US Army infantry modern camouflage.

March 12, 2022

 

Modern camouflage that works and saves the lives of soldiers appeared relatively recently. This article will trace the evolution of the US Army camouflage uniform from the beginning of its creation to the present day. We will receive comprehensive answers to questions related to the uniforms of all branches of the US Army. We will see if our soldiers are as well-equipped and if camouflage effectively protects the lives of our soldiers.

US Army camouflage patterns before World War II.

The first military uniform was more like the mating plumage of an exotic male bird during courtship than a uniform for a soldier. The red-and-white uniforms resembled a banner "shoot here," and a white cross from a sling and a vest painted an excellent target. On the practical side of the issue of snow-white tight trousers, on the battlefields, it is better to be modestly silent. The loss of life was enormous. As soon as white-red or blue uniforms with white leggings or blue culottes appeared, any tactical tricks were doomed to failure. All this splendor was crowned with high triangular hats or shako, reminiscent of chimneypieces. In addition, lace, shiny buttons, twisted gold cords, feathers, silk cords for false buttonholes, and other tinsel were used. It was beautiful for secular balls, but it was unsuitable for war.
In 1902, the first military uniform, intended for military operations, appeared, regardless of the vagaries of fashion. The war with Spain made it possible, in practice, to test the uniform, and it was honored with honor. The beautiful blue uniforms were left for ceremonial occasions, and the khaki jacket and trousers were left for the fighting. In olive green uniforms, the soldiers were given the chance of survival and victory, as well as greater tactical freedom. The French word "camouflage" entered the English language during the Great War. The appearance of multiple- charge weapons, artillery, and aerial observation gave impetus to military cunning and concealment of the actual state of affairs. Camouflage of military equipment and camouflage uniforms of personnel expanded the range of actions of the army and changed the course of history. In 1917, the New York Camouflage Society appeared in the United States, which in the form of Company A of the 40th Corps of Engineers became part of the Allied forces in France. They were busy painting military equipment to camouflage it from the air and mask logistics routes from enemy bombing. In 1918, the Women's Reserve Camouflage Corps created the first American camouflage suits to dissolve the soldier's figure into the landscape completely. These were experiments with color, shape, and composition of paints aimed at suits for reconnaissance, snipers, and gunners. The ladies worked as volunteers and fully financed these developments themselves. During World War II, the work was restored and expanded with the sewing of camouflage nets.
In 1941, the military uniform of an American soldier consisted of an olive green twill woolen jacket (shade OD 33) and the same trousers. A woolen shirt complemented the costume, one shade lighter, or a cotton shirt, khaki color. At the beginning of the war, brown leather boots were worn with canvas gaiters, but by the end of the war, gaiters were replaced with more comfortable high boot fasteners. A warmed coat and warmed liners in a jacket and trousers were required in winter. A helmet with a net was put on the head to secure the masking grass and branches. Not a monochromatic, but a spotted form with a "frog's paw" pattern was used throughout Europe in point battles. But, she too resembled the combat uniform of the Nazis and often caused friendly fire from the allies. Therefore, its use was considered inappropriate. But it was successfully used in the battles in the Pacific Ocean. The infantry uniform of the US Army, designed for tropical climates, had a double-sided cut. The light mottled side in sandy brown was intended for the beach and the olive green for the jungle. Small loops were sewn onto the uniform, and the soldiers inserted bundles of vegetation into them for better camouflage. The mesh on the helmet was also preserved and served the same purpose. In addition to the drawing, we paid attention to the material. As conceived, it had to remove excess heat and moisture well, dry quickly and effectively protect against insect bites. The fine weave cotton, known as the Byrd fabric, was a herringbone twill cotton with an increased density. Most of the belongings were carried in a hip belt, suspenders, and a low-sitting backpack for better body ventilation. The uniform was complemented by canvas high boots with laces. The M1942 camouflage kit was successful and served as the basis for modern developments for all branches of the US Army.

Modern US Army infantry camo and uniform.

Modern camouflage has undergone many transformations. Since World War II, the olive green OG-107 has been replaced with a frog's foot pattern. Then it was replaced by a combat uniform (BDU) in a light green color, interspersed with brown and beige camouflage. In 2004, it was replaced by the Combat Uniform Army (ACU). The latter is the successor (BDU) and desert camouflage uniform (DCU), worn from 1980-2000. It is camouflage in light green, olive, beige, and brown muted tones. This camouflage has several interesting points that we want to share. First of all, this camouflage uniform has fire-resistant variants (FRACU). They prevent burns of the 3rd degree of severity and save from 30% of burns of the 2nd degree. The uniform's fabric is treated with chemical permethrin to protect the soldier from insect bites and prevent dangerous infections carried by them.
The material does not allow the soldier to be detected with night vision devices. It causes the signal to bounce off the uniform and transmits data that is similar in characteristics to the general background of the environment.

Thermal imagers will also not be able to adequately determine the soldier's location in the form of an ACU. Permanent IR IFF squares are sewn on the shoulders of the combat jacket. This allows you to define a friendly side and not fire your personnel. The Improved Outer body armor and helmet have the same camouflage as the jacket. Wear a moisture-wicking brown T-shirt under the trigger.
The pants received the same range of features as the jacket - fire resistance, concealed carry for night vision goggles, an improved fit, and additional pockets. The knee area has received a design to insert and secure external rigid knee pads.
In terms of footwear, there are three boot options: Army Brown Leather Knee High Boots, Mountain Combat Boot, and Extreme Cold Boots.
For winter and shallow temperatures, the Extended Cold Weather System (ECWCS) is used, consisting of twenty pieces of clothing. It also has camouflage, but its tones are matched to the color of the terrain where they will serve. Modern US NAVY camo and uniform.
There are three types of uniforms used by sailors. The Naval Work Uniform (NWU) is available in several designs. Type 1 was discontinued due to its flammability. NWU Type II, originally codenamed AOR1, is used for subtropical climates and has a sandy brown camouflage pattern simulated by a computer. NWU Type III (AOR1) is a greenish-brown digital camouflage designed for a forested area. The marines, river units use it. The Marines' uniform consists of a camouflage shirt and trousers, a green jersey, olive Mojave suede boots. The MARPAT digital camouflage used by the Marines is exclusive and not sold to the civilian population. The whole shape can have two options: flame retardant and regular. As a rule, ripstop material is used, which consists of cotton and nylon, in equal parts. It is impregnated with insect repellent and IR protection for night vision devices and thermal imagers. It has a symbol, is distinguishable only at close range, and is fitted with identification marks of the "friend or foe" system, based on the receiver and transmitter of the IR IFF. The form has a reinforced construction of elbows, knees, an additional tie on the trousers to exclude the penetration of insects. In addition, the patterns were corrected, taking into account the different ranges of motion during hand-to-hand combat. An olive green polypropylene T-shirt or T-shirt that dries quickly is lightweight and keeps you warm, even when wet. The US Navy uniform is slightly larger to accommodate a uniform sweater and warm underwear and has more pockets than previous versions.
For quiet movement in colder weather and as a middle layer in winter, marines should wear fleece camouflage. The universal ecological clothing system (APECS) is used as a winter uniform with MARPAT camouflage. In addition, there is a snow camouflage uniform for covert combat in snowy areas. The suits are complemented by three models of RAT boots for different tasks and degrees of insulation from the cold.

Modern US Air Force camo and uniform.

On October 1, 2019, the United States Air Force replaced its former Pilot Combat Uniform (ABU) with ACU in OCP, which stands for Operational Camouflage. This camouflage pattern was initially named Scorpion W2. In 2019, they were joined by the US Space Force. The decision to choose this particular pattern was made under the pressure of an economic factor. First, the patent for the drawing belonged to the army, and secondly, the distribution of uniforms and the ease of logistics delivery played a role. Differences in the color of the ribbons make it possible to distinguish between the type of troops. Space Forces use blue tape, while the Air Force uses brown tape for logo and name bands. The pilots will use the old equipment until the delivery of the new camouflage uniforms. There is the Army's Fire Resistant Flight Combat Uniform (A2CU) for flight crews. Pilots wear it with the Air Warrior (AW) system. It is a symbiosis of a person, a laptop, a navigator, and an oxygen life-support system. Previously, the crew was tied to the pilot's seat. With the advent of the AW, it became possible to move around the helicopter without interrupting the oxygen supply and failure of communication with the navigation system. In addition, the system cools the pilot, protects against impacts, laser beams, and ensures survival in case of emergency. High-laced boots complement the uniform to protect the ankle while skydiving. Otherwise, the Air Force camouflage uniform does not have any notable differences from the US Army uniform. Camouflage designers strive to adapt them for all branches of the military. They came close to creating a versatile version that fits as many terrains as possible, durable, lightweight, and relatively cheap. The camouflage uniform of the future will strive for symbiosis with humans. It will become his second skin, protect him from possible injuries and aggressive environment, and provide wireless communication with his kind. The personal presence of soldiers on the battlefield is still in demand. Still, crewless vehicles and artillery, together with a modern touch, make it possible to reduce human losses to a minimum today.