Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 11, 2006 1:49:16 GMT -5
One of the keys to warfare on all levels that carries down to individual and small unit combat is camouflage. The ability to deny your enemies knowledge of your presence.
The primary things (In order of importance) that give you away are: light, noise, movement, color and trace evidence of your presence such as tracks or broken twigs.
The reasons fire trucks are painted in bright colors that don't match the background, use flashing lights, sirens and the lights revolve is they employ all the opposite elements of discretion.
In close in combat, movement is your greatest enemy. All animals are attracted to movement. Even with bad colors a creature who stays still is way less apt to be seen. If you move on a ridge line with the sun to your back you'll further increasing the likelihood that you'll be seen. Noise is the next greatest consideration. You especially want to eliminate or minimize noises that are unnatural or directly attributable to humans. Metal on metal, water sloshing, the rattle of BBs, talking, coughing or sneezing. Animals break branches when they move but only humans freeze after they've done so!
Colors should match surroundings and colors that are broken up into patterns that reduce outlines and shapes are harder to spot. Screening your movement with partial foliage between you and the enemy is effective because the eye tends to focus of the object in the forefront (Unless the onject behind is moving!, or you hear a sound that causes your focus to penetrate the natural screen.) When ever possible move so your profile does not get silouetted against the sky. Coat any shiney objects so their reflection won't give you or your position away. Coat any exposed skin with camo face paint or burn the end of a cork and rub the blackened end on your exposed skin. (This is what was most commonly done in the war)
In WW2 US GIs in the ETO are known to have reversed their M-41's so the darker liner was exposed instead of the light Khaki that didn't provide good camo in the forest and hedgrows of Europe. Some units (especially Rangers and Infantry elements of the 2nd Armored Division painted their M-41s with OD and black splotches. Pathfinder elements and other airborne elements painted their M-42s with camo to break up the color of their jumpsuits. Moisture and mud does this to some degree naturally as does your web gear. Some rare elements were even issued duck hunter style camoflage uniforms though most were withdrawn shortly after D-day due to confusion with German uniforms.
For noise, Tape sling swivels and magazines to reduce mettalic sounds. (OD cloth tape or electricians tape is authentic to use) When walking, think about where your foot will come down and anticipate the noise it will make when it does so. Move way slower then natural and try to do so when outside noises might mask your movement. (A car or plane going by.) Avoid talking as much as possible and insure that your equipment is free of give away noises when you move. Jump up and down and have your patrol members do the same.
When moving thru thick foliage try not to grab ahold of brush that is then going to move and call attention to your position or leave tell tale signs that you passed that way. Fire from the sides of objects rather then over the top as you're far less likely to be seen and targeted.
Have your buddies watch in the direction of the enemy while you're moving. Leave it to them to do so while you concentrate on where your feet are going and trying to be as quiet as possible. This is unatural but a very critical skill. Discuss this tactic with them before hand. When stationary try to peek through brush not over or to the side of bushes.
If a few rounds come your way when in a defensive position don't react with responsive fire unless you know you've been spotted. Wait until the enemy is in your kill zone or your element leader fires. Once you "go loud" with fire disregard all of this and scream, run, roll and be aggressive as you can.
The primary things (In order of importance) that give you away are: light, noise, movement, color and trace evidence of your presence such as tracks or broken twigs.
The reasons fire trucks are painted in bright colors that don't match the background, use flashing lights, sirens and the lights revolve is they employ all the opposite elements of discretion.
In close in combat, movement is your greatest enemy. All animals are attracted to movement. Even with bad colors a creature who stays still is way less apt to be seen. If you move on a ridge line with the sun to your back you'll further increasing the likelihood that you'll be seen. Noise is the next greatest consideration. You especially want to eliminate or minimize noises that are unnatural or directly attributable to humans. Metal on metal, water sloshing, the rattle of BBs, talking, coughing or sneezing. Animals break branches when they move but only humans freeze after they've done so!
Colors should match surroundings and colors that are broken up into patterns that reduce outlines and shapes are harder to spot. Screening your movement with partial foliage between you and the enemy is effective because the eye tends to focus of the object in the forefront (Unless the onject behind is moving!, or you hear a sound that causes your focus to penetrate the natural screen.) When ever possible move so your profile does not get silouetted against the sky. Coat any shiney objects so their reflection won't give you or your position away. Coat any exposed skin with camo face paint or burn the end of a cork and rub the blackened end on your exposed skin. (This is what was most commonly done in the war)
In WW2 US GIs in the ETO are known to have reversed their M-41's so the darker liner was exposed instead of the light Khaki that didn't provide good camo in the forest and hedgrows of Europe. Some units (especially Rangers and Infantry elements of the 2nd Armored Division painted their M-41s with OD and black splotches. Pathfinder elements and other airborne elements painted their M-42s with camo to break up the color of their jumpsuits. Moisture and mud does this to some degree naturally as does your web gear. Some rare elements were even issued duck hunter style camoflage uniforms though most were withdrawn shortly after D-day due to confusion with German uniforms.
For noise, Tape sling swivels and magazines to reduce mettalic sounds. (OD cloth tape or electricians tape is authentic to use) When walking, think about where your foot will come down and anticipate the noise it will make when it does so. Move way slower then natural and try to do so when outside noises might mask your movement. (A car or plane going by.) Avoid talking as much as possible and insure that your equipment is free of give away noises when you move. Jump up and down and have your patrol members do the same.
When moving thru thick foliage try not to grab ahold of brush that is then going to move and call attention to your position or leave tell tale signs that you passed that way. Fire from the sides of objects rather then over the top as you're far less likely to be seen and targeted.
Have your buddies watch in the direction of the enemy while you're moving. Leave it to them to do so while you concentrate on where your feet are going and trying to be as quiet as possible. This is unatural but a very critical skill. Discuss this tactic with them before hand. When stationary try to peek through brush not over or to the side of bushes.
If a few rounds come your way when in a defensive position don't react with responsive fire unless you know you've been spotted. Wait until the enemy is in your kill zone or your element leader fires. Once you "go loud" with fire disregard all of this and scream, run, roll and be aggressive as you can.