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Today we will learn about camouflage.

Before we start, let’s reflect on these questions:

What is camouflage?
Why is camouflage used by the military?
How has camouflage changed over time?
What is the opposite of camouflage?

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What is camouflage?

The collective techniques used to conceal one’s presence or to visually deceive others is known as camouflage. This can be done with colors, patterns and designs.
The military uses camouflage to disguise their ships, planes and even people!
Early camouflage patterns came from observing animals in nature!
Further studies of human psychology, physiology and the science of perception, have led to advances in how camouflage is used today.

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Why is camouflage used by the military?

In the natural world, animals use camouflage to in order to survive.

During World War I (1914-1918), airplanes, tanks, machine guns and submarines ushered in a new age of modern warfare.

These new weapons delivered deadly results at far greater distances than the armaments of the previous age, making the use of camouflage much more important.

Using knowledge of the natural world, artists and scientists were able to find ways to use camouflage in warfare.

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How has camouflage changed over time?

The pattern of camouflage seen on the top right is probably familiar to most people today. Called Woodland, it was developed after World War II by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development laboratory but was not in common use until 1967 during the Vietnam War.

In the 1970s, the military began to look beyond the artistry in the natural world of camouflage and study the human psychology, physiology and science of perception. The shift moved more towards what is now called the fractal element. This influenced the design of individual camouflage on uniforms ever since.

Credit: U.S. Army

Credits: U.S. Navy

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What is the opposite of camouflage?

High Visibility is the opposite of camouflage.
Sometimes, animals and humans do not want to hide and instead want to warn people of their danger. Some insects advertise their presence due to their lethal defense mechanisms.
Why might a training aircraft like the Mentor be painted in high visibility markings?

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Let’s explore different types of camouflage!

Click through the next four slides to learn about different types of camouflage. As you see each type of camouflage, identify where you may have seen this camouflage before in nature.

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Obscuring Camouflage

Blending in using the similar colors or patterns as the surrounding area!

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Disruptive Camouflage

Using highly contrasting colors and patterns to confuse onlookers!

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Countershading Camouflage

Lighter colors on the underside and darker colors on the top cancels out the shading that comes from natural overhead sunlight. The camouflage object appears flatter, which can conceal their presence.

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Mimicry Camouflage

Using colors and patterns to look like something else!

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Can you camouflage yourself?

Find a place in your environment where you are camouflaged and take a selfie/picture to put in your journal!

Thoughts to Consider:

What colors do you see in your environment?

Do animals live here and what do they look like?

Is there plant life and what does that look like?

Share your photos with a friend or and share it on social media using #IntrepidLearningLibrary

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