APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

U.S. ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES 

DEVELOPMENT COMMAND –

SOLDIER CENTER

07 Nov 2019

Changes to Camouflage Spectral Reflectance Requirements –

Session #18

JAPBI Brief - 7 November 2019

U19-1586

Distribution Statement A: 

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

Distribution Statement A:

Approved for Public Release
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

2

• Session 1: Part 1

 Introduction/Agenda CCDC-SC 

 SWIR Background CCDC-SC 

 Test Methodology/Apparent Calculator for SWIR/NIR CCDC-SC 

 Q&A

CHANGES TO CAMOUFLAGE SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE 

REQUIREMENTS – PART 1 

• Session 2: Part 2

 Acquisition Strategy & Schedule Army, PdM-SCIE

 Acquisition Strategy & Schedule USMC, PM-ICE 

 Path Forward CCDC-SC 

 Q&A
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 3

• Problem: New sensing modalities (imagers & intensifiers) 

proliferating at low costs drives increased signature 

management requirements for the deployed warfighter 

• Solution: Passive modifications to existing personal protective 

equipment (PPE)

– Develop new mitigation materials - replace existing stock at lowest 

cost

• Benefit: Increased warfighter survivability, and increased 

mission success

Bottom Line Up front (BLUF)

FORM, FIT, FUNCTION STAYS THE SAME

SIGNATURE PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 4

• MOEs/MREs chosen in multiple locations globally

• Generation of Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) image/spectral 

database with locations specified in accordance with US ARMY 

Corps of Engineers 

• Woodland and Arid USMC Marine Pattern (MARPAT) uniforms, 

Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniforms and Load 

Carriage kits built and tested in tactically relevant environments

Military Operating Environment (MOE) / 

Militarily Relevant Environment (MRE) 
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 5

Apparent Reflectivity Approach

ρA is the apparent reflectivity of the object of interest 

ρ(λ) is the absolute reflectivity of the object of interest

R(λ) is the normalized response of the specified spectral 

band (camera/lens system)

E(λ) is the spectral irradiance of a given natural 

illumination source (sun, moon or nightglow)

 Apparent reflectance is used as a comparative factor for evaluating SWIR image 

data. It is useful for comparing the reflectivity of different families of samples 

against various backgrounds. 
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 6

Designating Shortwave Infrared Values

• SWIR daylight images collected

• Calibrated images generate mean reflectance value (standard panels)

• Uniform colors assigned SWIR reflectance based on proportion of color

– 3 values for desert, 3 values for woodland, 3 values for transitional

– Have to use MARPAT/OCP pattern percentages

– Average of three values approximately equal to mean of cumulative 

distribution

– Assign low SWIR values to dark colors and high SWIR values to light colors

Desert MARPAT Woodland MARPAT
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 7

Utilization of Spectral Database

• Spectrophotometry of 108 Desert and 171 Woodland/tropical spectral 

environmental samples and artifacts (organic & inorganic) in 14 MRE’s

• Absolute reflectance spectra’s chosen as representative for both woodland 

& desert

– Correlates to mean image value

– Produce guidance curves for low, medium, and high reflectance values

• combined set of 279 

desert and woodland 

FieldSpec environmental 

samples 
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 8

Apparent Reflectivity Calculator

Calculation convolving:

 Sensor (detector) response

 Lens transmission

 Illumination profile (daylight/moonlight)

 Absolute reflectance

Input: 

absolute reflectance of material

Output: 

apparent reflectance values
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 9

Apparent Reflectivity Calculator Components

 The apparent reflectivity calculator currently uses the following spectral input data:

Gen III Intensifier

E(λ):

R InGaAs SWIR Imager (λ):

Sunlight Moonlight
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 10

Current Development

• Demonstrated improved spectral camouflage in the 

visible, near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared 

(SWIR) bands 

– Proof of concept generated (Phase 2) with significant 

improvement over baseline uniforms

• Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) reflectivity Key 

Performance Parameters/Key Systems Attributes 

(KPP/KSA) tables

– Desert MARPAT Values; Woodland MARPAT Values; OCP 

Values
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 11

Current Evaluation Method

•Absolute Reflectance data collected per material pattern per color

•Color matching using L*a*b* color space- metric defined by the International Commission on 

Illumination to express color using standard values

Laboratory Characterization

•In-band summation of reflectivity equation factoring in: imager system response, illumination profile 

and material reflectance

•Apparent Reflectivity Calculator to produce: Moonlight Near Infrared (NIR), Daylight SWIR, and 

Moonlight SWIR apparent reflectivity values

Apparent Reflectivity Analysis

•Militarily Relevant Environments (Woodland; Desert; Transitional)

•Calibrated image, ROI pixel value gives approximate in band Apparent Reflectivity – initial assessment 

quantitative evaluation 

•Final target comparison with mean value of established database of representative reflective values

Field Evaluation
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 12

Opportunity for Industry

• Visible imagery and spectrum specifications, correlates to 3-dimensional 

values (example: RGB)

• NIR & SWIR broadband imagery monochromatic, 0%-100% reflectance

Example: 

• Marine Corps Combat Utility 

Uniform (MCCUU) Spectral 

NIR Target Table

• NIR target value with +/-

tolerance replaces per 

wavelength target

Wavelengths Lt. Tan 479 Lt. Coyote 481 & 

Highland 480 Urban Tan 478

Nanometers Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

700 38 53 19 41 25 44

720 38 54 20 41 25 45

740 39 55 20 42 25 46

760 40 56 21 42 26 47

780 41 57 21 42 27 48

800 43 58 22 43 28 50

820 45 59 23 4 30 52

840 48 62 24 46 33 55

860 50 65 25 48 36 58

Woodland table <4/14 failures; Arid Table <4/9 Specification Failures Passes Garment
DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 13

Questions?
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

U.S. ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES 

DEVELOPMENT COMMAND –

SOLDIER CENTER

07 Nov 2019

Changes to Camouflage Spectral Reflectance Requirements –

Session #22

JAPBI Brief - 7 November 2019

U19-1586

Distribution Statement A: 

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

Distribution Statement A:

Approved for Public Release
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

15

• Session 1: Part 1

 Introduction/Agenda CCDC-SC 

 SWIR Background CCDC-SC 

 Test Methodology/Apparent Calculator for SWIR/NIR CCDC-SC

 Q&A

CHANGES TO CAMOUFLAGE SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE 

REQUIREMENTS – PART 1

• Session 2: Part 2

 Acquisition Strategy & Schedule Army, PdM-SCIE

 Acquisition Strategy & Schedule USMC, PM-ICE 

 Path Forward CCDC-SC

 Q&A
Every Ounce Matters, Every Bullet Counts

Project Manager Soldier

Protection and Individual Equipment

Project Manager Soldier

Protection and Individual Equipment

Clay Williamson

Future Programs Officer PdM SCIE

lannes.c.williamson.civ@mail.mil

7 November 2019

Product Manager 

Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment 

(PdM SCIE)

Short Wave Infrared (SWIR)

Technology Implementation Plan

JAPBI Brief
17

Where We Are: 

• Near Infrared Technology is currently incorporated into uniforms and 

load carriage equipment.

• We are funding and supporting the Joint Service Signature Management 

program.

• We are evaluating commercial multi-spectral mitigation garments as 

they become available.

Where We Are Going: 

• SWIR technology will transition to PM SCIE in 4FY21

• Army & Air Force user evaluation in 2FY22 (FRACU & ACS)

• Fabric specs and item purchase descriptions modified with SWIR 

beginning 3FY22

• Prioritization on combat uniforms and load carriage items pending 

contract renewal

• This will be a gradual phase in eventually encompassing all OCP items 

Implementing SWIR Technology
18

MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND

Equipping our MARINES

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited. 

NexGen MCCUU

Program Manager 

Infantry Combat Equipment 

(PM ICE)

Short Wave Infrared (SWIR)

Technology Implementation Plan

JAPBI Brief

November 2019
19

MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND

Equipping our MARINES

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited. 

SWIR

• USMC and Army effort with CCDC Soldier Center & NSWC 

Dahlgren

• Objective: Reduce/eliminate SWIR detection from 

uniforms and equipment 

• Solution: Passive Modifications to Existing PPE 

(paint/pigment)

• SWIR signature mitigation of deployed warfighter (USMC 

and US Army) combat kit (uniforms and 500D nylon load 

carriage)

• Extended Spectrum (Visible – Long Wave Thermal IR) 

signature mitigation development effort of deployed 

warfighter (longer term)

• Apparent Reflectivity signature measurement reduction

FR

• Current Policy allows for FROG/EFRCE use for 

contingency operations only

• Growing need/training requirements lead to improve FR 

capabilities of existing uniform

• Low-Cost and Durable FR Treatment to the Marine Corps 

Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU)

• USMC & Army – Natick R&D

• Maintain current MCCUU attributes, including 50 

wash cycles

• SBIR – FR MCCUU 

• Cost increase: < 5% (objective) / < 10% (threshold) 

• FR durability: 100 (objective) / 50 (threshold) 

laundering cycles

• Minimal impact on non-FR performance

NexGen MCCUU

Baseline MARPAT vs. Proof Of Concept SWIR Developmental Materials.
20

MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND

Equipping our MARINES

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited. 

NexGen MCCUU

Where We Are: 

• Near Infrared Technology is currently incorporated into uniforms and load 

carriage equipment. 

• USMC maintains separate FR uniform (EFRCE) and non-FR uniforms 

(MCCUU) w/out SWIR mitigation.

• Joint Service Signature Management program has demonstrated success 

in SWIR mitigation.

• FR Treatment of 50/50 NyCo shows promise

Where We Are Going: 

• FY 20 – Publish Changes to Fabric Specifications & Item Purchase 

Descriptions (Phase 1 End Items) 

• FY 21 – User Evaluations on changes – refine Fabric Specifications & Item 

Purchase Descriptions

• FY 21 (4Q) – Transition to production with final changes to Fabric 

Specifications & Item Purchase Descriptions

• Phased approach encompassing ICE items (uniforms, load carriage)

• Prioritization on combat uniforms and load carriage items that are 

pending contract renewal

Intent is to merge SWIR Mitigation and FR into the NexGen MCCUU
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

21

• Session 1: Part 1

 Introduction/Agenda CCDC-SC 

 SWIR Background CCDC-SC

 Test Methodology/Apparent Calculator for SWIR/NIR CCDC-SC

 Q&A

CHANGES TO CAMOUFLAGE SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE 

REQUIREMENTS – PART 2

• Session 2: Part 2

 Acquisition Strategy & Schedule Army, PdM-SCIE

 Acquisition Strategy & Schedule USMC, PM-ICE 

 Path Forward CCDC-SC 

 Q&A
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

22

Path Forward

 Submit Request For Information (RFIs)

 Require Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for Target Values / Apparent Reflectivity 

Calculator

 Specify End Items / Materials (Gradual Phase)

 Phase 1

 US Army:

 Flame Resistant (FR) Army Combat Uniform (FRACU), MIL-DTL-32635 (GLPD-14-04A, 05A)

 Advanced Combat Shirt (ACS), GL-PD-10-02F

 Load Carriage Items, MIL-DTL-32439

 Webbing

 US Marine Corps: 

 Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU), MIL-PRF-MCCUU 

 Enhanced FR Combat Ensemble (EFRCE), MIL-PRF-EFRCE 

 Load Carriage Items, MIL-DTL -32439

 Webbing

 Phase 2 – TBD

 Submit Materials with Test Data

CHANGES TO CAMOUFLAGE SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE 

REQUIREMENTS – PART 2
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

23

Path Forward cont.

 Timeline: 

 FY 20 – Materials Optimization (Phase 1 End Items) 

 FY 21 – User Evaluations

 FY 21 (4Q) – Transition to PdM-SCIE / PM-ICE 

 FY 22 – Changes to Fabric Specifications & Item Purchase Descriptions

 Conduct Industry Site Visits 

 Review of Test Protocol / Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

 Spectrophotometer Parameters

 Wavelength Range, Nanometer Resolution, etc. 

 Material Backing Layers

 Review Apparent Reflectivity Calculator (MS Excel File) 

 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

 CSV File from Spectrophotometer (Input)

 Data Layout

CHANGES TO CAMOUFLAGE SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE 

REQUIREMENTS – PART 2

Illumination % Reflectance Illumination % Reflectance

Daylight:

Moonlight:

Absolute

Wavelength Reflectance

300

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

SWIR Apparent Reflectance NIR (700-860nm) Apparent Reflectance
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

24

QUESTIONS