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Basics of camouflage from enemy intelligence. Tactical camouflage activities

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..

impact on intelligence

enemy……………………………………………………………...4

Methods of implementation

camouflage………………………………………………………...5

Camouflage

means………………………………………………………...6

Tactical

disguise………………………………………………………..10

Stages of development

camouflage……………………………………………………....14

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………

References……………………………………………………………...18

Introduction

Masking (from the French masquer - to make invisible, invisible to

someone), a type of support for combat operations and daily activities

troops; a set of measures aimed at introducing the enemy into

misconception regarding the presence and location of troops (naval forces), various

military installations, their condition, combat readiness and actions, as well as plans

command. Camouflage helps achieve surprise

troops, maintaining their combat readiness and increasing the survivability of objects. By

According to the scale of application and the nature of the tasks being solved, camouflage is divided

into strategic, operational and tactical. Depending on whether or not

what kind of reconnaissance means camouflage measures are carried out, distinguish

optical, thermal, radar, radio and

radio engineering, sound (acoustic), hydroacoustic, etc.

Classification of camouflage actions depending on the means

impact on enemy intelligence

Optical camouflage counteracts photography, television

and visual observation (including using electron-optical

devices). It is achieved by using the camouflage properties of the terrain,

conditions of limited visibility, masks made from standard and local materials,

means of camouflage for personnel, camouflage painting of equipment and

structures, observing light camouflage. To introduce the enemy into

misconception, models of equipment, false structures and others are used

means of imitation.

Thermal camouflage prevents troops from being detected by means of

thermal reconnaissance and destruction of objects with shells with thermal heads

homing, it is achieved using the hiding properties of the terrain,

shielding of heated surfaces of combat (special) vehicles and

other objects with barriers opaque to infrared radiation,

the use of false thermal targets.

Radar camouflage eliminates, reduces or distorts

intelligence information obtained using radar

stations. Its main activities are the location of troops (objects)

in forests (groves), in small settlements, in fields of invisibility;

interference; use of radar masks; use of corner

reflectors to create false objects (targets).

Radio-technical camouflage is carried out against radio-technical

means conducting direction finding of operating radios and radar stations And

eavesdropping on radio communications; it is achieved by limiting or

prohibition of operation of radio and radio-electronic equipment, reduction of power

emissions from radio stations, the use of short signals, equipment

speed, transmission of false radiograms (signals) and other means.

3-sound camouflage counteracts eavesdropping and reconnaissance

sound measuring stations of the enemy and is carried out by reducing

noise of machines (mechanisms), muffling sounds (noises) with powerful sound

curtains, reproduction of gunshot sounds, movement (noise) of equipment

broadcasting stations and other means.

Hydroacoustic camouflage is aimed against acoustic means

surveillance of enemy submarines. It is achieved by using

soundproofing and sound-absorbing devices, using

low-noise travel speeds, shelter submarines under the jump layer (layer

water below which sonars do not detect the boat), turning off

highly noisy auxiliary mechanisms, the use of self-propelled and

non-self-propelled (fired) devices and cartridges simulating

acoustic presence of a submarine and distracting search ships and

enemy planes (helicopters) in false directions.

Methods of masking

Methods of camouflage are: hiding,

demonstrative actions, imitation and disinformation.

Concealment consists of eliminating or weakening unmasking

signs of troops (military objects), their actions (activities). It

is ensured by keeping command plans secret, using

troops camouflage properties of the terrain, natural shelters, conditions

restrictions on visibility, the use of technical means of camouflage,

observance of camouflage discipline, dispersal of troops.

Demonstrative actions are deliberate displays

real units (units) of movement of troops (forces) concentration

groups, conducting combat and other operations with the task of creating the enemy

a false idea of the command's intentions 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 spreading false information from

using technical means of communication through print, radio broadcasting, television.

Masking is organized by commanders (commanders and staffs). Tasks

camouflages are determined based on the design of the upcoming hostilities and

instructions from the senior superior. When organizing camouflage, take into account

enemy reconnaissance capabilities, masking terrain properties, condition

weather, the capabilities of their troops and other conditions. Hiding your

disposition (of their actions) is carried out by parts (divisions) of all

branches of troops in any situation without special instructions from a superior

command. Demonstrative actions, imitation and disinformation

carried out with the permission or on the instructions of the senior commander

(commander).

Camouflage means

Camouflage means - property, equipment, ammunition and products as

service and military-made, used to camouflage military personnel

objects. Depending on their purpose, they are divided into optical means

camouflage, radar camouflage, blackout, thermal

camouflage, sound camouflage, hydroacoustic camouflage, smoke

products, pyrotechnic compositions, camouflage paints.

Optical camouflage means include: camouflage clothing;

kits and masks; layouts and their sets. Camouflage clothing -

overalls, suits, capes, robes - used by intelligence officers,

snipers, sappers, signalmen operating in close proximity

from the enemy. Summer camouflage clothing is usually multi-colored, spotted

colors, winter - white. Camouflage kits and masks (service)

designed to hide military equipment, vehicles, trenches and shelters.

Their basis is a camouflage covering made of mesh fabric, cotton or

synthetic, net with attached tapes and pieces of fabric (film),

painted in three or four colors (for spotted backgrounds) or in one color (for

desert and snow), as well as racks, guy lines and other devices. Masks

military production are arranged from consumables (camouflage and other

nets, PVC film, camouflage paper, various fabrics,

burlap, ropes, wire, plywood, matting, etc.) and local (poles, brushwood,

branches, grass, soil, snow, etc.) materials. Layouts (sets of layouts)

designed to imitate weapons, military equipment, structures and

local objects when creating false objects. Timesheet layouts -

pneumatic or frame prefabricated structures of multiple

use. Simplified layouts are also used to simulate

camouflaged equipment (frames covered by camouflage

coatings). Mockup kits allow you to simulate entire departments

or dept. objects.

Radar camouflage means- radar reflectors

(angular, dipole, etc.), radio-scattering and radio-absorbing

coverings. Corner reflectors - metal structures

(metalized) planes that reflect electromagnetic energy. They

serve to interfere with enemy radars and simulate various. technology,

structures, local objects (landmarks). The reflectors used have

various sizes and shapes of faces (square, triangular, sector).

Dipole reflectors (dipoles) - thin electrically conductive threads (ribbons)

length equal to half the wavelength of the enemy radar radiation. Are used

to create passive interference when camouflaging aircraft (helicopters) in the air

and ships at sea.

Light camouflage means- blackout devices for headlights,

side and signal lights of vehicles and armored vehicles,

lighting kits, lamps and flashlights with camouflage attachments

for general and local lighting; illuminated signs and indicators to indicate

paths, crossings, passages, etc.; blackout curtains, shutters, shields. At

imitation of light unmasking signs is usually used by means

lighting and military-made light-imitation kits.

Thermal camouflage means include: devices that reduce

temperature of heated surfaces (at stationary objects -

expansion chambers, devices for cooling combustion products by

air blowing, water irrigation, etc., on military equipment -

thermal insulation devices made of asbestos, fiberglass); heat shields from

metal, heat-insulating materials, films and other non-combustible materials;

special paint coatings with low thermal radiation coefficient.

False thermal targets - devices made from materials with high heat transfer,

heated by electric current or combustion of fuel, simulating

heated elements of real objects.

Sound masking means- sound broadcasting installations for hiding

sound unmasking signs of troop movements and engineering work, A

also for reproducing noises simulating the activity of troops (work

engines, movement of military equipment, etc.). These also include various

military-made devices to reduce the intensity of sounds (silencers,

sound filters, etc.).

Smoke camouflage means- devices and ammunition for creating

smoke screens (smoke bombs; smoke equipment of ships; artillery

smoke shells, mines, hand and rifle grenades; smoke machines and

devices mounted on military equipment; aviation smoke bombs and

pouring devices). They are used to blind the enemy, hide

their troops, ships and their actions, designating the activities of false objects.

Pyrotechnic means of camouflage- compositions and products for

reproduction of light, sound and smoke signs on false objects

shooting, explosions, fires, area lighting, etc. For this purpose

special pyrotechnic cartridges and bombs (simulators) are used

shots, explosions), explosives, flammable materials, lighting and

flares.

TO means of camouflage coloring include mechanisms, devices and

tools for cooking, applying paints and preparing surfaces for

painting (painting stations, various paint sprayers, brushes, brushes,

devices for selecting colors, containers, etc.). Units can be used

painting tools taken from National economy. For

for camouflage painting, ready-made oil paints and enamels are used,

dry mineral paints with fixatives (oil-based, resinous, water-based or

bitumen base) and solvents, local materials (soils, crushed

slag, coal, brick, etc.). Masking agents are used

with protective, simulating and deforming painting of military equipment,

fortifications and other structures.

Tactical camouflage

Tactical camouflage is one of the types of combat support. She

organized by the platoon (squad, tank) commander in accordance with the received

combat mission, instructions for camouflaging the platoon company commander and the prevailing

situation in order to achieve surprise in the actions of their units and

maintaining their combat effectiveness. These goals are achieved:

Using the camouflage properties of the terrain, local objects,

darkness and other conditions of limited visibility;

The use of standard means of camouflage, 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 preservation

the previous mode of activity when changing units and preparing them for

carrying out a new combat mission;

Strict compliance with the requirements of camouflage discipline;

Timely notification of enemy reconnaissance actions;

Timely identification and elimination of unmasking signs.

Tactical camouflage must be active, convincing, continuous and

diverse, constantly updated and modified in accordance with

changes in the methods of action of units, surrounding terrain and time

of the year. In all conditions, it is carried out by the forces of the platoon (squad,

tank crew), while weapons and military equipment are camouflaged first

queue. Restoring broken camouflage and eliminating unmasking

signs are implemented immediately.

In order to protect against precision weapons the enemy uses ravines,

reverse slopes of heights, fields of radar invisibility and others

camouflage properties of the terrain. Hiding infantry fighting vehicles

(armored personnel carriers) and tanks from guided (adjustable) and

enemy homing ammunition is achieved by reducing

radar, thermal and optical contrast technology in relation to

to the surrounding background, for which deforming coloring techniques are used,

masking coatings over heat-radiating surfaces of machines

Heat dissipating screens (canopies) are installed. In addition, they can

use thermal simulators (traps), radar and laser

reflectors.

When using the camouflage properties of the terrain, the relief,

color and background of the area, as well as various local objects: 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) coloring,

well camouflaged in thick and tall grass, on green crops or in

various uneven terrain and, conversely, are very noticeable on sandy

area having yellow. You can walk through a dense forest unscathed

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

place in a gap in a brick wall or wooden fence, etc.

Handy means of camouflage are brushwood, tree branches 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 are, and many of them

They can also be used when arranging mats, garlands, horizontal and

vertical masks.

Measures to hide a strong point (starting, firing position, place

location) the platoon (squad, tank) commander conducts from the moment of his

classes and carries out continuously. The effectiveness and scope of these activities

largely depend on the location of strong points, positions, areas and

structures on the ground. For motorized rifle units, positions for

personnel and structures for fire weapons should be selected based on

edge of the forest, in groves, bushes, on the outskirts of a populated area, on spotted

areas of terrain and other places providing concealment of military equipment

and structures. Selected positions and areas where units are located

camouflaged to match the surrounding background of the area.

The main unmasking signs of trenches and defensive

structures are parapets, earth pavement, dark-colored embrasures and

entrances to structures, paths connecting trenches with structures,

scattered soil.

In areas with grass, to hide trenches and passages

messages their parapets and exile traverse are trimmed, covered with grass,

the ditch is covered with branches, films laid over a pole or

wire frame. Used to hide from ground surveillance

trench vertical masks installed on the parapet of trenches.

Loopholes, embrasures and viewing slits are also masked by vertical

masks. Platforms for machine guns and cells for shooters are hidden

camouflage cover mounted on posts or wire

If possible, the platoon command and observation post is selected in places

with natural masks. When located in an open area, first

the queue is disguised as the surrounding background. Observation facilities

disguised as local objects: hummocks, stumps, piles of stones, etc. Antennas

radio stations are painted in a protective color.

Strongholds of motorized rifle units in open areas can

masquerade as positions not occupied by units. In this case, the ditches

the parapets of trenches for riflemen and trenches, as a rule, do not camouflage, but

adjacent cells, machine gun platforms and other structures are disguised as

background of parapets. The removed cells are hidden under the surrounding background.

The cracks adjacent to the trench (communication course) are covered with straw mats,

brushwood, reeds and other local materials and sprinkled with a layer of soil. IN

desert-steppe areas they can be covered with elements from the standard

property, earth bags, and also sprinkle with soil. Disguise

trenches for personnel and weapons are made easier if they are built

without parapets.

The positions of tank units in open areas are usually camouflaged

for reserve positions for shooters. Trench trenches are hidden with service and

local means and at the same time tear off trenches for riflemen, areas

trenches and other structures characteristic of motorized rifle units.

These structures can be constructed with an incomplete profile.

To camouflage infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers they use

sets of service masks, and in their absence, military equipment in the trenches and

shelters are hidden with masks made from local materials, for example,

wattles, branches and other means laid on a frame 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

natural masks. When placing fire weapons in open areas

they are carefully masked with service masks and local materials, as well as

equip spare, temporary and false firing positions.

Masking the actions of units during an offensive battle is achieved

using the camouflage properties of the terrain, using smoke screens,

as well as carrying out measures to mislead the enemy

regarding our strengths, means, actions, intentions.

While fighting, soldiers adapt to the terrain. Location behind a bush

fence, tree, in a ditch, funnel provides hidden placement from

enemy ground surveillance.

Reserves move along hidden paths, hollows, beams, fields

invisibility. For blinding observation posts and firing points

the enemy may use smoke shells and mines. In the past smoke

curtains were widely used by units of all branches of the military to hide on

battlefield maneuver of tanks, infantry and artillery.

When organizing tactical camouflage, the platoon (squad, tank) commander

indicates: what standard means and local materials to use for

camouflage, timing of its implementation; the procedure for observing masking measures;

the procedure for implementing and maintaining camouflage during combat. With absence

instructions from the senior commander, tactical camouflage is organized

on one's own.

Stages of camouflage development

Means and techniques of camouflage depend on the methods of armed struggle,

military equipment used and are determined primarily by the capabilities

means of reconnaissance and destruction of the enemy. Before the advent of firearms

camouflage had no independent meaning and, as a rule, came down to

using the hiding properties of the terrain and limited conditions

visibility for covert movement of troops (forces) and surprise attacks. WITH

with the advent of rifled firearms, detection distances and

enemy defeats became almost identical. This forced the troops

hide from enemy observation and fire, using not only natural

masks, but also special means.

During World War I, the warring parties began to widely use

optical observation devices, photography, optical sights;

aerial reconnaissance developed, including visual observation and

aerial photography, as well as radio reconnaissance and hydroacoustic reconnaissance. All this

led to the need to carefully hide troops (forces) and rear facilities. IN

camouflage units began to be formed in the armies (navies) of a number of countries,

publish manuals and instructions; supply of troops was organized

special materials for performing camouflage measures. AND

At the end of the war, camouflage turned into one of the types of combat support

actions.

Camouflage was also widely used during the Second World War.

Concepts and plans for camouflage on a strategic scale began to be considered

leadership and general staffs of the armed forces of states, operational

camouflage has become an integral part of ensuring all major operations,

having a major impact on their success. Tactical camouflage has found widespread

use of troops (forces) in all types of combat operations. As with provision

operations, and on a tactical scale, a comprehensive,

coordinated use of all means and methods in terms of goals, time and place

camouflage. Of great importance in the defeat of German troops during

counter-offensives of the Russian Army near Moscow and Stalingrad had thoroughly

a well-thought-out and successfully implemented system of measures to camouflage troops

and keeping the preparation of these operations secret. Conducting demonstrations

actions and imitations combined with careful concealment of the main groups

troops and the organization of targeted disinformation of the enemy provided

surprise of attacks in many offensive operations of the Russian Army

(Belorusskaya 1944, Lvov-Sandoiirskaya 1944, Yassko-Kishinevskaya 1944, etc.).

Camouflage measures played a significant role in the actions of other

armies that participated in the 2nd World War. They most fully and successfully

were carried out during the landing of American-British troops in Normandy (1944).

Large rear objects were camouflaged on a large scale,

located in the zone of enemy aviation, measures were taken to

hiding real and creating false landmarks.

IN post-war years with the advent of new reconnaissance means, the role of camouflage

has increased. The official manuals of the armies of NATO countries emphasize that

camouflage activities must be continuous and believable.

Personal camouflage means are used to hide troops and objects.

composition, service kits, dummy masks, smoke emission means, local

camouflage materials; protective, imitating and deforming

coloring and other means and techniques; ground structures with their

construction is given a camouflage form in advance. When equipping false

military and special equipment models are used in the areas where troops are located

techniques, as well as means of “reviving” false objects.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, camouflage is a very important activity in conditions

modern combat, success in which depends on who is the first to discover

enemy, since modern weapons are capable of acting on

distances measured from a few millimeters to tens of thousands

kilometers, with very high accuracy. This is one of the main components

fighting. History knows many examples when correctly carried out

camouflage actions decided the outcome of the battle in one direction or another.

Camouflage is a very broad concept that applies to the individual soldier

as well as to military facilities and entire armies. Means and methods of camouflage

are constantly being improved. IN Lately a new type of concealment has appeared

of their actions - information camouflage (information war). IN

Recently, a person’s life has been very dependent on the information received

through radio, television, computer, and through skillful control of these

flows of information can be misled and entire

countries and peoples.

Bibliography: 1. Battle regulations ground forces, part II: battalion, company. -M.: Military publishing house,

2. Beketov A.A., Belokon A.P., Chermashentsev S.G. Masking the actions of ground forces units. -M., 1976

3. Matsulenko V.A.. Operational camouflage of troops (Based on the experience of the Second World War). -M., 1975

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TACTICAL CAMOURING

War experience teaches that the implementation of tactical camouflage requires great skill from commanders, staffs and troops.

In the first years of the Great Patriotic War there were many significant shortcomings in this area. During subsequent military operations, with the growth of combat skills of commanders and staffs, and personnel, these shortcomings were eliminated. The effectiveness of camouflage measures in the Battle of Kursk can be judged from the memoirs of General F. Mellenthin: “we must once again emphasize the most skillful camouflage of the Russians. Not a single minefield, not a single anti-tank area could be discovered until the first tank was blown up by a mine or the first Russian anti-tank gun opened fire.” This experience was very difficult for our generals, officers, and soldiers. easy price. It was paid for with a lot of blood, thousands of lives. It would be a crime not to use this invaluable experience of the Great Patriotic War, the experience of local wars and conflicts of the late 20th - early 21st centuries.

Camouflage activities are very labor-intensive. Combat practice has shown that camouflage cannot be done haphazardly. Proper results are achieved only when it is carried out purposefully, actively, diversely, continuously, convincingly and plausibly, and is applied comprehensively, taking into account ground, air, and space reconnaissance. The tasks and scope of tactical camouflage in a future war will become significantly more complex and increase significantly.

Samples of images from space

Rice. 27. Fig. 28.

Surface of the Earth Airfield

Rice. 29. Fig. thirty.

City. Military base.

If during the Second World War it was necessary to hide troops from 5-6 types of reconnaissance, now from 18-20, including very effective and mobile space reconnaissance.

The standard camouflage means available to our army have long been obsolete, are capable of performing only 15-20% of the required volume of camouflage and imitation of objects, are labor-intensive to manufacture, have a low degree of detail, and require more time for installation.

A potential adversary will definitely take advantage of this advantage, because... Modern reconnaissance and high-tech equipment make it possible to carry out the “reconnaissance-kill” cycle in a matter of minutes.

Under these conditions, commanders of all levels must seek new, effective, and unexpected means of tactical camouflage for the enemy.

Conducted research shows that with the use of new forms of use of forces and means, methods, techniques, the effectiveness of tactical camouflage can increase by more than 2 times. At the same time, the degree to which enemy reconnaissance discovers the targets of our troops will decrease to 30-35%, and the probability of mistaking false objects for true ones will increase to 80-85%.

Some of the methods and techniques will be discussed below.

Experience of wars and local conflicts The 20th and early 21st centuries showed that the existing group of military satellites of the United States and its allies provides reconnaissance, control, navigation, communications, provides weather data and guides high-precision weapons at targets. The complex reconnaissance equipment of satellites allows, in the shortest possible time, with high degree probability of opening objects almost anywhere in the world, transmitting this information to ground (air) receiving points, automated control systems, or weapons if necessary.

Only deep knowledge of commanders at all levels and headquarters of a potential enemy’s ability to cause damage to our troops will make it possible to successfully resist his aspirations.

Tactical camouflage -

1. A set of measures to ensure secrecy and mislead the enemy regarding the movement and position of forces and assets of military units (units), firing (launching) positions missile forces and artillery, the location of control points and other important objects using the camouflage properties of the terrain, conditions of limited visibility and camouflage means, as well as false positions and areas. It is carried out by decision of the commanders of formations (military units, subunits) by all personnel without any instructions.

2. One of the types of support for combat operations and daily activities of troops, the goals of which are to achieve their surprise and effectiveness, maintain the combat effectiveness of forces and means of formations (military units, subunits) and increase their protection from enemy weapons. It is a complex of interrelated measures carried out by troops to hide from the enemy and mislead him regarding their true composition, location, condition, combat capabilities, intentions and nature of actions. Tactical camouflage is carried out in all types of combat activities of troops, in any situation, both in peacetime and in wartime. Tactical camouflage activities are carried out in all formations (military units, subunits), as a rule, using their own forces and means.

Camouflage is carried out by subunits, units and formations during the preparation and conduct of combat operations, when performing special command assignments, during preparation and conduct of exercises with troops, while on combat duty by units and formations of constant combat readiness.

The objects of camouflage are:

Personnel, equipment and weapons of units;

Fortifications, positions, command posts, barriers used by troops and newly created;

Crossings, pipelines;

Material stocks and other objects.

Camouflage objects are divided into single (tank, infantry fighting vehicle, trench, etc.) and group (strong point, battery firing positions, command post, etc.).

Methods of camouflage are:

Hiding,

Imitation,

Demonstrative actions

Disinformation.

Concealment consists of preventing the appearance or eliminating unmasking signs of troops and objects. It is carried out by units and subunits constantly, without special instructions from the senior commander.

Main methods:

Disguise;

Maintaining secrecy and vigilance;

Countering enemy intelligence;

Ensuring the security of communications and information.

Imitation consists of creating false areas for the location and movement of troops, false objects by means of false information about the state of the object, and reproducing the corresponding unmasking signs.

Main methods:

Equipment of false areas, positions, control points, traffic routes, crossings and other objects;

Construction of false engineering structures;

Creation of false troop groups;

Construction of false targets, use of simulators, decoy targets, mock-ups of weapons and equipment;

Reproduction of physical fields inherent in simulated objects.

Demonstrative actions consist of deliberate real actions by units and subunits allocated for this purpose, aimed at enhancing the concealment of the location and actions of troops and misleading the enemy about their intentions.

Basic techniques:

Creation (display) of false groupings of troops and demonstrative equipment of areas of their concentration (dispersal, deployment);

Demonstrative preparation and conduct of combat operations by specially allocated forces and means;

Diverting actions of troops in false or secondary directions (areas);

Engineering equipment of the area and intensification of troop activity in secondary directions;

Organization of movement in false directions (showing life activity in false areas);

Construction of facilities and defensive positions with deliberate violation of camouflage measures.

Disinformation consists of conveying false information to the enemy using technical means of communication, print, radio, unofficial channels and other means and methods.

Basic techniques:

Conducting specially prepared official negotiations through communication channels designed to intercept and collect information using enemy technical reconnaissance means;

Bringing false combat documents to the enemy;

Dissemination of false information (rumors, information) among the population and troops;

Careful organization of information leakage;

Transfer of agents under the guise of deserters, prisoners, sympathizers of local residents with false information;

Repatriation (return) of misinformed prisoners.

The enemy, using a complex of reconnaissance means, can detect troops and identify their condition by their characteristic unmasking signs.

All objects, according to their nature and the number of unmasking features, are divided into simple and complex.

Simple objects - individual compact objects, samples of weapons and equipment, for example a tank, car, gun, trench, etc.

Complex objects are a collection of several identical or different simple objects that are located in a limited area and are functionally interconnected, for example, a command post, a motorized rifle battalion, an artillery division, etc.

Complex objects, in addition to the unmasking features characteristic of simple objects, are also characterized by the types and number of simple objects included in them, as well as the relationships between them and the features of their mutual placement.

These signs are decisive for complex objects, because the types, quantity, placement and interrelation of simple objects form that single whole, by which a specific complex object is understood.

Organizational measures for tactical camouflage include:

Dispersal of troops and periodic change of areas and positions, use of the camouflage properties of the terrain and conditions of limited visibility (fog, rain, snowfall, low clouds) to hide the actions of troops, and especially to perform engineering tasks;

Limiting the cutting down of vegetation, the creation of new routes of movement, and the trampling of grass in areas where troops are located;

Conducting demonstrations by troops;

Compliance by personnel with the requirements of camouflage discipline;

Maintaining military secrets;

Systematic control over the timeliness and quality of camouflage.

Engineering activities include:

camouflage coloring,

The use of service equipment and military-made masks,

Construction of false structures and the use of engineering simulation tools,

The use of vegetation and crucifixion of the area.

Technical activities include the use of:

Aerosols,

Pyrotechnic and other means.

Existing old standard and home-made means of protecting military equipment from enemy high-tech weapons are capable of performing only 15-20% of the required volume of camouflage and imitation of objects. Let's look at some of them.

To protect military equipment located in the initial area from ammunition with a thermal homing head, as a rule, provision is made for the installation of thermal screens over the power compartments of the vehicle. As a material for them, it is necessary to use wattles from branches of freshly cut vegetation, straw and twig mats, plywood and wooden panels, as well as coverings made of tarpaulin, roofing felt or a camouflage kit, folded in four layers. The heat shield is usually located 30-60 cm above the engine part of combat vehicles.

The use of heat shields: a) - camouflage covering of the ISS type (or tarpaulin) in 4 layers, b) - braiding from brushwood branches.

A mask made of radio-scattering and heat-reflecting coatings requires the use of a standard MKR-L camouflage kit

(MKR-P), which is supplied to units of the Ground Forces. Camouflage of a combat vehicle with the MKR-L (MKR-P) kit is no different from the use of other camouflage kits.

The MKR-L camouflage kit is used on green plant backgrounds and backgrounds of bare soil, and the MKR-P kit is used on desert-steppe and desert-sandy backgrounds. The kit includes: two radio-scattering coatings measuring 9x12 m; two heat-reflecting coatings measuring 3x4 m; Spare parts The weight of the kit is 150 kg, installation time for a crew of 3 people is up to 25 minutes.

False thermal targets are installed at a distance of 10-15 m from the camouflaged equipment. A false thermal target is a metal (wooden) frame covered with tent fabric that serves as a re-emitter. Four KFP-1-180 catalytic wick furnaces are installed inside the frame, which operate on the principle of flameless oxidation of gasoline with the release of heat.

Thermal simulator KFP-1-180.

Industrially produced corner reflectors are designed to reproduce radar unmasking features of simulated objects. Standard corner reflectors include metal reflectors "OMU", "Pyramid", "Angle" and "Sfera-PR".

The radar moving vehicle simulator (MTV) is used to simulate the movement of armored and automotive technology. It consists of 6 corner reflectors driven into rotation at a given speed by an electric motor through a gearbox. The kit includes a 50 m power cable and a storage box.

Corner reflectors.

Simulator of moving equipment.

a) packing box with electric motor and gearbox,

b) - corner reflectors.

Protection of retractable equipment from ammunition with a thermal seeker involves the use of trailed decoy thermal targets towed behind the military equipment.

Protection of armored vehicles on the move

2 - towed LTC,

3 - heat-reflecting screen.

Masking a tank with a mask from optical, radar and thermal reconnaissance:

1 - heat-reflecting coating;

2 - radio-scattering coating;

3 - laser reflector for quantum sights;

4 - false thermal target (4 catalytic wick furnaces KPF-1-180 each).

Plan view of a trench equipped with adjacent and remote cells:

a - without camouflage;

b - disguised as an unequipped position:

1 - remote platform for a machine gun;

2 - remote cell for a grenade launcher;

3 - cells for shooters;

4 - structures disguised as the background of the area;

5 - structures disguised as a parapet background.

Construction of a silencer pit for mobile power plants:

1 - mobile power station;

2 - exhaust pipe;

3 - asker coating;

4 - pipe for exhaust gases;

5 - shield made of boards.

The device requires: 5 person-hours; one camouflage covering 3x6 m.

Masking stacks of property under the steepness of a ravine:

1 - camouflage coating;

2 - anchor stake;

3 - stack of boxes with property;

4-drainage ditches.

For some reasons, in the post-war years, camouflage gradually turned into a “stepchild” compared to other types of combat support; it is often planned and carried out in the old fashioned way, without taking into account the realities of modern air-ground combat (combat).

Old methods of camouflage are useless with high-tech reconnaissance, which modern stage significantly ahead of camouflage in its development. Thus, reconnaissance, in addition to its usual functions (opening, identifying, tracking objects, informing about them), began to perform a new one - pointing weapons at scouted targets.

Masking, by its functions (hiding, imitation, demonstrative actions and disinformation), can no longer fully counteract intelligence. It is obvious. Take, for example, one of the main functions of camouflage - hiding. However, in practice, hiding is often performed with characteristic disadvantages.

Some of them can be eliminated by training personnel and establishing a strict camouflage regime in hiding areas. But, nevertheless, the main obstacle to the implementation of concealment measures is the technical ignorance of many commanders and a lack of understanding of the physical principles of the operation of enemy reconnaissance means. In fact, it is not difficult to achieve visual secrecy from optical reconnaissance, but enemy optoelectronic weapons use other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. And since they become the main ones for reconnaissance and weapon guidance, there is a need to consider them in more detail.

Thus, camouflaged objects invisible to conventional optics clearly “appear” on color, stereoscopic, and infrared photographic materials. In this case, the camouflage coatings themselves sharply unmask objects, standing out in contrast against the background of fresh greenery. The fact is that the foliage, giving up moisture and spending heat on the formation of chlorophyll, cools, but the artificial mask network, which heats up both from the object and from the sun, naturally does not.

All objects with a temperature above absolute zero fall into the field of view of thermal imagers. In this case, the temperature difference most recorded by instruments is 7-16°. Thermal imagers are effective in conditions of limited visibility and at night, since it is at this time that the vigilance of those who use camouflage is dulled.

IR image of the Leopard tank after running along the road.

The heating of the rollers and the engine compartment is clearly visible.

IR image of the Leopard tank at the moment of firing from a cannon.

Heating of the gun and turret space is visible.

Laser ranging IR systems operate in the same parts of the electromagnetic spectrum as thermal imaging devices. The difference is that IR systems use the principle of classical location, albeit in the optical range. Both thermal imaging and IR systems have disadvantages.

Thus, thermal imaging systems have a limited range (the best examples are up to 5000 m), and are especially effective at night, when the greatest contrast between the target and the background of the area is observed. The capabilities of IR laser ranging systems can be sharply reduced if the sent energy is absorbed, scattered, or reflected, but not towards the receiving device. In addition, their operation can be detected by coherent narrow-frequency and pulsating (10-20 pulses/s) radiation.

Radar stations operate on the same principle as IR systems, but in the radio range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The main unmasking feature, for example, of military equipment is the so-called effective scattering surface (ESR) of its body. And the EPR, in turn, depends on the configuration of the object. And if the EPR of a tank and the EPR of a long-range bomber are 15-20 sq.m. each, then the difference in the total areas of their surfaces is enormous. The fact is that there are about 300 protruding elements on the tank’s hull, which are essentially two- or three-edged radar reflectors. They can be eliminated by giving the surface of the tank a rounded (streamlined) shape. Although this would justify the costs with less losses, it is currently apparently not feasible. At the same time, the use of rounded masks made of metal mesh on frames remote from the body can be quite effective. In this case, the cell diameter of such a grid (for the effect of absorption of radar radiation) should be no more than half the length of the emitted radar wave.

Thus, knowing the vulnerabilities and technical shortcomings of thermal and radar reconnaissance and guidance systems and enemy weapons, one can find effective means and methods of counteraction.

This is, firstly, the use of various types of coatings and paints that absorb, non-conduct or dissipate thermal radiation from the surfaces of equipment and weapons.

Secondly, the installation of screens that delay, distort or deflect thermal radiation and marker spots of laser location systems.

Thirdly, the removal of military equipment and weapons from designs characteristic structures, curvature (angular) and reflective surfaces that enhance the reflection of the IR laser beam.

Based on this, it is easy to come to the conclusion about the possibility of using various types of heat-absorbing materials and coatings (including the so-called “local” or “improvised”). Of greatest interest are materials made from plastics, which are more preferable due to their low weight and, most importantly, flexibility when applied to the radiating surface of an object.

For example, foam plastic can reduce thermal radiation by 40 times. Of course, for a combined arms commander, getting and using foam plastic is a big problem, but there are also a lot of other means that can be determined by looking through any reference book on the thermal conductivity of materials.

In the operating range of laser homing heads (LGSN), soot, as well as rubber-bitumen materials and coatings, have good absorbing and scattering properties. Finally, composite materials based on foam plastics and polyurethanes provide good thermal insulation. The latter are manufactured by the domestic industry for thermal insulation of household heat-emitting objects (heating boilers, gas and electric stoves, hot radiators, etc.) in the form of sheets (rolls) 5-10 mm thick and 1.5-2 m wide with one-sided metallized foil insulation. Such fabrics are very resistant to high temperatures, are not flammable, easy to process, have high flexibility and at the same time strength and wear resistance, are easily glued (with “Moment” type glue) to various surfaces and coated with nitro, oil and bitumen coloring materials. The properties of the listed materials make it possible to create STEALTH air defense technology from available materials.

To hide weapons and military equipment from the TV seeker, use deforming masks (camouflage nets) with imitating (matching the color of the surrounding area) or deforming (spotted, hiding the shape of the object) seasonal coloring with the obligatory elimination of the characteristic shadows cast by the equipment;

To hide weapons and military equipment from TPV and LGSN, apply coating of the cabins themselves and elements of weapons and military equipment with foam plastic or polyurethane sheets, followed by painting them with rubber-bitumen materials having a matte black dispersive color. Matte black color is the safest when making night marches to new positions and in the event of exposure to laser radiation from a target designator. Cover exhaust pipes, mufflers of diesel power plants and their hoses with silver paint, or even better, cover them with a screen made of polyurethane fabric;

For the comprehensive concealment of weapons and military equipment, perhaps the most appropriate guide to action is the phrase “tanks are not afraid of dirt,” and the more similar the weapons and military equipment are to the plant and ground background, the better. We can also talk about creating adhesive-based powders on the surface of the cabins from elements of vegetation and soil of the surrounding area, which significantly reduces the temperature and visual contrast between the weapons and military equipment and the background. This camouflage technique was very successfully used by air defense combat crews during the Vietnam War.

And a professional must know, in addition to the principles of reconnaissance and targeting of enemy weapons, means and methods of protection against them.

Fig.42. Option for cutting an individual kit against reconnaissance and weapon guidance: a) for a tank hull; b) for a turret with a gun.

However, skillfully applying coatings is not everything. After all, the use of thermal insulation materials against, for example, thermal homing heads is only effective when they do not “see” the target. But this cannot be said about cases where the enemy detects this target using several reconnaissance means at once, including visual, IR systems and radar stations, etc. Then other detection means can fix the hidden object as a secondary target. At the same time, in order to avoid visual or other detection of an object, its contrast should not exceed (according to American experts) more than two percent, which is very difficult to achieve.

However, some effect can be achieved by correct camouflage painting with special paints. And not only them. Contrasting differences between technology and the surrounding background are leveled out if, for example, coatings made of clay, sand with adhesive additives are used.

Water has a high ability to absorb infrared radiation. It has been established that a film made from it with a thickness of only 1 mm completely absorbs them. Consequently, it is possible to use water-drip curtains over the equipment, and on its body - moistened burlap or tarpaulin.

Good results against visual reconnaissance by optical means can be achieved using camouflage networks. But they only apply when located on site. However, this drawback can be eliminated if the same mask network is first cut, as suggested in Fig. 43.

Fig.43. An option for using an individual kit against visual, infrared, and radar means of reconnaissance and targeting of enemy weapons.

In addition, under such a mask network it is possible to place various types of heat and radio-absorbing fillers or mats made from them. The main advantage of this method is that such overalls for a tank can be tailored even in a company.

By the way, filler will not be needed if there is an air gap between the tank body and the network, for which wire or plastic frames are used. In this case, it becomes possible to further improve the heat-hiding characteristics by using freshly cut greens as absorbers. In addition, the task of distorting (deforming) the characteristic contours of military equipment is simplified. For this purpose, it is advisable to use artificial branches that deform masks with fastening devices. Particular attention should be paid to covering the most emitting parts - guns, transmissions.

Rice. 44. Camouflaged tank "Leopard-1"

Even in the visible wavelength range, such camouflage makes it impossible to identify the type of combat vehicle.

The effectiveness of camouflage measures can be significantly increased if the terrain features are constantly and competently used. Thus, under the canopy of trees the air has a lower temperature. Branches and leaves dissipate heat from the engines and absorb the side and back lobes of the radar radiation pattern. All this sharply reduces the likelihood of destruction of military equipment and weapons with ammunition with thermal, infrared and radar-guided heads.

The use of smoke agents has a significant camouflage effect. According to the experience of the Great Patriotic War, the creation of smoke screens to blind the enemy reduced the effectiveness of their fire by 10-12 times, and reduced the effectiveness of bombing by 15-20 times. Advancing units covered by smoke suffered 8-10 times fewer losses than without smoke exhaust.

But the use of smoke agents for camouflage purposes requires careful organization.

The smoke screen must exceed the size of the object being covered by at least 1.5 - 2 times. The number of smoke screens should be 2-3 times greater than the number of company-battery type objects. For one facility, it is required to allocate 2-3 smoke machines or a set of smoke bombs of the UDSh (BDSh) type based on the combustion of 20-30 pieces in each line.

Particular attention must be paid to tactical camouflage of control points at all military levels. Often, openly laid telephone lines lead reconnaissance and sabotage groups directly to a communications center (according to exercise experience), which, as a rule, is located near the command post. Working in large quantities Mobile power plants and generators in a relatively small area also unmask command posts. It is necessary to lay telephone communication lines in compliance with camouflage rules, and equip shelters and silencer pits for mobile power plants and generators (see Fig. 17). Elements of command posts must be located outside the pattern, over a larger area, and communication centers must be located at a greater distance from the command post.

When creating false troop deployment areas, such a number of units (units) and headquarters are designated that if the enemy detects false areas, he would mistake them for a true formation (unit).

The occupation of a false area is carried out by demonstrative actions of troops and imitation of the movement of columns on the approach to the area and in the area itself. False objects, mock-ups, simulators, and corner reflectors are installed and camouflaged. Traces of equipment are laid from the false route of movement to the mock-up itself, the false object. During an air raid, false objects are smoked and fire from anti-aircraft systems is simulated.

False areas are covered by anti-aircraft units and combat guards.

Operating models of military equipment and weapons must be placed at the outer boundaries of the location area. To protect the simulation teams, shelters are provided for them.

In modern conditions, there is an urgent need to develop new and improve existing methods of camouflage,

It is better to train personnel in new methods of camouflage, taking into account complex counteraction to various types of enemy intelligence, teach them to show creative initiative, and use military cunning techniques in order to mislead the enemy.

FORTIFICATION EQUIPMENT OF AREAS (POSITIONS)

A soldier's saying from the Great Patriotic War says, “Better is a face in mud than in blood.” The war showed that in those sectors of the front where the most serious attention was paid to the engineering equipment of positions, there were significantly fewer losses among personnel and equipment. The fortification equipment of regions and positions has not lost its relevance; its importance and scope of work have become significantly more complex and increased significantly. Among the most effective measures to protect against enemy high-tech weapons, fortification equipment of positions and areas stands out.

Their use makes it possible to reduce the area of reflective radio-contrast surfaces of an object. It is known that when military equipment is located in a trench (shelter), the area of its destruction decreases by 1.5-2 times, and radio contrast - by 3-4 times. This reduces its detection range by side-view radar stations by 2 times.

In this case, the enemy will be forced to bring his reconnaissance assets closer to reconnaissance targets, which increases the possibility of fighting them.

The experience of tactical exercises shows that the main trenches for military equipment, fire weapons and open structures for personnel can be equipped in 5-6 hours, provided that all regular earthmoving equipment of formations and units, as well as up to 70-75% of the personnel, are involved for this purpose combined arms, artillery units and up to 40% of the personnel of missile and anti-aircraft missile units. However, when equipping positions and shelters in rocky soil, in winter the time for engineering work increases significantly.

Based on the experience of the exercises, it was necessary to allocate additional personnel from motorized rifle units to assist rear units and repair units in equipping shelters for wheeled vehicles and MTS reserves.

In a modern war with the use of high-tech weapons, weapons of mass destruction, weapons on new physical principles the volume of engineering work will increase by at least 60% or more. This is due to the equipment of reserve positions for air defense systems, artillery, missile units, command posts, decoy positions and objects. The enemy’s ability to open objects and launch immediate attacks on them with the advent of reconnaissance satellites, RUK and ROK, automated control systems with weapons and troops, and high-tech weapons has increased revolutionaryly.

The “reconnaissance-defeat” cycle lasts minutes.

Under these conditions, commanders of all levels must pay the most serious attention to the engineering support of troops.

During the military operation “Iraqi Freedom” (March 20-April 13, 2003), Iraqi troops stubbornly defended a number of settlements. For two weeks, with complete superiority in space, air, and radar control of the entire territory of the country, the Anglo-American troops were unable to capture a single major city. This example suggests that positional defense remains the main, key type of defense in the initial period of war.

Among other engineering support tasks in modern combat, the fortification construction of field structures should be especially highlighted. The emergence of precision weapons has dramatically increased their vulnerability. Hence, the requirements for the fortification construction of positions, defense zones, defensive lines, troop deployment areas and rear facilities have grown.

There have been major changes in this matter recently. After a comprehensive study of the experience of combat training of troops, it was concluded that the system of fortification equipment in defense in the form of creating trenches, which was practiced in the recent past, does not provide reliable protection of personnel and equipment from the latest types of weapons. Therefore, it was considered advisable to return to the system of trenches that had proven itself during the Second World War, equipped in company strongholds, battalion defense areas and in unit defense areas.

This is due to a significant increase in the volume of engineering work. The length of trenches connected by communication passages in the battalion defense area alone increases by 3.6 times compared to the focal system. However, there is simply no other way to ensure the protection of units from precision and other weapons. In this regard, the problem of increasing the mechanization of engineering work and saturating troops with small-scale mechanization equipment is acute.

It is required in many ways to solve an important engineering support problem in a new way, such as protection against high-tech weapons and weapons on new physical principles. Now there are not enough closed structures at the rate of one per platoon or company. It is required to erect such structures for each compartment, crew, and crew. This will further increase labor costs.

A problem of particular importance for engineering support is the maximum reduction in the duration of fortification equipment and the implementation of camouflage and protective measures. The time requirement is such that a formation (military unit) could create a strong defense within two, maximum three days. The enemy may not give you more time for these activities.

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Security

Security is organized and carried out with the aim of preventing enemy reconnaissance from penetrating into the area of operations (location) of friendly troops, to exclude a surprise attack on them by the ground enemy, his airborne (airmobile) landing forces, sabotage and reconnaissance groups, irregular armed formations, and to provide a guarded formation (units, units) time and favorable conditions for deployment (bringing to combat readiness) and entry into battle.

The main tasks of security are: organizing and maintaining combat duty; warning protected troops about the immediate threat and danger of attack by a ground enemy; identification, defeat and destruction of enemy reconnaissance forces and means, his sabotage and reconnaissance groups and irregular armed formations; conducting combat operations in front, on the flanks and in the rear of units with advanced detachments, infiltrated enemy groups, irregular armed formations and providing conditions for the deployment and entry into battle of the main forces and reserves; ensuring traffic safety; implementation of access control.

On defense in conditions of no contact with the enemy, security is carried out by units operating in combat outpost positions and specially designated units, and in conditions of direct contact with the enemy - by units occupying the first trench of the first position.1 1 Tactics (platoon, squad, tank): Textbook. Book 1. - M.: Military Publishing House, 1985.

Organization of security includes: determining the goals and objectives of security at the stages of preparation and conduct of combat (combat operations); issuing instructions and setting security tasks; organizing the interaction of security units (forces and means) among themselves and with the protected troops; preparation of forces and means to carry out assigned tasks, their deployment and comprehensive support; organization of management; practical work to prepare for the implementation of assigned tasks and other activities.

Tactical camouflage

Tactical camouflage is organized and carried out in order to mislead the enemy (deception) regarding the composition, position, condition, purpose and nature of the actions of units (weapons and military equipment), the plan of upcoming actions and is aimed at achieving surprise in actions, increasing the survivability and maintaining the combat effectiveness of troops.

The most important requirements for camouflage are complexity, continuity, authenticity, diversity and activity. The main objectives of tactical camouflage are to ensure the secrecy of the activities of units (weapons and military equipment), the plausibility of the false intentions of the command and the activities of the troops.

Clandestine activity is achieved by preventing (eliminating) the leakage of information about the activities of units, eliminating (weakening) unmasking signs of their actions, and creating conditions under which the use of enemy reconnaissance forces and means becomes impossible or ineffective. The credibility of false intentions is achieved by showing the location of units and the nature of their actions (functioning) in false (secondary) directions (in areas), equipment and maintenance of false objects.

Methods of performing tactical camouflage tasks in a battalion (company) are concealment, imitation and demonstrative actions. By decision of the senior commander, battalion (company) personnel may be involved in carrying out disinformation activities.

Hiding consists in eliminating or weakening unmasking signs of the position, composition, condition and activities of commanders, battalion headquarters, units, the use of weapons and military equipment. It is carried out by the forces and means of units, crews, crews and is achieved: by using standard means of concealment and local materials; camouflage painting, the use of radio-absorbing materials and camouflage foam coatings, aerosols and other materials to reduce the optical, thermal, radar, acoustic and other visibility of weapons and military equipment; placement and movement of units taking into account (using) the camouflage properties of the terrain, natural and artificial shelters, weather conditions, time of year, day and other conditions of limited visibility; using vegetation and other techniques. Concealment is carried out constantly, without special instructions from higher headquarters.

Exercise experience shows that masks made of radio-scattering coatings reduce the likelihood of objects being detected by means radar reconnaissance in open areas approximately 2 times. Heat-reflecting coatings (screens) reduce the likelihood of tanks being detected by thermal reconnaissance means by 3 times. When placing military equipment in trenches, the probability of its detection decreases by 2-3 times. To protect against high-precision weapons, it is recommended to use simulator-traps that would deflect homing ammunition towards themselves. To do this, they must have a brighter contrast than the protected object.

Imitation consists in reproducing unmasking signs of actions of units, weapons and military equipment, elements engineering equipment terrain to show the presence or change of their position, composition and condition in certain areas.1 1 Tactics of a motorized infantry platoon: Textbook. - Mn.: VA RB, 1999. It is carried out by equipping false positions and lines, creating false weapons and military equipment using mock-ups, simulators and reflectors, and constructing false structures.

To mislead the enemy regarding the direction of delivery of false strikes, imitation of initial areas, advance routes and deployment lines of second echelons (reserves) can be carried out. It is advisable to simulate accumulations of military equipment using radar reflectors, and moving columns using simulators of moving targets. Thermal unmasking signs should be reproduced with false thermal targets.

Calculations show that as a result of skillful imitation, it is possible to significantly reduce losses in personnel and military equipment from enemy fire.

But imitation is a technically complex undertaking that requires significant effort and resources. In addition, there is a danger of causing harm through inept imitation, revealing one’s true goals, and attracting the attention of the enemy. To make the activities of the troops believable, it is necessary to show, using false measures, at least 70% of the real assets of the hidden group. Moreover, of this amount, 15-20% should be real objects. The task of simulating columns is usually solved by the forces and means of higher authorities. Based on the experience of local wars, to simulate the advance of a tank unit over a distance of 50 km along two routes, it was necessary to install up to 200 thermal and radar simulators, up to 100 different corner reflectors, up to 30 camouflage kits and equipment models, as well as to use 15-20% of real equipment, planned for promotion. But imitation should also be used in departments.

Demonstrative actions consist in deliberately demonstrating to the enemy by specially allocated units, forces and means the activities of units in false (secondary) directions (in areas) and provide for the demonstrative deployment of units (fire weapons) and equipment of areas (locations) of their location, movement, conducting classes and training with deliberate violation of concealment measures.

It should be borne in mind that demonstrative actions, imitation and creation of false objects of one unit should not violate similar activities of another and should not conflict with the corresponding activities according to the plan of the senior commander. Camouflage activities are carried out in accordance with the tactical camouflage plan of the senior commander.

In defense, it is of particular importance to carry out measures that give the enemy a distorted idea of the system of fire, obstacles, the outline of the front line, the locations of the trenches of the main combat weapons, the joints and flanks. It is necessary to ensure that the enemy has a distorted idea of the formation of the defense or has constant uncertainty about one or another state of it. It is important to carefully conceal the main forces and means, the design of fire bags, places of fire ambushes, the location of reserves and control points.1 1 Tactical training tank crew and platoon: Proc. allowance. - M.: Military Publishing House, 1988.

When choosing methods and means of camouflage in defense, one should take into account the specific conditions of the situation: relief, color of vegetation, color background of the grass stand. In open areas, trenches and shelters must be camouflaged as spots of exposed soil. The number of spots on the terrain must be greater than the number of hidden objects.

Methods for camouflaging equipped fortifications to protect personnel and equipment

The role of camouflage in increasing the combat effectiveness of fortifications, troop positions and objects is very significant.

Even the simplest methods of camouflaging engineering equipment (coating the surfaces of structures, planting vegetation, etc.), with mandatory and strict adherence to camouflage discipline, made it possible to hide structures and troop actions from enemy observation and significantly reduce the effect of their fire.

Camouflage of individual elements of a fortified position and battle formation of troops, carried out on the scale of subunits and units (so-called tactical camouflage), contributes to the successful implementation of camouflage measures on an operational scale, ensures misleading the enemy regarding the intent of the combat operation, scale, time and its venue.

At the present stage of development of enemy technology, including new technical reconnaissance equipment, camouflage tasks have become extremely complicated. Space reconnaissance, carried out with the help of artificial Earth satellites and orbital spacecraft, has the ability to view vast spaces in a short time, and the received information is immediately transmitted to the ground.

A variety of enemy reconnaissance means (optical, radar, infrared, laser, etc.) impose new, very complex requirements on the technical means of camouflaging military targets, equipment and weapons. To this should be added the development in recent years of various weapons control systems that ensure the homing of bombs, shells, and missiles into their intended targets.

Modern camouflage should provide the necessary effect both from the enemy’s reconnaissance and from his weapon control systems. To do this, camouflage must be carried out continuously, comprehensively, using various technical means.

Camouflage includes measures to hide the actual locations of troops (objects) and measures to imitate them (by showing false ones). They should, as a rule, be carried out simultaneously (according to a single plan).

The effectiveness of camouflage is achieved if it is carried out continuously, at all stages of preparation and implementation of fortification measures at a fortified position (reconnaissance, equipping a position, occupying it with troops, etc.), with strict adherence to camouflage discipline.

First of all, all measures must be taken to make full use of the masking (hiding) properties of the terrain - relief, vegetation, local objects. Taking into account this requirement, directions for cutting trenches and communication passages are selected, locations for constructing barriers, the location of fire installations, command and observation posts, shelters for personnel, equipment and materiel are determined.

Means and methods of camouflaging fortifications and their complexes are very diverse and depend on terrain conditions and the combat situation.

To camouflage fortifications, barriers and other elements of a fortified position, they are used various means, methods and techniques aimed at reducing their visibility against the background of the surrounding area. First of all, the natural camouflaging properties of the terrain are used. Skillful integration of structures and obstacles into the terrain, their location among the surrounding vegetation (trees, bushes) significantly reduces their visibility. After the construction of each structure, the disturbed grass cover is usually restored by turfing, and for stationary structures - by sowing grass and planting trees and bushes. If cut vegetation is used, it must be updated in a timely manner. In many cases, such plant camouflage is quite sufficient to hide a fortification from enemy observation and fire.

But for some types of structures, such as structures for firing and for sheltering armored vehicles, vegetable camouflage is supplemented with artificial masks made of various materials. Such masks are usually used to camouflage embrasures and entrances to fire installations, entrances to trenches and shelters for equipment.

The mask is a structure in the form of a frame made of metal or other elements with a camouflage coating laid on them. The covering is made of a synthetic film, the color and texture matching the background of the surrounding area and secured to a coarse mesh.

Artificial masks that hide the embrasures of fire structures are lowered during firing, and in shelters for equipment and ammunition, they are moved apart or lowered (raised) during the passage of equipment.

In the absence of special camouflage kits and coatings, local materials are used, laying them on frames and other supporting structures. In some cases, masks in the form of models of outbuildings or haystacks can be placed over structures, if such objects are located near the camouflaged structures.

The use of artificial masks to hide or reduce the visibility of fortification structures can be supplemented by camouflage painting of their parts protruding above the ground.

Camouflage painting as a camouflage technique is used mainly to camouflage long-term stationary structures - reinforced concrete and armored fire installations, entrance devices for shelters for equipment, and ammunition storage facilities.

Camouflage painting is usually done in the form of large multi-colored spots of irregular shape. The size and configuration of the spots, as well as their colors, are selected in such a way as to distort the appearance of the object and make it less noticeable against the background of the surrounding area. As a result, this technique is sometimes called deforming coloring of an object. Military equipment placed on or near the object is also subject to deforming painting.

The weapons and equipment at the position must have the same deforming camouflage coloring as the engineering structures of the objects. Camouflage painting is carried out with special camouflage paints, which make it difficult to recognize objects and equipment when observing with the help of optical instruments and decipher objects on aerial photographs.

Camouflage painting is a simple and relatively cheap method, which, in combination with other camouflage techniques, can give a good effect, removing the visibility of an object, and, therefore, the likelihood of it being hit by the enemy.

To hide from the enemy the moment troops occupy fortified positions, maneuver them to threatened directions, measures to improve the engineering equipment of positions, and sometimes to make it difficult for the enemy to conduct aimed fire at individual fortifications or across an entire position, it is recommended to use smoke camouflage . It is carried out by setting up a camouflage smoke screen, excluding enemy observation of the hidden object.

Smoke camouflage must be carried out at the right time and taking into account the direction and strength of the wind, so as to reliably hide the object from the enemy from the enemy in the shortest possible time and at the same time not interfere with friendly troops in carrying out combat missions. The duration of the smoke release should be determined by the combat situation.

Smoke bombs are used as smoke generators various types, as well as special mobile smoke generators on a vehicle base. In some cases, smoke shells, mines, and grenades can also be used (both to create camouflage curtains near camouflaged structures and to blind enemy observation points).

Recently, smoke camouflage means have been developed and improved. With the help of smoke agents and other aerosols, it became possible to mask objects not only from optical, but also from radar, thermal and laser reconnaissance, as well as create additional protection from the light radiation of a nuclear explosion.

Along with hiding real objects, showing false ones that are of interest to the enemy is of great importance.

Methods for constructing false structures can be different. However, in all cases these structures must be plausible both in terms of appearance, and at their location, and the enemy’s reconnaissance capabilities must also be taken into account.

False trenches and communication passages are the most common type of false structures. They are torn off with trench machines, but with a shallower depth (0.6-0.8 m). In a system of false trenches and communication passages, it is easier to hide the location of unit strongholds, observation and command posts.

False trenches for tanks, guns, mortars and other fire weapons should not differ in configuration and size from actual fire structures. You can only slightly reduce the depth of the passages to reduce the time it takes to create them.

We should not forget about reproducing the specific features inherent in an actual firing position. To do this, traces of tanks and guns are shown near the trenches, false shell magazines are set up, etc.

At false firing positions and lines, in addition to the construction of false structures, mock-ups of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers), guns, and mortars should be installed with their partial camouflage. To revive positions, you can use various pyrotechnics, as well as “roaming” tanks, guns, etc. If necessary, radio and radio technical means are used that simulate the transmission of fire control commands, as well as the demonstration of the delivery of ammunition to positions and other types of their combat activities.

False dugouts, shelters and other shelters for personnel are equipped in a system of trenches and communication passages or separately. To display a structure, it is enough to mark the soil cover and entrance, as well as the communication passages, trenches, and paths leading to the structure.

At false command posts, all the characteristic features are reproduced, closed structures, communication passages between them, shelters for control and communications equipment, vehicle parking, checkpoints, etc. are indicated. All this should be enlivened by the installation of models, the operation of communications equipment, and the movement of equipment. .

Creating false fortification complexes (positions, concentration areas, control points, etc.) is a difficult task. With skillful, technically competent execution, false objects can be mistaken by the enemy for real ones and force him to fire at them.

Thus, camouflage in fortification plays an important role, increasing the survivability and stability of positions and making it easier for troops to carry out combat missions.

The invisibility hat can be found in fairy tales and legends of almost all peoples of the world. Having put on such a hat, the heroes of fairy tales, invisible, penetrate anywhere and everywhere, easily defeating all kinds of monsters.
The ancient dream of an invisibility cap is still alive today. They are now thinking about invisibility in order to better fight the enemy. Is it possible to become invisible and how? How to hide from enemy gaze?

The art of becoming invisible is widely used in military affairs and is called camouflage. War is also a gigantic masquerade. On the battlefield, everything changes its appearance, color and size. The infantry dresses up as a forest, tanks hide under the roof of a house, an observation post pretends to be a grave, a bunker pretends to be a snowdrift, a man pretends to be a sheaf of unthreshed rye, a stone or a stump. The movable becomes motionless, the black becomes white, the big becomes small.

Combat experience has shown that a hidden enemy, camouflaged on the ground, can only be detected by barely noticeable signs only by the attentive eye of an experienced observer. Combat operations by ground forces are carried out, as a rule, in areas of the terrain where populated areas are located, there are roads, forests, rivers, and swamps. Some local objects can serve as shelters and facilitate combat, while others, on the contrary, make it difficult. With skillful actions, the unevenness of the earth's surface and various local objects become reliable assistants to the warrior in battle. Their correct use for placing a firing position, observation site, and camouflage allows units and individual fighters to strike at the enemy while hiding from his fire. It’s not for nothing that during the Great Patriotic War, experienced soldiers said: “Camouflage is cunning and dexterity.”

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. The speed and dexterity of the warriors' actions plays a big role in this.

When they want the enemy not to notice the movement of a unit from one area to another, the appearance of his presence is created in the old place, fires are lit, roads are kept well-worn, and vigorous human activity is simulated. During the battle, almost everything that, even in the slightest degree, can help the enemy determine the true position is disguised: people, weapons and military equipment, structures, traces of troop actions, etc. The enemy is misled so that he takes a lying soldier for a bump, and gun - behind a bush. And despite the fact that camouflage techniques have long been known, everyone uses them.

Bait for the German sniper. Kalinin Front 1942.
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 - darkness, 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. Special types of artificial camouflage are radio, light and sound camouflage.

Before carrying out camouflage, it is necessary to identify and eliminate various signs that unmask one’s troops. In fact, will a ravine hide even a small unit if clouds of smoke from fires lit by soldiers are visible? Of course not. On the contrary, it will only attract the attention of the enemy. Also, no camouflage suits will help cover a ski squad if it leaves traces of movement in the snow.

Combat experience gives us numerous examples of how, thanks to skillful camouflage, soldiers of different armies remained invisible and invulnerable.

Already in the First world war Along with tanks, flamethrowers and aircraft, a powerful combat weapon appeared on the battlefields - invisibility.

A sea of paint - green, yellow, gray, brown - was used to blend the color of the cannons, machine guns and soldiers' uniforms with the color of grass, sand and earth. Special factories produced amazing products: trees, stumps, grave crosses and swamp hummocks. They looked very much like the real thing, but were made of steel. Hiding behind the armor of these masks, invisible observers saw everything that was going on with the enemy.

In 1916, during the First World War, fighting on the French front was mainly of a positional nature. The opponents, buried in the ground opposite each other, stood in one place for months and knew literally every peg and every pothole. The space between the trenches, the so-called no man's land, was studied with microscopic care. Every empty tin can thrown out of the trench was immediately subjected to brutal fire. It seemed that there was nothing to even think about building a new observation post almost in front of the enemy’s eyes, but this is what the French came up with.

In one place in the no man's land the soil bent into a mound. Both lines of trenches crossed the Paris road here. At the top of the hillock, which gave an excellent overview of the German positions, there was a stone pillar, and on it a sign indicating the distance to Paris.

The French took a photograph of this pillar and sent it to the factory. There, an exact copy of the pillar was cast from steel, hollow inside, with a hole for an observer. They made both a sign and an inscription.

At night, French scouts crawled into the neutral zone, dug up a real pillar, and put a steel copy in its place. An underground passage was dug from the trench to this original observation post. For more than a month, a French observer sat in a steel “stone” and, without interference, watched everything that was happening in the enemy trenches. The Germans never figured out this trick.

T-72 tank in camouflage

There are a lot of camouflage techniques. It is based on three main principles: activity, credibility, diversity.

MASKING ACTIVITY

BY 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. It is achieved by carefully concealing the real and showing the false.

Active camouflage was widely used by the Red Army during the Great Patriotic War. Numerous false objects were built, the transfer of troops from one area to another was simulated, false concentrations of units and subunits were shown, etc. On one of the fronts, our troops, using frozen lakes, organized false airfields that completely imitated the life of real ones. On them stood models of aircraft made of plywood, and fuel depots made of reed. The enemy command, knowing about the impending offensive and having discovered a network of such airfields near the forward positions, took them for real and brought down on them the full power of their air strike and the force of artillery fire. After enemy air and artillery raids, our soldiers set fire to pre-prepared buckets of fuel oil and straw. The fascist pilots flew away, considering their task completed. This allowed Soviet aviation to concentrate without interference on actual and carefully camouflaged airfields and from there deliver crushing blows to the enemy.

Active camouflage was widely used by unit commanders both on the offensive and in defense. In September 1943, units of the Red Army approached the Dnieper. One of the rifle battalions began to cross the river on rafts near the village of Korobovo. The Nazis illuminated the river. Having discovered the rafts, they fired at them. Then the battalion commander left one platoon of riflemen and several sappers in the old place and ordered them to demonstrate repeated attempts to cross the river, while he himself transferred the main forces below the village and organized a new crossing there. The soldiers who remained in the old place put driftwood on rafts and pushed them away from the shore. The Nazis fired concentrated fire at these rafts, wasting their strength and ammunition. Meanwhile, the battalion safely crossed the Dnieper in another place where the enemy did not expect it.

Individual fighters used active camouflage no less skillfully. In the summer of 1944, during the battle to hold a bridgehead on the western bank of the Vistula River, artillery reconnaissance officers could not detect an enemy mortar battery, which systematically fired at our positions at night. Then Sergeant I. Yusupov decided to call fire on this battery during the day and thereby reveal its location. For this purpose, he built a false one at night, 200 m from his observation post. Two glass jars, placed accordingly, imitated the shine of the glasses of an optical instrument, and a moving helmet represented an observer. The helmet, which the sergeant, hidden to the side, was lifting by pulling the cord, was first opened fire by a Nazi sniper, and then by a mortarman, having discovered the location of his battery. Thus, active camouflage - the creation of false trenches, front lines, observation posts, positions of tanks and machine guns, airfields, false manpower maneuvers, roaming guns - disorientated the enemy, confusing him, forcing him to open fire, thereby revealing his firing points.

Russian riot police in camouflage uniforms for action in urban environments

However, one should not underestimate the enemy, his ability to observe and shoot accurately. Therefore, every active camouflage action, every false structure, every false maneuver must resemble real ones. Any fiction requires “revival” - movement, firing - in order to make the enemy believe in everything that is happening.

However, the benefits of camouflage can be negated if all necessary measures are not followed. In battle, the slightest mistake can be disastrous.

This is how the “performance” played out by the Germans in the winter of 1942 in front of the village of Dolginevo ended. The Nazis built bunkers. Even without binoculars one could see the dark stripes of embrasures. Figures in helmets appeared from time to time behind the snow bank and quickly disappeared into one of the bunkers.

Our snipers hit the embrasures and shot at the soldiers running across. The distance is small - 300 meters. How can you not get here! And indeed the figures in helmets fell behind the rampart. But the enemy did not stop firing, and at certain intervals fascist helmets again loomed over the parapet. “It seemed strange to me,” sniper Konstantin Borovsky later said. “What kind of carelessness is this? You put some down, and half an hour later others are walking around in the same place. I decided to find out what it smelled like.

At night I got closer to about eighty meters. The Nazis didn’t let us get any closer. They lit it with a rocket, they were firing with all their might. I had to lie down. I buried myself in the snow and thought: “Since it’s so close, I need to see what kind of party they’re having here.” It's starting to dawn. The tracer bullet bands have completely turned pale, and I’m still lying there. I'm quite cold. I look, behind the rampart there are again figures in helmets. They look kind of strange and move something very smoothly. I looked more closely and understood everything. The soldiers walking carelessly under our fire turned out to be just dolls. The Nazis crawling along the bottom of the trench carried them on long sticks. The mounds with clearly visible embrasures were false bunkers. The Nazis built real bunkers to the left, along the highway. They were much lower, and the embrasures in them were carefully covered with white rags.

The Nazis played a puppet comedy in order to divert our attention. When we started shooting at the dolls, the Nazis opened fire from real bunkers. I crawled back to the company. We rolled out the anti-tank gun to an open position and began direct fire not at the scenery, but at real bunkers. This is how the fascist show failed."

We must not forget that in war the enemy monitors the area day after day. And if a structure suddenly appears in an area where there was nothing previously, it will naturally attract attention, and the lie may be revealed. When constructing false structures, one must not violate the original natural look terrain.

CREDIBILITY OF CASKING

CASKING 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, that is, when it is believable. 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. But even if this is observed general rule it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of each specific area, exercise caution and prudence.

Thus, at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, almost all of Moscow was painted with multi-colored stripes; squares and irregularly shaped spots appeared on the walls and roofs of houses and even on the asphalt of squares. In addition, tanks, guns and vehicles were painted in the same colorful camouflage. What is it for?

You can do a simple experiment. Cover a plain white plate with spots of black ink so that they extend to the edges. Now place the “camouflage” plate on the black table and walk away a few steps. The mascara stains will merge with the table, and only white, irregularly shaped pieces will be visible. The painted parts will seem to fall out of the plate, and it will become unrecognizable. If you place a disguised plate on a white tablecloth, only black spots will be visible, and the white ones will disappear.

Camouflage plate. Black and white spots merge with the background and the plate becomes unrecognizable

A sniper in a green field uniform on a green lawn is invisible. But as soon as he crawls onto the arable land or approaches the house, he will immediately give himself away. A green silhouette on black soil or against a brick wall will be visible from afar. This is where the sniper’s camouflage robe saves him. You won't go anywhere with him. This is the same plate, painted with ink. Green spots merge with grass and leaves, brown spots with clay and pine trunks, gray spots with sand, rocks, concrete walls, black spots with black soil and charred beams, white spots with snow. It is in vain that the enemy will strain his eyesight. He will only see irregularly shaped spots that blend in color with the background and will never guess that this is the sniper he was so diligently looking for.

However, at the beginning of the war, in the summer of 1941, there were still frequent cases when our troops used ill-conceived camouflage. In the battle near Novograd-Volynsky, some machine-gun crews took up firing positions on the sand and disguised themselves with green raincoats. Naturally, the enemy easily discovered the machine gunners by the green spots on the yellow sand, immediately fired at them and forced them to change their firing positions. One more example of unsuccessful camouflage can be given. In a mown meadow, which was well studied by enemy observers, there were four haystacks. It was to this sector of the front that a fresh Soviet tank unit arrived. Having not carefully assessed the situation, the tank company commander ordered all combat vehicles to be disguised as haystacks. The Germans, having discovered 8 more new haystacks that appeared in the meadow in the morning, began to intensively fire at them, as a result of which the tankers suffered unjustified losses. Now, if only four tanks were disguised under haystacks - according to the number of haystacks - the camouflage would be plausible and would not cause enemy fire.

The easiest way to achieve plausibility is by adapting to the terrain, using its camouflaging properties, giving the camouflaged objects the outline, shape and color of objects found specifically in the given area. 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 sorts of improvised camouflage means on his own, and by attaching branches, tufts of grass, and straw to clothing and equipment, he can create a camouflage suit for himself that will blend into the surrounding background. To achieve plausibility, military equipment 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.

A warrior's best friend in battle is his surroundings. A smart soldier always has a disguise at hand. The sand lies - the sniper will bury himself in the sand, the snow will turn into a snowdrift. In the forest it is hidden by trees, stumps, branches, piles of brushwood, in swamps - reeds, sedges, in the field - furrows, shocks and unmown rye. In the city, a sniper has freedom: here a pile of bricks, sheets of roofing iron, collapsed plaster or a damaged tank will help him out. Houses, basements, attics, walls and fences, sewer hatches and factory pipes seem to be specially created to hide him from the attentive eyes of the enemy. Even in the bare steppe, a warrior will find good shelter - dunes, tumbleweed bushes, stones and rocks, half-covered with sand. Everywhere and always the sniper is surrounded by “friends” who hide him, and “traitors” who can betray him to the enemy. You need to know the character of both, and then the “hat of invisibility” will always be at hand.

Soviet sniper in camouflage field uniform

Thus, to maintain plausibility, it is first of all necessary to correctly use the camouflaging properties of local objects and vegetation, as well as artificial means, and not allow the use of materials and objects for the purpose of camouflage that are absent in a given area or not characteristic of it. Only with good skill and intelligence can you make yourself, your own and your firing position invisible to the enemy. The effectiveness of camouflage in fulfilling the principle of likelihood is greatly facilitated by the diversity in its techniques and methods.

VARIOUS FORMS OF CAMAGING

IF the most advanced camouflage techniques are repeated repeatedly, then they can easily be guessed by the enemy. The pattern in this matter is not only unacceptable, but even dangerous. In 1942, the firing positions of heavy machine guns of one of our rifle units occupying defensive lines were disguised as hummocks and small tubercles. This disguise turned out to be successful. For quite a long period the enemy could not detect them, since the terrain was replete with hummocks. But in the end, the Germans noticed that the fire was coming from precisely those places where individual hummocks were located, and soon revealed the camouflage system. Some of the Soviet firing points were destroyed by enemy artillery and mortar fire. After short offensive battles, the same unit again went on the defensive in this sector of the front. Forgetting that the enemy had discovered their tactics, the soldiers again began to disguise their machine guns as bumps. Having gained experience in previous battles, enemy observers immediately revealed the location of the firing positions of Soviet machine guns, and the crews suffered needless losses.

Soviet sniper in camouflage overalls. It is noteworthy that sniper rifle intertwined with oak branches. 1943-1944
This example shows that camouflage constantly requires variety, the use each time of new techniques that are not yet familiar to the enemy and can give the greatest effect in specific terrain conditions. Diversity lies precisely in avoiding repetition of techniques and methods of masking one or another object or applying the same method to the same objects. In camouflage, ingenuity, resourcefulness, and even true creativity are essential.

A variety of techniques and methods of camouflage helped entire units win victories. In the summer of 1944 in Belarus, a Soviet rifle battalion pursued the retreating Germans. His task was to cut off the enemy's escape routes. The terrain was difficult to pass, swampy, and the battalion could not get around the Nazis, who were moving along the only good road. Then the battalion commander formed an assault detachment from a platoon of machine gunners, two pairs of snipers and ordered a forced march to cover 40 km off-road, overtake the enemy, reach the river near the bridge and delay the retreating enemy for several hours until the main forces of the battalion arrived.

Having made a swift dash through the swampy forests, ten hours later the detachment reached the indicated bridge and crossed it to the opposite bank. Having blown up the bridge behind them, the Red Army soldiers took up defensive positions, carefully camouflaging themselves at the edge of the forest. Soon a German transport column arrived. Carts, cars, armored personnel carriers, artillery pieces, several hundred people huddled near the blown-up bridge. The detachment opened fire on this cluster. The Nazis retreated from the bridge. A shootout ensued. An enemy artillery battery entered the battle. However, she fired indirectly, because she did not know the location of our well-camouflaged fighters, who had stopped firing for a while. A group of enemy sappers led by an officer approached the bridge and began repairing it. Then the snipers entered the battle. The officer was hit by the first bullet, and enemy sappers began to fall after him. The enemy failed to repair the bridge.

Hitler's artillerymen again opened hurricane fire, but it did not bring harm to the detachment, since this time the fire was not aimed. The enemy put into action all the means at his disposal, right up to six-barreled mortars, firing at the squares. The forest caught fire. Our detachment stepped aside and, observing all the rules of camouflage, opened oblique fire, preventing enemy sappers from approaching the bridge.

German infantrymen tried to cross the ford, but well-aimed shots from Soviet machine gunners and snipers hit them one after another. Having lost several dozen people killed, the Nazis refused to cross the river. Enemy artillery entered the battle again. When the shells began to land very close, a detachment of Soviet soldiers moved through the forest to the other side of the bridge and took up new positions here, hiding in the bushes. And again, well-aimed fire fell on the Nazis. Frequently changing locations, carefully camouflaging themselves and firing accurately, a platoon of Soviet machine gunners and four snipers withstood almost a five-hour battle with superior enemy forces until their battalion arrived.

So courage, audacity, maneuver with careful adherence to camouflage and its most important principle - diversity (the fighters were camouflaged either at the edge of the forest, then at a small depth from it, or in the bushes) - helped a small group to win a victory over a numerically superior enemy. This battle once again confirmed that camouflage requires constant manifestation of ingenuity and independent creativity to achieve its diversity. In this case, knowledge of unmasking signs is of great importance. We have already talked about them in the article “Fighting with the eyes: the one who sees wins” (“Brother”, 2006, No. 3). But there we were talking about the signs by which an observer can detect the enemy. Now it is necessary to consider them from the point of view of the masquerading warrior.

DEMASKING SIGNS

THE EFFECTIVENESS of camouflage depends primarily on how skillfully unmasking objects and signs are hidden from enemy observation. Signs by which the enemy can detect fighters, structures and military equipment include color, shape, shadow, as well as movement, traces, and sounds. The unmasking effect of these signs increases or decreases depending on natural conditions, in which hostilities take place; the nature of the surrounding area; time of year; weather conditions; lighting and the general combat situation. Cloudy, inclement weather - rain, fog, snowfall - hides them, as the area takes on a dull appearance. Clear sunny weather, on the contrary, enhances some of them. The outlines of objects are more clearly visible; metal parts of weapons, equipment, glass of optical instruments, smooth surfaces give reflections in the sun.

Objects vary in color, which affects their visibility. Equally colored, they seem to merge with each other, differently colored - they are sharply different. The nature of the surface is of great importance. The same color can look different depending on whether the surface of the object is matte-faded or glossy-shiny. A flat, glossy surface that reflects rays of light is easily detected by an observer. Therefore, it is no coincidence that military clothing and military equipment are painted in a soft khaki color, the most common color found in nature, which helps to blend into the surrounding area.

Crossing of Russian soldiers, disguised with improvised means, across the river
However, there is still no such mask that could cover a fighter always and everywhere. How can color unmask a fighter? You can give the following example: a full-profile trench has been dug for standing shooting in a grassy meadow, and the soil thrown around is not covered with turf. A black spot of earth against a green background of grass will stand out sharply and give away the location of the trench to the enemy. A man in a gray overcoat in the snow is visible from afar, and the enemy will see an invisible shooter in a white coat a kilometer away among the bright greenery; a shelter that perfectly hid a shooter in the morning can become his grave at noon. Wilted leaves among green vegetation can indicate that someone or something is hiding behind them.

The shape of objects and structures created by man also reveals them, since it has clear contours. In nature, on the contrary, soft, indefinite things predominate. If you take a closer look at the bushes, tree crowns, stones, hummocks, rocks, you will not be able to find two completely identical outlines even side by side. Each of them has only its own silhouette, but not sharply different from the other. At the same time, people, military equipment and weapons stand out with their characteristic shape, emphasized by the shadow falling from them, the color and shine of the metal. Therefore, any camouflage clothing (except winter clothing), military equipment and weapons are camouflaged with spots that do not have the correct geometric shape; and all defensive structures are given outlines similar to local objects.

The most dangerous “traitor” on the battlefield is shine. The glasses of binoculars or optical sights may shine in the sun; bayonet; flask; aluminum pot. Even a steel helmet, painted in a khaki color, gives a reflection in the sun. The observer knows this well. As soon as a sunbeam begins to play somewhere, he will be warily looking for the reason for this.

Bundeswehr mountain riflemen in winter camouflage uniform
The famous Soviet sniper Mikhail Malov was once asked what, in his opinion, was the most dangerous unmasking feature. “Brilliant!” the sniper answered without hesitation. “Recently a button on my tunic came off. I sewed on an unpainted copper one and forgot about it. I had to take off the machine gun. And our company was standing in a moss swamp. I sewed tufts of moss everywhere, a helmet with clay I smeared it and also stuck moss on it, and stained my face with grass: there is such a juicy one, I don’t remember what it’s called, as soon as you touch it, all your hands are green. I put on my makeup to the fullest. Between the hummocks and rosemary, I crawled up to the Germans, I’m looking out. I didn’t lie there for three minutes, suddenly “chwack” " - a bullet, "dude!" - the second one. This one scratched my shoulder. They noticed. I went back. Well, there was a crater, I fell into it. I get upset and think: “What is my flaw?” That’s when I saw a button. It’s shiny, cursed, shining with heat - June, sun. Because of her, I almost died."

Every soldier with combat experience is wary of this kind of “traitor.” When participating in hostilities, he carefully insures himself against shine. A protective cover is put on the steel helmet or smeared with mud, and if snow has fallen, it is covered with white cloth. On a sunny day, the metal parts of the machine are “powdered”: first, lubricate them from above gun oil, and sprinkle sand or dust over the oil. In winter, he wraps the machine gun with a white bandage.

One of the most characteristic unmasking signs is movement. While the disguised fighter is motionless, it is difficult to notice him. But once he starts moving, he is easy to detect. Therefore, a warrior on the battlefield must be especially attentive to his movements. The movement attracts the eye of the enemy observer like a magnet attracts a steel pin. The tallest grass and the thickest branches will not hide a sniper if he moves carelessly. Movement should be secretive, and sudden or fast movements should be avoided; it is preferable to carry out all movements at night or in conditions of poor visibility. If you need to move in terrain visible to the enemy, then you need to make maximum use of all kinds of cover, unevenness and folds of the terrain, as well as vegetation, which will allow you to avoid detection by enemy ground or air reconnaissance. Ground features such as hills or ramparts absorb a significant portion of infrared energy and can therefore conceal a soldier from detection by infrared night vision equipment. When moving through thick reeds, grass, and crops, they are carefully pulled apart with their hands, and after passing, they are slowly lowered into place so as not to give themselves away. In an open space, they try to move with an object or some background behind them, if possible of the same color. When you suspect that the enemy is watching you, it is better to remain motionless. If a unit is moving, it must be divided into small, mobile groups, which must move in stages from one natural shelter to another, trying to avoid the appearance of their silhouettes against the sky or a contrasting background.

However, not only the movement itself, but also its traces can serve as an unmasking sign. Traces of tracks and wheels, paths left on the snow or grass, even such a trifle as tracks in the dew trampled in the meadow by patrols moving out before dawn will help the enemy reveal the location and intentions of the units. The sounds of troop activity are sharply unmasked - gunshots, the noise of engines, the clanging of tracks, hitting the ground with shovels, talking, coughing, the ringing of metal parts of weapons, etc. They are especially noticeable, like light, at night and during periods of calm in the battle. During the Great Patriotic War, there were more than once cases when soldiers who had not been fired upon were indignant that they were forbidden to make fires, even when they were in the near rear. Due to inexperience, the fighters did not know that the glow of the fire was clearly visible at night from a distance of up to 8 km.

Finnish soldier in winter camouflage uniform
In addition, on a sunny day, another unmasking sign is added - shadow. An object is best seen when it is brightly lit and casts a shadow, and the background on which it is projected contrasts with it in color. So, for example, a sniper makes his way behind a wall, the sun is shining at his back. Before he could reach the corner, the enemy was already ready, waiting for him: not a single glance could penetrate through the dense brickwork. Who could have betrayed the sniper? His own shadow. On a moonlit night it will be imprinted on the snow with a blue silhouette, will tremble like dark ripples on the water and, as if cut out of black paper, will lie on the sand on a sultry afternoon. However, an experienced sniper knows the right way to get rid of this obsessive companion. As soon as he hides in someone else's shadow, his own disappears without a trace. The shadows of trees, houses, fences, hills will not only destroy their own shadow, but will also hide the fighter.

Every soldier, and especially a sniper, must always be on alert. It can be given away by a branch swaying in calm weather; in winter, in severe frost- steam from breathing; they give away withered leaves when everything around is green; gives off a flash of a shot; careless step; dead wood cracked underfoot. It is difficult to list all the unmasking signs. The list will be huge and still incomplete.

Therefore, the basis of camouflage is the elimination of unmasking features. You need to know them by heart. Only by having a good idea of what the masked object looks like from the outside and how it is unmasked, can you correctly determine what needs to be hidden in it and what needs to be modified. For this, there are methods and means of camouflage, which are divided into two large groups: natural and technical.

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