicles. Not only
are they more easily concealed but they are also
protected from fragments. An excavation is

off the vehicle in the following illustrations inorder toorder
lo show
show thethe ptenmrclay,
pattern more clearly.
Whether or not to eliminate them and othercommon vehiculartermined by hiugher

markings
mauthorityngs

must be demusta

d. Nets. The principal artificial materials
used to conceal vehicles are drape nets. They
are easy to use, quickly erected, and quickly

38

e. Digging In. In a desert, or any open
barren terrain,
thesmaller is its shadow and theground, the smaller is its shadow and theeasier it is to conceal from aerial observation.
Whentheto situation
permits, vehicles.
every effort
be madedig in important
Not must
only

made, with a slanting approach and the vehicleiS parked in the pit. Sandbags are used to form
revetment for protection and the whole thingis covered with a net. The net is sloped gently
out to the sides and staked down. Finally, thevehicle tracks to the position are brushed out
or covered.

Figure 32. Park a vehicle close to a clump of trees and use cut
foliage to break up its shape and shadows.

39

The characteristic black shadow in the open end of a cargo truck can be seen for aconsiderable distance. One way to conceal this shadow is to drop the rear tarpaulin,another way is to use natural materials, as shown here.

Figure S8.

40

Further measures to conceal vehicle.

Ground view and pattern plan of tank painted olive drab and black, the undersurfaces countershaded white. Keep patterns bold and simple.

Patterns for temperate zones and jungle
Figure 34. Pattern painting of vehicles.
41

......

~

lI~:II~:I1::I.::-:i:i:~:::.:..:.:.:.:...........
lii~~~
iii ii::I::::::::::
iii~.. .. ...........
:::::_.:::::... .......
............

i::::::::::::::::::::::::.........
~~~~~~~~~lii~ri~lii....
"::::a::::...
.... ...
::- .....~iii......
~;
T:::::j:..........
ii.. .. ..

ll

Olive drab and earth red blend with reddish desert backgrounds. Other lightcolors useful in desert are sand and earth yellow. Patterns break up angularlines.
Pattern for desert terrain
Figure 8o-Continued.

4242

(3) White and olive drab for backgrounds of snow and trees. An equally effective
scheme is block and white. In snow, countershading is not necessary.
Pattern for snow terrain
Figure 34-Continued.

43Section II. ARTILLERY
25. Revealing Factors
As is the case with all other impedimenta of
warfare, skillful concealment of artillery
weapons can add immeasurably to the elementof surprise and thence to the defeat of theenemy. Enemy observers are trained to searchfor certain definite signs which indicate thepresence of artillery-imperfectly camouflaged
weapon positions, blast areas, litter, paths or
wheel tracks, and in the case of a missile site,
the excessive earthworking scars in the terrain
pattern necessitated by a level firing pad andfueling entrances and exits, etc. Even though
the weapons themselves are hidden, such signs
are dead giveaways of the presence of artillery.
These signs may not of themselves indicate
the exact nature of the position, but they
do attract enemy attention and invite more
careful observation.
26. Camouflage Measuresa. Governing Factors. Camouflage measures
vary with the situation and are affected by thefollowing:(1) There will be little opportunity to
camouflage positions extensively when theiroccupancy will be of short duration. If it should
develop thatthat thethe weapons
developweapons must
must remain
remain longer,longer,their locations can then be improved by better
siting and hiding.
(2) When the batteries are deployed fora coordinated attack, the location of each battery. and of each piece should be carefully
selected.
(3) In a defensive action, extensive
camouflage is developed. Utmost precaution

must be taken to deceive the enemy as to thelocation of the installation.
b. Siting. The exact position for the elementsof a battery, within the assigned area, mustpossess several qualifications:(1) The required field of fire.
(2) Room for dispersion of weapons, vehicles, and other equipment organic to the battery.
(3) Opportunity to establish communications without creating attention getting groundscars and paths.
(4) Opportunity for access and supply
routes. It is desirable to have routes available
to the front, flanks, and rear. This is importantin situations where it may be necessary to
make sudden changes in position. When personnel, ammunition, equipment, and othersupplies are moved into position, they must
follow a prepared traffic plan (para 23a(2)).
c. Nets. Wherever natural concealment is
impossible or difficult, suitably garnished twine
nets and chicken wire are quick and effectivemeans of concealment. Care must be taken tofollow the correct methods in their use (TM5-200). Wire netting, although heavier andbulkier, holds its form better, is more durable,
and is invaluable
positionsa relatively
nature.for The
twineof nets,
being
lighter and easier to handle are better adapted
to mobile situations and temporary positions.
Both kinds can be garnished with cloth strips
and natural materials (figs. 35 and 36).
d. Pattern Painting. Pattern painting ofartillery pieces can be an effective aid to concealment and is designed for use in varying
terrains (fig. 37).

tilt/ii~~~~~~~~~
~~~

4

*

LQX

Honest John missile concealed by use of natural materials
Figure 35.

Two ways of concealing missiles.

45

:

-

1

4

i

Net supplementing natural materials for concealing Honest John missile.
Figure 35-Continued.

46

Figure 86.

Net set supplementing sparse vegetation to conceal a rocket
launcher and erector.

47

This Howitzer is pointed white forsnow terrain in wooded areas, with
about 5I left olive drab. In greatly

predominant snow areas the pieceshould he solid white.

This pattern is suitable for lightdesert backgrounds. Inreddish
desert background, the earth yellow should be changed to earth
red.

Fwor
temperete and ijungle terrain,
olive drab, field drab, and white.

'igure 7?. Patterns for artillery.
48

CHAPTER 7
AIRCRAFT
27. Introduction
The measures for concealing aircraft on the
ground follow the same principles of camouflage
any veveof any
the concealment
concealment ofas thosethose forfor theflage ashide or item of equipment. However, thecamouflagee of fixed and rotary wing aircraft
poses some unique problems which must be
considered. These are the effects of propeller
and rotor wash; the size and shape of the aircraft; the difficult ground handling characteristics; and the delicate nature of control surfaces, antennas, and aircraft skin.
28. Siting
Aircraft must be situated in an area with easy
access to taxiways and runways. This is anoperational requirement with which camouflage
inparked in
Aircraft parked
interfere. Aircraft
not interfere.
must notflage mustline are extremely vulnerable. Particular careshould be taken to select parking sites in which
the aircraft may be blended with the naturalvegetation, while at the same time observing
proper dispersion (fig. 38). Good siting in itself does not eliminate possible detection
cover isWhere natural
is nonexistent,
nonexistent,
overhead covernatural overhead
Where
improvisatons can be effective (fig 39
Light reflections from the metal and plexiglass
surfaces may be observed shining through eventhe best of overhead concealment-natural or
artificial. The moment an aircraft is parked

Proper dispersion means more than just spacing parked aircraft
at a distance from one another as shown above
Figure 38.

Aircraft parking.

49

Military objects must be scattered in a random pattern toescape damage from enemy attack
Figure 38-Continued.

and camouflage begun, all glass, plastic, andshiny metal surfaces must be covered. Extreme
care must be used when covering aircraft
surfaces. All covers must be secured and it isrecommended that some means for marking
each cover be used to prevent attempted takeoff while such covers and camouflage materials
are attached.

3. pArtifiiel Materials
CnemntoIn many cases it will be necessary to resort tothe use of artificial camouflage materials to
supplement inadequate natural terrain featuresand vegetation.
a. Shadow Nets. Shadow nets placed on the50

ground, under the craft, will break and distortthe outline of the shadow, even if the craft isin the open (fig. 40). When such materials areused, they must be tightly secured to wellanchored stakes or other suitable attachments.
Otherwise, camouflage materials may be drawn
into the rotor blades or propellers of air vehicles. Additionally, care must be exercised whenerecting or placing artificial materials, so as

prevent damage to the aircraft and not interfere with operations and maintenance during pre- and post-flight inspections.
b. Hammocks. A twine or wire net hammockhung between trees gives additional overheadprotection in sparsely wooded areas. The nets

Whereso onerheodis oneiloble, breekup theclear cut outline of the plne's shodow on the
ground.Notice howe few freshly cut branches'

distort the shope end shedow of this niroraft.

.ri;

If oerhead growthis too thin for dequoteconcelmen.t, brnches c..n be pulled together withteal-tell

I a ligt aircraft
sado
o

1

vines,
wiren.
doe,t hethe nose. The aircraft
aembly andmayescape notice of enemyobserves.

Figure 39.

Natural materials for improvising overhead cover.

51
51

2 9'- 0"

green garnishing(temperate zone)

40% Olive drab

Holes in net
to distortpattern
Shadow nets are camouflage nets garnished to appear as a group of irregular dark patches.
If the net is not available, dark cloth with holes torn in it can be used successfully, or
dark patches can be produced by burning rags, brush, or other debris to produce ashes, oreven by pouring crankcase drainings on the ground. Nets and cloth do have the advantage
in that they can be reused. If helicopters are to land and take off from these nets or clothcare must be taken to anchor them securely against the wind created by the rotor blades.
Figure 40. Shadow nets.

52

(1) Hammocks conceal from vertical viewing only.

(2) If additional camouflage is needed, to protect from oblique observation, aqarnished twine net can be hung from the exposed sides.

Figure 41.

Hammocks used as an overhead cover.

53

can be garnished witheither artificial or natural materials, or a combinationdof both (fig.
rhad fr s orumbreas froms wires strung
41).
between trees
wies berhead
trees umbrellasdfro
Ofc.
Umbrella
Screens.
4c2.
Umbrella Sreens. Another techniqe(fig. 42). Devices of this type are suitable fortechniquei iss small
aircraft only.

Hung at varying heights
above the aircraft,allow quick getaway
and servicing. Garnishingthese umbrellas simulate tree tops.
They
may consist of burlap,
steel wool, glass
fiber, chicken feathers, or fresh foliage (the latter must be maintained
and restored as
it whithers)Figure 42.

54

Umnbrella screens.

d. Drapes. To conceal completely against
direct enemy observation, drapes must be located near trees or bushes, or on ground broken
by low scrub growth. If the terrain is bare ofvegetation, siting should be in the shadow sideof folds in the ground or within mottled groundpatterns, such as are formed by rock outcroppings. In such terrain, drape nets will hide theidentity of aircraft but will not conceal themcompletely from enemy aerial photo interpretations.
31. Pattern Painting
Proper painting helps an aircraft blend with
its surroundings by distorting characteristicfeatures, minimizing color contrast, and reducing shine. This is all it will do. While theseelements of recognition are the revealing ones,
it is more often that the aircraft's shape,
shadow, and accompanying evidence of activity
are the primary causes of enemy detection.
The value of pattern painting must, therefore,
be regarded as an asset only, when used inconjunction with camouflage principles andmethods, i.e., good siting, dispersion, trackconcealment, discipline, and the intelligent useof artificial and natural materials. It follows
that pattern painting of aircraft is of limited
value when considering ground to air observationoflowandmedium-levelaircraft
tion of low andmedium-level aircraft.
a. Basic Color. The paint should be lusterless,and of the predominant color found in thenatural terrain patterns in which the aircraft
will be sited. In temperate zones and jungle

areas and partially snow covered terrain, thecolor recommended is olive drab. In predominantly snow covered terrain, such as the arctic
and antarctic areas, the craft should be completely white without a disruptive pattern. In
desert terrains, because of the variations, nosingle color is recommended, but rather, desert
sand, earth yellow, earth red, or mixtures ofthese colors.
b. Disruptive Patterns. Although the basic
color provides a high degree of camouflage, insome cases, disruptive patterns add a marginalincrease. The principles of pattern painting
discussed in paragraph 24c are the same foraircraft-irregular, large, and bold, and of acolor to blend with the terrai pattern (Colorand brightness contrasts not present in the

background become conspicuous and should
always be avoided.) Black is recommended forthe disruptive pattern color in temperate zones,
jungles, and deserts, except areas of the desert

having light shadow, in which case olive drab

is more effective. In partially snow covered
terrain again olive drab is recommended. In

the arctic and antarctic the craft should becompletely white without any disruptive pattern. When technical considerations makepracticable, rotor blades on helicopters cantpainted--the upper surface olive drab andunder surface black. In arctic and antarctic

areas the upper surface should be white. Figure 43 illustrates possible patterns. These aresimply suggestions-no one set pattern should
be followed religiously since variety is always
desirable in any camouflage measure.

55

=BASIC CAMOUFLAGE

M3

DISRUPTIVECOLOR

PATTERN

Figure43. Suggested disruptive patternpainting for aircraft.

56

CHAPTER 8
BIVOUACS, COMMAND POSTS, AND SUPPLY POINTS
32. Introduction
A unit in bivouac is particularly vulnerable toaerial observation
and attack because
enemy aerial

observation and attack because

its elements are concentrated in a smaller area
than usual; and, except for the security elements, the men are resting and less alert thanon the field of battle. It is at such a time that

Figure 44.

camouflage must be at its best (fig. 44). The
unit
unit must
must notnot only
only conceal
conceal itself
itself quickly
quickly andandefficiently, but must avoid the dangers ofbreaches in camouflage discipline.
33. Stages of Development of a Bivouac
There are four stages in the development of a

Aerial view of well-camouflaged bivouac area.

57

bivouac-planning, occupation, maintenance,and evacuation. Since it is often possible andprobable that units must move without opportunity for planning, this stage may be lacking.
In this case, the five points listed below inparagraph a must be satisfied in the area on
and after arrival.
a. Planning. Frequent bivouacs are characteristic ofmobile warfare.
warfare. There
There isisteristicof modernmodern mobile

camouflage standpoint, the maintenance isrelatively simple. Successful maintenance involves frequent inspection of installations, active patrol measures for discipline, and whenpossible, aerial observation and photographs.
Critical activities of a unit in bivouac arethose that call for the congregation of troops,of which messing is the best example. It ishere that the track plan must be rigidly en-

it may be necessary to provide
seldom time or facilities for elaborate construc-ften
artificial
overheadcover, such as flattops oraandquickly
entered.
tion; instead, bivouacs arequickly evacuated. No matter how swift theoperation or how limited are time and facil-

ities. rthe.
ofof aacommunit must plan forities, the commander
concealment in bivouac. The general area ofthe bivouac is determined by the tactical plan.
Before going into this area, the quartering
party should become familiar with the terrain
pattern through a careful study of maps andaerialand bebe fully
fully acquainted
acquainted
aerial photographs,
photographs, andwith the tactical plan and the camouflage
requirements. There are five critical points forthe party to keep in mind:(1) Mission of the unit.
(2) Access routes.
(3) Existing concealment in the area.
(4) Size of the area,(5) Concealment of all around defense

drape nets. These, when used, must be carefullypits must
must
fully maintained.
maintaied. Garbage
Garbage disposal
disposal pits

be concealed, with special care given to the
spoil. Maintenance of night discipline isanother difficulty. Men tend to relax at night.
The same standard of camouflage discipline

must be observed by night as by day, sincenight aerial photography will often reveal aunit that has become lax in this respect. Wiredand taped paths must be followed. Blackout
control must be enforced.
d. Evacuation. Camouflage measures taken
at a bivouac do not end when the unit preparesto move out. An evacuated area can be left insuch a state of disarray that aerial photos
will reveal the strength and type of the unit,
its equipment, and even its destination. It is an
important part of camouflage to leave the area

looking undisturbed.

element of the position.
b. Occupation. A carefully controlled trafficplan (para 23a(2)) must be rigidly adhered
to while the units move into position. Guides
posted at route junctions, fully aware of the
camouflage plan, enforce camouflage discipline.
Turn-ins must be marked to prevent wideningof corners by vehicles. Foot troops must follow
marked paths through the area. This is a
critical period and bad camouflage discipline
can negate any further effort at concealment.
There must be no congestion of vehicles or
activities and dispersion should be automatic.
Seldom will vehicles be less than 30 metersapart in ordinary terrain or less than 100
meters in desert terrain. The three main congested areas-kitchen, maintenance, and thecommand post-must be dispersed.
c. Maintenance. Next to the occupation stage,
the maintenance stage is the most critical. If
the occupation has been successful from a
58

34. Bivouacs in Barren Terrain
Experience on the desert has taught muchabout concealment in areas where large, convenient overhead cover is seldom found. Such
areas, comparable to the desert as far as
camouflage is concerned, are unplowed fields,
rocky areas, grasslands, and other wide open
spaces. The desert has taught that concealment
in such areas is not impossible (fig. 45).
Certain kinds of predominantly flat terrain
have shadows cast by folds in the ground,large enough to allow some concealment bysitting alone. Judicious use of drape nets
can render objects inconspicuous. Even in essentially barren terrain excellent concealment
is possible when the configuration of theground is irregular enough to produce a strong
shadow pattern.
35. Bivouacs in Snow Covered Terrain
Although concealing a bivouac in snow covered

Figure 45. A bivouac area in North Africa during World War II.

terrain follows exactly the same principles asother camouflage, it presents several uniqueproblems. A blanket of snow often eliminates
much of the ground pattern, making blending
difficult. Differences in texture and color disappear or become less marked. Snow covered
terrain, however, is rarely completely white,and by taking advantage of dark features in
the landscape, communication lines, streambeds, evergreen trees, bushes, shadows of snow
drifts, folds in the ground, and the black
shadows of hillsides, a unit on the move or inbivouac may often blend itself successfully
into the terrain. Good route selection is usuallymore important than any other camouflage
measures. Because of the exposed tracks, skis
and snowshoes must not be used near the area
since their marks are more sharply defined
than foot tracks. To avoid tracking up an area,
personnel, vehicles, and material should be re-stricted from the open areas. Bivouacs whichhave been well concealed in snow terrain forsome length of time can be easily identified
when the snow melts, unless precautions aretaken. Compacted snow on much used paths
melts more slowly than the uncompacted
snow, leaving clearly visible white lines on adark background. When this occurs, the snow
must be broken up and spread out to quicken
melting. The best way to minimize conspicuousness of tracks when moving or in bivouac
is to follow communication lines or other lines
which are a natural part of the terrain. Tracks
coinciding with such lines are hard to identify.
A turn-off from such lines must be concealed
and the tracks themselves continued beyond thepoint. Windswept drift lines cast shadows andshould be followed as much as possible.
Straight tracks to an important installationmust be avoided.
5936. Command Posts

advantage of existing roads and telephone andtelegraph wires are easiest to conceal since newa. The command post is simply a specialized
communications are easiest be ceated and thekind of bivouac, with a few additional probterrain can remain unchanged. When new comlems of concealment peculiar to it. The communication
mand post is the nerve center of a militarymunication means
means must
must bebe created,created, natural
naturalunit and because of this is a much sought tarcover and terrain lines are used (figs. 46
get by the enemy. Command posts have functhrough 51).
tional requirements which result in the cread. After the site has been selected and aftertion of characteristic signs, by which they may
camouflage has been erected to supplement
be readily identified. Some of these are:whatever natural concealment is available at(1) Converging communication linesthe site, continued concealment depends onwire and road.
discipline. Tracks as always must be controlled,(2) Concentration of vehicles.
vehicles should, if possible be parked several(3) Heavy traffic which causes widened
hundred meters from the command post. Securturn-ins.
ity weapons and emplacements must be con(4) New access routes to a position which
cealed; tracks to them must be inconspicuous.
could house a CP.
All spoil must be concealed. Protective wire(5) Protective wire and other barriersand communication wire must follow terrain
surrounding the installation.
lines and be as well concealed as possible.
(6) Defensive weapons emplacements
Night blackout discipline must be rigidly
around the installation.
enforced. Routes to parking areas for visitors
The camouflage solution to these problems ismust be maintained in accordance with themuch the same as that for bivouacs. The
track plan.
primary factors are intelligent use of thee. In open terrain where natural concealment
terrain and background, and strict enforceis afforded only by small scrub growth andment of camouflage discipline.
rocks, overhead cover can be obtained by usingb. The site requirements of a large commanddrape nets or flattops. Even in desert terrain,
post are essentially the same as for a goodbroken ground and scrub vegetation form
bivouac: preliminary reconnaissance and layirregular patterns with which artificial mateout, quartering parties, rapid concealment ofrials may be blended. Digging in reduceselements, camouflage discipline, and a wellshadow and silhouettes, and simplifies draping
policed track plan to prevent visitors fromof emplacements or tents. In open terrain
violating it. There is one important additional
dispersion is particularly important. Routes
consideration. A large headquarters is likely
between elements must be concealed or madeto remain in an area for a greater length of
by indirect courses-never in straight lines.
time than a bivouacked unit. It is for thisf. Headquarters in existing civilian strucreason that the site must be capable of beingtures presents the problem of hiding movement
continuously occupied while offering a minifby day and concealing the evidence of activity
mum chance of being disclosed by changes inatnight,
atnight, when
when blackout
blackout conditions
conditions usuallyusually
the terrain pattern. It is unwise to locate aheadquarters in the only large building withinfarmgroup of farm buildings
buildings is
is notnot easily
easily disdisan extensive area of military operations. It iscovered if kept to a minimum. Attempts to
too obvious a place for such a post whether
alter the appearance of buildings by disrupsigns indicate it is being used as a headtive painting is evidence of occupation andquarters or not, and is likely to draw enemy
fire. If the command post is located in a buildof a small structure simulating a new garage
ing, there must be enough other buildings inor other auxiliary civilian building is unlikely
the area to prevent pinpointing the target.
to arouse suspicion, but any major changesc. Communications are the life blood of awill be closely scanned by enemy air observers.
command post. Command posts sited to take
When buildings are partially destroyed and60

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9c61

Figure 47. Proper layout of protective wire.

debris-littered, installations may be camouflaged with debris to blend with the rough andjagged lines of the surroundings. A few
broken timbers, pieces of lath, plaster, andscattered rugs will accomplish quick and effective concealment. Other debris usually available includes rubble, scrap metal, wreckedvehicles, and furniture.
37. Supply Points
pointsinclude all the difficulties

of bothbioa
lbivouac an
and comn
command potcneletls
post concealment plus
a number of particularly troublesome factors

peculiar to supply points alone. Supply points
62

vary in size from large concentrations of materials in rear areas to small piles of supplies
in the forward areas. From a camouflage
viewpoint, the large concentration of materials
is the main problem. Huge amounts of equipment of all kinds are brought up quickly, must
be unloaded and concealed quickly, and yet
must be easily accessible for redistribution.
Flattops are an effective solution if the supply
points are not too large, if time and materials
are available, and if they can be made to blend
with the terrain. For supply points that cannot
bedecoyanattack.
points will often divert
the concealed,
force ofenemy
b. Supply points make use of natural coverM1.1;

aappearetureexitenatualer

on the pattern.

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Stacked supplies.

cealment and control of trucks waiting to draw
supplies, and maintenance of camouflage
measures.
38. Camouflage of Water Points
a. Factors which aid in the concealment ofwater points are:
(1) Adequately concealed road net atpoint.
(2) Sufficient natural concealment to hide
waiting vehicles.
(3) Adequate concealment-artificial or
natural for operating personnel, storage tanks,and pumping and purification equipment.
(4) Strict enforcement of camouflage discipline.
(5) Control of spilled water; adequate

drainage to prevent standing pools of water
which reflect much light.
b. Foliage not sufficiently thick for perfectconcealment is supplemented by natural materials, flattops, or drapes. Concealment is required for water point equipment; the shineof water in the tanks; and small open areasthat must be crossed by vehicles or personnel
in operating the point. Shine on water can beconcealed by canvas covers or foliage and thecharacteristic shape of tanks can be distorted
by foliage or artificial materials.
c. Camouflage discipline at a water point
requires a water supply schedule for using
units. Lack of a schedule, or violation of aschedule, usually produces a concentration of
waiting vehicles which cannot be concealed.

65

CHAPTER 9LARGE SCALE AND RELATIVELY PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS
39. Introduction
The principles and methods of camouflagestressed throughout this manual are applicableto the camouflage of fixed and relatively permanent installations. Any difference is merely
one of degree of detailed planning and extent
of camouflage construction projects. Given thetime, material, and labor, there is almost no
limit to the concealment that can be accomplished, if the importance of the installation
justifies such expenditures. If its importancedoes not call for all-out camouflage, its visibility can still be reduced materially by the simple
method of tonedown. This chapter presentssuggestions for analyzing camouflage problems, preparing designs, and supervisingprojects. TM 5-200 covers the construction
materials and camouflage techniques which canbe modified to suit variations in specific installations.

41. Restrictive Factors
Factors which may limit camouflage possibilities are:40. Desired Quality of Camouflagee
The kind and degree of camouflage desired isdetermined by the following factors:
a. Importance of installation (how difficult

tenance, determined from study of year roundweather conditions (rainfall, temperature
ranges, snowload, and wind).

it would be to replace).

b. Vulnerability of installation (dispersion
and susceptibility to damage).
c. Probable enemy knowledge and evaluationof installation.
d. Extent and efficiency of air-warningfacilities and degree of air superiority.
e. Probable heights, directions of approach,and times of enemy observation or attack.
f. Probable angles of enemy observation.
g. Average visibility (rain, fog, and otheratmospheric conditions).
66

a. Prominent landmarks which serve as
reference points for enemy pilots. Practicalityof obscuring these landmarks should be considered.
b. Normal operational demands of installation.
c. Area involved and time allowed.
d. Expected useful life of installation. This
influences decision on short or long range
camouflage program.
e. Absence of suitable area for a decoy.
f. Availability and types of camouflage
materials, labor, and equipment.
g. Seasonal changes and expected main-h. Probable enemy use of aerial photographsof area.
i. Security requirements, including secrecy
during construction.
j. Nature of adjacent installations, especiallywith respect to existing or planned camouflage.
This is important when such installations areunder control of another authority.
k. Degree of cooperation to be expected fromunits whose activities will affect success of
final camouflagescheme.
42. Procedures
Before formulating a final plan for a project,a decision must be made as to the best con-

struction procedure to follow. The following
list suggests some of the possibilities. The final
choice depends on the situation that will exist
at the site at the time the work is initiated.
a. Complete camouflage applied step by stepduring construction or during a halt in theoperational activities.
b. Complete camouflage applied to successive

sectionsof the installation during operational

sectivitieons of the installation during operatic. Complete camouflage applied first only
to vital parts of a large installation.
d. Hasty temporary camouflage measures tobe replaced or augmented by more comprehensive and more permanent work.
e. Simultaneous development of completely
camouflaged installation and decoy.
f. Construction of a day or night decoy while
real installation is given tonedown treatment.

43. Essential Reference Data and Aids
The materials which should be gathered prior
to the plan and which should be used as reference and aids in creating the plan are:a. Medium and large-scale topographic mapsof the immediate and adjacent areas.
b. Aeronautical charts.
c. A controlled mosaic, at a scale notsmaller than 1:25,000 of the project area; anda controlled or semicontrolled mosaic at ascale not smaller than 1:50,000 of the sur-rounding area.
d. Aerial vertical photographs of the project
area with a minimum overlap of 60 percent andoblique photographs, taken from cardinal
directions or most likely approach angles.

e. Town plans and country maps.
44. Schedule of Operations
A schedule of operations should be prepared
early in a camouflage construction project.
This schedule should be planned so that:a. The project does not interfere at any timewith the functioning of the installation.
b. Materials can be ordered and deliveriesscheduled to avoid a storage problem.

c. Different types of work do not conflict by
being carried on at the same time in the samed. One type of work can be substituted foranother in the case of unforeseen delays.
45. Layout Grid Control
a. A plan of the area to be camouflaged

should be drawn at a scale of not less than 16
feet to the inch, and should be gridded at 4foot intervals, using the modular system. The
4-foot interval, or module, is a unit of measurement for regulating proportions. Its use as thebasis for a plan will reduce building costs, offer
the designer a simplified method of dimensioning drawings, eliminate the necessity for much
expensive detailing, and offer a system of repetitive module, 4 feet in dimension, on which
repetitive aspects of the camouflage can be constructed by an assembly line type of production. The 4-foot interval coordinates the sizingof different materials on a common basis sothat when assembled they can be readily fitted
together to form a complete structure. The
better the components from different manufacturers can be fitted together, the less will be
the cutting and adjustments required on thejob. Planning for the use of modular products
does not hamper designers in creating camouflage construction to meet any need. It simply
means that designers, producers of building
products, builders, and craftsmen all work together on a common basis using a coordinatedsystem of dimensioning.
b. Preparation of working drawings on a
modular basis (fig. 53) is-not -essentiallydifferent from that customarily followed inarchitectural practice. However, a new factor
has been added-the discipline of the grid.
(1) The modular grid. Coordination ofbuilding products in a structure is based upona 4-inch cube represented as a 4-inch grid onplans, elevations, and sectional drawings.

(2) Small scale drawings. At sales ofless than 1 inch to the foot, it is not practicalto show grid lines. An architects scale permits
drawings to be laid out in multiples of 4 inches.
Plans and elevations for camouflage construction are to be laid out using a 4 inch grid.
67

THE CUBEDIMENSION SYMBOLS
13'-0"`
12' -84"
4!'I

I ,,GRID

NON-GRID

1 The 4-inch module and grid.
2 The architect's scale allows multiples of four.
3 Dimension symbols.
Figure 53.

The 4-inch module as used in drafting.

(3) Modular details. A 4 inch grid is usedin drawing typical details at a scale of 3 inches
or 11/2 inches equaling 1 foot. The grid is thebasis of coordination and not necessarily adimension of materials. Materials are shownas actual size and either located on, or related
to, a grid line by a reference dimension. Dimensions on grid lines are shown by arrows;
those not on grid lines by dots.

not vary more than 1 foot from the design tomaintain the scale of the design. Variationsin scale make it difficult to match patterns atside walls and roofs and between areas. Lines
can be marked on the ground using a tennis
court marker, chalk lines, or any other marking device. With the grid lines as guides, thepattern outlines are then drawn.
47. Discipline'-.

46. Marking the Area

After the layout plan is determined, a grid of
16-foot squares (4 modules) is transferred to
the ground. Lines marked on the ground must

68

Camouflage discipline is vital during all con-struction phasesat any site to be camouflaged.
Effective disciplie requires constant supervision when construction is designed for alarge area. Clearings for buildings should be
limited to the area to be occupied by the building. Building locations can be shifted slightly
to avoid cutting down trees that will make subsequent camouflage easier. Scrap lumber, packing boxes, empty paint cans, and other formsof refuse and debris, as well as the spoil fromexcavations should be disposed of or camouflaged as soon as possible. Parking areas are
best dispersed and concealed and waiting
points and turnarounds should be marked.
Equipment not in use and stockpiles of supplies
must be concealed or removed from the site.
Working equipment must be screened for security. To prevent scarring the earth aroundsmall concrete structures, such as pillboxes,
raised platforms can be used for concrete mixing, supplies, and spoil. All personnel must be
familiar with the plan as it concerns their own
individual activities (figs. 54 and 55).

stantly checked for suitability, quality, color,and proper application. The paints should bechecked for color and type; cotton nets andwire netting should be inspected before use,with particular attention given to the garnish.
The overall construction plan should be checked
frequently on the ground and also by aerial
photographs for indirect analysis. Frequentnight inspections are valuable to discover any
violation of the principles of good camouflage.

48. Inspection
During construction, materials should be con-and, to a limited degree, the shadow of buildings can be disrupted by pattern painting the

49. Camouflage of Buildings
The basic methods of concealment-blending,hiding, and deceiving-can be applied either
to existing buildings or to new construction.
Concealment is much easier, however, when the
camouflage scheme is incorporated in the designs for new construction.
a. Disrupting Shape and Shadow. The shape

Figure 54. Careless and widespread earth scarring is caused by failure to establish a traffic plan, indescriminate use of earthmoving equipment, and too much concern with leveling and clearing to facilitate construction. An enforced traffic plan, set up during the planning stage would eliminate much of the revealing scars
in this picture.

69

Figure 55. When a large area of woods must be cleared, as required for an airstrip, the trees should be cut in
irregular patterns rather than in straight lines, even though this procedure might require more time and labor.

walls, the roof, and the surrounding ground.
Large irregular patterns of two or three colors
simulating the local terrain pattern can beapplied in such a way as to break the straightedges. Because the roof reflects more light thanany other part of the building, the patternshould be darker and the roof should be textured before being painted. The dark patternson the roof are carried down onto the wall
surface to break the line of the structure (figs.
56 and 57). The ground can be sprayed withblack bituminous emulsion to break the
shadow; coarse textured materials such as cinders, slag, or coal washer refuse can be spread
matlike around a building in an irregular pattern to obscure the shadow; or thick shrubberyor trees can be planted, if practicable, close to
the sides of a building. Rigid silhouettes added
to the eaves of the buildings will distort theirshape (fig. 58).
b. Digging. If the terrain permits, a new
structure can be partially dug in, in order to70

reduce the height and in turn the shadow (fig.
59). Buildings of metal or those housing metalmaterials may be concealed from radar andinfrared detectors by piling dirt in a gradualslope up to the eaves and placing approximately 3 inches of soil on the roof. (The moisture content of the soil used in this mannermust be kept at approximately the same as thatof the surrounding soils, or a reflectance difference will be created to negate the concealment
value.)

c. Screening. Buildings can be concealed byscreens of garnished nettings (figs. 60 through62).
62). Where
Where concealment
concealment fromfrom close
close observation
observationis required the netting should be sloped gradually to the ground. Disruptive patterns may
be painted over netting, roof, and gable-end
walls. For structures with roofs steeper than
300, the netting must cover the buildings.
d. Disguising. The nature and size of buildings can be disguised in many ways (figs. 63
through 70).

C~~~~~~~~~~.A
P~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.......

NOTES
THESE PATTERNS SHOULD BE
EXTENDED TO ADJACENTGROUND AREAS.
Figure 56.

Examples of pattern painting for small buildings.
71
7'

Figure 57. Painting must be designed to blend with the surroundings.
(D is unsuitable. () attempts to blend with the pattern and shadows.

72

Figure 58. Another method of breaking identifying shadows is to attachsilhouettes of plywood or other rigid materials to the eaves.

Figure 59.

Here is a quonset hut blended into the terrain by a combinationof digging in, texturing, and covering with a net.

73

Figure 60. The jungle has been extended by a garnished netting which completely conceals an operations
building from aerial observation.

Figure 61. Netting garnished with steel wool distorts the shape of thisbuilding from aerial view.

74300 OR LESS

END

SIDE

Figure 62. On small buildings where the slope of the roof is So30
degrees or less, the netting runs completelyaround the building, starting at the eaves and extending only far enough beyond the eaves to mask the
ground line of the building when viewed from an angle 30 degrees above ground level.

Figure 63. Long military structures are made to look like several small buildings. Shadows and trees between
the buildings are simulated by texturing and painting. The portions of the roofs left exposed are painted tomatch roofs of actual nearby houses. All the walks and paths lead directly to simulated entrances and havebeen textured to blend with the real ones.

75

Figure 64. Depot warehouses, power houses, and similar large structures in urban areas are often made toappear to be a group of smaller buildings characteristic of the locale. Roof lines are varied with wooden
framework covered with burlap or fine mesh wire netting to simulate sloping hip roofs. If pavement prevents
planting real shrubbery, two or three dimensional false shrubs of steel wool or glass fiber will disrupt the
shadows. Firewalls projecting above a roof can be transformed into garden walls or hedgerows on simulated
property lines. Monitors, elevator shafts, and other projections can be disguised as small buildings.

76

Figure 65. Structures can be made to conform to the architecture common to the locale by erecting superstructures of light timber and covering them with burlap, plaster, or other material. Here, a quonset hut isbeing altered to resemble the surrounding native houses.

being
srroundig
atered t nativ
resembehous77
theFalse trees at various points around the tent conceal effectively from aerial view.
Figure 66. Several methods, effective for disguises and concealment of tents.
77

A frame covered with feather garnished wire to simulate a tree erected over the tent.
Figure 66-Continued.

78

2

Frame upper
Fme lower.
Location of false trees.

More elaborate construction of 1 x 2-inch lumber suspended from crown of tent by
wire with false trees placed as indicated requires little maintenance.
1.

Frame upper

2. Frame lower

3. Location of false trees

Figure 66-Continued.

79

Figure 67.

80

Disruptive pattern painting is used in conjunction with false structures. Houses similar to thosein the background are simulated by three dimensional false roofs.

-asFigure 68. Ground view of a camouflaged messhall ofa munitions factory in Brisbane, Australia (1943). The
false road continues on over the building and terminates logically at a route juncture. This is an excellent
example of camouflaging a permanent installation.

Figure 69. The center area ) shows the typical symetrical barracks. On both sides ( the proper dispersionof barracks, in wooded areas, combined with tonedown, texturing of roofs, and pattern painting is shown.

81

Figure 70.

Closeup view of barracks shown in (), figure 69.

50. Roads and Parking Areas
Roads can be completely concealed for cormparatively short stretches only. However, intersections, traffic circles, short access roads, andparking areas, when they are landmarks, canbe made inconspicuous by tonedown, texturing,screening, transplanting trees, relocating
roads, or by making decoy roads. Tonedown
painting reduces the distance from which aroad can be seen. How effective this method isdepends on how closely the texture and color
used match those of adjacent areas. It is difficult to obtain the proper tone value by painting alone, texturing the surface will help (fig.

71).

there is a choice, the site should provide as
much natural overhead cover as possible forspur tracks, truck parks, storage areas, warehouses, and access routes. The railhead itself
should be at some intermediate point, not at
the end of the rail line. (False tracks leading
to a decoy railhead is probably the best solution
for confusing the enemy observation and attack.) The junction with the mainline should
be as inconspicuous as possible. Specific techniques area. Adding extra ballast to cover ties.
b. Making outer edges of ballast irregular.

c. Placing fitted screens between and on sidesof rails.
51. Railheads, Railways, and Rolling StockAll of the revealing characteristics of the activities and construction associated with a rail-

road are extremely difficult to camouflage. The
railways themselves are recognized by theirlong parallel lines, gradual curves, light coloredballast in the roadbeds, and the shine frommainline tracks. The railheads are recognizedby their size and the attendant activity. Camouflage measures, at best, can make the installation appear unprofitable to the enemy. When82

d. Erecting netting over sidings, between
building to conceal loading platforms, or overaccess routes to storage areas.

e. Enforcing a track plan for vehicles willkeep visible signs of unrelated activities at af Camouflage of supplies stored in the open.
g. Dispersing freight cars, locomotives, vehicles, and supplies. This is a normal precaution
and is essential when other camouflage is impossible.

1. Exterior view
2. Interior view
Figure 71. Parking area screened from observation.

52. Bridges
While a bridge is difficult to hide, there are
a number of camouflage tricks which may
deceive the enemy as to its location and, mostimportant, its condition. Simulated craters canbe painted on the decking and covered. Afteran attack, they can be exposed. Decoy tanks
and other decoy vehicles can be placed to simulate a traffice tie-up after the attack. Portionsof the side railing can be removed. For thistype of deception to be convincing, it must

appear that an alternate river crossing site is
being prepared. Approaches must be well wornon both banks. If there is a line of near-misscraters near the bridge, one or more of themshould be filled. If a bridge has been actually
damaged, it may be made to appear repaired
and usable by filling a gap with wire framework covered with cloth. Then it again becomesa logical crossing and protects the actual crossing. If a riverbed is suitable and the water slow
and muddy, bridges may be constructed with83

the deck submerged just below the surface.

The shape and shadow of a destroyed bridge
may be used to help conceal a ponton bridge
constructed alongside. If a decoy crossing isbuilt at a logical place, some distance away,
the expedient has a greater chance of escaping
detection. In certain cases it may be possible
to submerge a ponton bridge which has pneumatic floats by extracting air from the floats.
By this means, the bridge can be hidden during
daylight hours and refloated for use at night.
53. Wire Lines
A well camouflaged structure is of little value
if a conspicuous line of communication wire
terminates at the installation. It is disastrous
to allow unconcealed cable lines to end abruptly
at what is meant to appear as an innocent hill

55. Airfields
a. The first step in the camouflage of an airfield or landing site, as in all camouflage operaons, s a horough sudy of he erran by arobservation and aerial photographs. After theobservation and aerial photographs. After the
ground formation, predominant colors, andpatterns of the area are analyzed, the camouflage scheme can be planned.

b. Dispersed parking sites should be locatedwithin dark and heavily textured parts of thearea, avoiding sites where the aircraft would
be in sharp contrast to their surroundings orclose to an unusual or isolated terrain feature.
Use should be made of overhead concealment,
clumps of bushes, scrub growth, folds in the
ground, and other shadow-casting irregularities.

but is actually an important command post. A

c. Circulating traffic should be confined, if

decoy must continue past the installation to alogical termination or the real line must be
camouflaged. Imitation lines can be made ofrope, wire, cord, or other similar materials.
The presence of a line can be concealed to agreat extent by carefully locating it along terrain lines. Irregularly sized supporting poles
with the bark left on, set at irregular intervals
and staggered to conform to the ground pattern, are less conspicuous than lines regularly
spaced and alined. Spoil taken from the poleholes must be carried away or hidden. Caremust be taken during maintenance to avoid
making an obvious path along the line of poles.

possible, to existing roads and paths for movement within the area and for access to security
mrin-outposts.
routesto aa mor
kept toshouldbebe kept
routesshould
New ew
outposts. N
imum. Advantage should be taken of overheadconcealment and vehicles should be sited close

54. Pipelines
Pipelines should be laid along secondary roads
whenever possible. When cross-country laying
is necessary, terrain features should be fully
utilized. To eliminate the shadow of the pipe,
dirt or debris blended with the backgroundshould be banked gently along both sides of thepipe. A tonedown color applied to the pipe
helps blend it with the background. Tanks andpumping equipment should be recessed in pits,dispersed, and concealed by natural cover ornets. False pipelines are easily simulated by
the use of ditching equipment; after each day's
work, several poles should be left at the end of
the ditch to simulate a stack of unlaid pipe.
84d. The greater the traffic at an airfield themore difficult it becomes to camouflage runways and taxiways. Sod airfields do not ordinarily present too great a problem unless heavy
use has created worn paths and strips. If thisdoes happen it may be possible to extend thepath or strip into an already existing road ortrail, thereby concealing its actual purpose. In
this respect, cooperation on the part of thepilots by restricting their landings, takeoffs,
and turnarounds to designated areas is vitallynecessary. Hard runways and taxiways may
be textured and painted to blend with the background and roads can be simulated acrossthem.
e. The camouflage of revetments is difficult
because of their contained shadow. If they arepartially dug into the sides of hills, the problem
is simplified. The more irregular the shape andthe more gradual the slopes, the easier they areto camouflage. Earthwork revetments may beseeded to give them texture and color and toconceal new spoil. Further improvement may
be made by planting small shrubs or vines tobreak up the form and shadow. If time andfacilities permit, tree planting is an effective
measure.

familiar with the landing area the aids are
removed and displayed only for visiting aircraft. Field lighting must be concealed to pre-f. The operational structures associated withvent ground or oblique aerial observation
Light emitted from airfield lighting fixtures

airfields areorother buildingbuilding or
are treatedtreated as.any
as any otherairfields
position and are covered in other parts of themanual.
g. Panels and other landing aids are displayed only when required. When pilots arecan be controlled by use of the combat hoodattached to all fixtures for this purpose. Fixtures may be blended into the terrain pattern
by use of natural materials or by painting andtexturing to match the terrain color.

85

CHAPTER 10
DECOY INSTALLATIONS
56. Locations
Decoys must be located in logical positions,far enough away from actual targets to prevent enemy fire on the decoy from hitting thereal installations. In all cases the location ofreal installations must be carefully considered.
The distance depends on the size of the installation, the type of enemy observation, and fire
expected. Decoy bridges, depots, railheads, andairfields may be 3 to 8 kilometers from the real
object. Decoy artillery batteries may be lessthan 1,500 meters from the actual position or
separated from the position by much greater
distances depending upon the type battery
being simulated, the type warfare, and themission of the unit. To deceive the enemy, adecoy simulating a large rear area installation
should have approximately the same relationship to nearby landmarks as the target itself,
since' landmarks will be used as enemy reference points.
57. Theory of Decoy Deception
a. Direct and indirect aerial study must be
made of each installation that is to be simulated. There is no standard to follow as every
installation has its own peculiar signatures;
even two of the same type will have individual
and unique characteristics.
b. A decoy installation must be so constructed that its disclosure appears to be theresult of poor camouflage. There are various
methods of doing this, such as exposed partsof a decoy, exposed tracks, incomplete concealment of shadows
decoys,mentofofofshadows
decoys, oror thethe improper
improperuse of surface texture and color. If a decoy
draws attention from a real installation forbut a moment, it serves its purpose. A decoy
position which has been discovered to be such86

by the enemy may later be occupied as an

actual position.
c. To be effective, the decoy installation must
include features normally associated with thereal installation and must be properly maintained. For instance, decoy planes on an airfield must be moved from time to time; in thecase of decoy trucks, a few real trucks should
be used to make tracks; in every case, indication of normal activity should appear.
d. Decoys intended to divert attention fromreal objects or installations are effective only
when the real objects are completely camouflaged.

58. Signaturesa. The characteristic telltale signs of military activities are called signatures. Tracks
are the most important and obvious signatureof any military activity, with their distinctive
features easily differentiated from similar civilian activities (fig. 72).
b. The various types of tracks may be simulated in the following ways:(1) Foot tracks. The desired tracks should
be made by actual foot traffic. $traw or hay
may be scattered to give the effect of more
extensive use. Tracks in a presumably occupied
position must be constantly increased in wear
and width.
(2) Wheeled vehicle tracks. The best
method of providing wheel tracks is to run

several vehicles through the area to create theillusion desired. Chains or logs may be dragged
to create a greater scarring of the ground.
(3) Tracked vehicle tracks. It is desirable
to use an actual tracked vehicle to make these

TYPE OF TRACK

GENERALAPPEARANCEFOOT

WHEELED

CATERPILLAR

NARROW WITH MANY
FILAMENTS AND UNTRODDEN PATCHES.
i.e.
'

BROAD TRACK WHICHGRADUALLY COVERSAN AREA WITH A
UNIFORM TONE.

A NUMBER OF INDEPENDENT DOUBLE TRACKSCROSSING AND RECROSSING.

EACH TRACK A
INGLE LINE

E:ACH TRACK ASINGLE LINESTRAIGHTNESSNEVER STRAIGHT.

STRAIGHT FOR
SHORT DISTANCES.

WAVY BUT ALSO RUNSIN STRAIGHT STRETCHES.

BENDS ANDTURNSGOES AROUNDSHARP BENDS AND
ANGLES; NO
SPECIAL MARK AT
BENDS.

USUALLY AT LEAST
A 20 FOOT RADIUS
ON CURVES.
CURVES EVEN.

MOST TURNS ANGULAR,CAN TURN AS SHARP°
AS 90 . U-TURNSCHARACTERIZED BY
DEEP RUTS AT CURVEAND NOT AS EVEN AS
WHEELED VEHICLEU-TURN.

HILLSGOES STRAIGHT UPHILLS.

ZIG-ZAGS UP ALL
BUT SLIGHT INCLINES.

MAY WIND UP A STEEPHILL -OTHERWISE
GOES STRAIGHT UP.

MUST HAVE GOOD
GOING WITH EASYGRADES.

CANNOT GO OVER ROCKAND USUALLY FOLLOWSEASY GRADES IN EVENTERRAIN.

CROSS COUNTRY AVOIDS MINORHUMPS AND DAMPSPOTS BUT GENERALLY NOTAFFECTED BYTERRAIN.

NOTE: ALL TRACKS ARE IRREGULAR IN OUTLINE AND ARE MOST VISIBLE WHERE
MANY TRACKS CONVERGE, SUCH AS AT GAPS IN WIRE OR MINE FIELDS OR
TURN-OFFS INTO BIVOUAC AREAS.

Figure 72.

Track characteristics.

tracks, since they are impossible to duplicate
accurately by any other means. Such tracks do
not need to be renewed as frequently as theother two types.

d. Shelters, such as dugouts or holes, show
as dark spots in a light area of tracks andtrampling. Spoil is also present. Airing blankets and similar items may also be visible.

Tenting or shacks are easily improvised.
c. Spoil is usually conspicuous near all dug
e. Latrines are an associated feature of every
positions. If, however, the quality of the camouflage discipline of surrounding troops is good
occupied site. They are usually disclosed bytracks converging and becoming more marked
and they dispose of their spoil, this same practice must be followed with the simulated units.
as time passes.
On the other hand, if the camouflage disciplineis..tgooapeas
ad poirondhedu
f. Buried cable is frequently an adjunct ofis not good and spoil appears around the dugassopositions, it must be reproduced at the decoy
ciated with radar installations. It appears as
position. The best way to produce the appearith the passage of turns,
a track, usually straightance of spoil is to spread the earth from a real
excavation, although the excavation need notandlight indecreases
tone. With
the passage of time
its visibility
slightly.
be as deep nor the spoil piled as high as in the
genuine position. The trampling of the groundg. Barbed wire is a feature of almost all
infantry combat positions. The wire itself canby working parties flattens vegetation andnot be seen on aerial photographs, but its prescompacts the ground so that the general effecton all but bare rock or sand is to make theence may be revealed by the tracks and trampling of the wiring party. After several days theground surrounding the emplacement appear
lighter in tone than its surroundings.
location of the wire is disclosed by a faint gray87

line under the wire which gets darker and more
pronounced as time passes because of the accumulation of untrampled vegetation. Gaps in
the wire are often the means of disclosing its
presence because of tracks which converge anddiverge without apparent topographic reason.
h. Minefields, like wire may also be locatedon aerial photography by an otherwise unexplainable convergence of tracks, but they willmore commonly be identified by the regularpatterns of excavations which show up as lightpatches. Even minefields which are not laid
to a standard pattern tend to show up on anaerial photograph, not because one mine holeis visible in itself but because a number oflight patches concentrated in one spot draws
the eye to that area.
59. Common Defects
Following is a list of the defects that mostfrequently cause a deception to fail. It will be
noted that they are of general application andthat any one of them may render worthlessthe otherwise most perfect decoy.
a. Regularity of tracks.
b. Lack of litter associated with military occupation.
c. Flatness (no stereoscopic relief).
d. Failure to faithfully simulate a particular

type of installation.
e. Absence of motor transportation and lackof movement.
f. No daily change in appearance.
g. Incorrect tactical positioning.

h. Unreasonable speed of buildup or removal
i. Lack of real air defenses.
j. Failure to simulate a necessary componentof a particular installation.

real counterparts. A depth of at least 1 foot isusually sufficient to provide enough spoil fora parapet around the emplacement and tocreate the proper illusion of depth to the airman and aerial photo interpreter. A stronger
illusion of depth may be obtained by partiallyfilling the shallow emplacement with straw,
brush, hay, or leaves. This breaks up the reflection of light from the bottom of the emplacement and appears from the air to be much
deeper than it actually is (figs. 73 and 74).
b. Pillboxes. Pillboxes are located at themost likely avenues of enemy approach. The
enemy knows this and can accurately guess
their general location. However, if a pillbox iswell camouflaged, blended into its surroundings, or disguised as a rock, bush, house, orother object which will make it inconspicuous
in its particular setting, the enemy is prevented
from spotting it accurately. To further direct
the enemy from the real pillbox, decoy pillboxes may be constructed and insufficiently

camouflaged so that the enemy can spot themc. Antimechanized Obstacles. Antimechanized obstacles are often located on reverse
slopes, around curves, and in or behind natural
screens to conceal them from the enemy andto gain surprise. Decoy antimechanized ditches

are often effective in luring enemy tanks into
real camouflaged ditches. Such a ditch need beonly about 2 feet deep to create the proper
illusion of depth and is constructed in the samemanner as are trenches. Figure 76 illustrates
a deception scheme using real and decoy antimechanized ditches and pillboxes together.
Decoy dragon's teeth are also effective in guid-ing the enemy into real traps. They may be
used in conjunction with real and decoy an-

60. Decoy Field Fortifications

timechanized ditches. Obstacles like dragon's
teeth should not be simulated in areas notcovered by antimechanized fire (fig. 77).
d. Minefields. A simulated minefield may be

a. Emplacements and Intrenchments. In simulating any dug-in type personnel or weapons
emplacements, such as foxholes, trenches, andmortar or machinegun emplacements, the mostsatisfactory simulations are made by actually
digging into the ground. However, it is notnecessary to dig the decoys as deep as theiras effective an obstacle as a real field because
the enemy must check each simulation to becertain it is not a real one. Such a minefield iseffective against aerial observation. Simple
ways to create a decoy minefield are: digging
up the ground in a standard minefield pattern;
erecting a minefield marking fence; and creat-88Figure 75. A decoy trench as it is being dug and as it appears close-up finished and filled with brush. Notice
how the brush filling makes the completed trench appear much darker than the unfilled trench.
Figure7.

Another method to simulate

in or cloth
entrenchment
anis to place burlap

the outline desired andFigure 74. Another method to simulate an entrenchment is to place burlap or cloth in the outline desired andthen fill in the simulated excavated portion with waste oil, paint, or scrapes of dark material. Note that thesimulated parapet is formed by rolling under the edges of a large piece of burlap and creating the illusionof the mound of a parapet by piling sand under the burlap edges. The excavated portion of the slit trench
is simulated in this figure by waste oil and dark colored salvage scraps.

89Figure 75. Here is a decoy pillbox constructed of wood, covered with burlap or osnaburg, and sprayed withpaint to resemble concrete. Sand and dirt may be sprinkled on the wet paint to give it a concrete-like texture.

ing the characteristic zigzag patterns of gaps
through a minefield.

a. Decoy artillery positions, in accordancewith the basic principle of all military simulation, must conform to the positioning requirements of their real counterparts. Sometimes
the camouflage of these decoy positions is difficult. In open areas the use of suitably garnished nets is highly desirable. If nets are notavailable, camouflage is obtained by properly
positioning each piece of equipment to blend
with surrounding ground features. For example, in orchards, each piece of equipment
may be placed where a tree has been removed;in hedgerow country equipment may be placed
in cleared spots in the hedge. When protecting
an industrial area or a large installation whichcannot be concealed, often no attempt is madeto conceal the position, the theory being thatthe enemy will be cautious in attacking a heavily defended target.
b. Placing the dummy weapons and supplementary equipment in position is only part of
the job of erecting a decoy artillery position.
Tracks must be made around the position as ina real battery emplacement, because it is the
tracks that most often disclose the position to
the aerial observer. Without tracks, a weapon
position looks fake; moreover, it would rarely90

be spotted if the weapon were well camouflaged.
c. Decoy positions may be simulated by digging in a shallow pit of the correct diameterand shape for a particular artillery piece andpiling the spoil around it as a parapet or byforming a parapet of hay, straw, empty crates,
old barrels, or loose dirt on the ground aroundthe decoy. Even without the use of simulated
guns or equipment, a decoy artillery position
can be simulated perfectly merely by making
blast marks and scattering debris. In snow
terrain, blast marks appear black, and in clear
terrain they appear light to dark gray. Theseare very convincing. One of the best and simplest ways of simulating an artillery position
is to place partially camouflaged simulated
weapons in vacated positions formerly occupied by real weapons. Flash simulators may
be included with each simulation and usedwith the same regularity as the real weapons.
62. Bivouacs
a. When simulating bivouacs it must be remembered that each arm or service creates adistinctive appearance which must be reproduced to make the decoy convincing to theenemy air observer. The simulation of bivouacs
is of particular importance in rear areas where
reserves and fast moving units are generally
located. Enemy air reconnaissance is partic-

ENEMYREAL DITCH_

REAL DITCH CONCEALEDlj

DECOY DITCH
REAL PILLBOX CONCEALED*
Figure 76.

Figure 77.

DECOY PILLBOX

Layout of decoy and real antimechanized ditches and pillboxes.

Here is a row of decoy dragon's teeth and a decoy antimechanized ditch. A camouflaged real ditch
is on the foreground, covered with wire netting, cloth, and sand.

ularly careful in scrutinizing areas behind thefront for indications of buildup of troops orequipment which would indicate future attacks.
Real bivouacs are generally located in areasthat provide the best concealment for personnel
and equipment from aerial and ground observation; dispersion; communications facilities;

protection from attack in the vicinity of natural obstacles; and water supply.
b. From the air, the characteristics whichmost readily identify a bivouac are tracks,
vehicles (types and sizes of which will identify
the unit), paths, trails, and trash and litter
caused by poor camouflage discipline. Bivouacs
91are more difficult to conceal in snow-covered,barren or desert areas, than in other types ofterrain, because tracks and trails are almost
impossible to conceal or obliterate. Decoy bivouacs in this type of terrain can be realisticallyvehicles in the area as well as other signs ofactivity.

simulated by making many additional tracks

Various troop concentration points are gen-which do not lead to a real installation, or by
digging shallow trenches and emplacements inthe snow or sand and filling them with grass,leaves, etc. Brush piles with paths radiatingfrom them resemble command posts or supply
or ammunition storage areas. A good way tomake a decoy bivouac is to examine aerial
photos of a representative real installation andduplicate the track plan and some of the camouflaged objects in a simulated fashion but ina somewhat more conspicuous manner.

erally identified by a collection of bivouac
areas, motor pools, supply points, or entrenchments, with other associated activities.

63. Command Posts
a. Some of the signs which indicate to theobserver the possible presence of a command
post are-(1) Converging wire lines and vehicle
tracks. Also, there may be various types ofantenna arrays for radio communications.
(2) Concentration of vehicles.
(3) Heavy traffic causing widened turnins.
(4) New vehicle tracks to a position
which could house a command post.
(5) Protective wire, foxholes, and otherbarriers surrounding the installation,(6) Defensive weapons
around the installation.

emplacements

64. Troop Concentrations

65. Motor Parks
Around a motor or heavy equipment park there
are innumerable scars, tracks, slit trenches,
and a continual shifting of equipment. In simulating these installations, all such characteristics must be faithfully reproduced. Other
items that may be required for deceptive displays are refuse piles, mess tents, bivouacs,
latrines, and command posts. In desert or otherbarren terrain, motor parks or vehicle concentrations are best protected from enemy attack by dispersion over a wide area. Here thevalue of decoys is most apparent because realvehicles and equipment are extremely difficult
to conceal or camouflage. Decoy vehicle concentrations are exceedingly valuable in drawing the enemy's attack and dispersing his effort.
66. Tank Concentrations
Decoys of armored parks and bivouacs should
follow the same general techniques as describedin paragraphs 62 and 65. Distinctive tracks
made by tanks and other tracked vehicles both

locate and identify the unit.

b. When it is impossible to conceal from the
air the fact that a command post is in a certain

67. Airfields

area, then a decoy command post may be constructed in the vicinity. In this instance it isobiusted tha
like themust look moreanelikththat thethe deconity.
decoy muthisinst
obviousday fields and night fields. The day decoy field
day fields and night fields. The day decoy field

rderal to make construction of any decoy worpart,inorder to make construction of any decoy wozthwhile. Disguise of the genuine to look like a
decoy may be feasible. Certain characteristic
signs of occupancy should be made at the decoy
including cross-country tracks simulating thosemade by a wire-laying detail, antenna arrays
to simulate radio communications facilities,
smoke and occasional lights, a few poorly camouflaged tents, new tracks from day to day, and92

consists of prepared runways, buildings, accessroads, huts storage, and the auxiliary features.
The night decoy field consists entirely of lights,

and should not be visible during the day. Noremally the day and night decoy fields are sepa. Offset Distance. The distance between the
decoy airfield and its real counterpart shouldbe from 61/2 to 121/2 kilometers, but again
depends on the type of warfare. However, adecoy situated more more than 12 kilometersfrom the real airfield is likely to be regarded
as an entirely separate airfield and cause
enemy air attackers or observers to search
further for the camouflaged real field.

indication of air activity possibly through theuse of light planes which could operate froma rough strip.
site for the decoyg. Construction.

b. Operations Prerequisites.Suitable terrain
with adequate drainage must be secured for the
decoy airfield.

airfield is selected, construction is carried out
in the following order:(1) Runways. Since it is the runways,
taxiways, and hardstands that make the decoy
look like an airfield, they receive first priority
in construction. A properly surveyed layout
with careful attention to sharp, clear, straightlines of the prominent features is valuable.
Usually, the layout can be constructed simultaneously by bulldozing and rough grading. A
thin layer of crrshed rock, sand, or gravel issometimes an effective substitute for grading.
A well defined ditch will accentuate the outlinesof taxiways, runways, and hardstands. For
deceiving the air observer, the most important
item in decoy airfield construction is the accentuation of these prominent features and any
prominent structures, rather than detailed
replicas of all features of the real installation.
No more detail is necessary than that required
to produce the effect of a camouflaged airfield.
Grade variations may be permitted; fine grading is never required.

c. Positioning Decoy in Relation to Landmarks. As far as possible, a decoy airfieldshould' be so situated that its relation to important landmarks and terrain features such as
lakes, rivers, railroads, highways, wooded
areas, and cultivated fields is similar to that of
the real airfield. In some cases it may be practical to simulate some of these necessary landmarks, in dummy fashion, at the same timeas the construction of the decoy airfield is progressing.
d. Relation of Decoy to Probable Route of
Enemy Approach. As a rule a decoy airfieldshould be located in the path of the most likely
approach an enemy would follow to the real
field. The decoy will then be seen by enemy
observers before they reach the real field. It is
entirely possible, however, that in many cases
this consideration in positioning may have to
be foregone. The terrain, or existence of prom-

After the site for the decoy

inent landmarks, may indicate a much more
(2) Access and service roads. Roads leadinetling
tothe airfield from main highways, anddesirable site in some other direction from theing t the airfield from main highways, and
real
fedta
thtoprbbeservice
roads connecting the hardstands withreal field than that of probable enemy approach.

e. Size of Decoy Airfield. A day decoy fieldshould be about the same size as the real fieldor the standard size of similar known operational fields. This is important because enemy
aerial photograph interpreters scale its actual
size for comparison with their knowledge ofthe real field or their knowledge of our normal
sized airfields. Substantial divergence in size
may cause the field to be suspected and probably identified, upon further reconnaissance,
as a fake. Once the decoy is identified as such,
air attackers will be briefed on how to avoidit.

f. Aircraft Activity. If the enemy is able tostand off some distance from the suspected airfield and observe it, a complete absence of air
traffic would reveal the deception. If intelligence indicates that such a situation is probable, steps should be taken to give a minimum

the bomb storage area, gas storage, and mainbuildings, have close priority to the actual
runways. These roads may be formed in thesame manner as the runways and taxiways.
(8) Gas storage and bomb storage area.
These two facilities are important. The gasoline storage tanks may be simulated by alumber frame work covered with burlap or bysuitable salvage material. Bomb storage pits
may be indicated by semicircular parapets ofearth pushed up by a bulldozer in a logicalposition, along the service road.
(4) Control tower and building. Control

towers and other prominent structures associated with airfields are usually simulated indummy form in the construction of decoy airfields in rear areas. However, in constructing
a decoy of a forward airfield, these structuresare seldom erected, since tents or trailers ordinarily serve as the operation centers at forward fields.
9368. Supply Points

ance of activity. New tracks, scars on the
ground, movement of vehicles, and false supplies are essential characteristics for the decoy.
If at all possible, it is desirable to route andcontrol through the decoy all traffic to or fromthe real point. If successful deception is essential, this measure will greatly enhance thedecoy's chance of success. In the interest of
creating a convincing display it may also be
desirable to locate incidental real installations,a. Supply points vary in size and appearance,
depending upon their particular function. TheyIn the latter case, the possibility of attack on
the decoy should be considered and appropriate(5) Camouflage. A decoy airfield should
receive the same camouflage as does a real
field-simulated terrain patterns on runways
and disruptive pattern painting on buildings.
Before doing this, it is advisable to study thereal airfield by aerial observation and photographs in order to determine the extent towhich the decoy airfield should be camouflaged.

such as a salvage yard, adjacent to the decoy.

do, however, share the common characteristics
protective measures taken. For night decepnightsuch
decepof extensive
extensive tracking,tracking, activity,
activity, andand location
locaotion protective, certainmeasures
types oftaken.
night Forlighting,asadjacent to transportation systems such as har-simulated building lights, showing throughUnlessbors, railroads, and road nets.borsrailroads,
Unless unusual
unusualandroadnets.tent openings, and decoy fire, are very effective.
measures are taken, they are usually apparent
to even casual aerial observation.

b. A decoy supply point should be nearenough to appear to be the real installationad faerrors
in marksmanshiptoa allow
ofoughnyway
for possible
Prominent landmarks must be noted and the
decoy
decoy locatedlocated inin thethe samesame relationshiprelationship toto them
them
that the real installation would be. In somecases the landmarks may be simulated. Figure
78 shows the relationship of several decoy
supply points to a real supply point.
e. The decoy must appear to have a convincing road net of the same pattern as the real
installation. In addition, troops must be detailed to the decoy site to maintain the appear-

69. Oil Refineries and Tank Farms
a. Oil refineries are so difficult to conceal that
expenditures for camouflage and decoy construction are not generally justifiable. Nightdecoys of these installations are, however, quite
practicable. In positioning oil refinery decoys,layout and to place them in surroundings similar to those at the real installations.
b. Tank farms are often included in refineries, but may be separate. If they can beeffectively camouflaged, decoys are worthwhile.
Construction of a decoy tank farm requires
a great deal of effort and ingenuity if the area-':

REAL SUPPLIES AND ROADS CONCEALEDIM

DECOY SUPPLIES AND ROADSClJREAL ROAD
Figure 78.

94

Positioning decoy supply points.

is subject to periodic observation by the enemy.
Observation of a decoy under construction obviously robs the decoy of its value. The camouflage of the real farm and erection of the decoy
may proceed simultaneously only if enemy observation is improbable. If subject to periodic
observation, the decoy should not be revealed
until it is completed, interim camouflage being
required, and the real farm should not be concealed before the decoy is revealed. Reductionof visibility of the real installation by dark
paint and some camouflage may of course pre-cede any activity. Figure 79 depicts a decoy
tank farm (A) on one side of a river and two
decoy landmarks across the river which correspond to those at the real installation about
3 kilometers away.
70. Railheads
Sidings for unloading supplies, a road net, andstorage space are essential facilities for a railhead. Where possible, railheads are establishedin areas affording the best cover and conceal-

Figure 79. Decoy tank farm and landmarks. Notice that many of the decoy tanks are camouflaged withpainted roofs and simulated roads to create the illusion of a housing development. The decoy is camouflagedin the same manner as the real tank farm, but is more obvious. Formerly, a searchlight was near the churchon the opposite side of the river from the real installation. At the decoy site a simulated church (B) has been
built and the searchlight (C) has been moved from the real site to the decoy site.

95

ment and may be supplemented by camouflage,
air defense facilities and other defensive measures. Supplies are unloaded from railway cars
onto trucks and carried to a storage point.
Since this is standard practice and known tothe enemy, a decoy breakdown point is essential in diverting enemy attacks. It should
be more exposed and obvious than the real one.
71. Towns
In flat, barren country or in country withwidely dispersed small settlements, it may bedesirable, at times, to construct a decoy of themore obvious features of an entire settlement.
This might be necessary in the construction ofa decoy of an important installation locatednear such a settlement. Figure 80 shows adecoy town.

a. Introduction. All night decoys employ thesame basic equipment; lights, fires, and pyrotechnics. All have the common purpose of confusing the enemy and diverting him from vitaltargets to areas of little or no importance. The
effectiveness of night decoys is dependent upon
the following factors: positioning, weather andvisibility, proper construction, proper operation and control, maintenance, and camouflage.

A decoy may consist of a single or multiple
installation, varying in size from a small simulated street light to a complicated installation
composed of hundreds of firemaking and lighting devices which, when ignited, will simulate
a burning supply depot, factory, airfield, town,
or city. There are three types of night decoy
installations.
(1) Type I civil decoys are those representative of breaches in blackout discipline infactories, warehouses, dock areas, freightyards, towns, and cities.
*(2) Type II airfield decoys are those representative of runways, marker lights, obstruction lights, wind indicators, and aircraft on
the ground.
(3) Type III field force decoys are those
representative of blackout breaches of supply
points, convoys, quarters, and shelters.
96

b. Factorsof Effectiveness.
(1) Air defense. Aircraft flying overstrange territory at night are strongly attracted by any light, and personnel are often
willing to accept any reasonable resemblanceof the target as the genuine ofie. Effectivenessof decoys is proportional to the pressure underwhich the attack is made. If the air defense isunable to simulate speedy delivery, the chanceof successful deception is greatly diminished.
(2) Enemy pilot. The determining factor
in the design of a night decoy is its appearance
to the enemy pilot, He must be able to reasonably identify the target either by vision or byradar and he must be persuaded that it is thetarge heis eeking.
(3) Parent target camouflage. A decoy ofa real target will be successful only if the realtarget is successfully hidden. Since night decoys use light to attract the enemy they aresuccessful only when the surrounding territory
is completely blacked out. All measures whichmake the real target more difficult to locate
than the decoy will increase the effectivenessof the deception. Fires started by bombing of
the real target must be extinguished as soon
as possible. If a fire exists at the target as theresult of the attack, further deception operations are not worthwhile against successive

waves of attackers unless an equal or moreconvincing fire at the decoy is started which
will have an equal or better chance of enticing
followup attackers.

c. Site Selection. The success of a decoy installation will be largely influenced by the adequacy of the site. In the selection of a site thefollowing features should be considered:(1) The site must be a plausible one. The
installation must be in an area where one
would expect the target to be located(2) The site should provide close similarreference points, discernible at night, to thosesurrounding the target. To the aerial observer,
heavy forests, bodies of water, and open country are distinguishable from each other. Variations in grade up to 8 percent are not distinguishable.
(3) The site should permit the decoy to
be oriented in the same compass bearing as thetarget.

Figure 80.

(4) Where possible, it is desirable tochoose a site located along the probable lineof approach.
(5) The site must provide an area sufficient for the light pattern on an adequate scale.
A three-quarter scale will suffice if the fullscale cannot be used.
(6) The site should be within a reasonable distance of the target--close enough to be
confused with it, but not so close that the areaof poor bombing accuracy overlaps the target
or other vital areas.
(7) Wherever possible the decoy shouldbe accessible to adequate roads and power lines.

Decoy town.

(8) If a night decoy only, the area should
provide easy concealment during daylight
hours.
d. Site Preparation.In preparing the site fornight decoy installation, it is essential thatindications of construction and changes in theappearance of the terrain be kept to a minimum. Normal activities such as farming andgrazing should be continued where possible.
These precautions not only serve to prevent theenemy from locating and mapping night decoysites during the day, but also help to preserve
local secrecy. The construction will be facilitated if the following procedure is followed:
97

(1) Establish location of all devices, paying particular attention to service roads andprovisions for servicing the equipment.
(2) Remove trees or brush which may
constitute a fire hazard, taking care not to scarthe landscape.
(3) Cut weeds to minimize the spread of
the fire, establishing an 8-foot band of bareearth, 20 to 30 feet in diameter, around eachfiremaking unit.
e. Materials. The type and amount of equipment used in night decoys will depend upon thenature and scale of the target to be simulated,materials available, and the designers ingenuity. In all instances the cheapest, least critical,
and most readily obtainable materials that willserve the purpose should be used.
f. Operation.
(1) In the operation of night decoys, provision must be made for territorial central
control and for local control. The central control, which receives immediate informationfrom all sources dnring an attack on the area,
determines which decoy site should be fired andgives the order to the local controller concerned, who passes it on to the detachmentsin charge of the sites. In the event of a breakdown in communications, the local controller

must have authority to act on his own initiamust

have authority to act on his own iitia-(2) The number of men required to operate a night decoy varies with the size of thedecoy. The smaller sites require 3 men and thelarger displays about 20 men.
(3) Successful operation of a night decoy
will require on the part of the operator anunderstanding of the problem and considerable
ingenuity. Variety and "life" are essential.
These are obtained by varying the wattagesof the lamps used, particularly in "bad blackout" effects, so that as a hostile aircraft approaches closer to a site, the lower powered
lighting comes within his range of vision. Fur-matically on and off certain devices such as
the open door light, thus introducing "life"
without a prohibitive outlay in cable for separate circuits.
(4) Standardization layouts for construction of decoys are not permissible because no
two decoys should contain any familiar patternor regularity. Rather, the designer will haveto employ whatever construction the immediateproblem requires. Night decoys should bechecked and rechecked from the air by anexperienced observer. Visibility conditions
identical to those under which the enemy willobserve the decoy should be chosen. The layout,
background, dummy construction, and adjustments of light intensities should be checked
under a number of different atmospheric conditions and at different altitudes.
g. Rules to Emphasize.
(1) Do not turn on the decoy lights while
under enemy observation.
(2) Be sure to switch off primary lights
when the enemy approaches.
(3) Do not switch lights on and off toattract attention.
(4) If enemy fails to bomb, do not switch
primary lights back on until the enemy is wellout of range.
(5) Do not light large fires until sure thatthe attack is a raid in force; do not set off
decoy for a nuisance raider.
(6) Do not light fires later than 1 hour(7) Remove firing plugs during the daytime to prevent lightning from starting thefires.
(8) If electricity fails use the stand-by
generator.
h. Maintenance. On a night decoy maintenance will consist of the following:(1) Rebuilding and refueling fire devices

after a raid. Sufficient material should always
thermore, screens may be erected to obscureobservation
skyfrombecertainon directions,hand toand
operate the decoy for three conobservation from certain directions, and skylights may be tilted at various angles so thatas an aircraft circles a site the pattern of thedecoy is always changing in a life-like manner.
Time switches may also be used to switch auto98

secutive nights.
(2) Repairing damage after raids anderadicating bomb blast marks.
(3) Cleaning and checking generator.

(4) Checking all wire and contacts periodically.
(5) Lifting and relaying wires if requiredby the use of the area.
i. Camouflage. In desert or arctic terrain,
or in open country where night decoys installation may be discernible during the day, thecamouflage of these decoys becomes importantunless the decoy is also a day decoy. In any
event, the decoy lighting and fire devices will
have to be concealed. Simple devices may becovered with a flattop or drape net. The moreelaborate devices may be covered with dummybuildings or the installation may be made intoa day and night decoy, in which case certain
lighting equipment may remain exposed. Somesimulator device night decoys in open terrain
also have the advantage of greater nighttime
deception, because decoy fire in a flat area may
produce enough light to reveal the true natureof the site. If the decoy is not a dual purpose
day and night decoy, it will be necessary torefill and conceal bomb craters or damage in
the area of the night decoy. Indication. of inexplicable attacks upon innocent country, evident
during day reconnaissance, will immediately
identify the site as a night decoy to the enemy
observer.
73. Smoke Operations

Smoke has three functions in deception operaa. Smoke must be used in conjunction withdecoys simulating those installations or situations that would normally produce smoke, suchas factories, power plants, and decoy damage.
b. Light smoke must be used in conjunction
with night decoys when the visibility and light
conditions are such as to expose the decoy. In

this situation, white smoke may be used tothssitulatigoun,
whe smoke mayi.

upreparedc. Smoke may be used to screen the site ofany activity. Smoke may also be used to simulate activity without the aid of simulated construction. The nature of the decoy-screened
activity may be disclosed, apparently unintentionally, by relating it to some other activity
or display. This method of effective deception

is well adapted to river crossing preparation,
beach assault concentration, and assembly
points. The ease, economy, and speed withwhich this type of visual decoy can be implemented are unequalled by other visual methods.
Furthermore, if it is properly used and its
radar characteristics are reproduced, this typeof decoy is almost impossible to identify. The
use of smoke has one serious limitation. Strongor rapidly changing winds make the use of
smoke difficult, in terms of the operating personnel and the amount of generating equipment required. For details of smoke screening
operations, see FM 3-50.
74 Decoy Damagea. Simulated damage is an especially valuable and practical means of deception for installations which are impractical to conceal.
Simulated damage that appears real may induce the enemy to stop or lessen the number
and force of his attacks on what he is led tobelieve is a crippled installation. Decoy damage
may be used effectively on oil refineries, railroad sidings, hangars, power plants, bridges,
wharves, warehouses, water towers, and otherlarge installations.
b. Damage from bombs and fires is the usual
type simulated. Simulated damage is preparedin advance; salvaged material and debris areneatly stacked to conform with existing patterns and are scattered immediately after anenemy attack to simulate bomb hits on the
structures. Shallow holes may be dug or blasted
to simulate bomb craters and sprayed with
waste oil or black paint to appear deep; these
are covered until the attack is in progress oruntil after the attack. During the attack, prepared charges and smoke pyrotechnics may be

used and fires ignited. After an attack, thedamage is revealed. If deception ofthis kind is to be effective, speed is essential.
Personnel should be trained and organized tofollow a well rehearsed drill in the event thatthe nature of the surrounding area is such that
actual new bomb craters away from the installation may compromise the deception. Some
provision may be required to conceal these realcraters (figs. 81 and 82).

99

'

-

...

'

Ism
,/

-

Figure 81.

100

·

.

-

Decoy damage on a bridge.

1-BEFORE ATTACK:

i-DURING ATTACK

3-AFTER ATTACK

Figure 82.

i,'

Steps in simulating damage to a building.

101

APPENDIXREFERENCES

1. Department of the Army Pamphlets
Index of Army Motion Pictures, Film Strips, Slides, Tapes, and PhonoDA Pam 108-1
Recordings.
DA Pam 310-series
Indexes Pertaining to Administration Training, Maintenance, andSupply.
2. Department of the Army Regulations
AR 320-5
Dictionary of United States Army Terms.
AR 320-50
Authorized Abbreviations.
3. Field Manuals
FM 3-5FM 5-1
FM 5-34
FM 5-35
FM 21-5
FM 21-75
FM 30-10

Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) Operationr
Engineer Operations and Organizations.
Engineer Field Data.
Engineer Reference and Logistical Data.
Military Training.
Patrolling.
Terrain Intelligence.

4. Technical Manual
TM 5-200

Camouflage Materials.

102

INDEX
Paragraph

Page

Paragraph

Page

Active infrared detecting devices ____
7c
Aerial photography ________…______.7a, 9b(2)Aircraft ___O__-___________________
Ch 7
Airfields:
55
Concealment ______--_________
Simulation _________-..
-_________
67
Artillery:
Concealment __________________
25-26
Simulation -__________________61
9b(3)Audio camouflage discipline ________

7
4, 15
49

Factors of recognition __--_____----_
8
Far infrared detecting devices ____
7
Field fortifications ---------------Ch 5
Films -__________________7a(4)Filters for black and white film ---_7a(4) (a)Fixed installations _-O_____----____
Ch 9
Foot tracks simulation ____--_----58b(1)Foxhole covers -_------_____---_-_
20

7
7
31
5
5
66
86
32

12
Hammocks for aircraft concealment _12
Helmet camouflage ----_----------10a
Hiding ---- ___--------__-_-------7a(2)High oblique photographs __-__.----7
Indirect observation
Individual camouflage ________..----_
Ch 4
22
Individual camouflage face paint ---Infrared detecting devices _-_____--7c
Infrared film -----___-----------_
7a(4) (c)Infrared reflectant paint _____--___7a(4) (c)Installations, large scale ___--__--_
Ch 9
60a
_
Intrenchment simulation __--_.
Layout grid control ---------------45
7a(3)Low oblique photographs _____-__-Machinegun emplacement ___-_----21
Methods of camouflage ____--_----10
Minefield simulation ___------------58h
Modular system _____-___. __-----45
Mortars -_____-------------------22
Motor parks simulation ____.
-----65
Movement, a factor of recognition __
8f

26
26
17
4
4
26
33
7
5
5
66
88
67
5
.'32
17
88
67
33
92
9

24b
7

36
7

30a
26c
24d, e
9b(2)
72

50
44
38
15
96

7a(2),(3)

4,'5

Barren terrain:
34
Bivouac concealment --________------------._9a(3) (d)Patterns ------Bivouacs:
32-35
Concealment _------_-----_---_
Simulation _…__________-_______
62
Black and white films ______________7a(4) (a)Blackout camouflage discipline ___-__
9b(2)Blending __-__--_-______--______10b52
Bridges -_--_--______-_----__---Buildings- _-___________---____--49
Camouflage detection film ___-____--7a(4) (d)Camouflage discipline ___-__-__---9b
Canvas equipment ______--_______13
Clothing ___-----------------------17
Color, a factor of recognition ______
8eColor film ----------------------_7a(4)(b)Command posts:
Concealment __--_----------__
36
Simulation --__---------------63
Command responsibilities for cam3___-ouflage ___----__--------4
Concealment, definition --.-----_--Construction, principle of conceal9c
ment --------------------------19
Construction of field fortifications ___20_----Covers for foxholes ---------74
Damage simulation _____________.__-__10c, Ch 10
Deception __-----__-_-------_-Ch 10
Decoy installations ___---------____
Detection film ----------------.--- 7a(4) (d)Digging in:
49b_--Building construction -----24e
Vehicle concealment __--____-- _6
Direct observation ___------------Emplacements:
Ch 5
Camouflage ------------------___ 60a
Simulation --_____--------

84
92
44
90
17
58
15
57
90
5
15
20
83
69
6
15
26
28
9
5
60
92
3
3
77
32
32
99
20, 8686
6Natural materials ___--____-------Near infrared detecting devices ---Nets:
Aircraft concealment __-------Artillery concealment __--_----Vehicle concealment --_-------Night camouflage discipline _-__--__
DamageNight
simulation
decoy installations ___-__--_Oblique photographs -- _____-------

70
38
4

Observation:
6
Direct _--_--------_---_------7
Indirect -_-------__----------60c
Obstacle simulation ----____-------…___------- 69
Oil refineries simulation _

4
4
88
94

31
88

7a.(4) (a)Panchromatic film ___-_______--__
50
Packing areas --_-----__--_------7c
Passive infrared detecting devices __

5
82
7

103

Paragraph

Page

Paragraph

Pattern painting:Siting:
Aircraft --------------------31
55
Aircraft ----_---------------28
Artillery…_______________--____
26d
44
Artillery -_---__--__---------_
26b
Helmets ----------------12
26
Field fortification __--_________
18
Skin ------------------------14
27
Principles of --------------__-_
9a
Vehcle…24
36Vehicle…
.
........ 24a
Vehicles .--------.-----------24c36
Skin _____________________....
14
Weapons --------------------15
28
k7
Smoke
-------------.-.-----------73
Permanent installations __-------__Ch 966
Snow camouflage clothing
17
Photography ____----______ _________
7a4
Snow covered terrain: __-------__-_
17
Pillboxes _____-____._____________
60b
88
Bivouac concealment -_---_____
35
Pipelines _________________________
54
84
Use of nets _-_____--- _________
24d.
Position, a factor of recognition
-___
8a
8
Vehicle concealment _-_________ 23a(4),Principles of concealment __________
914
23c
Quartering party _--______-______ 23a(2)35
SOP for camouflage _-____________
9b(1)Sound camouflage discipline __-__-- _9b(3)Radar detecting devices ______-- ___7b
6Sound screens ---________________--9b(3)Railheads:
Stages of development of a bivouac __33
Concealment _---_______--- -----51
82
Stereophotography __-____________
7a(1)Simulation ____-______________.70
95
Supply points:
Refineries ____---___-- ________
____
69
94
Concealment ________-_________
37
Revetments ____--- ___------------55ff
84
Simulation _________--_________
68
Recognition factors ______________-_
8
7
Tank farm simulation __--_________
69
Relative position, a factor of recTank simulation ___.____________.-_
66
ognition ____---_________________
8a8
Terrain patterns _________ ___-____
9a(3)Responsibilities for camouflage -- ____
2
3
Texture, a factor of recognition ____
8d
Roads -----------------------50
82
Town simulation _______-__________
71
Rolling stock _-_-__________________
57
86
Track characteristics __--__________
Fig. 72
Rural terrainock…57------patterns
9a(3)(a)15
Track discipline _…___-___-___-_____ 9b(1),23aSandbags ________________________
24e
38
Tracked vehicle track simulation ____ 58b(3)Screening ----------------------104
17
Training _________________________ 23a(3)Shadow:
Trains ___________________________
51
A factor of recognition ________
8c
8Trench simulation ______________-__
60a
64
30a
50
Troop concentration simulation _____ .
Aircraft concealment __________
Building concealment _____-____
49a
69
Umbrella screens -_________________
30c
Vehicle concealment __________23c
36
Urban terrain patterns --_---______9a(3) (b)Shadow nets ____-_______________
30Ba
50
Vehicles _-________________________
23-24
Shape, a factor of recognition ______
8b
8
Vertical photographs ______________
7a(1)Shine:-____________8d,_
168,_.28Water points _____________________
38
W eapons -------------------------15
Aircraft concealment __________
29
49
Weapons15
Wheeled vehicle track simulation ---58b(2)Vehicle concealment _____…_____
23b
36
Wire line ---- ____________-----------52
Signatures __-_____________________
58
86
Wooded terrain patterns _________-9a(3) (c)

Page

49
44
31
14
36
27
99
28
28
58
38
36
15
17
17
57
4
62
94
94
92
14
8
96
87
15, 35
86
35
82
88
92
54
15
35
4
65
28
28
86
83
15

By Order of the Secretary of the Army:

Official:
KENNETH G. WICKHAM,
Major General, United States Army,
The Adjutant General.

HAROLD K. JOHNSON,
General, United States dArmy,
Chief of Staff.

Distribution:
To be distributed in accordance with DA Form 12-11 requirements for Camouflage, Basic
Principles and Field Camouflage.
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1975 O - 588-592

104