Operational Medicine 2001
Field Medical Service School
Student Handbook

CAMOUFLAGE, COVER, AND CONCEALMENT

01 Nov 99

LESSON PUPOSE.  To introduce and instruct the students on the techniques for applying camouflage, for utilizing cover and concealment, and for observing and recognizing enemy emplacements.

OUTLINE.

A.     DEFINITIONS

1. Cover.  Protection from fire of the enemy weapons.  It may be natural or artificial.

a.       Natural Cover.  Natural cover includes logs, trees, stumps, ravines, hollows, reverse slopes, and so forth.

b.      Artificial Cover.  Artificial cover includes fighting holes, trenches, walls, rubble, and craters.

2. Concealment.  Concealment is anything that hides an individual, his position, unit, or equipment from enemy observation.  It may be natural or artificial.  Remember that concealment is not protection from enemy fire.

a.       Natural Concealment.  Natural concealment is provided by the surroundings and needs no change such as bushes, grass, and shadows.

b.      Artificial Concealment.  Artificial concealment is made from materials such as burlaps or nets or from natural materials such as bushes, leaves, and grass moved from their original location.

3. Camouflage.  Camouflage makes use of natural and manmade material.  Camouflage consists of measures taken to conceal individuals, equipment, and positions from the enemy.  Used well, it reduces the chance of detection by the enemy.  If camouflage material is needed, it should be brought from outside the fighting position.

B.     TECHNIQUES.

1. Utilizing Cover.

a.       If possible build overhead cover.

b.      Observe and fire around the side of an object.

c.       Use routes which put cover between the unit and the enemy (i.e., gullies, draws).

d.      Take advantage of natural cover (i.e., wooded areas, hills, rock formations).

e.       Avoid open fields.

2. Utilizing Concealment.

a.       Movement draws attention.  Avoid unnecessary movement. 

b.      Shadows draw attention.  Break up shadows of fighting positions and equipment.

c.       Fighting positions should be where the enemy does not expect to find them.

d.      Shiny objects draw attention.  Conceal shiny objects (i.e., watches, compasses, bayonet).

3. Utilizing Camouflage.

a.       Study the terrain and vegetation of the area.  Grass, leaves, etc. must be arranged to conform to the area.  Tree branches stuck into the ground in and open field will not fool anyone.

b.      Camouflage and hide dirt from fighting holes and heads.

c.       Use only material that is needed.  Too much material may call attention to a position as easily as too little.

d.      Camouflage is continuous.  Always improve your camouflage.  Practice camouflage discipline.

e.       Always inspect positions from the enemy point of view.

f.        Alter the distinctive silhouette of the helmet.

g.       Exposed skin reflects light and draws attention.  Even very dark skin, because of its natural oils, will reflect light.

REFERENCE:

Marine Rifle Squad, 6-5

Field Medical Service School
Camp Pendleton, California

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Operational Medicine 2001
Health Care in Military Settings

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