Also, the smaller shadow areas within the vehicle such as the shadow line of the truck body in and
around the cab, beneath the fenders, within the wheels, and in the open back of the cargo space must
be blocked out. They also aid in identification. In snowy areas with little or no cover, vehicles can be
parked facing directly into the sun. This will reduce the shadow, which can then be further reduced and
broken up by large snowballs or deep holes dug in the snow. Snow thrown on the wheels helps to
disrupt this telltale area.
Camouflage Measures
Siting and Dispersion. In camouflage, the aim of good vehicle siting is to occupy the terrain without
altering its appearance. To do this, vehicles should be parked under natural cover when available.
When cover is inadequate, they should be parked so that the shape of the vehicle will disappear into
the surroundings. Before a driver can site his vehicle to take advantage of the concealment offered by
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.
Use of Natural Materials. Good sitings and dispersion are essential. Sometimes they are not enough.
Greater concealment can be had by supplementing these measures with natural materials to break up
the shape and shadows of the vehicles. This material is almost always available near a parking site. It
can be erected and removed quickly. When cut foliage is used, it should be replaced as soon as it
starts to wither (see Figures 7-10 and 11). Altering the color of vehicles or adding texture to them are
other ways to supplement siting and dispersion. Color may be changed by applying mud to the body
and tarpaulin. Follow the patterning principles given below. Texture may be added all over or in
pattern shapes by attaching leaves, heavy grass, or coarse sand to the surface with an adhesive.
Pattern Painting. Pattern painting of a vehicle is not a cure-all. 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. The patterns will disrupt shadows. They will tie in with
the shadow at the rear of a vehicle when it is faced into the sun, as well as the large dark shadow areas
of windows, mudguards, wheels, and undercarriage. The patterns must be bold enough to be effective
at a distance. White or light gray paint is applied to the undersurfaces of the vehicle to cause them to
reflect light. This lightens the dark shadows of the undercarriage. This is termed "countershading." As
stated before, pattern painting alone will not conceal a vehicle. To be effective, it must be combined
with proper background and siting. Today's mechanized and highly mobile units have the capability of
traveling great distances over varied terrain and growth. Pattern painting that is effective one day may
not be effective the next day.
7-11
MP2010
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