When we learn about camouflage – the natural colouring or form that an animal or plant takes in order to blend with its surroundings – we are told about the adaptations that has enabled various species to thrive. Humans have been employing camouflage in one form or another for various purposes through time but in the last century or so, camouflage has taken a military connotation.
The military sense of the word camouflage originated during the First World War. The military function of camouflage is pretty easy to understand as it allows personnel and equipment to be hidden from the enemy. To achieve this, a few basic ideas are adhered to.
Colour and pattern
Colour and pattern are among the first and foremost when it comes to military camouflage. These are chosen to match the surroundings where the forces will be employed. This means that while green and brown dominate jungle warfare, white and grey are preferred for snowy environments. In addition to their uniforms mimicking nature, soldiers also paint their face in matching colours and patterns. While colours and patterns allow individual soldiers to blend in with their surroundings. This is of secondary importance in modern warfare where the bulk of the damage is done by powerful equipment With most forces having eyes in the sky using aircraft, it becomes important to hide equipment and fortifications from them. Apart from. again, using colours and patterns in the equipment itself, there are huge camouflage nets that allow even tanks and trucks to be hidden from the enemy.
Not easy anymore
The greatest threat to the advancements made in military camouflage comes from technology, of course. With improvements in camouflage techniques, there are improvements in technology that can see through these as well. Thermal imaging. radar, satellite photography are some of the methods employed to detect camouflage.
As detection techniques get better and better ways to camouflage are also reinvented. This means that think tanks need to think past the visual concealment and also employ other devices that can counteract detection devices. This vicious cycle will likely continue as long as human beings remain at war.
Picture Credit : Google