So you must be concealed from enemy observation and have cover from enemy fire. When the terrain does not provide natural cover and concealment, you must prepare your cover and use natural and man-made materials to camouflage yourself, your equipment, and your position. This chapter provides guidance on the preparation and use of cover, concealment, and camouflage. Cover can also conceal you from enemy observation. Cover can be natural or man-made.
Natural cover includes such things as logs, trees, stumps, ravines, and hollows.
Manmade cover includes such things as fighting positions, trenches, walls, rubble, and craters. Even the smallest depression or fold in the ground can give some cover. Look for and use every bit of cover the terrain offers. In combat, you need protection from enemy direct and indirect fire. To get protection from enemy fire in the offense or when moving, use routes that put cover between you and the places where the enemy is known or thought to be.