FM 23-10 Sniper Training; Chapter 4: Field Techniques (Fieldcraft)
Section I Camouflage
To the sniper team, it can mean the difference between life and death. Camouflage measures are important since the team cannot afford to be detected at any time while moving alone, as part of another element, or while operating from a firing position. Marksmanship training teaches the sniper to hit a target, and a knowledge of camouflage teaches him how to avoid becoming a target. Paying attention to camouflage fundamentals is a mark of a well-trained sniper. (See FM 5-20 for more details)
TARGET INDICATORS
To become proficient in camouflage, the sniper team must first understand target indicators. Target indicators are anything a soldier does or fails to do that could result in detection. A sniper team must know and understand target indication not only to move undetected, but also to
detect enemy movement. Target indicators are sound, movement, improper camouflage, disturbance of wildlife, and odors.
a. Sound:
- Most noticeable during hours of darkness
- Caused by movement, equipment rattling, or talking
- Small noises may be dismissed as natural, but talking will not
b. Movement:
- Most noticeable during hours of daylight
- The human eye is attracted to movement
- Quick or jerky movement will be detected faster than slow movement
c. Improper camouflage:
- Shine
- Outline
- Contrast with the background
d. Disturbance of wildlife:
- Birds suddenly flying away
- Sudden stop of animal noises
- Animals being frightened
e. Odors.
- Cooking
- Smoking
- Soap and lotions
- Insect repellents
4-2. BASIC METHODS
Three basic methods of camouflage. You may use one...or a combination of all three to accomplish the objective. The three basic methods...are hiding, blending, and deceiving.
- Hiding. Hiding is used to conceal the body from observation by lying behind an object or thick vegetation.
- Blending. Blending is used to match personal camouflage with the surrounding area to a point where the sniper cannot be seen.
- Deceiving. Deceiving is used to fool the enemy into false conclusions about the location of the sniper team.
4-3. TYPES OF CAMOUFLAGE
The two types of camouflage that the sniper team can use are natural and artificial.
- Natural. Natural camouflage is vegetation or materials that are native to the given area. The sniper augments his appearance by using natural camouflage.
- Artificial. Artificial camouflage is any material or substance that is produced for the purpose of coloring or covering something in order to conceal it. Camouflage sticks or face paints are used to cover all exposed areas of skin such as face, hands, and the back of the neck. The parts of the face that form shadows should be lightened, and the parts that shine should be darkened. The three types of camouflage patterns the sniper team uses are striping, blotching, and combination.
- (1) Striping. Used when in heavily wooded areas and when leafy
vegetation is scarce.
- (2) Blotching. Used when an area is thick with leafy vegetation.
- (3) Combination. Used when moving through changing terrain. It is
normally the best all-round pattern.
4-6. COVER AND CONCEALMENT
The proper understanding and application of the principles of cover and concealment used with the proper application of camouflage protects the sniper team from enemy observation.
- Cover is natural or artificial protection from the fire of enemy weapons. Natural cover (ravines, hollows, reverse slopes) and artificial cover (fighting positions, trenches, walls) protect the sniper team from flat trajectory fires and partly protect it from high-angle fires and the effects of nuclear explosions. Even the smallest depression or fold in the ground may provide some cover when the team needs it most. A 6-inch depression, properly used, may provide enough cover to save the sniper team under fire. Snipers must always look for and take advantage of all the cover that the terrain provides. By combining this habit with proper movement techniques, the team can protect itself from enemy fire. To get protection from enemy fire when moving, the team uses routes that put cover between itself and the enemy.
- Concealment is natural or artificial protection from enemy observation. The surroundings may provide natural concealment that needs no change before use (bushes, grass, and shadows). The sniper team creates artificial concealment from materials such as burlap and
camouflage nets, or it can move natural materials (bushes, leaves, and grass) from their original location. The sniper team must consider the effects of the change of seasons on the concealment provided by both natural and artificial materials. The principles of concealment include the following:
- (1) Avoid unnecessary movement. Remain still—movement attracts attention. The position of the sniper team is concealed when the team remains still, but the sniper’s position is easily detected when the team moves. Movement against a stationary background makes the team stand out clearly. When the team must change positions, it moves carefully over a concealed route to a new position, preferably during limited visibility. Snipers move inches at a time, slowly and cautiously, always scanning ahead for the next position.
- (2) Use all available concealment. Available concealment includes the following
- (a) Background. Background is important the sniper team must blend with it to prevent detection. The trees, bushes, grass, earth, and man-made structures that form the background vary in color and appearance. This makes it possible for the team to blend with them. The team selects trees or bushes to blend with the uniform and to absorb the figure outline. Snipers must always assume they are under observation.
- (b) Shadows. The sniper team in the open stands out clearly, but the sniper team in the shadows is difficult to see. Shadows exist under most
conditions, day and night. A sniper team should never fire from the edge of a wood line; it should fire from a position inside the wood line (in the shade or shadows provided by the tree tops).
- (3) Stay low to observe. A low silhouette makes it difficult for the enemy to see a sniper team. Therefore, the team observes from a crouch, a squat, or a prone position.
- (4) Avoid shiny reflections. Reflection of light on a shiny surface instantly attracts attention and can be seen from great distances. The sniper uncovers his rifle scope only when indexing and aiming at a target. He uses optics cautiously in bright sunshine because of the reflections they cause.
- (5) Avoid skylining. Figures on the skyline can be seen from a great distance, even at night, because a dark outline stands out against the lighter sky. The silhouette formed by the body makes a good target.
- (6) Alter familiar outlines. Military equipment and the human body are familiar outlines to the enemy. The sniper team alters or disguises these revealing shapes by using the ghillie suit or outer smock that is covered with irregular patterns of garnish. The team must alter its outline from the head to the soles of the boots.
- (7) Observe noise discipline. Noise, such as talking, can be picked up by enemy patrols or observation posts. The sniper team silences gear before a mission so that it makes no sound when the team walks or runs.
