Tactical camouflage activities. Disguise

Tactical camouflage is one of the types of combat support. It is organized by the platoon (squad, tank) commander in accordance with the received combat mission, instructions for camouflage of the company (platoon) commander and the current situation in order to achieve surprise in the actions of his units and maintain their combat effectiveness.

These goals are achieved:

· using the camouflaging properties of the terrain, local objects, darkness and other conditions of limited visibility; the use of standard camouflage means, local materials and aerosols (smoke);

· painting weapons and equipment under (swarms of the surrounding area;

· compliance with the rules of radio discipline and radio exchange and maintaining the previous mode of activity when changing units and preparing them for a new combat mission;

· strict compliance with the requirements of camouflage discipline; timely identification and elimination of unmasking signs.

Tactical camouflage must be active, convincing, continuous and varied, constantly updated and modified in accordance with changes in the methods of action of units, the surrounding terrain and the time of year. In all conditions, it is carried out by the forces of a platoon (squad, tank crew), while weapons and military equipment are camouflaged first of all. Restoration of damaged camouflage and elimination of unmasking signs are carried out immediately.

In order to protect against precision weapons The enemy uses ravines, reverse slopes, fields of radar invisibility and other camouflaging properties of the terrain. Hiding infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and tanks from enemy guided (adjustable) and homing ammunition is achieved by reducing the radar, thermal and optical contrast of the equipment in relation to the surrounding background, for which deforming coloring of the equipment, camouflage coatings are used, and heat-dissipating ones are installed above the heat-emitting surfaces of the vehicles screens (visors). In addition, thermal simulators (traps), radar and laser reflectors can be used.

When using the camouflaging properties of the terrain, the relief, color and background of the area, as well as various local objects are taken into account: forests, bushes, crops, buildings, fences, ditches, funnels, various quarries. For example, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and guns that have a green (camouflage) color are well camouflaged in thick and tall grass, on green crops or in various uneven terrain and, conversely, are very noticeable on sandy terrain with yellow. By dense forest You can pass through entire units and be undetected not only from the ground, but also from the air. A firing machine gun in a populated area will be better camouflaged if it is placed in a gap in a brick wall or wooden fence, etc.

Available means of camouflage are brushwood, branches of trees and bushes, grass, reeds, moss, hay, straw, turf, fallen leaves, peat, pine needles, etc. All of them are used for camouflage in the form in which they exist, and many of these can also be used to make mats, garlands, horizontal and vertical masks.

The platoon (squad, tank) commander carries out measures to hide a strong point (starting, firing position, location) from the moment it is occupied and carries out continuously. The effectiveness and scope of these activities largely depend on the location of strongholds, positions, areas and structures on the ground. For motorized rifle units, it is advisable to select positions for personnel and structures for fire weapons at the edge of the forest, in groves, bushes, on the outskirts of a populated area, in patchy areas of terrain and in other places that provide concealment of military equipment and structures. Selected positions and areas where units are located are masked to match the surrounding background of the area.

The main unmasking signs of trenches and defensive structures are parapets, earthen covering, dark color embrasures and entrances to structures, paths connecting trenches with structures, scattered soil.

In areas with grass cover, to hide trenches and communication passages, their parapets and rear traverse are trimmed, covered with grass, the ditch is covered with branches, films laid over a pole or weeding frame. To hide from ground surveillance, trench vertical masks are used, installed on the parapet of the trenches. Loopholes, embrasures and viewing slits are also masked with vertical masks. Platforms for machine guns and cells for shooters are hidden with a camouflage cover mounted on racks or on weeding arches.

The platoon's command and observation post is selected in places with natural masks. When located in an open area, they are first of all disguised as the surrounding background. Observation structures are disguised as local objects: hummocks, stumps, piles of stones, etc. Radio station antennas are painted in a protective color.

Strongholds of motorized rifle units in open areas can be disguised as positions not occupied by units. In this case, ditches, parapets of rifle trenches and trenches, as a rule, are not camouflaged, but adjacent cells, machine gun platforms and other structures are camouflaged under the background of parapets. The removed cells are hidden under the surrounding background. The cracks adjacent to the trench (communication passage) are covered with mats of straw, brushwood, reeds and other local materials and covered with a layer of soil. In desert-steppe areas, they can be covered with elements from service property, earthen bags, and also sprinkled with soil. Concealing trenches for personnel and weapons is easier if they are built without parapets.

The positions of tank units in open areas are usually disguised as reserve positions for riflemen. Trenches for tanks are hidden with personnel and local means and at the same time trenches for riflemen, sections of trenches and other structures characteristic of motorized rifle units are torn off. These structures can be constructed with an incomplete profile.

To camouflage infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, sets of service masks are used, and in their absence, military equipment in trenches and shelters is hidden with masks made from local materials, for example, wattles, branches and other means placed on a frame made of poles or wire. To camouflage the fire system in defense, all fire weapons and structures for them are located in relation to the terrain, making maximum use of natural masks. When fire weapons are located in open areas, they are carefully camouflaged with service masks and local materials, and spare, temporary and decoy firing positions are also equipped.

Masking the actions of units during an offensive battle is achieved by using the camouflaging properties of the terrain, using smoke screens, as well as taking measures to mislead the enemy about our forces, means, actions, and intentions.

While fighting, soldiers adapt to the terrain. The location behind a bush, fence, tree, in a ditch, or crater provides covert placement from enemy ground surveillance.

Reserves move along hidden paths, hollows, beams, and fields of invisibility. Smoke shells and mines can be used to blind enemy observation posts and firing points. In the past, smoke screens were widely used by units of all branches of the military to hide the maneuvers of tanks, infantry and artillery on the battlefield.

When organizing tactical camouflage, the platoon (squad, tank) commander indicates: what personnel equipment and local materials to use for camouflage, the timing of its implementation; the procedure for observing masking measures; the procedure for implementing and maintaining camouflage during combat. In the absence of instructions from the senior commander, tactical camouflage is organized independently.

Tactical camouflage is one of the types of combat support. It is organized by the platoon (squad, tank) commander in accordance with the received combat mission, instructions for camouflage of the platoon company commander and the current situation in order to achieve surprise in the actions of his units and maintain their combat effectiveness. These goals are achieved: by using the camouflage properties of the terrain, local objects, darkness and other conditions of limited visibility; the use of standard camouflage means, local materials and aerosols (smoke); painting weapons and equipment to match the background of the surrounding area; compliance with the rules of radio discipline and radio exchange and maintaining the previous mode of activity when changing units and preparing them for a new combat mission; strict compliance with the requirements of camouflage discipline; timely identification and elimination of unmasking signs.

Tactical camouflage must be active, convincing, continuous and varied, constantly updated and modified in accordance with changes in the methods of action of units, the surrounding terrain and the time of year. In all conditions, it is carried out by the forces of a platoon (squad, tank crew), while weapons and military equipment are camouflaged first of all. Restoration of damaged camouflage and elimination of unmasking signs are carried out immediately.
In order to protect against enemy precision weapons, ravines, reverse slopes, fields of radar invisibility and other camouflaging properties of the terrain are used. Hiding infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and tanks from enemy guided (adjustable) and homing ammunition is achieved by reducing the radar, thermal and optical contrast of the equipment in relation to the surrounding background, for which deforming coloring of the equipment, camouflage coatings are used, and heat-dissipating ones are installed above the heat-emitting surfaces of the vehicles screens (visors). In addition, thermal simulators (traps), radar and laser reflectors can be used.
When using the camouflaging properties of the terrain, the relief, color and background of the area, as well as various local objects are taken into account: forests, bushes, crops, buildings, fences, ditches, funnels, various quarries. For example, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and guns that have a green (camouflage) color are well camouflaged in thick and tall grass, on green crops or in various uneven terrain and, conversely, are very noticeable on sandy terrain that is yellow. Entire units can walk through a dense forest and be undetected not only from the ground, but also from the air. A firing machine gun in a populated area will be better camouflaged if it is placed in a gap in a brick wall or wooden fence, etc.
Available means of camouflage are brushwood, branches of trees and bushes, grass, reeds, moss, hay, straw, turf, fallen leaves, peat, pine needles, etc. All of them are used for camouflage in the form in which they exist, and many of these can also be used to make mats, garlands, horizontal and vertical masks.
The platoon (squad, tank) commander carries out measures to hide a strong point (starting, firing position, location) from the moment it is occupied and carries out continuously. The effectiveness and scope of these activities largely depend on the location of strongholds, positions, areas and structures on the ground. For motorized rifle units, it is advisable to select positions for personnel and structures for fire weapons at the edge of the forest, in groves, bushes, on the outskirts of a populated area, in patchy areas of terrain and in other places that provide concealment of military equipment and structures. Selected positions and areas where units are located are masked to match the surrounding background of the area.
The main unmasking signs of trenches and defensive structures are parapets, earthen filling, dark color of embrasures and entrances to structures, paths connecting trenches with structures, and scattered soil.
In areas with grass cover, to hide trenches and communication passages, their parapets and exile traverse are trimmed, covered with grass, the ditch is covered with branches, films laid over a pole or wire frame. To hide from ground surveillance, vertical trench masks are used, installed on the parapet of the trenches. Loopholes, embrasures and viewing slits are also masked with vertical masks. Platforms for machine guns and cells for shooters are hidden with a camouflage cover mounted on racks or on wire arches.
If possible, the platoon command and observation post is selected in places with natural masks. When located in an open area, they are first of all disguised as the surrounding background. Observation structures are disguised as local objects: hummocks, stumps, piles of stones, etc. Radio station antennas are painted in a protective color.
Strongholds of motorized rifle units in open areas can be disguised as positions not occupied by units. In this case, ditches, parapets of rifle trenches and trenches, as a rule, are not camouflaged, but adjacent cells, machine gun platforms and other structures are camouflaged under the background of parapets. The removed cells are hidden under the surrounding background. The cracks adjacent to the trench (communication passage) are covered with mats of straw, brushwood, reeds and other local materials and covered with a layer of soil. In desert-steppe areas, they can be covered with elements from service property, earthen bags, and also sprinkled with soil. Concealing trenches for personnel and weapons is easier if they are built without parapets.
The positions of tank units in open areas are usually disguised as reserve positions for riflemen. Trenches for tanks are hidden with personnel and local means and at the same time trenches for riflemen, sections of trenches and other structures characteristic of motorized rifle units are torn off. These structures can be constructed with an incomplete profile.
To camouflage infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, sets of service masks are used, and in their absence, military equipment in trenches and shelters is hidden with masks made from local materials, for example, wattles, branches and other means placed on a frame made of poles or wire.
To camouflage the fire system in defense, everything fire weapons and the structures for them are located in relation to the terrain, making maximum use of natural masks. When fire weapons are located in open areas, they are carefully camouflaged with service masks and local materials, and spare, temporary and decoy firing positions are also equipped.
Masking the actions of units during an offensive battle is achieved by using the camouflaging properties of the terrain, using smoke screens, as well as taking measures to mislead the enemy about our forces, means, actions, and intentions.
While fighting, soldiers adapt to the terrain. The location behind a bush, fence, tree, in a ditch, or crater provides covert placement from enemy ground surveillance.
Reserves move along hidden paths, hollows, beams, and fields of invisibility. Smoke shells and mines can be used to blind enemy observation posts and firing points. In the past, smoke screens were widely used by units of all branches of the military to hide the maneuvers of tanks, infantry and artillery on the battlefield.
When organizing tactical camouflage, the platoon (squad, tank) commander indicates: what personnel equipment and local materials to use for camouflage, the timing of its implementation; the procedure for observing masking measures; the procedure for implementing and maintaining camouflage during combat. In the absence of instructions from the senior commander, tactical camouflage is organized independently.

Tactical camouflage is one of the important species ensuring combat operations of units and subunits. Its main purpose is to force enemy intelligence to receive false information about our troops and facilities.

Masking is a set of coordinated measures carried out to mislead the enemy about combat personnel, combat readiness, location, intentions and actions of troops, regarding the location, purpose and condition of objects.
Tactical camouflage is aimed at ensuring surprise and effectiveness of combat operations of units and subunits, helping to maintain their combat effectiveness and increasing the protection of troops and objects from enemy weapons. To achieve this, camouflage measures are carried out in all types of combat, in any situation.
Using various types and methods of reconnaissance, the enemy can identify troops, determine their composition, actions and intentions, detect and identify military objects by characteristic unmasking signs, the main of which are:
— location of units on the ground, the nature of the material, the amount of military equipment, weapons and vehicles;
- the number, size and location on the ground of areas, positions, their distance from the enemy and from each other;
— the nature and intensity of engineering equipment in areas and positions;
— movement of units, length and composition of marching columns, direction of their movement;
— mode of reconnaissance and fire, operation of communications equipment and content of transmitted information;
— vital activity of units (movement of personnel, individual vehicles, the appearance of tracks, paths, noise caused by the operation of engines, the light of headlights and lanterns at night, light and smoke from fires, etc.)
Problem solving tactical camouflage carried out by concealment, imitation and demonstrative actions.
Concealment consists of the use of camouflage measures and techniques that exclude or make it difficult for the enemy to identify unmasking signs, and based on them, the troops themselves, their actions and objects. It is achieved by observing camouflage discipline, using the camouflage properties of the terrain and conditions of limited visibility, and using engineering techniques and means.
Imitation is the reproduction of unmasking features inherent in real objects. It provides for the creation of false positions and areas for the location of units and subunits, false objects using mock-ups of equipment and other camouflage means, by constructing false structures, as well as indicating signs of troop activity.
In the summer of 1943, units of the Voronezh Front, improving their defensive positions south of Kursk, created false concentrations of tank units and false positions of anti-aircraft combat outposts.
The sappers of Major Gudimov successfully imitated anti-aircraft weapons. They made nine mock-ups of guns and, during the night, set up false anti-aircraft battery positions at the edge of the forest. Wheels from broken tractors and hewn and painted poles were used to construct the mock-ups. The mock-ups were installed in prepared false trenches and carelessly camouflaged.
In the morning, a fascist reconnaissance plane appeared over the forest. Using black powder, sappers simulated shots from individual guns. Half an hour later, nine Yu-88 bombers appeared. The sappers on duty at the mock-ups set fire to pre-prepared bags of gunpowder, indicating shots, and hid in shelters. The Junkers turned around, dropped bombs one by one and flew away.
As soon as the sappers restored the overturned and damaged models and replenished the supplies of bags of gunpowder, the reconnaissance plane appeared again, followed by two flights of Junkers. During one day, Nazi bombers bombed the false target six times, dropping 117 bombs on it.
Demonstrative actions are a deliberate display of movements, concentrations, and combat by real units. They are carried out to pin down enemy forces in a secondary direction or to show the concentration of a large number of troops in certain areas. The demonstration is usually carried out with limited forces and means allocated by units and subunits. The units conducting the demonstration may not be aware of the true purpose of their actions. For them this is a combat mission.
Here is one example of demonstrative actions during the Great Patriotic War Patriotic War. To intercept railway Velikie Luki - Rzhev and entering the escape route of the enemy Toropets group, the Soviet ski squad was tasked with capturing the Staraya Toropa railway station.
Having marched through off-road terrain, forests and using gaps in the enemy’s defenses, the skiers at night approached Staraya Toropa, where a large enemy garrison was located, consisting of a company of the 512th railway battalion and other Wehrmacht units. To capture the station, the detachment commander decided with part of his forces to intercept the road to Ilyino (south of Staraya Toropa), with a small group to demonstrate an attack on the village from the north in order to attract the attention of the Germans here and lure them out of the village, and then to attack the main forces of the detachment from the east along the railway capture the village and destroy the enemy garrison.
The appearance of a small group of skiers from the north attracted the attention of the Germans. At this time, the main forces of the detachment struck from the forest along the railway into the rear and right flank of the Nazis and crushed them with an unexpected attack. The enemy, taken by surprise, was unable to take refuge in the village. Without offering resistance, he fled in panic along the only road to Ilyino, where he ran into an ambush and suffered heavy losses. Having captured the village and station, the detachment destroyed the remnants of the enemy.
Camouflage can produce the greatest results when hiding is combined with imitation or demonstrative actions. However, if hiding is carried out by troops without instructions from a higher commander, then imitation and demonstrative actions must be used carefully: by creating false objects and false actions, the enemy can be forced to concentrate large forces. Carrying out such events without approval can seriously complicate or completely disrupt the accomplishment of a combat mission for neighbors.
In carrying out camouflage missions, troops must be guided by certain requirements, the most important of which are: activity, persuasiveness, continuity and variety.
The Great Patriotic War provided many examples of the active influence of camouflage on the enemy. You can give one of them.
In September 1942, in one of the sectors of the North Caucasus Front, the rifle company of Senior Lieutenant Didenko received the task of defending an important mountain pass. The company, reinforced with several anti-tank guns and mortars, blocked the road leading to the gorge. Ahead there was a good natural obstacle - not wide, but stormy. mountain river 1.5-2 meters deep with a steep opposite bank inaccessible to enemy tanks. The bridge over the river was destroyed. At the direction of the company commander, anti-tank crews prepared platforms for direct fire on the front slopes of the heights in order to cover the only possible direction for the movement of tanks - the road. Before opening fire, the guns were located in equipped and camouflaged shelters on the reverse slopes. There were also mortar men there, holding the approaches to the river under fire. The heavy machine gun crews also dug trenches on the reverse slopes, which allowed them to conduct flanking fire along the river. Some of the rifle squads took up positions at the foot of the heights, and some - on the front slopes. The riflemen dug single trenches for themselves and camouflaged them well with branches and grass. Small stock anti-tank and anti-personnel mines was used to cover the approaches to the river from the enemy.
By the end of the day, a reconnaissance group of German motorcyclists, accompanied by three tanks, approached the destroyed bridge. The company's sudden fire stunned the enemy. Two of his tanks were knocked out, and the third was blown up in a minefield. Having lost 30 people killed and wounded, the fascist scouts retreated.
The company commander made the correct conclusion that an enemy attack would follow in the morning. He ordered to connect single trenches with communication passages for crawling, equip observation posts for himself and for platoon commanders, and carefully camouflage all structures. At the same time, false firing positions for artillery and false trenches for riflemen were prepared nearby. By morning all work was completed.
At dawn, an enemy reconnaissance plane appeared, and soon the fascist bombers. Nine aircraft in several passes dropped their deadly cargo on a false strong point, without noticing the real one.
Following the air strikes, up to a battalion of motorized infantry with crossing means advanced to the river. The Nazis, confident that our defenses had been suppressed, began to build the crossing, but were unexpectedly met with strong artillery, mortar and machine gun fire. Having suffered significant losses in people and transport equipment, the enemy abandoned the attempt to cross the river and retreated.
The persuasiveness of camouflage lies in the justification of the camouflage measures carried out by the conditions of the situation, in imposing on the enemy the impression of reality and plausibility. For example, when hiding objects, it is necessary to give the appearance of the terrain or the most characteristic local objects on it that do not attract attention. False objects should be created in places where the situation justifies it; they must have sufficient similarity to real objects not only in external signs, but also by signs of activity.
To illustrate the persuasiveness of camouflage carried out using demonstrative actions, we can give the following example from military experience.
In 1943, during the Battle of Kursk Bulge a rifle platoon, having captured one of the villages, entrenched itself in it. The enemy, from a commanding height, looked through the road that ran along the bottom of the ravine from the settlement to the forest. The platoon commander decided to take advantage of this to demonstratively show the concentration of significant forces in the captured village. The platoon commander, under the cover of bushes, took some of the soldiers into the forest, and then again sent them along the ravine to the populated area. Thus, during the second half of the day, groups of soldiers of various sizes demonstrated their approach to the settlement several times and indicated the concentration of a significant number of troops there. With the onset of darkness, the platoon, opening intense fire, went on the attack. Believing that large forces were concentrated in the village, the Nazis did not accept the battle and hastily retreated. The platoon captured enemy positions, capturing prisoners in the process. The prisoners said that, according to the calculations of their observers, by the evening up to 200 soldiers with easel and light machine guns. This example shows how a convincing demonstration allowed just one rifle platoon to achieve victory over a superior enemy.

Continuity of camouflage provides for the constant and timely implementation of camouflage measures in any situation: during preparation and during combat, on the march and when stationed on the spot.
Unlike the Great Patriotic War, when camouflage measures were skillfully carried out in preparation for battle, but were not always provided for during combat operations, in modern conditions the requirement of continuity takes on special significance.
Diversity means eliminating the pattern when carrying out camouflage activities, in the choice of techniques and means of camouflage. The same techniques for hiding or creating false objects, repeated several times, will sooner or later be detected and identified by the enemy. Repeatability is unacceptable both in camouflaging the actions of troops and in camouflaging individual objects.
In camouflage, the application of troops and objects to the terrain is of decisive importance, which consists in the skillful use of its concealing and specific properties.
Here is one example of the skillful use of the hiding properties of the terrain.
When our troops retreated in August 1941, a division of a howitzer artillery regiment was given the task of preventing the enemy from crossing to the left bank of the Dnieper River in the area of ​​Nizhnedneprovsk. One of the batteries was supposed to take up a firing position in the area of ​​the Igren station. To the west of the station there were two small groves, and between them a young garden, not marked on the map and not visible from the enemy. Taking this circumstance into account, firing positions were chosen: the main one in the garden, reserve ones on the outskirts of the village, and two false ones in the groves (with the permission of the division commander). By the appointed time, the artillerymen dug and carefully camouflaged trenches in the actual position, and prepared false platforms in the false positions and set up mock-ups of guns.
For three days the battery fired, causing great damage to the enemy. Having noticed false positions and mistaking them for real ones, the enemy launched several strong fire raids on them. The battery's invulnerability infuriated him. The eight Junkers he called circled over the artillerymen for a long time and, not finding the battery, dropped the entire deadly load onto false firing positions. So right choice natural masks and their skillful use for concealment and imitation allowed the battery to successfully complete its combat mission and avoid losses.
In the absence of natural masks, the specific properties of the area are used - its color and pattern. On flat, monochromatic terrain, devoid of natural masks, camouflage is difficult. The camouflage properties of such terrain can be improved by artificial spotting, i.e., the creation of spots that differ in color and brightness from the surrounding background.
The use of artificial masks should be considered as additional measure to the use of hiding and species properties of the area. In areas where natural masks are completely absent or are available in insufficient quantities, artificial masks are the main means of concealing troops and installations.
When placing units and subunits, as well as objects on the ground, it is important to ensure that they are not located next to sharply visible local objects that can serve as a reference point for the enemy. If such proximity cannot be avoided, it is advisable to destroy landmarks.
Darkness and other conditions of limited visibility contribute to the camouflage of troops and their actions. However, acting at night and during unfavorable atmospheric phenomena, it is necessary to take into account the increased reconnaissance capabilities of the enemy and use camouflage techniques from his radar and night vision devices.
Masking of troops and objects also includes compliance by personnel military secrets and camouflage discipline.
Camouflage discipline is generally accepted or established for a specific situation rules and requirements for the behavior of troops, aimed at achieving camouflage goals.
Depending on the nature of the troops’ actions and the conditions of the situation, the movement of people and vehicles in certain places(in areas or along roads), laying tracks on open areas terrain, using headlights and lanterns without blackout devices, heating stoves and making fires, operating radio communications for transmission. A certain mode of firing is also established, excluding the disclosure of its system before the start of the battle, the mode of using night vision devices and radar stations, the procedure for the movement of troops, the supply of materiel and engineering equipment to positions and areas.

Means of camouflage

When performing engineering and technical methods of camouflage, units use various means, which can be divided into means of concealment and means of imitation. Concealment means include means of individual camouflage (camouflage clothing), service camouflage kits and masks for hiding from optical reconnaissance equipment, corner reflectors intended for the installation of radar jammer masks, means of light and smoke camouflage; Simulation tools include equipment models and radar reflectors that reproduce radar unmasking signs of equipment and structures. In some cases, smoke agents are also used to indicate the life activity of false objects.

Camouflage clothing

To hide personnel from visual observation, photography and other methods of optical reconnaissance, camouflage clothing is used, which is provided to snipers, scouts, miners, etc.
Camouflage overalls are used during snowless periods of the year. It consists of trousers, a jacket and a hood, sewn into one piece, and is made of cotton fabric in two versions: double-sided and single-sided dyed. When painted on both sides, the overalls can be used against a background of greenery or sand; when painted on one side, only against a background of greenery or only against a background of sand (sun-scorched grass), depending on the color of the overalls. A jumpsuit used against a background of green vegetation gives a particularly high effect when local camouflage materials are attached to its surface: grass, small branches and other improvised means - using the braid stripes on the jumpsuit. Depending on the type of fabric from which the overalls are made, its weight ranges from 500 to 1000 g. It is worn either over uniforms and equipment, or over underwear. The overalls have appropriate slots for using equipment. It does not restrict movement, including when crawling. The face is hidden by a mask, which is worn on the bare head when operating in close proximity to the enemy. After this, a steel helmet is put on, hidden by a hood.

A soldier in camouflage overalls, successfully applied to the terrain, is not visible to the naked eye from a distance of 20-30 m. The coloring of the overalls is chosen so that it is not decipherable when observed in the infrared zone of the spectrum.
A camouflage suit is designed to camouflage against the background of snow. It is made of white cotton fabric and consists of a shirt with a hood and trousers. The sleeves of the shirt end in two-fingered mittens. The shirt and trousers are placed in a bag made of gray, khaki or brown fabric. The camouflage suit is made in three sizes. It weighs 0.6-0.7 kg.

Service camouflage kits

Hiding military equipment, vehicles and fortifications from enemy optical reconnaissance means is carried out using standard fabric camouflage kits MKT-2 and the universal frameless “Shater” mask.
Camouflage kits are available in three types: MKT-2 L - summer (for camouflage against backgrounds of green vegetation and bare ground); MKT-2 T - transparent (for camouflage against the background of green vegetation); MKT-2 S - winter (for camouflage against the background of snow). The main parts of the MKT-2 kit are camouflage coating and gags.
Most often, MKT-2 is used to construct overlapping masks that hide equipment and structures. The coating of the kit is also used in the production of horizontal, vertical and other masks by troops.
In addition to service camouflage kits, the troops still have previously issued service masks (1949 model) and camouflage nets. The coating of such a mask is similar in design to the coating of the MKT-2 T kit.
The universal frameless mask “Tent” is designed for camouflaging large-sized military and special equipment. It consists of two camouflage covers (made of cotton or synthetic materials) each measuring 12 x 18 m, 18 rack links, 6 rack heads (umbrellas). When assembling the mask, the camouflage coverings are connected to each other using a quick-opening cotter pin seam. The mask weighs 250 kg. In the summer, it is installed by a team of five people in 15-20 minutes.
Service camouflage kits and masks are used repeatedly, so they should be protected from contamination, and after use, dried and stored away from rain and snow.

Radar corner reflectors

To counteract radar reconnaissance the enemy uses corner reflectors. Corner reflector is a structure made of mutually perpendicular planes (faces) forming trihedral angles. The reflector usually has four or eight corners, the edges of each of them can be in the shape of a triangle, square or sector. They are made of sheet metal or other material that reflects radio waves well. The reflector reflects radio waves in the direction opposite to the irradiation.
When carrying out camouflage measures, industrial reflectors are usually used. The metal corner reflector (MCR) supplied to the troops is used to create radar jammer masks on land and to imitate equipment.
The troops are also supplied with the Pyramid corner reflector. It is used to imitate and hide bridges, to camouflage lakes, river bends and other water landmarks.
Troops can make their own reflectors using wooden blocks and sheet metal. Each corner reflector must be made so that the angles between its edges are straight and the planes have no dents. If these requirements are not met, for example, if there are dents even a few millimeters deep, the ability of the reflectors to reflect radio waves is sharply reduced. High quality reflectors can be difficult to produce. Therefore, they resort to this only in cases of extreme necessity. To reduce visibility, reflectors are painted to match the color of the surrounding area or water.

Equipment layouts

Equipment models are intended to imitate tanks, armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, as well as other combat and transport vehicles when creating false positions, areas where units are located and other false objects. They are also used to simulate troop movements. These means are prepared according to drawings or from nature by departments engineering troops. Currently, inflatable models of military equipment are widely used by the troops. Layouts can be collapsible or stationary, detailed or simple.

If the task is to simulate the march of a unit (unit), towed or self-propelled models can be made.
Stationary models are made at the site of their use from soil or snow. To reduce the amount of work, they are usually located in trenches (shelters). Compared to inflatable and collapsible models, stationary models require more effort and time to produce. They also have another drawback - their orientation relative to surrounding local objects remains constant all the time.
In order for the enemy to mistake the mock-ups for real equipment, they must not differ in shape, plan size and appearance from the corresponding real equipment. In most cases, mock-ups are intended to mislead enemy aerial reconnaissance. Therefore, those surfaces and parts of the model that are visible from the air must be made especially carefully.
Models must be perceived as real objects not only by optical, but also by radar reconnaissance means. This is only possible when two or three WMD reflectors are installed inside a collapsible mock-up located in an open area. When placing mock-ups in trenches (shelters), in a forest, bush or near local objects, this is not necessary, since combat (transport) equipment located in similar conditions is not detected by enemy radars.
Great similarity to real equipment is achieved when the mock-ups are masked. It is advisable to imitate camouflage by covering the MKT-2 T kit with a sun-bleached one or having a low density of filling with camouflage material (so that the mock-up is visible through the coating). High-quality parts of the layout are not masked.
With the help of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers or other methods, tracks are laid to the models.
Skillfully and carefully made models of tanks (guns, cars) do not differ from military equipment when observed with the naked eye from a distance of 200-300 m.
Models of equipment were widely used by our troops during the Great Patriotic War. For example, in December 1944, to the south of the Sandomierz bridgehead, when creating false concentration areas for tank units, 400 tank models, 500 vehicle models, and 1000 gun models were manufactured and installed.

Means of light camouflage for cars and tracked vehicles

The means of light camouflage for automotive vehicles are blackout devices (SMU) for headlights, signal lights and lampshades, an underbody light for cars and a side screen with electric lighting for tracked vehicles. SMUs reduce the luminous intensity of vehicle lights. Thanks to this, the visibility range of the light spots created by the headlights is reduced several times.
An underbody light is installed under the body of a car (trailer) to create a light spot underneath, along which the driver of the vehicle behind is oriented when moving in a column (the spot is visible at a distance of 30 m).
An electrically illuminated side screen is mounted on the left side of the rear side of tracked vehicles, has the same purpose and is visible from the same distance as the vehicle's underbody light. It consists of a screen and a light source.

Aerosol smoke masking agents

Military equipment (tanks, armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, etc.) has on-board means for setting up aerosol screens: a unified system for launching smoke grenades (system 902) and thermal equipment. In addition, the troops are supplied with hand smoke grenades, smoke bombs and artillery smoke shells and mines used for smoke screens. Smoke machines and devices can also be used to camouflage important objects.
System 902, thermal smoke equipment for tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, smoke bombs and grenades are used by units to set up aerosol screens in all types of combat. Large smoke bombs are used to camouflage areas where troops, facilities and crossings are located. All these means, when used skillfully, make it difficult or impossible for the enemy to search, target and use all types of weapons, including guided and homing ones. Experience shows that the use of aerosol agents reduces the loss of military equipment by 10-15 times, personnel losses by 5-7 times. Aerosol camouflage is used to cover personnel and military equipment from targeted enemy fire.
Hand-held smoke grenades RDG-2 b (RDG-2 x, RDG-2 h, RDG-P) are designed to mask individual soldiers and small units in close combat with an aerosol curtain, to mask the crew’s exit from damaged objects. They weigh 0.5-0.6 kg, flare up in about 15 seconds, and create a smoke screen 25-35 meters long in 1-1.5 minutes. RDG-2 and RDG-2 x grenades produce smoke white, and RDG-2 h is black. RDG-2 h can be used not only to set up a smoke screen, but also to simulate the burning of tanks and other vehicles during enemy attacks on false troop locations.
An incendiary-smoke cartridge (ISC) is designed to set fire to flammable materials in various types of buildings, structures and on the ground, to blind enemy fire weapons and observation posts with aerosol (smoke), as well as to self-camouflage personnel and small units in close combat.
Smoke bombs are divided into small, medium and large. When the checkers burn, smoke that is harmless to humans is released (white with a yellowish tint or yellowish-brown, turning into white smoke as it moves away from the checkers). Small smoke bombs DM-11, DMH-5 and ShD-MM are designed for setting up camouflage aerosol screens manually in all types of combat. They can also be used as an aid in masking thermal objects. Small smoke bombs consist of a cylindrical tin body (filled with a smoke mixture), a diaphragm and a lid with a handle.
The UDSH unified smoke bomb is designed for setting up camouflage aerosol screens manually, as well as using mechanized means: the PMZ-1 mobile minelayer, the VMR-1 helicopter mine spreader and the system remote control smoke outlet SDU-D.
Large smoke bombs BDSh-5 and BDSh-15 are designed to create long-distance smoke screens manually, as well as using the SDU-D smoke exhaust remote control system. They are buoyant. In this case, the smoke outlet remains in the upper position all the time.
Artillery smoke shells and mines differ from high-explosive fragmentation ammunition only in that their body is loaded not with explosives, but smoke-forming substance. At the site of the explosion of a smoke projectile (mine), after 1-3 seconds a cloud of white smoke is formed, which, depending on the caliber of the projectile, lasts for 10-30 seconds.
With the help of smoke shells and mines, smoke screens can be created suddenly at the enemy's location. Shooting is carried out from conventional guns (mortars). When setting up smoke screens in this way, it is necessary a large number of smoke shells (min). Local smoke products - pine branches, raw birch and alder leaves, moistened straw (hay), grass, rags, fuel oil, lubricants and others - are burned in special fireplaces.

Local camouflage materials

To hide equipment, structures and other military facilities, units of the military branches use turf, cut wood, grass, soil, snow and other local materials.

Turf is used to camouflage parapets and bedding of fortifications located in the meadow. Most often, it is harvested by hand in the form of individual sods (size 20 x 40 cm, thickness 8-10 cm) or ribbons (up to 2.5 m long, 25 cm wide).
For better survival of turf in a new place and to obtain a high camouflage effect, it is advisable to take turf in places similar in soil composition, humidity, and topography to the camouflaged places. It is not advisable to use turf with tall grass, as the grass dries quickly.
When storing, transporting or carrying turf to the place of application, the turf is laid grass to grass. Where turf is laid, the soil is leveled and the turf is laid tightly next to each other.
When camouflaging shelters at defense control posts and other critical structures, these surfaces are loosened and sprinkled with plant soil (a layer 1-2 cm thick). It is advisable to water the laid turf with water, especially in dry weather, after two to three days. Cut tree and shrub vegetation is widely and effectively used to camouflage equipment and structures. The branches of maple, oak, birch, linden, ash and poplar in the summer remain green for no more than two days; the leaves on the branches of aspen, acacia, and hazel curl up and turn black after a few hours. Pine and spruce branches last 10-12 days in summer, and up to 80 days in winter.
It is advisable to take branches from trees grown on the edges, as well as on dry sandy and sandy loam soils. For camouflage, it is preferable to use large branches (0.7-1 m or more in size). They fade more slowly. Before use, it is advisable to store cut vegetation in the shade.
When camouflaging military and transport equipment, cut vegetation can be used to construct simple deforming masks. The branches are positioned vertically and held in place using staples, pipe scraps, wire loops (fabric braid) and other devices attached to the surfaces of the machines. Cars in parking lots (positions) camouflaged by cut vegetation blend well into the terrain.
Grass, moss, and grains are used to adjust mask-overlaps to the background of the area, as well as to hide military, special and transport vehicles, structures and other objects.
Mats can also be made from straw, corn stalks, reeds, small brushwood, and tall grass for use as mask coverings. In this case, bunches of stems are sequentially fastened to each other with thin wire or cord. Straw, reed and brush mats can be coated with clay mortar. In this case, their non-flammability from napalm and from the light radiation of a nuclear explosion is ensured.
In winter, snow can be used to adjust covering masks to the background of the area, hide traces, camouflage discarded soil, and make trench masks and models.

Sergey MONETCHIKOV
Photo from the archives of the author and editors

Type of support for combat operations and daily activities of troops (forces) [See. Operational (combat) support Missile Forces strategic purpose]; a complex of interrelated organizational, operational-tactical and engineering-technical measures carried out in order to hide one’s troops (forces) and objects from the enemy and mislead him regarding their presence, location, composition, condition, as well as command plans, actions and intentions of the troops (forces), maintaining their combat capability and increasing the survivability of objects.

M. is achieved by: maintaining military secrets, using the camouflage properties of the terrain, and conditions of limited visibility; application technical means M. and imitation, local improvised materials, smoke, aerosols, camouflage painting of weapons, military equipment and objects; demonstrative actions of troops; the use of various means of communication in the interests of disinformation of the enemy and other methods of hiding from all types of enemy intelligence, as well as strict adherence to camouflage discipline by all military personnel.

Based on the scale of application and the nature of the tasks, it is divided into strategic, operational, and tactical (military).

Strategic camouflage is carried out by decision of the Supreme High Command and includes a set of measures to keep secret the preparation of a strategic operation (company), as well as to disorient the enemy regarding the grouping of armed forces, their condition and intentions. Planned and organized General Staff RF Armed Forces.

Operational camouflage is carried out by carrying out demonstrative actions, simulating concentrations and locations of troops, military facilities, disinformation about the state of one's troops and the nature of upcoming actions during the preparation and conduct of operations. It is carried out in order to achieve surprise in the actions of troops (forces) and ensure their survivability. It is planned and organized by the headquarters of the front (army, military district, navy) based on the decision for the operation.

Tactical camouflage is carried out by hiding from the enemy the movement and position of one’s troops (forces), the location of command posts and other important objects, using the camouflage properties of the terrain, conditions of limited visibility and camouflage means, as well as the construction of false positions and areas. It is carried out by decision of the commanders of formations (units, subunits), by all personnel of the armed forces without any instructions.

Depending on what enemy forces and reconnaissance means camouflage measures are carried out against, the following types of combat are distinguished: optical-visual, optical-electronic, radio-electronic (radar), and sound (acoustic).

M. activities are carried out continuously, actively and comprehensively. They must be diverse, convincing and determined by economic feasibility. M.'s effectiveness is ensured by timely, comprehensive and high-quality implementation of organizational, engineering and technical measures, as well as constant monitoring.

The planning of troops (forces) and installations is organized by commanders (commanders) and headquarters on the basis of the plan of the operation, combat operations (combat), and instructions from the senior commander. To solve military problems, military headquarters, forces and equipment, as well as special units (engineering, communications, etc.) are involved.

When organizing logistics in the Strategic Missile Forces, it is necessary to take into account: the specific nature of the location of units, subunits, and objects with their unmasking features; a specific and time-bound sequence and order of actions of units and subunits; the uniformity of the nature of the actions of units and subunits armed with the same missile systems; specific, reflective and emitting characteristics of weapons, special equipment and structures.

The main methods of M. Strategic Missile Forces are: concealment, imitation, disinformation of the enemy and demonstrative actions.

Concealment of structures, weapons, and special equipment is achieved by: camouflage painting, observance of blackout, use of the camouflage properties of the terrain at field positions in areas, conditions of limited visibility, the use of camouflage coatings (nets), masks, “silence” mode of radio-electronic communications, etc.

Imitation is achieved by: constructing false positions, communication centers, mock-ups of weapons and special equipment, etc.

Disinformation of the enemy is carried out by disseminating false information among military personnel and the local population in various ways.

Demonstrative actions are carried out by maneuvering units, subunits, the activities of units in false positions (in areas), carrying out planned activities under the guise of classes, exercises, the work of false communication centers (points), etc.

Camouflage is an integral part of the combat activity of all branches of the military in any type of combat, therefore, military cunning is to skillfully hide the true state of affairs at home and mislead the enemy, presenting false as real, forcing him to make an incorrect decision, which is obviously beneficial to us.
There are two main types of camouflage: natural and artificial. Natural camouflage involves adaptation to the terrain: the use of the camouflaging properties of forests, groves, ravines, crops, settlements, lighting conditions, shadows from local objects, rain, fog, heavy snowfall, limiting visibility and reducing the possibility of enemy observation. Artificial camouflage is achieved by technical means and consists of constructing artificial masks, models, painting objects to match the color of the surrounding area, using camouflage clothing, setting up smoke screens, creating anti-jamming masks and screen masks.
Based on the scale of application and the nature of the tasks being solved, camouflage is divided into strategic, operational and tactical.
Depending on the reconnaissance assets against which camouflage measures are carried out, camouflage is distinguished between optical, thermal, radar, radio and electronic, sound (acoustic), hydroacoustic, etc.
First, let's look at tactical camouflage. Tactical camouflage is carried out in formations, units, subunits and at individual objects in order to hide the preparation of a battle or the presence (location) of objects. It is organized by the commander of a platoon (squad, group, tank) in accordance with the received combat mission.
Tactical camouflage must be active, convincing, continuous and varied, constantly updated and modified in accordance with changes in the methods of action of units, the surrounding terrain and the time of year. In all conditions, it is carried out by the forces of a platoon (squad, tank crew), while weapons and military equipment are camouflaged first of all. Restoration of damaged camouflage and elimination of unmasking signs are carried out immediately.
Activity camouflage seeks to create in the enemy an incorrect, desired image of our forces and means, their deployment, intentions and force the enemy to make incorrect decisions. Every active camouflage action, every false structure, every false maneuver must resemble the real thing.
Plausibility. Camouflage only does not arouse suspicion among the enemy if it is plausible and natural. Any artificial camouflage structure will only be difficult to recognize if its position, shape, size and color are more consistent with the objects surrounding it. An experienced warrior will always use the old, proven methods of the art of verisimilitude that nature has taught him. As in nature, the credibility of camouflage in military affairs is achieved by giving all camouflaged objects an appearance that does not arouse suspicion of naturalness. Everything should correspond to the surrounding area, not introduce into it something alien that is sharply different from the natural objects present on it. This is greatly facilitated by the skillful use of vegetation (grass, crops, reeds, moss, bushes, tree branches).
Using vegetation cover, each warrior is able to make all kinds of improvised camouflage means on his own, and by attaching branches, tufts of grass, straw to clothing and equipment, he can create one for himself. camouflage suit, which will blend into the surrounding background. To achieve believability Combat vehicles and structures are camouflaged with special camouflage nets, into which branches, tufts of grass, hay, straw are woven in summer, depending on what is more suitable for the surrounding landscape, and in winter - a ribbon of white fabric.
Diversity. If the most advanced camouflage techniques are repeated many times, they can easily be guessed by the enemy. The pattern in this matter is not only unacceptable, but even dangerous.
Methods of masking: hiding, demonstrative actions, imitation and disinformation.
Hiding consists in eliminating or weakening the unmasking signs of troops and their actions.
Demonstrative actions represent a deliberate demonstration by real units (units) of the movement of troops (forces), the concentration of groups, the conduct of combat and other actions with the task of creating a false impression among the enemy about the intentions of the command in battle (operation).
Imitation consists of constructing false positions in areas where troops are located and other false objects using engineering, radio-electronic, smoke and other technical means.
Disinformation is achieved by disseminating false information using technical means of communication through the press, radio broadcasting, and television.
Means and techniques of camouflage depend on the methods of armed struggle, the military equipment used and are determined primarily by the capabilities of reconnaissance and destruction of the enemy.
Techniques for camouflaging objects and equipment:

• - camouflage coloring;
• - use of artificial masks;
• - techniques for hiding and simulating light unmasking signs;
• - use of mock-ups of equipment and devices of false structures;
• - application of cut vegetation and terrain treatment;
• - giving structures and objects camouflage forms;
• - setting up smoke screens.

Camouflage painting is used:

• - to reduce the visibility of an object or distort them appearance;
• - for the formation of spots on the ground, facilitating the camouflage of objects;
• - to give models and false structures the appearance of real objects.

Depending on the conditions of the situation, the type of object, the nature of the terrain, the availability of forces, means and time, the following types of camouflage colors are used:

• - protective;
• - deforming;
• - imitating.

Protective painting- single-color color, closest in color to the prevailing background of the area. It is used for painting moving objects, as well as structures located on terrain backgrounds of uniform color.
Deforming coloring– multi-color staining various shapes, similar in color to the main spots of the background of the area. It is used to camouflage weapons, combat, special, and transport equipment during troop operations on terrain backgrounds of various colors.
Imitating coloring– a color pattern that is a continuation of the surrounding background pattern on the object. It depicts destruction by disguising an object as destroyed or reproducing the appearance of another, less important object. This type of camouflage is used to camouflage the structures of control points, observation posts, fire installations, airfields, warehouses, storage facilities, buildings, and in some cases, equipment.
When camouflaging military equipment and weapons, you should avoid open areas with a monotonous background. It is not allowed to place military equipment and weapons against the sky or against a light background. In areas with a small number of natural masks, the equipment is positioned in such a way that its shadows are distorted. At the same time, take into account the movement of shadows during the day. When placing military equipment and weapons in sparse plantings to hide from aerial reconnaissance The tree crowns are pulled together and the crowns are compacted by fastening cut vegetation to the branches. Horizontal and inclined masks are equipped. Cut branches are thrown onto the covering of the masks.

IN populated areas equipment is hidden in outbuildings.

Personnel camouflage is achieved using:

• - hiding and species properties of the area;
• - conditions of limited visibility;
• - compliance with the requirements of camouflage discipline.

Also, for individual camouflage of a scout, standard means of camouflage are used: camouflage uniforms, camouflage overalls (summer) and camouflage suit (winter). The effectiveness of camouflage increases significantly when grass and small branches are additionally attached to the surface of these products in summer (branches of coniferous, deciduous trees and shrubs, tufts of grass are used in dry hot weather cut vegetation quickly fades, loses its camouflage properties and needs to be replaced with fresh every 2-3 hours), pieces of white fabric - in winter, parts of weapons, equipment, etc. are covered. Any available materials can be used for camouflage. It is recommended to attach these materials vertically, as in this case they fit better into the surrounding vegetation. To camouflage a steel helmet, in addition to vegetation, deforming paints are used, as well as pieces of service camouflage coverings. The colors of the spots of deforming paint and the type of camouflage coating are chosen depending on the background of the area in which the troops are located and operating.
When acting in close proximity to the enemy, the face is hidden with a mask or masked together with open parts of the body with paints or improvised materials (soot, coal, chalk) so that the protruding parts (forehead, nose, chin, cheekbones) are darkened and various kinds the sockets (eye, ear, neck, mouth) were highlighted, thereby making the face flat, indistinguishable to the eye.
When acting in close proximity to the enemy, the face is hidden with a mask or camouflaged along with open parts of the body with paints or improvised materials (soot, coal, chalk) so that the protruding parts (forehead, nose, chin, cheekbones) are darkened, and various cavities (eye , ears, neck, mouth) were highlighted, thereby making the face flat, indistinguishable to the eye.
The weapon is also camouflaged by attaching improvised materials to it (vegetation or bandage from IPP, adhesive plaster - white in winter, painted with iodine, brilliant green, grass juice, etc. – in summer), time-sheet funds. Movable parts of weapons and parts that require immediate replacement are not subject to camouflage.