Stealth in Action: Capturing Soldiers’ Camouflage Mastery
As stated by National Geographic, “Camouflage, also called cryptic coloration, is a defense mechanism or tactic that organisms use to disguise their appearance, usually to blend in with their surroundings. Organisms use camouflage to mask their location, identity, and movement.”
For example, chameleons can change their skin color to match their environment, while Arctic foxes adapt seasonally with white fur in winter and brown fur in summer. Leaf-tailed geckos resemble dried leaves, making them nearly invisible in forests, and stick insects mimic twigs to escape detection.
Animals aren’t the only ones that rely on background matching—militaries have been using camouflage for centuries. As a key element of military deception, camouflage is designed to mislead the enemy about the presence, position, and intentions of forces. This is achieved through various techniques, including concealment, disguise, and the use of decoys, which are applied to troops, vehicles, and strategic positions to gain a tactical advantage.
Let’s explore some remarkable moments where soldiers employ camouflage techniques to seamlessly blend into their surroundings.
Tank Camouflage with Pine Leaves
A soldier from the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducts reconnaissance atop an M1 Abrams tank camouflaged with pine leaves to avoid detection at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) in Fort Johnson, Louisiana, on March 16, 2024.
The soldiers worked alongside various armored units, training in challenging and realistic combat scenarios.
Capt. Moberly Applies Camouflage Paint
Capt. Moberly, the executive officer for Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, applies camouflage paint before executing a field training exercise. Soldiers use camouflage paint to enhance concealment by breaking up the human silhouette and blending into the environment.
This practice is primarily intended to make them less detectable to the enemy. By applying irregular patterns, the paint reduces the risk of being spotted, as the human face remains one of the most recognizable features even from a distance.
Sniper Students Test Ghillie Suit Camouflage in Rigorous Wash at Fort Moore
On August 19, 2024, students in the U.S. Army Sniper Course at Fort Moore, Georgia, participated in the ghillie wash exercise. This exercise aims to evaluate the resilience and durability of their suits while also weathering them.
To achieve this, Sniper School students utilize sand, water, and mud, striving to perfect their camouflage, one of their most crucial tools.
Blending Seamlessly Into the Environment
A Soldier from Sniper School Class 23-002 participates in stalk training January 2, 2023, at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Camouflage Face Paint
A U.S. Army Jungle School Student is patrolling during a Culminating Exercise (CULEX) on the eleventh day of the Jungle Operations Training Course (JOTC) at East Range, Hawaii, on August 12, 2021. In the picture, her face is painted with camouflage patterns.
The Art of Dirt
A soldier takes part in a ghillie wash during Army Sniper School at Fort Benning, Georgia, on February 5, 2021. This exercise aims to test the strength and durability of the camouflage suits while also weathering them.
Get Ready to Be Invisible
U.S. Army Capt. Julissa Myers, a Paratrooper assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, meticulously applies the finishing touches to her face paint camouflage in preparation for a blank-fire exercise.
This exercise is part of Lipizzaner V, held at Pocek Range in Postonja, Slovenia, on March 12, 2019. Lipizzaner is a comprehensive, combined squad-level training exercise designed to prepare soldiers for platoon evaluation and to validate battalion-level deployment procedures. The exercise involves various tactical scenarios to ensure readiness and effectiveness in real-world operations.
Like a Gecko – Airman Christina Burrel Masters Camouflage and Speed
Air Force Airman 1st Class Christina Burrel is participating in Exercise Mosaic Gecko II at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, on February 27, 2025.
This training exercise is a comprehensive training exercise designed to enhance the readiness and capabilities of Air Force personnel. It focuses on advanced camouflage techniques, rapid engagement strategies, and Agile Combat Employment (ACE), which involves deploying versatile teams capable of operating independently.
The exercise also includes training on establishing and defending positions in compromised environments and encourages the development of multidisciplinary skills.
Applies Camo Paint to Teammate During Training
Army Pfc. Summer Spagnoli is seen applying camouflage to Pvt. Brad Shands during a combat medic field training exercise at Joint Base San Antonio on October 21, 2024. This training aims to enhance the basic skills of Army medics, focusing on how to keep casualties of combat operations alive for 12-24 hours after engagement.
A Walking Tree – Using Natural Vegetation for Concealment
Army Spc. Drew Topp is seen exiting the wood line after completing an infiltration stalk lane at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, on October 19, 2024. This exercise involved snipers being dropped at designated grid points, from where they had to advance towards observers. The snipers utilized natural vegetation and terrain features to remain undetected as they moved forward.
The goal of this training was to enhance their stealth and infiltration skills, ensuring they could approach targets without being seen. By practicing these techniques, snipers improve their ability to operate effectively in real-world scenarios, where remaining concealed can be crucial to mission success.
Soldier Puts Ghillie Suit to the Test During Wash
A soldier is seen participating in a ghillie wash at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, on March 25, 2023.
The Daunting Task of the Ghillie Wash Section
In Week 3 of U.S. Army Sniper School, students participate in the ghillie wash. The picture shows that this is a daunting task, as students must test the durability of their suits while walking through water. This exercise challenges them to ensure their camouflage remains effective and resilient under harsh conditions.
