Methods of camouflaging equipped fortifications to protect personnel and equipment. Tactical camouflage
Tactical camouflage is one of the types of combat support. It is organized by the platoon (squad, tank) commander in accordance with the received combat mission, instructions for camouflage of the company (platoon) commander and the current situation in order to achieve surprise in the actions of his units and maintain their combat effectiveness.
These goals are achieved:
· using the camouflaging properties of the terrain, local objects, darkness and other conditions of limited visibility; the use of standard camouflage means, local materials and aerosols (smoke);
· painting weapons and equipment under (swarms of the surrounding area;
· compliance with the rules of radio discipline and radio exchange and maintaining the previous mode of activity when changing units and preparing them for a new combat mission;
· strict compliance with the requirements of camouflage discipline; timely identification and elimination of unmasking signs.
Tactical camouflage must be active, convincing, continuous and varied, constantly updated and modified in accordance with changes in the methods of action of units, the surrounding terrain and the time of year. In all conditions, it is carried out by the forces of a platoon (squad, tank crew), while weapons and military equipment are camouflaged first of all. Restoration of damaged camouflage and elimination of unmasking signs are carried out immediately.
In order to protect against precision weapons The enemy uses ravines, reverse slopes, fields of radar invisibility and other camouflaging properties of the terrain. Concealing infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and tanks from enemy guided (adjustable) and homing ammunition is achieved by reducing the radar, thermal and optical contrast of the equipment in relation to the surrounding background, for which deforming coloring of the equipment, camouflage coatings are used, heat-dissipating ones are installed above the heat-emitting surfaces of the vehicles screens (visors). In addition, thermal simulators (traps), radar and laser reflectors can be used.
When using the camouflaging properties of the terrain, the relief, color and background of the area, as well as various local objects are taken into account: forests, bushes, crops, buildings, fences, ditches, funnels, various quarries. For example, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and guns that have a green (camouflage) color are well camouflaged in thick and tall grass, on green crops or in various uneven terrain and, conversely, are very noticeable on sandy terrain that is yellow. Entire units can walk through a dense forest and be undetected not only from the ground, but also from the air. Shooting machine gun in locality It will be better camouflaged if it is placed in a gap in a brick wall or wooden fence, etc.
Available means of camouflage are brushwood, branches of trees and bushes, grass, reeds, moss, hay, straw, turf, fallen leaves, peat, pine needles, etc. All of them are used for camouflage in the form in which they exist, and many of these can also be used to make mats, garlands, horizontal and vertical masks.
The platoon (squad, tank) commander carries out measures to hide a strong point (starting, firing position, location) from the moment it is occupied and carries out continuously. The effectiveness and scope of these activities largely depend on the location of strongholds, positions, areas and structures on the ground. For motorized rifle units, it is advisable to select positions for personnel and structures for fire weapons at the edge of the forest, in groves, bushes, on the outskirts of a populated area, in patchy areas of terrain and in other places that provide concealment of military equipment and structures. Selected positions and areas where units are located are masked to match the surrounding background of the area.
The main unmasking signs of trenches and defensive structures are parapets, earthen filling, dark color of embrasures and entrances to structures, paths connecting trenches with structures, and scattered soil.
In areas with grass cover, to hide trenches and communication passages, their parapets and rear traverse are trimmed, covered with grass, the ditch is covered with branches, films laid over a pole or weeding frame. To hide from ground surveillance, trench vertical masks are used, installed on the parapet of the trenches. Loopholes, embrasures and viewing slits are also masked with vertical masks. Platforms for machine guns and cells for shooters are hidden with a camouflage cover mounted on racks or on weeding arches.
The platoon's command and observation post is selected in places with natural masks. When located in an open area, they are first of all disguised as the surrounding background. Observation structures are disguised as local objects: hummocks, stumps, piles of stones, etc. Radio station antennas are painted in a protective color.
Strongholds of motorized rifle units in open areas can be disguised as positions not occupied by units. In this case, ditches, parapets of rifle trenches and trenches, as a rule, are not camouflaged, but adjacent cells, machine gun platforms and other structures are camouflaged under the background of parapets. The removed cells are hidden under the surrounding background. The cracks adjacent to the trench (communication passage) are covered with mats of straw, brushwood, reeds and other local materials and covered with a layer of soil. In desert-steppe areas, they can be covered with elements from service property, earthen bags, and also sprinkled with soil. Concealing trenches for personnel and weapons is easier if they are built without parapets.
The positions of tank units in open areas are usually disguised as reserve positions for riflemen. Trenches for tanks are hidden with personnel and local means and at the same time trenches for riflemen, sections of trenches and other structures characteristic of motorized rifle units are torn off. These structures can be constructed with an incomplete profile.
To camouflage infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, sets of service masks are used, and in their absence, military equipment in trenches and shelters is hidden with masks made from local materials, for example, wattles, branches and other means placed on a frame made of poles or wire. To camouflage the fire system in defense, all fire weapons and structures for them are located in relation to the terrain, making maximum use of natural masks. When fire weapons are located in open areas, they are carefully camouflaged with service masks and local materials, and spare, temporary and decoy firing positions are also equipped.
Masking the actions of units during an offensive battle is achieved by using the camouflaging properties of the terrain, using smoke screens, as well as taking measures to mislead the enemy about our forces, means, actions, and intentions.
While fighting, soldiers adapt to the terrain. The location behind a bush, fence, tree, in a ditch, or crater provides covert placement from enemy ground surveillance.
Reserves move along hidden paths, hollows, beams, and fields of invisibility. Smoke shells and mines can be used to blind enemy observation posts and firing points. In the past, smoke screens were widely used by units of all branches of the military to hide the maneuvers of tanks, infantry and artillery on the battlefield.
When organizing tactical camouflage, the platoon (squad, tank) commander indicates: what personnel equipment and local materials to use for camouflage, the timing of its implementation; the procedure for observing masking measures; the procedure for implementing and maintaining camouflage during combat. In the absence of instructions from the senior commander, tactical camouflage is organized independently.
Tactical camouflage is one of the types of combat support. It is organized by the platoon (squad, tank) commander in accordance with the received combat mission, instructions for camouflage of the platoon company commander and the current situation in order to achieve surprise in the actions of his units and maintain their combat effectiveness. These goals are achieved: by using the camouflage properties of the terrain, local objects, darkness and other conditions of limited visibility; the use of standard camouflage means, local materials and aerosols (smoke); painting weapons and equipment to match the background of the surrounding area; compliance with the rules of radio discipline and radio exchange and maintaining the previous mode of activity when changing units and preparing them for a new combat mission; strict compliance with the requirements of camouflage discipline; timely identification and elimination of unmasking signs.
Tactical camouflage must be active, convincing, continuous and varied, constantly updated and modified in accordance with changes in the methods of action of units, the surrounding terrain and the time of year. In all conditions, it is carried out by the forces of a platoon (squad, tank crew), while weapons and military equipment are camouflaged first of all. Restoration of damaged camouflage and elimination of unmasking signs are carried out immediately.
In order to protect against enemy precision weapons, ravines, reverse slopes, fields of radar invisibility and other camouflaging properties of the terrain are used. Concealing infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and tanks from enemy guided (adjustable) and homing ammunition is achieved by reducing the radar, thermal and optical contrast of the equipment in relation to the surrounding background, for which deforming coloring of the equipment, camouflage coatings are used, heat-dissipating ones are installed above the heat-emitting surfaces of the vehicles screens (visors). In addition, thermal simulators (traps), radar and laser reflectors can be used.
When using the camouflaging properties of the terrain, the relief, color and background of the area, as well as various local objects are taken into account: forests, bushes, crops, buildings, fences, ditches, funnels, various quarries. For example, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (armored personnel carriers) and guns that have a green (camouflage) color are well camouflaged in thick and tall grass, on green crops or in various uneven terrain and, conversely, are very noticeable on sandy terrain that is yellow. Entire units can walk through a dense forest and be undetected not only from the ground, but also from the air. A firing machine gun in a populated area will be better camouflaged if it is placed in a gap in a brick wall or wooden fence, etc.
Available means of camouflage are brushwood, branches of trees and bushes, grass, reeds, moss, hay, straw, turf, fallen leaves, peat, pine needles, etc. All of them are used for camouflage in the form in which they exist, and many of these can also be used to make mats, garlands, horizontal and vertical masks.
The platoon (squad, tank) commander carries out measures to hide a strong point (starting, firing position, location) from the moment it is occupied and carries out continuously. The effectiveness and scope of these activities largely depend on the location of strongholds, positions, areas and structures on the ground. For motorized rifle units, it is advisable to select positions for personnel and structures for fire weapons at the edge of the forest, in groves, bushes, on the outskirts of a populated area, in patchy areas of terrain and in other places that provide concealment of military equipment and structures. Selected positions and areas where units are located are masked to match the surrounding background of the area.
The main unmasking signs of trenches and defensive structures are parapets, earthen filling, dark color of embrasures and entrances to structures, paths connecting trenches with structures, and scattered soil.
In areas with grass cover, to hide trenches and communication passages, their parapets and exile traverse are trimmed, covered with grass, the ditch is covered with branches, films laid over a pole or wire frame. To hide from ground surveillance, vertical trench masks are used, installed on the parapet of the trenches. Loopholes, embrasures and viewing slits are also masked with vertical masks. Platforms for machine guns and cells for shooters are hidden with a camouflage cover mounted on racks or on wire arches.
If possible, the platoon command and observation post is selected in places with natural masks. When located in an open area, they are first of all disguised as the surrounding background. Observation structures are disguised as local objects: hummocks, stumps, piles of stones, etc. Radio station antennas are painted in a protective color.
Strongholds of motorized rifle units in open areas can be disguised as positions not occupied by units. In this case, ditches, parapets of rifle trenches and trenches, as a rule, are not camouflaged, but adjacent cells, machine gun platforms and other structures are camouflaged under the background of parapets. The removed cells are hidden under the surrounding background. The cracks adjacent to the trench (communication passage) are covered with mats of straw, brushwood, reeds and other local materials and covered with a layer of soil. In desert-steppe areas, they can be covered with elements from service property, earthen bags, and also sprinkled with soil. Concealing trenches for personnel and weapons is easier if they are built without parapets.
The positions of tank units in open areas are usually disguised as reserve positions for riflemen. Trenches for tanks are hidden with personnel and local means and at the same time trenches for riflemen, sections of trenches and other structures characteristic of motorized rifle units are torn off. These structures can be constructed with an incomplete profile.
To camouflage infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, sets of service masks are used, and in their absence, military equipment in trenches and shelters is hidden with masks made from local materials, for example, wattles, branches and other means placed on a frame made of poles or wire.
To camouflage the fire system in defense, all fire weapons and structures for them are located in relation to the terrain, making maximum use of natural masks. When fire weapons are located in open areas, they are carefully camouflaged with service masks and local materials, and spare, temporary and decoy firing positions are also equipped.
Masking the actions of units during an offensive battle is achieved by using the camouflaging properties of the terrain, using smoke screens, as well as taking measures to mislead the enemy about our forces, means, actions, and intentions.
While fighting, soldiers adapt to the terrain. The location behind a bush, fence, tree, in a ditch, or crater provides covert placement from enemy ground surveillance.
Reserves move along hidden paths, hollows, beams, and fields of invisibility. Smoke shells and mines can be used to blind enemy observation posts and firing points. In the past, smoke screens were widely used by units of all branches of the military to hide the maneuvers of tanks, infantry and artillery on the battlefield.
When organizing tactical camouflage, the platoon (squad, tank) commander indicates: what personnel equipment and local materials to use for camouflage, the timing of its implementation; the procedure for observing masking measures; the procedure for implementing and maintaining camouflage during combat. In the absence of instructions from the senior commander, tactical camouflage is organized independently.
Basics of Tactical Camouflage
Purpose of disguise– contribute to the achievement of surprise and effectiveness in the use of the regiment, maintain its ability and increase protection against enemy weapons.
The main task of camouflage is to mislead the enemy regarding the composition of the airborne assault force and its combat missions, the location of the initial area for landing, the time, the order of concentration of units, the time of reaching airfields, loading and landing personnel on airplanes, the area, time of landing and combat landing tasks.
Masking the use of airborne assault is achieved:
maintaining military secrets;
concealing the concentration and preparation for landing of units in the initial area for landing;
compliance with the rules of covert command and control of troops in preparation for landing, landing and during combat operations;
secretive access of units to airfields, landing and loading into aircraft;
hiding the landing area behind enemy lines;
carrying out, according to the plan of the senior commander, demonstration actions to land troops in false areas, creating false troop concentration areas and airfields;
the use of camouflage means from radio and electronic, visual-optical, optical-electronic, radar and other types of enemy reconnaissance;
strict adherence to camouflage discipline.
Disguise must be active, convincing, continuous and varied.
ACTIVITY camouflage is expressed in the persistent imposition on the enemy of a false idea about the intentions of the command, the position, condition and nature of the actions of the troops.
PERSUASION camouflage is to ensure that the camouflage measures carried out look plausible, correspond to the conditions of the situation, terrain, time of year and take into account the real reconnaissance capabilities of the enemy.
CONTINUITY camouflage lies in the fact that its activities are carried out constantly in any situation, in preparation for landing, during landing and combat operations.
DIVERSITY camouflage is achieved by eliminating the template when developing and implementing camouflage measures, choosing appropriate methods of camouflage using standard and local means, taking into account the specific capabilities of all types of enemy reconnaissance and terrain conditions, weather, time of year and day.
The main methods of camouflage are: hiding, imitation, demonstrative actions and disinformation.
HIDING consists in creating conditions that exclude or significantly complicate the enemy’s receipt of intelligence data, in eliminating (weakening) the characteristic unmasking signs of troops in the initial area for landing and in the area of combat operations. It is carried out constantly, without special instructions from a higher commander (staff).
DEMONSTRATIVE ACTIONS represent a deliberate demonstration of the activities of real units when entering areas of concentration (waiting), in preparation for landing, during combat and other operations. Units carrying out demonstrative actions should not know about their true purpose.
IMITATION consists of creating false initial areas for landing, airborne drop (landing) areas, locations and routes for movement of units during combat operations.
Demonstrative actions and imitation are carried out only on the instructions or with the permission of a higher commander (headquarters).
The secrecy of actions is carried out taking into account the enemy's comprehensive use of optical (optical-electronic, photographic, visual-optical), radio and radio engineering, radar, thermal, radiation and other reconnaissance means.
2. Activities carried out by commanders
camouflage units
Countering enemy aerospace reconnaissance means is constantly carried out using all types and methods of camouflage that can reduce the effectiveness, primarily, of photographic and optical-electronic means.
To counter human intelligence, the necessary forces and technical means search and combat it, interaction is established with counterintelligence agencies, the security regime is strengthened, excluding the penetration of unauthorized persons into the concentration (waiting) areas and to the airfields of the initial area. Special attention focuses on preventing enemy agents from penetrating troop concentrations and facilities.
Work is constantly being carried out to instill in personnel a sense of high vigilance and responsibility for maintaining military secrets (including in personal correspondence, in conversations, etc.).
The main camouflaging (unmasking) signs of troop preparation for landing are:
movement of units to concentration areas (waiting);
changing the radio communication operating mode and establishing wired communication with airfields;
preparation in the initial area of routes for the advance of troops to airfields;
deployment of landing equipment, preparation of equipment, weapons and materiel for landing;
lighting of mooring areas at night;
concentration of military transport aircraft at the airfields of the initial area for landing;
movement of columns of units to concentration and waiting areas;
loading equipment and boarding personnel on aircraft.
Before moving units to the initial area for landing, reconnaissance is carried out, during which routes are selected that are hidden from enemy air and ground surveillance, far from large populated areas. Units usually leave at night or in other conditions of limited visibility. Transported equipment and landing equipment that reveal their belonging to the Airborne Forces are covered.
In areas of concentration and waiting, military equipment and vehicles are located dispersed, with maximum use of the camouflage properties of the terrain and the use of local and standard camouflage means. Parachute landing equipment is especially carefully hidden from aerial and human intelligence.
Measures are being taken for light and sound camouflage and compliance by personnel with the requirements of camouflage discipline. The mooring of equipment is carried out in units on small, remote sites, sheltered from air surveillance.
When moving to concentration areas, waiting and staying in them, personnel are not allowed to communicate with the local population and military personnel of other units. The time spent by units in holding areas and at airfields is reduced as much as possible.
Radio silence is observed in the initial landing area. Mainly wired and mobile means are used for communication. At permanent deployment points, the existing mode of troop activity and, above all, the mode of operation of inter-garrison communications are maintained.
The combat mission is communicated to the personnel immediately before entering the airfield for loading and boarding aircraft. The exit of units and subunits to airfields is carried out secretly, as a rule, at night or in other conditions of limited visibility.
The regiment's landing is carried out in a short time, mainly at night. To quickly gather personnel, equipment and materiel, combined light signals and radio equipment “COLLECT” are used. Light and sound masking measures are being taken.
In order to ensure covert command and control of troops, open negotiations and transmissions via technical means of communication are prohibited, especially on issues of the use of nuclear weapons. Classified communications equipment is used to control troops; Negotiations on technical means of communication are conducted using hidden control documents. Measures are being taken to reduce the operating time of radio stations for transmission.
Control posts and observation posts are deployed outside populated areas, away from prominent landmarks, in areas that have natural masks, and are masked with standard and local materials
Concealing the unit's entry to the line of attack, the position and movement of the main elements of the battle formation is achieved, first of all, by the skillful use of the camouflage properties of the terrain, darkness and other conditions of limited visibility.
For covert maneuver of forces and means, as well as their change of areas and positions during the battle, paths are used that are prepared taking into account the requirements of camouflage. When advancing and deploying units for a counterattack on areas of terrain visible to the enemy on the ground, smoke screens are used.
The formation of combat formations and the defense area must correspond to the assigned combat mission and the specific conditions of the situation. A rectilinear and monotonous arrangement of trenches (positions) and assigning equal distances between positions should be avoided. A pattern in the arrangement of forces and assets in the defense area, at firing positions, as well as in the barrier system and fortification equipment is not allowed.
For the hidden location of fire weapons, combat vehicles (armored personnel carriers), observation structures and shelters, uneven terrain, vegetation and local objects are used, service masks and local materials are used.
To prevent the enemy from prematurely revealing the fire system and the location of forces and means, roaming batteries, guns and combat vehicles are used to solve individual fire missions.
Camouflage planning includes: determining the tasks and objects of camouflage, assigning tasks to performers, preparing and managing forces and means, systematic monitoring of the preparation and conduct of camouflage activities.
The leadership of camouflage in the regiment is carried out by the commander. The camouflage task and the main camouflage measures are determined by the commander based on the instructions of the senior commander and the plan for the upcoming actions. This takes into account the real reconnaissance capabilities of the enemy, unmasking signs of the activity of friendly troops, the presence of camouflage forces and means, camouflage properties of the terrain, weather conditions, time of year and day.
Understanding the received combat mission and the instructions of the senior camouflage commander, the regiment (unit) commander is obliged to:
understand the senior commander’s plan to mislead the enemy, determine the role and place of one’s unit (unit) in its implementation;
determine the measures that need to be carried out immediately in order to quickly prepare troops for carrying out camouflage measures.
Having understood the task, the regiment (unit) commander gives instructions to the chief of staff to organize reconnaissance (study) of the terrain in the initial area (in the landing area) from the point of view of using its camouflage properties;
on conducting reconnaissance of the initial area for landing;
about the mode of conduct of troops, as well as to whom, what data and by what time to prepare for determining camouflage measures.
When assessing the situation, the commander determines:
enemy reconnaissance capabilities; the direction of concentration of the main efforts of its reconnaissance;
the ability to camouflage their units;
the necessary forces and means to carry out the most complex camouflage measures;
the influence of terrain on the performance of camouflage missions in the initial area for landing and in the combat area;
which parts (units) need to be hidden by using natural camouflage conditions.
After issuing a combat order and organizing interaction, the regiment (unit) commander gives instructions on combat support and, in particular, on camouflage:
the purpose and main objectives of camouflage;
measures that units need to carry out to hide areas of concentration (waiting) and for units to enter them;
measures to simulate the activities of troops in permanent deployment points (false areas), the forces and means involved for this and the responsible executors;
sequence and timing of camouflage measures during combat operations;
procedure for monitoring the implementation and quality of camouflage work. If necessary, means and methods of camouflage and the mode of conduct of troops may also be indicated.
The regimental (battalion) headquarters is the direct organizer of camouflage. He conveys the commander’s instructions on camouflage to unit commanders and organizes control over the implementation of camouflage measures.
In some cases, battalion headquarters may issue written orders for camouflage.
3. Tactical camouflage in special conditions
When conducting combat in a city, approaches formed by buildings, fences, underground structures and communications, trees and shrubs on the streets, gardens and parks are used to reach targets of capture (destruction). Smoke can be used to blind enemy fire weapons and cover the actions of individual groups.
When placing personnel and firepower in premises, shaded areas should be used. Basements are chosen for secret placement of control points.
Firing positions of fire vehicles and armored personnel carriers are prepared behind stone fences in which embrasures are made. Closed artillery firing positions are installed in vegetable gardens, orchards, courtyards, parks and stadiums.
When conducting combat operations in the mountains, the possibility of using sharply rugged terrain for covert access to capture targets and maneuvering forces and means when performing combat missions is taken into account. For the hidden deployment of troops, caves, tunnels, various underground workings, vegetation, reverse slopes of heights and piles of stones are used.
When conducting combat operations in the desert, military equipment is painted to match the color of the terrain. The maneuver by units is carried out behind the ridges of dunes, ridges and hilly sands. Particular attention is paid to masking water sources and water supply points.
When conducting combat operations in the northern regions and in winter, military equipment is painted to match the background of the area. Along with the use of service masks, troops use swamp vegetation and snow in winter for camouflage.
Concealment of troop actions is facilitated by conditions of limited visibility (fog, blizzard, snow drifts, night).
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.
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 the effectiveness of bombing decreased by 15-20 times. Attacking 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 be at least 1.5-2 times the size of the object being covered. 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 two or three smoke machines or a set of smoke bombs of the UDSh (BDSh) type, based on burning 20-30 of them in each line.
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. 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 mock-ups of equipment, as well as to involve 15-20% of the 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.
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.
In an offensive, it is important to hide the preparation for it, the place of the transition line to the attack and the time of the attack, to ensure its surprise. To do this, it is necessary to use the camouflage properties of the terrain, apply smoke and install masks. Camouflage measures should be carried out especially actively in the wrong direction. Moreover, it is in the false direction that it must be shown that it is the main one: intense shelling, engine noise, false movements and radio communications, reconnaissance.
When organizing tactical camouflage, the battalion (company) commander indicates: tasks and activities for tactical camouflage, volume, timing and order of their implementation; attracted forces and means; the procedure for observance of camouflage discipline by units. The battalion commander, in addition, sets tasks for the battalion headquarters to monitor the implementation of tactical camouflage measures by the units and compliance with camouflage discipline.
Quality control over the implementation of tactical camouflage measures is organized and carried out by the battalion headquarters.
Camouflage (from the French masquer - to make unnoticed, invisible to anyone), a type of support for combat operations and the daily activities of troops; a set of measures aimed at misleading the enemy regarding the presence and location of troops (naval forces), various military installations, their condition, combat readiness and actions, as well as command plans. Camouflage helps to achieve surprise in the actions of troops, maintain their combat readiness and increase the survivability of objects. Based on the scale of application and the nature of the tasks being solved, camouflage is divided into strategic, operational and tactical. Depending on the reconnaissance assets against which camouflage measures are carried out, camouflage is distinguished between optical, thermal, radar, radio and electronic, sound (acoustic), hydroacoustic, etc.
Camouflage is one of the types of combat support for troops. It is organized and carried out in order to conceal the actual location, composition and armament of artillery units from all types and means of enemy reconnaissance. This is achieved by: maintaining military secrets; covert placement and movement of units through the skillful use of standard camouflage means and local materials, painting weapons, combat and other equipment to match the background of the surrounding area, as well as the use of its camouflage properties, darkness and other conditions of limited visibility; equipping false firing positions, points and posts with imitation of unit actions; timely notification of units about the actions of enemy reconnaissance assets; imposing restrictions on the operation of radio and radar stations; compliance with the rules of hidden management of units and the previously established operating regime; the use of methods and means of camouflage from radio, optical, radar, sound and other types of enemy reconnaissance; strict compliance with the requirements of camouflage discipline; immediate restoration of damaged camouflage; timely identification and elimination of unmasking signs.
Disguise must be active, convincing, continuous, varied and not allow a pattern in its methods. It is carried out constantly, as a rule, by departments.
When organizing camouflage, the division (battery) commander usually indicates: the main camouflage measures, the volume, timing and order of their implementation, the forces and means allocated for the implementation of camouflage measures; the procedure for observance of camouflage discipline by units.
The absence of instructions from the senior commander (chief) does not exempt the division (battery) commander from organizing camouflage.
Methods and techniques of camouflage.
The main methods of camouflaging the battle formations of artillery units are concealment, imitation and demonstrative actions.
Concealment consists of eliminating or weakening the unmasking features characteristic of guns (mortars, combat vehicles) and firing positions. Concealment is ensured by observing camouflage discipline, using the camouflage properties of the terrain, natural conditions and the use of special engineering techniques and tools.
Imitation consists of creating false objects and false environments through the use of mock-ups of equipment and other means.
Demonstrative actions are a deliberate display of the activities of artillery units by moving, conducting combat operations with the involvement of small forces and assets (battery, platoon or gun).
Techniques for camouflaging guns (mortars, combat vehicles) and firing positions depend on the conditions of their location on the ground. Guns (mortars, combat vehicles) located in closed areas are hidden under a plant background, while in open areas they are camouflaged under areas of bare ground or under the background of the surrounding area and local objects.
Engineering and technical methods of camouflage include:
use of artificial masks
camouflage coloring
masking terrain treatment
giving structures camouflage forms
use of masking smokes
the use of mock-ups, false structures and other means to imitate objects.
Disguise with standard and improvised means of concealment.
Concealment of military equipment and weapons from optical reconnaissance means is carried out using standard camouflage kits. Standard camouflage kits are designed to create optical artificial masks. Masks are engineering structures or local objects used to hide troops and objects from enemy reconnaissance or change their appearance. There are natural masks (forests, uneven terrain, buildings, etc.) and artificial masks (engineered camouflage structures).
It should be borne in mind that the majority of the terrain has good camouflage capabilities, which only need to be supplemented with artificial masks, which are used mainly in combination with natural masks. Therefore, camouflage kits are auxiliary means that are designed to facilitate the camouflage of military equipment and military installations in any area.
In most cases, optical masks consist of a frame and a camouflage coating, which is the hiding part of the mask. When camouflaging small-sized military equipment, masks can consist of only one covering. The main elements of the frame are racks, rods, guy ropes and anchor supports. The camouflage coating can be made from available camouflage materials or consist of standard elements of standard camouflage kits. Coverings can be continuous or with gaps (transparent).
Transparent coatings have some advantages over solid ones: they blend better with the background of the surrounding area, have less weight, are more economical and resistant to wind. However, the filling density of the coating must be such that the hidden equipment or structure is not detected by enemy reconnaissance.
Standard camouflage kits (MKT, ISS, “Shater”) are designed to camouflage military equipment and structures from air and ground visual-optical and photographic reconnaissance on vegetative backgrounds and on bare ground backgrounds. Usually they come in 3 types according to the size of the coatings: 3x6, 6x6, 12x18 meters.
MKT (fabric camouflage kits) are produced three types: MKT-T (transparent), MKT-P (desert-sandy), MKT-S (winter) - on a cotton fabric base for camouflage, respectively, on plant, desert-sandy and snow backgrounds.
The main parts of the kit are the cover, supports and pegs. The covering has dimensions of 12*18 m. It consists of 12 standard interchangeable elements measuring 3*6 m.
MKS (synthetic camouflage kits) are made of synthetic materials and are available in two types: MKS-2 and MKS-2P.
The MKS-2 set is designed for camouflage on plant backgrounds and bare soils, the MKS-2P set is intended for camouflage on desert-sandy and desert-steppe backgrounds. MKS kits include two covers measuring 9*12 m, support posts, pegs and cotter pin seams.
“Tent” is a universal frameless mask designed to camouflage large equipment. It consists of two coverings (made of cotton or synthetic materials) each measuring 12*18, racks, a cotter pin seam, and pegs. Each covering consists of 12 elements, measuring 3*96 m.
Service camouflage kits are most often used to construct ceiling masks when camouflaging equipment both at equipped and non-engineered firing positions.
To camouflage weapons and military equipment located in trenches or shelters, flat covering masks are installed. (see Fig. 1)
To camouflage weapons and military equipment located in trenches with an incomplete profile or on the surface of the ground, convex mask-overlaps are installed (see Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 “Disguise” self-propelled gun in a trench with a flat mask-overlap"
rice. 2 “Camouflage of a self-propelled gun on the surface of the earth with a convex mask-overlap”
Pin and quick-opening seams used in coatings are designed to quickly open masks over camouflaged objects for firing.
In addition to constructing overlapping masks, standard camouflage coverings are also used to construct horizontal, vertical and other masks.
To set an overlap mask you need to:
Unpack and unfold the covering near the installation site of the mask (coverings of the required sizes and configurations are usually prepared in advance when the equipment is located in secluded places).
When using cotter pins or quick-release seams, check that the rings are connected correctly with the cotter pins and the quick-release seam bundle.
Weave local camouflage material into the coating and transfer the coating to the object to be camouflaged so that the quickly unraveling seam is located in the direction of the fire direction.
Distort the straight lines of the coating by bending its edges.
Attach the edges of the covering to the ground with pegs, anchor stakes, or a sprinkle of soil or snow.
Place supports, branches, bushes under the mask.
Match the covering to the background of the area using local materials.
Mask parapets, tracks, and trampled areas that are not covered by a mask with local materials.
When installing overlapping masks, the following requirements must be met:
movement of special and passenger cars, single soldiers, cyclists, motorcyclists (messengers, messengers) to the location of the headquarters (command post) and back;
increased movement of vehicles from the rear to the front with cargo, in the opposite direction - mainly empty;revival in trenches (trenches), changes in enemy behavior, the appearance of reconnaissance groups.
Conclusion.
Of course, camouflage is a very important event in modern combat. A battle in which success depends on who is the first to discover the enemy, since modern means lesions are capable of operating at distances measured from a few millimeters to tens of thousands of kilometers, with very high accuracy. I would even say that this is one of the main components of combat. History knows many examples when correctly carried out camouflage actions decided the outcome of a battle in one direction or another. As you can see by reading my report, camouflage is a very broad concept that applies to both the individual soldier and military installations and entire armies. Means and methods of camouflage are constantly being improved. In conclusion, I would like to note that in Lately a new type of concealment of one’s actions has appeared, such as information camouflage (information warfare). Recently, human life is very dependent on information received through radio, television, computer, and with the help of skillful control over these flows of information, entire countries and peoples can be misled and controlled.
2014-05-12
Certification of labor protection work in an organization: goals and objectives, procedure for carrying out Physical factors of the living environment (light, noise, vibration, EMF) and their significance in shaping human living conditions Worker protective equipment (PPE): general requirements and classification. Providing workers with PPE: rules for provision and standards for issuance
the camouflage coating must be at least 30-50 cm away from the surface of the object being camouflaged.
the slopes of convex mask ceilings must correspond to the natural slopes of the surrounding area; in open flat areas, slopes should be at least 1:5.
To make masks, in addition to standard camouflage kits (and together with them), improvised materials are widely used. Moreover, regardless of the availability of standard means, improvised means (as the most accessible) are used first.
The most commonly used materials are cut branches of trees and shrubs, turf, grass, soil, and snow. The branches of maple, oak, birch, linden, ash and poplar in the summer remain green for no more than two days; the leaves on the branches of aspen, acacia, and hazel curl up and turn black after a few hours. Pine and spruce branches last 10-12 days in summer, and up to 80 days in winter. For camouflage, it is preferable to use large branches (0.7-1 m or more) - they fade more slowly; cut algae, reeds, sedge and moss retain their color for up to 10-15 days.
Faded and discolored vegetation used to camouflage objects must be promptly replaced.
Turf is used to camouflage parapets and bedding of fortifications located in the meadow. Most often it is harvested by hand in the form of individual sods or ribbons.
For better survival of turf in a new place and to obtain a high camouflage effect, it is taken in places similar in soil composition, humidity, and topography to the camouflaged places. Turf with tall grass is rarely used because the grass dries quickly. Sodding is labor-intensive and time-consuming work. However, it gives a high camouflage effect, which appears immediately after laying the turf.
The materials at hand when making artificial masks can have the following uses:
Mats are made from grass, straw, small brushwood, corn and sunflower stalks, reeds and pine branches, which are used as coverings for masks, as well as for covering models and false structures.
Grass, straw, small brushwood and other similar material can be woven into nets and braids and used for the same purposes as mats.
Braids are made from brushwood, reeds, sunflower and corn stalks, which serve as the basis for attaching the camouflage material. Braids are made in any size depending on the purpose; cell sizes can be from 5x5 cm to 25x25 cm.
Logs and poles serve as the main material for the manufacture of mask frames, models and false structures.
Various soils, peat and snow are used as material sprinkled over the overlapping masks to better match the surface of the mask with the background of the area.
In winter, snow and ice vaults, ceilings made of compacted snow and snow bricks, pieces of ice, and sprinkling with snow can be used as masks.
At the work site, vertical and inclined masks, horizontal masks, overlapping masks and distortion masks can be made from scrap materials.
Vertical masks are divided into trench, road and fence masks.
Trench masks are designed to hide the movement of troops and vehicles along roads and column tracks. Road masks are divided into roadside masks, installed on the side of the road and hiding movement from enemy side observation, and over-road masks, installed above the road and hiding movement along it from enemy observation along the road.
Fence masks are designed to hide the location of troops, individual objects, engineering work, etc.
Distorting (deforming) masks are used to change the shape of masked objects and their shadows. Distorting masks include visors (horizontally and obliquely positioned flat panels), ridges (vertically positioned flat panels), extensions and superstructures.
When constructing masks designed to conceal military equipment and weapons, a prerequisite will be the speed of removing or rearranging the masks to bring the equipment or weapons into a traveling or combat position.
Firing from rocket artillery combat vehicles and ATGMs is carried out with the coatings completely removed and moved to the sides from the place of the jet blast.
Camouflage coloring.
Camouflage painting is one of the simplest and most common methods of camouflage from optical reconnaissance equipment, which is used both independently and in combination with other methods. The main types of camouflage colors are: protective, deforming (distorting), and imitating (imitating).
Protective painting is carried out in one color, close in brightness and color tone to the prevailing background of the area. It helps reduce the contrast of equipment with the surrounding background, reduces visibility and, accordingly, reduces detection distances. This type of paint is used to camouflage all types of equipment and weapons when troops are operating on monotonous plant, desert-steppe, desert-sand and snowy backgrounds.
According to these backgrounds, protective painting of equipment and weapons is carried out in greenish-brown (khaki), yellow-gray and white colors using water-based and enamel paints, as well as local dyes and primers. Protective painting with enamel paints is the basis (sublayer) for applying deforming paint.
When performing deforming coloring, it is necessary to be guided by Albums of samples of patterns of deforming coloring of equipment and weapons, developed in relation to plant, desert and snow backgrounds.
Imitating (imitative) coloring is used mainly to hide stationary objects, as well as moving objects located long time at one place.
The camouflage coloring of equipment and weapons cannot be unchanged. When the surrounding backgrounds and combat conditions change, the original coloring must be replaced by another that most fully meets the specific camouflage conditions. Thus, when changing from snowless backgrounds to snowy ones and vice versa, the surface of the equipment is repainted completely or partially. Partial repainting of equipment and weapons is carried out by applying new colors to the protective paint of deforming spots.
For camouflage painting you need:
prepare the surface of the equipment for painting, cover unpainted parts;
choose the colors of deforming spots;
prepare means of camouflage painting: units, equipment, tools and paints;
mark the pattern of deforming paint;
apply deforming stains to the surface of the equipment;
clean parts and surface areas not to be painted;
Check the quality of the paint by visual inspection and eliminate any deficiencies found.
For coloring equipment in field conditions a POS field painting station is used. When repainting several samples of equipment, to adjust the deforming color to the changed background, along with means of mechanization, it is advisable to use hand brushes, rollers, and trimmers. When carrying out camouflage painting at permanent deployment points, it is advisable to use stationary and mobile compressors and paint spray guns to perform painting work.
Protective painting of equipment and weapons for snowy, desert, steppe backgrounds, as well as all types of deforming painting, is carried out with camouflage water-based paints E-VA-524 in eight colors: light green, dark green, greenish-brown (khaki), brown, yellow- grey, light grey, dark gray and white. In order to adjust the brightness and colors of the paint to the surrounding background, mixing colors is allowed (no more than three at a time). E-VA-524 paints are easily diluted at the point of application clean water. they are safe during operation and when heated in winter time, do not have a destructive effect on painted surfaces.
Paints of all colors except white are not washed off from the painted surface. Dye white Easily removed with warm water using rags and brushes. All paints, except white, allow surface repainting with water-based paints of other colors, as well as enamel paints.
For greater resemblance to rough natural surfaces(loose soil, grass) create a rough paint layer on smooth artificial surfaces. Such a layer is formed as a result of trimming the painted surface with brushes or brushes, as well as sprinkling colored or painted sand (sawdust), roadside dust, chopped straw and other available materials over the wet layer of paint and fixative.
Concealment from radar reconnaissance equipment.
Masking from enemy radar equipment is provided by:
the use of special masks and coatings that reduce the reflectivity of masked objects;
the construction of masks made of radio wave reflectors that interfere with radar surveillance equipment.
To create radar masks, special devices and materials are used, the operating principle of which is based on the reflection and absorption of radio waves. When creating interference with radar stations, various types of reflectors are used, of which the most widely used are metal corner (folding) WMD reflectors.
Local materials used to camouflage weapons, military equipment and structures from optical reconnaissance means have the ability to absorb radio waves and provide a slight reduction in the detection range of hidden objects by radar reconnaissance means. In this case, the absorption of radio waves depends both on the density and thickness of the materials used, and on their humidity.
Means of light and thermal masking.
One of the unmasking signs of troops and objects is the sign of their activity associated with the use of lighting devices in the dark. This allows reconnaissance means to detect troops and objects, identify their characteristics and the nature of their activities at a distance of up to 20 km or more. The purpose of light camouflage measures is to either hide or imitate light unmasking signs of troops and objects. The condition for hiding the light unmasking signs of objects is the creation of such illumination of workplaces, movement routes, etc., which would not be detected by enemy reconnaissance means and at the same time would provide conditions for the functioning of the object and the combat activities of personnel. This problem can be solved by darkening objects or using special camouflage lighting. Dimming is used to blackout buildings, structures and some moving objects, where high levels of illumination are required to perform work. It is achieved by installing light-opaque screens (curtains, shutters, shields, etc.) in entrances, openings, hatches and various openings through which light can penetrate outside. It should be borne in mind that the materials used to construct blackout screens, as a rule, are not completely opaque. They transmit some part of the radiant energy in the visible or infrared zones of the spectrum. For example, a 100 W incandescent lamp covered with 3 mm plywood can be detected by a night vision device from a distance of more than 1 km. To improve the blackout properties of materials such as wrapping paper, cardboard, plywood, tarpaulin, etc. It is advisable to coat them with dyes containing carbon black (for example, black printing ink), aluminum powder, zinc powder, chalk, clay, etc. with varnish-based binders. Black photo wrapping paper, calico, flannel, and black wrapping paper have high blackout properties. They can be successfully used to darken objects at the highest light levels without any additional processing. To blackout the entrances to buildings, special vestibules are installed with automatic switching off of the light when the outer door is opened, light-blocking devices in the form of labyrinths and other devices that exclude the possibility of direct light spreading from the room to the outside.
To hide external lighting used during the movement of troops and engineering work at night, camouflage lighting is used in the form of blackout devices, lamps for local lighting of instruments and individual head-mounted camouflage lamps. In accordance with this, camouflage lighting can be general or local. Local camouflage lighting is the main one when performing engineering problems, since it provides a level of illumination sufficient to carry out work and at the same time is not detected by enemy reconnaissance means from probable observation distances. You can significantly improve lighting conditions, both general and local, if the object is under an artificial mask. For example, if the transparency of the camouflage coating is 10-20%, the illumination under the mask can be increased accordingly by 5-10 times. When illuminating places where engineering tasks are performed and vehicles are driven, yellow (yellowish-orange) light is usually used, and when marking passages in barriers, crossings over obstacles, etc. - blue light.
To hide motor vehicles on the march at night, black-out masking devices (SMDs) for headlights, signal lights, and underbody lights for cars (side screen with electric lighting for tracked vehicles) are used. SMUs reduce the luminous intensity of vehicle headlights and change the direction of the luminous flux, bringing the illuminated area closer to the vehicle. The headlight control system provides three modes of operation of lighting devices: undimmed, partially dimmed and completely dimmed. Light signs used to indicate troop movement routes, difficult terrain and the direction to overcome them, exit routes to crossings and crossing elements, passages in minefields, etc., are installed in such a way that their luminous flux is directed only towards their own troops, ensuring the visibility of the sign at a distance of up to 300 m.
To hide objects from thermal reconnaissance, various devices are used that reduce the temperature of heated surfaces (on stationary objects - expansion chambers; devices for cooling combustion products by blowing air, spraying with water, etc., on military equipment - thermal insulation devices made of asbestos, fiberglass) . Reducing the thermal contrast between the object and the background is also possible by installing screens made of metals, films and other non-flammable materials, applying special paint coatings to the heated surfaces of objects, and using heat-insulating capes (mats). In addition, the use of meteorological conditions (fog, snow, rain, etc.) to move troops and warm up equipment, reducing the capabilities of thermal reconnaissance.
Smoke means of camouflage.
Smoke camouflage means are used to blind the enemy, hide friendly troops and individual objects, their actions, as well as to indicate the activity of false objects (fires after artillery shelling or an air raid, smoke from stoves, camp kitchens and field fires, etc.). These include smoke bombs; artillery smoke shells and mines; hand and rifle grenades; smoke machines and devices mounted on military equipment; aerial bombs and pouring devices. In the absence of industrial production means, use local smoke products (sawdust, damp branches, fir cones, moistened straw, rags, lubricants, fuel oil and others), which are burned in special fireplaces.
Smoke bombs are divided into three groups by weight and size: small (2-3 kg), medium (7-8 kg) and large (up to 40-50 kg). All of them are made in the form of metal cylinders filled with a solid smoke mixture. Checkers used for camouflage are filled with mixtures that produce non-toxic white or white-gray smoke. The duration of smoke generation by checkers is from 5 to 15 minutes. The length of the cloud (depending on the type of checker and weather conditions) is from 50 to 200 meters; its width is from 15 to 40 meters.
In addition to smoke bombs, the troops are armed with smoke machines and aerosol generators designed to smoke various objects with neutral smoke. One fill smoke-forming substance the machine can create an invisible smoke screen at least 1 km long in 5-7 minutes. The capabilities of 2 aerosol generators correspond to one machine.
Camouflage smoke screens are created to camouflage friendly troops and imitate decoys. They can be placed at the location of friendly troops or between friendly troops and the enemy. When camouflaging troops and objects from enemy air, smoke is generated in an area that is at least five times larger than the area where the objects are being camouflaged. Placing camouflage smoke screens between friendly troops and the enemy is used to camouflage troops from ground reconnaissance and enemy fire weapons. When there is smoke in areas where troops are located, camouflage with smoke can be carried out by creating a number of small smoke screens within the smoke-filled area. So, when camouflaging a motorized rifle (tank) battalion in a smoke area of 20-25 square meters. km, 10-12 smoke screens can be created. When troops and facilities are located over large areas, it is economically inexpedient and technically difficult to create continuous smoke over the entire area. Therefore, to camouflage troops and large objects located in a concentrated area, only the most smoke is used. important elements camouflaged objects and false objects within the general smoke area with a ratio of camouflaged areas to the total area of 0.1-0.25. The area is covered with smoke so that the masked object is not in the center of the smoke screen. In this case, not only camouflaged objects are exposed to smoke, but also those local objects that can serve as landmarks for the enemy to reach the target. Wind speeds of 2-4 m/s are favorable for setting up smoke screens. Unfavorable weather conditions— wind speed up to 1.5 m/s or more than 8 m/s, unstable gusty wind, strong ascending air currents (convection). Pyrotechnics are used to reproduce light, smoke and sound unmasking signs inherent in shooting, explosions, fires, etc. on false objects. These include special pyrotechnic cartridges and bombs (simulators of shots, explosions), explosives, flammable materials, lighting and signal flares.
Models and false structures.
Models and false structures are used to imitate military installations in places where they actually do not exist. Models can be used to imitate materiel, combat, transport and special equipment, weapons, ferries, bridges, and people. False structures can be used to imitate engineering structures: trenches, trenches, communication passages, observation posts, shelters, wire fences, minefields, anti-tank ditches, roads, railway tracks and bridges, communication lines, buildings and other structures. When simulating troops and various objects, mock-ups and false structures are most often used in inextricable connection with each other. They, as a rule, complement each other, creating a natural combination of individual elements on the ground, which characterizes the presence of the simulated object here. Thus, when simulating troops, not only the material part should be shown, but also trenches, trenches, shelters, control posts, etc. For tanks, artillery pieces, self-propelled artillery mounts, rocket launchers, armored personnel carriers, vehicles that the enemy must see located in trenches or shelters, it is necessary to imitate the corresponding traces of movement, smoke, rear cones, traces of people, etc. Thus, when simulating a warehouse, it is necessary to show in the correct combination mock-ups of the material part and false structures characteristic of the warehouse, parking areas for arriving vehicles, mock-ups of cars and roads. Models and false structures must plausibly reproduce the appearance of the simulated objects. Therefore, such unmasking features as the shape, main dimensions and color of mock-ups and false structures correspond to the real ones. When making models and false structures, they strive to reproduce those details that, on the one hand, emphasize the specifics of the simulated object, and on the other hand, can be detected by the type of reconnaissance for which they are designed. In addition, the imitation of military equipment includes not only the construction of mock-ups, but also a demonstration of the operation of these “objects”. After all, any military and transport equipment cannot be stationary in the same place all the time.
In areas of location and concentration, fixed layouts are widely used. Fixed layouts can be frameless or framed. Frameless stationary mock-ups of the material part are made of earth or snow. To reduce the amount of work, such models are shown located in trenches or in shelters, which at the same time enhances the effect of imitation, since this arrangement is the most common and certainly more plausible. In these cases, a mock-up, a false trench or a shelter are arranged simultaneously. The body of frameless mock-ups is usually made of untouched soil or snow, and elements such as a tank turret are top part The hull of a self-propelled artillery mount, the cabin of a car or tractor, are laid out from turf in the summer, and from snow in the winter. The barrel of a stationary mock-up of a tank or self-propelled artillery mount is simulated by attaching a log to the turret. To reduce the time for constructing frameless fixed mock-ups of the material part, elements such as tank mock-up turrets and the upper parts of self-propelled gun hulls are often prepared in advance, making them collapsible, and installed on the mock-up’s earthen or snow body. Such collapsible turret mock-ups are also convenient in that they can be periodically rotated on the stationary body of the tank mock-up, which increases the simulation effect. In some cases, frameless stationary mock-ups of the material part can be made outside trenches or shelters. The easiest way to make such models is in winter from snow, in specially made wooden or plywood formwork. Frame fixed mock-ups of a material part usually consist of a frame made at the location of the mock-up and a skin that imitates the surface of the object. When constructing frames, poles, metal tubes, wire and shells (rubberized fabric, roofing felt, roofing felt, tarpaulin, boards, plywood, standard camouflage kits) are used. Movable prototypes of the material part most often consist of a frame and casing and are divided into portable, towed and self-propelled.
Portable models are usually made from lightweight frames covered with thin dense or mesh fabric. At the same time, for the construction of portable layouts designed for aerial reconnaissance, it is possible, in order to lighten the mass and reduce the cost of effort and money, to reproduce only the upper part of the simulated object, visible from the air. When such a model is located in the bushes, the desired effect is also obtained during ground reconnaissance of the enemy. Portable mock-ups of the material part can be standard or made from scrap materials. During the fighting in the Persian Gulf region (1991), the Iraqi army very widely used light inflatable equipment (tanks, armored personnel carriers, radars, rocket launchers, trucks) made of lightweight synthetic materials. In total, several tens of thousands of such factory-produced models were used. It was against them that the bulk of the missile and bomb strikes of the US, British, and French aircraft were carried out. Inflatable dummies are usually equipped with a metal thread, so they are well detected by on-board radars of airplanes and helicopters.
Towed mock-ups of materiel are intended both to show the movement of military and transport equipment from place to place in the area where a false object is located, and to simulate it on the march by towing it behind a tank, car, or armored personnel carrier. Depending on the power of the tractor and the quality of the road surface, up to five models can be towed one behind the other on straight sections of the road. The frames of the mock-ups must have sufficient strength, so much attention is paid to the supporting element of the frame, the lower frame and the axle attached to it, on which the wheels are mounted. For towing on packed snow, runners are installed instead of wheels. In order to simplify the design of mock-ups, runners are sometimes used on a flat road devoid of snow. To reduce the weight and volume of work on the manufacture of towed mock-ups, significant simplification of their design is allowed. This simplified layout consists of a rigid frame in which the most characteristic elements for a given vehicle are attached, which can be detected from the air. Self-propelled mock-ups are designed mainly to simulate the movement of tanks, self-propelled guns, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, etc. in the rear of their troops and are designed only for aerial reconnaissance of the enemy. Such models are usually mounted on trucks and motorcycles, the movement of which creates the impression of moving military equipment.
In mock-ups of the material part, corner reflectors are often installed at the rate of one reflector per mock-up, which allows radio waves to be reflected, just like from the actual material part. False structures should be simple in design and made with maximum use of available and local materials. False trenches for machine guns, guns, mortars, armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, as well as shelters for vehicles and special equipment are constructed by excavating soil to a depth of at least 50 cm within the contour of the false structure. The parapet is imitated by inverted turf, removed from the surface of the soil before the excavation, or fill soil, removed during the excavation of the false structure. False trenches and communication passages are made by removing soil manually or by means of mechanization to a depth of 50-60 cm along the intended route with the bottom sprinkled with dark materials (slag, peat, pine branches). The effect is significantly enhanced if false trenches and communication passages in certain areas are masked with improvised materials. Construction of false trenches, trenches and communication passages in winter period comes down to raking snow to the ground in the area of the false structure and sprinkling the bottom with dark materials. In all cases, when constructing a false object and placing mock-ups of the material part on it, to make the simulation more plausible, paths are laid to them, traces of the movement of tanks, cars, armored personnel carriers to the parking area are imitated, and trampled areas near the mock-ups are shown. False roads are imitated during the snow-free period by cutting off the top layer of soil (one or two passes of a grader or bulldozer), followed by adding soil to match the color of the roads in the area. Traces of movement of military and transport equipment are reproduced by repeated passage of the above equipment. In winter, roads are imitated by clearing snow along a specified route and then covering them with darkening material.
False buildings, as well as models, are used to imitate and hide various objects. Thus, when simulating the location of troops, false closed fire installations, shelters and other similar fortifications are erected, when simulating warehouses, false warehouse buildings and gasoline tanks are erected, and when hiding objects against the background of a populated area, false houses are erected as masks, outbuildings etc. Decoys are designed mainly for enemy aerial reconnaissance. According to their design, they can be frameless or framed. In all cases, the location of false buildings on the ground must be plausible and meet the requirements of the simulation. Hiding and simulating objects with false structures can be most effective if the latter possess not only specific unmasking features, but also all the signs of activity inherent in such structures, characterizing them as real and not false. So, if residential buildings are simulated, then, depending on the situation, they show smoke from chimneys, a fire during an air raid, etc.
Masking of extension and maneuver.
Masking the advance and maneuver of artillery units is achieved through organizational, engineering and technical measures. Organizational camouflage measures include:
the use of camouflage properties of the terrain that help hide troops (natural masks, specific properties of the terrain, local objects);
use of darkness and limited visibility conditions to hide the actions of troops;
dispersal of troops and periodic change of location areas, firing positions and command and observation posts;
compliance by personnel with the rules and requirements of camouflage discipline, limiting or excluding the occurrence of unmasking signs of troop activity.
Organizational measures also include demonstrative actions and measures to disinform the enemy.
Engineering and technical measures for camouflaging extension and maneuver include:
the use of artificial masks and camouflage covers;
use of deforming masks and accessories;
use of blackout devices (SMD);
use of smoke screens.
Fulfillment by troops of the requirements of organizational, engineering and technical measures significantly reduces the effectiveness of the use of enemy reconnaissance assets.
Unmasking signs of targets.
The success of reconnaissance is facilitated by intelligence officers' knowledge of the main unmasking signs by which various targets can be detected ,
determine their characteristics and activities.
Unmasking signs of targets include:
characteristic outlines of objects;
the color of objects, if it differs from the color of the surrounding area;
shadows on the objects themselves and shadows falling on them;
characteristic location of objects;
reflections of glass and unpainted metal parts;
signs of activity - movement, sounds, flashes of fire, smoke, etc.;
traces of activity - trampled places, new roads and paths, traces of fires, remains of building materials, etc.
When assessing the results of reconnaissance, it is necessary to take into account that the enemy, through various deceptive actions (creating false targets, roaming fire weapons), will try to mislead our reconnaissance and hide the signs of real objects. Only a combination of several signs will make it possible to make a correct conclusion about the reliability of goals (objects).
Observation points usually located on slopes and on various local objects. They are most often discovered during their occupation and equipment, as well as during observer changes and when the communication line is corrected. The unmasking signs of an observation post are:
periodic short-term appearance on certain place of people;
the observer's head or observation device projected against the background of some local object (or against the sky);
telephone wires approaching the OP, periodic movement of telephone operators along them, correcting the line;
the appearance of new local objects, changes in the shape and color of local objects and vegetation as a result of their use for camouflage;
viewing slit, observed as a dark horizontal stripe on some local object;
a dark spot against the general background of tree foliage, a camouflaged observation platform, a ladder or steps cut into a tree trunk, the swaying of the tree top in calm weather;
periodic appearance of a periscope or other surveillance device due to some kind of cover;
shine of glasses of optical instruments;
the presence of sources of infrared radiation at night.
Trenches (trenches) Most often they are torn off on the front slopes and ridges of heights. In areas covered with forests, dense shrubs, and in populated areas, trenches, as a rule, are carried forward from the edge (outskirts of a populated area) or pulled back into the depths of the forest (shrubs, populated area).
From ground-based OPs, trenches (trenches) are observed in the form of a dark, broken line with small breaks that in some places merges with the terrain.
Machine gun firing positions should be searched in areas from which the enemy can conduct flanking fire or where wide frontal fire is possible. The machine gun trench is often moved forward from the trench. A firing machine gun can be detected by the flashing sounds of the shot.
Wood-earth and permanent fire structures located in places from where it is possible to conduct frontal and flank fire. They should be looked for on slopes, on the edges of forests, in the basements of the outermost houses of a settlement, at street intersections, in the bends of trenches and barriers.
These structures can be observed on the ground in the form of a mound, sometimes differing from natural elevations in its color. Embrasures in such tubercles are observed in the form of dark spots. In winter, the snow near the embrasure melts and turns black from gunpowder smoke. When firing at defensive structures, the sound is dull.
Anti-tank guns They are located in the likely directions of tank movement, at the foot of heights, hills or on their slopes, on the edges of groves and copses, in bushes, on the outskirts of villages, near roads and in individual buildings.
Unmasking signs of the firing position of an anti-tank gun are:
characteristic outlines of the barrel and the upper part of the shield cover, visible through the camouflage;
camouflaged embrasures in buildings and fences;
sharp sound of a shot.
Recoilless rifles can be detected by the flame and cloud of smoke and dust produced when fired.
Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) They are located mainly in places where anti-tank guns are located.
The unmasking signs of the ATGM position are:
launchers visible through masks;
a stream of gases or a trail when fired;
a cloud of dust at the launch sites.
Artillery As a rule, it occupies closed firing positions on the reverse slopes of heights, in hollows, in the forest (in a clearing) or behind the forest, in gardens, vegetable gardens, behind populated areas and other shelters. Depending on the size of the cover, firing artillery batteries can be detected by the glare or sound of the shot, by the dust rising on the OP after the shots, or by the smoke above the cover at the time of the shot in the form of quickly dissipating translucent clouds or rings. At night and at dusk, firing batteries unmask themselves by the reflection of shots against the background of forests, clouds, and, in small shelters, by the glare of shots.
Mortars usually located on the reverse slopes of heights, in ravines and hollows, trenches, large craters from shells and bombs, and destroyed buildings.
During daytime shooting at the mortar firing position, a characteristic stream of smoke is observed, directed towards the shot to a height of 10-15 m. Sometimes, along with the stream, a smoke ring is formed, rising upward to 15-20 m. At night, a slight glow or reflection may be observed above the crest of the shelter, usually against the background of local objects located behind the firing position. The sound of a mortar shot is dull and weaker than the sound of a mine exploding.
Jet installations They strongly unmask themselves by shooting, while during the day there is a large cloud of smoke and dust appearing above the firing position, at night there is a growing glow and shell tracks.
Radar stations determined by their appearance, the presence of a large number of auxiliary units according to their relative position, as well as the location of radar stations together with fire weapons and control points.
Tanks and self-propelled artillery units When moving, they unmask themselves with the noise of engines and the clanging of tracks, and in dry weather, in addition, with raised dust.
In defense, tanks can be used as fixed armored firing points located in specially equipped positions. This position can be detected by the tank turret protruding from the trench, as well as by the unmasking features characteristic of anti-tank guns.
Headquarters and command posts They are located, as a rule, in places sheltered from ground observation (in a forest, ravine, populated area, etc.). Signs of the headquarters location ( command post) are:
