SIGMAN Camouflage SOP:

A Guide to Reduce Physical Signature Under UAS

Contributors:

Geoff Ball
Garrett Boyce
Evan Kolodziejczak
Joseph Livi
Walker Mills
Zach Schwartz
Chad Skaggs
Matthew Shibata
Eric Todorski
Brian Walsh

Editor: ​Brendan McBreen

1 November 2020

Marine Corps Intelligence Schools (MCIS)

Intelligence Training Enhancement Program (ITEP)
2088 Regulus Avenue
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23461-2099
Purpose
Purpose

To REDUCE the physical signature ​(visual, IR thermal, and radar)

of the infantry battalion IOT AVOID being observed and targeted
by the adversary.

Process

1. DISPERSE into multiple small ​elements​. DISPLACE ​often​.

2. FIND a concealed ​site​. CONFORM to ​terrain​.
3. OPERATE at ​night​.
4. CAMOUFLAGE ​everything​. BLEND with your surroundings.
5. MINIMIZE ​movement​. MINIMIZE ​radio calls​.
6. POST ​air guards​.
7. PLAN to operate under ​UAS​.
8. INSPECT your ​signature​ from the enemy’s point of view.

Premise

“To be detected is to be targeted is to be killed.”

- Marine Corps Operating Concept​, 2016
- Marine Corps Concept of Employment for Signature Management​, 2019

The threat has changed. Our adversaries, large and small, now integrate ISR sensors, especially
UAS, with long-range precision fires. For U.S. forces, this is the end of guaranteed air superiority.

Operations have changed. ​Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE)​ and ​Expeditionary
Advanced Base Operations (EABO)​ require Fleet Marine Forces to support Navy sea control
missions.
Marines will seize key maritime terrain—Expeditionary Advanced Bases (EABs)—in order to establish
fires, ISR, aircraft, logistics, C2, or air and missile defense sites. These distributed EABs, operating
under the arc of enemy long-range precision fires, will expand the Fleet’s sea control, challenge the
enemy’s ability to target us, and free ships for other missions.

Outside the EABO concept, while conducting traditional amphibious operations or sustained
operations ashore—even against unsophisticated adversaries—Marines will still face the threat of
advanced sensors and long-range precision fires. UAS are everywhere.

For any mission, any adversary, and any environment, units must ruthlessly reduce their signature.
Battle positions and operating bases must be small, dispersed, well-camouflaged, and temporary.

The purpose of this SOP is to reduce the physical signature of the infantry battalion.​ ​We can reduce,
but never completely mask our signature. We will avoid observation to protect our combat power. The
signature of the infantry battalion, with 700 Marines and few vehicles, is less than other units of the
GCE, less than the equipment-heavy units of the ACE and LCE, and far less than any partnered Army
or Navy units.

Camouflage and concealment DISRUPTS the enemy’s intelligence, surveillance, and

reconnaissance efforts. ​Our units DISPERSE into multiple small elements, DISPLACE often, FIND
concealed sites, CONFORM to terrain, OPERATE at night, CAMOUFLAGE everything, BLEND with
their surroundings, MINIMIZE movement, MINIMIZE radio calls, POST air guards, PLAN to operate
under UAS, and INSPECT their signature from the adversary’s point of view.

Camouflage discipline​ includes ​light​ discipline, ​heat​ discipline, ​noise​ discipline, ​trash​ discipline,
and ​movement​ discipline.
Scope ​of this SOP
The infantry battalion. Overhead UAS and ground-based sensor threats. Precision missile (ballistic
missile and LACM), rocket, artillery, and mortar fires threats. Urban, woodland, jungle, and desert
environments, but NOT arctic or snow.

The ​Marine Corps Concept of Employment for Signature Management​, 12 Dec 2019, defines three
types of signatures: physical, technical, and administrative. This SOP addresses ONLY the physical
signature.

UAS identification is out of scope. Counter-UAS attack, and all antiair warfare, is out of scope.
EMCON is out of scope. Decoys and tactical deception are out of scope. Redundant positions are out
of scope. Field-expedient painting of equipment is out of scope.

Organization ​of this SOP

Chapter 1 is the actual ​SOP​, camouflage procedures and battle drills. Chapter 2 is ​How To​, a
collection of camouflage instructions. Chapter 3 is ​Train​, a guide to training units on the SOP. Chapter
4 is ​Understand​, with sources and pointers that explain adversary capabilities. Chapter 5 is a
Reference​ of additional background materials.

The primary Marine Corps reference for camouflage is:

MCTP 3-34C ​Survivability Operations,​ 16 April 2018. 190 pages.

This current manual superseded MCWP 3-17.6 ​Survivability Operations​, 28 Jun

2013. MCRP 3-17.6A ​Camouflage, Concealment, and Decoys​, 26 Nov 2010
superseded FM 20-3 ​Camouflage, Concealment, and Decoys​, 30 Aug 1999.

This ​Camouflage SOP​ is a collective effort. If you can improve this document, send us your ideas or
join the online Google Doc.

Brendan McBreen
bbmcbreen@gmail.com
1 November 2020

“The majority of UAS...are used to detect and identify targets for other weapons… Solutions
such as camouflage and smoke can… defeat both attack UAS and fires enabled by UAS.”

- U.S. Army C-UAS Strategy​, 2016

Camouflage SOP
Table of Contents
Purpose

1. Standard Operating Procedures

1.1 CAMOUFLAGE Standards
1.2 CAMOUFLAGE Processes
1.3 HAWKEYE Camouflage Drill
1.4 HAWKEYE Convoy Drill
1.5 REDEYE UAS Drill
1.6 LONGBOW C-UAS Drill
1.7 Air Guard SOP

2. How To
2.1 CAMOUFLAGE a Helmet
2.2 CAMOUFLAGE a Rifle
2.3 CAMOUFLAGE Equipment
2.4 CUT Vegetation
2.5 DEPLOY a Camouflage Ghillie Blanket
2.6 BUILD a Camouflage Ghillie Blanket
2.7 CAMOUFLAGE a Bivouac
2.8 CAMOUFLAGE a Patrol Base
2.9 CAMOUFLAGE a Fighting Position
2.10 CAMOUFLAGE an OP/LP
2.11 CAMOUFLAGE a Vehicle
2.12 CAMOUFLAGE a Convoy
2.13 CAMOUFLAGE a CP
2.14 CAMOUFLAGE a TAA

3. Train
3.1 CONDUCT a Field Exercise
3.2 ESTABLISH Training Standards
3.3 COLLECT Own-Force Signature

4. Understand
4.1 Adversary UAS
4.2 Adversary Satellites
4.3 Adversary Missiles
4.4 Adversary Rockets, Artillery, and Mortars
4.5 Adversary Naval Threats
4.6 Adversary Fire Networks
4.8 Adversary Observation
 4.8 U.S. Air and Missile Defense (AMD)
4.9 Light Levels

5. Reference
5.1 Camouflage Glossary
5.2 Camouflage Bibliography
5.3 UAS Imagery of Russian Units
5.4 UAS Imagery of Marine Units
 SIGMAN Camouflage SOP:
Chapter 1: Procedures

Marine Corps Intelligence Schools (MCIS)

Intelligence Training Enhancement Program (ITEP)
SOP

CAMOUFLAGE Standards
Purpose.​ To REDUCE the physical signature (visual, IR thermal, and radar) of the unit IOT AVOID
being observed and targeted by the adversary.

Standards

1. ALL​ ​Marines​:
CAMOUFLAGE your helmet. See ​CAMOUFLAGE a Helmet.
CARRY a camouflage ghillie blanket. See ​DEPLOY a Camouflage Ghillie Blanket​.
CAMOUFLAGE your personal equipment and uniform. See ​CAMOUFLAGE Equipment​.
MASK the shine on your optics and equipment.
SILENCE your gear.

2. ALL NCOs​:
TRAIN your Marines on this SOP.
TRAIN your Marines on fieldcraft.
TRAIN your Marines on camouflage discipline. Camouflage discipline includes ​light​ discipline,
heat​ discipline, ​noise​ discipline, ​trash​ discipline, and ​movement​ discipline.

3. ALL SNCOs​:
TRAIN your Marines on this SOP. INSPECT and CORRECT your Marines on this SOP.
MEMORIZE the ​Camouflage Inspection Checklist​ standards.
ENFORCE your Marines’ camouflage discipline. Camouflage discipline includes ​light
discipline, ​heat​ discipline, ​noise​ discipline, ​trash​ discipline, and ​movement​ discipline.

4. ALL​ ​drivers​:
CARRY a camouflage net on your vehicle roof. See ​CAMOUFLAGE a Vehicle​.
CAMOUFLAGE your vehicle if you are stopped for more than one hour.
DISPERSE while moving. DISPERSE when stopped. DISPERSE irregularly when parked.
Standard dispersion is three vehicle lengths.

5. ALL convoy commanders​:

ORGANIZE serials of no more than twelve vehicles.

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 PLAN concealed routes in woodlines, wadis, and riverbeds.
PLAN concealed stops in the shadows of trees or buildings.
LOWER speed to reduce dust signatures. PUT larger vehicles in front so their dust masks the
rest of the convoy.
BRIEF and REHEARSE the REDEYE UAS Drill. See ​REDEYE UAS Drill.
BRIEF and REHEARSE the HAWKEYE Convoy Drill. See ​HAWKEYE Convoy Drill.
ASSIGN air guards. See ​Air Guard SOP.​ ENFORCE movement discipline.

6. ALL air guards​:

SCAN and LISTEN for adversary UAS.
BPT initiate the REDEYE UAS Drill. See ​REDEYE UAS Drill.
TRAIN on adversary UAS capabilities.

7. ALL logistics Marines​:

ESTABLISH resupply procedures that REDUCE the signature of the unit.
Air resupply and ground resupply actions are easily seen from the air.
CAMOUFLAGE RRPs, vehicles, and pallets. Pallet shapes and shadows are distinctive.
DISTRIBUTE supplies rapidly to avoid build-up. REMOVE all trash and dunnage.

8. ALL unit leaders​, squad, section, platoon, and company:

TRAIN your unit on this SOP. TRAIN attachments on this SOP.
TRAIN your unit on camouflage discipline. ENFORCE standards.
PAINT rifles. The battalion commander must authorized painted rifles.
BRIEF and REHEARSE camouflage SOP drills:

SOP Drill Purpose Triggered by Cancelled by:

Any Marine: Unit leader:

REDEYE “UAS. Freeze! “REDEYE. UAS “STAND DOWN
at one o’clock!” REDEYE”
Unit Leader:
Unit Leader:
HAWKEYE “Camouflage the unit!” “HAWKEYE
“STAND DOWN HAWKEYE”
1520!”
Unit Leader: Unit Leader:
LONGBOW “Attack the UAS!” “LONGBOW “STAND DOWN
team up!” LONGBOW”

Notes

Attached unit leaders are responsible for the training and camouflage discipline of their people.

As a tenant in a base camp, unit leaders discuss SIGMAN issues with the camp commandant.

Contributors: BBM,​ 1 Nov 2020.

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SOP

CAMOUFLAGE Processes
Purpose.​ To REDUCE the physical signature (visual, IR thermal, radar) of the unit IOT AVOID being
observed and targeted by the adversary.

ALL ​unit ​SOPs ​and camouflage ​TTPs ​CONFORM to the following fundamental processes.

1. DISPERSE into multiple small ​elements​. This is the most important step.
BE ​indistinguishable​—unable to be identified as different—IOT avoid being targeted.
ASSUME you are being watched.
DISPERSE individuals, vehicles, and positions irregularly. DISPLACE ​often​.

2. FIND a concealed ​site​.

CONFORM to ​terrain​. FIND low dead ground and micro-terrain, behind hills, tucked against
the shadows of buildings, or under trees. In the city, move ​inside​ a building.

3. OPERATE at ​night​.
Camouflage discipline includes light discipline. TRAIN in night operations, with NVGs, lasers,
and camouflage ghillie blankets. OPERATE in rain, fog, wind, and dust when UAS cannot fly.
OPERATE at dawn or dusk when shadows are long, sun glare is high, and thermal crossover
masks your heat signature. KNOW the daily light levels.

4. CAMOUFLAGE everything: ​people​, ​positions​, and ​equipment​.

BLEND with your ​surroundings​. Camouflage discipline includes ​light​ discipline, ​heat
discipline, ​noise​ discipline, ​trash​ discipline, and ​movement​ discipline. Minimize lights. Mask
engines, heaters, and generators. Silence all equipment. Leave NO trash behind, especially
dunnage.

5. MINIMIZE ​movement​. Control movement in TAAs and BPs. Control convoys.

MINIMIZE ​radio calls​ for EMCON>

6. POST ​air guards​.

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7. PLAN to operate under ​UAS​. Think overhead. Hills block visual, thermal, and radar
observation, but the biggest threat is overhead UAS. PLAN concealed routes and positions.
PLAN operations at critical times. MINIMIZE logistics requirements. PLAN resupply events.

8. INSPECT your ​signature​ from the enemy’s point of view. USE binoculars, NVGs, thermal
scopes, and UAS.

COUNTER adversary HUMINT, OSINT, and ELINT efforts. This information cues ISR
platforms. Reduce the signature of your unit so that the adversary does NOT prioritize his ISR
assets against you.

References

MCTP 3-34C ​Survivability Operations,​ 16 Apr 2018. 190 pages.

Contributors: BBM​, ZDS, 1 Nov 2020.

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SOP

HAWKEYE Camouflage Drill

Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual, IR thermal, and radar) of the unit IOT avoid
being observed and targeted by the adversary.

Conditions​.​ ​The unit is stationary, operating at a base camp, TAA, or BP. Or the unit is moving,
conducting footmobile operations, NOT in contact with the enemy. For convoy operations, see the
HAWKEYE Convoy Drill​.

Standard​. In 20 minutes, the unit’s physical signature fades to zero. The unit cannot be seen or heard
by a ground or air adversary 1000m away.

Equipment.​ Each Marine and each vehicle carries the camouflage equipment they need.

Trigger. ​The unit leader calls the brevity code and the time:​ “HAWKEYE 1520!”

Only the ​unit leader ​can stop the current mission. When he or she makes the deliberate decision to
trigger the drill—because of enemy action, an intelligence report, or as a preparation for combat—all
movement stops for 40 minutes and HAWKEYE ​becomes ​the mission.

The mission of the HAWKEYE camouflage drill is to ​disrupt​ the enemy’s intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance units. Any scheduled activities by subordinate units are delayed.

Process

1. STOP​ and DISPERSE.

All units, all Marines, and all vehicles CEASE all activities.
Marines move to their defensive Stand-To positions, or, if moving, find a hasty position.
Slowly. Do NOT run. Do NOT increase the physical signature of the unit.

2. CAMOUFLAGE​ your position for 20 minutes.

Execute camouflage SOPs for individuals, positions, vehicles, TAAs, and CPs.
Camouflage in buddy pairs to maintain security.

3. STAND-TO​ for 20 minutes.

Do NOT move. Do NOT radio. For 20 minutes the unit is dead still, dead quiet.
Only the unit leader can end the HAWKEYE drill: “STAND DOWN HAWKEYE.”

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Responsibilities

Unit leaders​ are responsible for their unit’s signature. ​NCOs​ camouflage their units and equipment.
SNCOs​ inspect and correct. ​Air Guards​ are posted.

Notes

HAWKEYE is NOT a UAS immediate action (IA) drill. ​See REDEYE UAS Drill​.

HAWKEYE is NOT a counter-UAS (C-UAS) attack. ​See LONGBOW C-UAS Drill​.

HAWKEYE can be integrated into a unit’s existing Stand-To Drill.

EMCON efforts are separate, but may be conducted simultaneously.

In order to meet the 20 minute standard, units must already have good camouflage discipline.
HAWKEYE should be a scheduled event to camouflage the unit when occupying a TAA or BP.
In a TAA, no units depart during the drill. Units arriving stop and camouflage in place.

Camouflage should be a distinct activity, supervised, timed, and inspected to a standard. Camouflage
is not an optional action, attempted indifferently, as time permits.

Related Processes

REDEYE UAS Drill​ directs the unit to freeze and then operate under UAS observation.
LONGBOW C-UAS Drill​ directs the unit to attack a UAS.
HAWKEYE Convoy Drill​ directs a convoy to stop and camouflage.
Stand-To Drill​ directs the unit to occupy prepared fighting positions.

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

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SOP

HAWKEYE Convoy Drill

Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual, IR thermal, radar) of the convoy IOT avoid
being observed and targeted by the adversary.

Conditions​.​ ​The unit is moving by convoy, NOT in contact with the enemy.

Standard​. The unit cannot be seen or heard by a ground or air adversary 1000m away.

Equipment.​ Each Marine and each vehicle has the camouflage equipment they need.

Trigger. ​The unit leader calls the brevity code and the time: ​“HAWKEYE the convoy 1520!”

Only the ​unit leader ​can stop the convoy. Moving is the best method to avoid being targeted, but
stopping is best to avoid detection. When the unit leader makes the deliberate decision to trigger the
drill, all movement stops for 40 minutes and HAWKEYE ​becomes ​the mission.

Process

1. STOP​ and DISPERSE.

All vehicles find a good site and kill their engines.

Slowly. Do NOT increase the physical signature of the unit. Do NOT raise dust.
Disperse at least three vehicle lengths from the next vehicle.

2. CAMOUFLAGE​ your vehicle for 20 minutes.

See ​CAMOUFLAGE a Vehicle​.

3. STAND-TO​ for 20 minutes.

Do NOT move. Do NOT radio. For 20 minutes the unit is dead still, dead quiet.
Only the unit leader can end the HAWKEYE drill: “STAND DOWN HAWKEYE.”

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Notes

Camouflage is only the last step to reduce the signature of a convoy. How a convoy is planned and
organized is more important:

DISPERSE into multiple small elements. Serials should be twelve vehicles or less.
PLAN concealed routes. Use woodlines, wadis, and riverbeds.
OPERATE at night.
POST air guards.

Camouflage discipline includes light discipline, heat discipline, noise discipline, trash discipline, and
movement discipline.

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

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SOP

REDEYE UAS Drill

Purpose. ​To ALERT the unit when an adversary UAS is sighted.

Conditions​.​ ​The unit is stationary or moving.

Standard​. The unit FREEZES. In 5 minutes, the unit leader decides what to do.

Equipment.​ NONE.

Trigger​. An adversary UAS is sighted. Any Marine calls the brevity code and the location:

“REDEYE. UAS at one o’clock!” ​or​ “REDEYE. UAS to the west, over the river.”

Process

1. FREEZE​: all units, all Marines, and all vehicles.

GO prone if you are on foot in the open. Minimize your shadow. COVER yourself with a
camouflage ghillie blanket, poncho, or tarp.

STAY behind and under the trees if you are in the woods. PUT something between you and
the UAS. STAY inside if you are in the city. STAY away from the windows.

AVOID looking up immediately. An obvious feature of aerial photos is upturned faces. Faces
shine, eye protection reflects light, and optics reflect light. Cover all optics. Cover the lens of
the RCO with a kill-flash (honeycomb).

Do NOT run. Do NOT increase the signature of the unit.

2. RESPOND ​to the unit leader’s orders:

a. “FREEZE.” Do NOT move. They may not have seen us.

or

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 b. “CONTINUE ​the mission.” They have seen us and we will operate under adversary
observation. The unit leader refuses to let his unit be suppressed or disrupted by an
adversary UAS.

or

c. “ATTACK ​the UAS. LONGBOW team up!” C-UAS actions are a separate process. See
LONGBOW C-UAS Drill​.

or

d. CAMOUFLAGE ​the unit: “HAWKEYE 1520!”​ See ​HAWKEYE Camouflage Drill​.

In a bivouac, TAA, or BP, execute the camouflage drill for individuals, positions,
vehicles, and CPs.

3. REPORT​ UAS to S-2 and HHQ.

See example UAS Report format in Table 3-1 of ATP 3-01.8 ​Techniques for Combined Arms
for Air Defense​, 29 July 2016.

Responsibilities

Although an ​air guard​ is always posted, ​any ​Marine can call REDEYE. ​NCOs​ enforce camouflage
discipline. ​SNCOs​ inspect and correct.

The ​unit leader​ decides on the response to adversary UAS. This decision must be based on an
understanding of the adversary: kill chain, habits, capabilities, ROE and TTPs. REDEYE requires a
critical combat decision when the unit is operating under the arc of the adversary’s long-range
precision fires.

“Does he see me?” is NOT the question.The unit leader needs to assess “What will he do with this
information?” Has he been sighted by an enemy squad or an enemy battalion? A fire network? Does
the adversary use UAS to recon for a ground attack, call for fire, or solely for BDA?

Notes

REDEYE is a UAS immediate action (IA) drill, executed automatically. REDEYE for small UAS is no
different than for large UAS. Identification of the specific UAS is not required. Often, an adversary
UAS will be heard before it is seen.

REDEYE is executed at night. A UAS operating at night must be assumed to have IR thermal sights.

REDEYE is NOT the same as AIR ATTACK. Air defense warning conditions (RED, YELLOW, WHITE)
and weapons control status (TIGHT, HOLD, FREE) do NOT apply to UAS. The air attack drill—three
horns terminated by an “All Clear” signal—assumes that the enemy aircraft will be overhead for only
minutes. With multiple, persistent UAS overhead, we cannot make that assumption.

Contributors: BBM​, ZDS, 1 Nov 2020.

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SOP

LONGBOW C-UAS Drill

Purpose. ​To attack an adversary UAS.

Conditions​.​ ​The unit is stationary or moving.

Standard​. In 20 minutes, the UAS is driven off, jammed, disrupted, or destroyed.

Equipment.​ Weapons. C-UAS weapons.

Trigger. ​An adversary UAS is sighted. See ​REDEYE UAS Drill​.

Process

1. ALERT​. “LONGBOW team up!” The unit leader calls the designated C-UAS team.
Only the ​unit leader​ can make the deliberate decision to attack the UAS. Generally, you shoot
only if you think you’ve been seen, because engaging a UAS unmasks your position.

2. ATTACK. ​Shoot at the UAS. The LONGBOW C-UAS team attacks the UAS.

3. REPORT.​ The result of the UAS encounter is reported to the S-2 and HHQ.

See example UAS Report format in Table 3-1 of ATP 3-01.8 ​Techniques for Combined Arms
for Air Defense​, 29 July 2016.

Notes

The LONGBOW counter-UAS (C-UAS) SOP is an active C-UAS measure. It is NOT a UAS immediate
action (IA) drill. See ​REDEYE UAS Drill​.

C-UAS weapons are under development. Even when fielded, many units will NOT have C-UAS
capability. In 2020, Marine infantry units, with no active C-UAS weapons, must rely on direct-fire
weapons and passive responses to adversary UAS.

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The LONGBOW C-UAS team is an additional duty assigned to an existing unit.
Marines NOT involved in C-UAS actions should maintain camouflage discipline.

Low, small, and slow UAS are flown by the adversary from nearby clearings and hilltops. Aggressive
patrolling of key terrain can push adversary UAS operators away from your unit. The LONGBOW
C-UAS team should BPT patrol and pursue nearby UAS operators.

LONGBOW C-UAS procedures and communications need to follow air and missile defense (AMD)
antiair doctrine. AMD terms such as ​engage,​ ​FRIENDLY​, and ​UNKNOWN​ have well-defined
meanings and must be used precisely. See:

MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity: Multi-Service TTPs for Brevity Codes​, 28 May 2020.

Defines standard ​brevity codes​ for identification of hostile aircraft: ​BOGEY​,

FRIENDLY, NEUTRAL, HOSTILE​ and others. The glossary on page 72 lists
surface-to-air coordination and deconfliction terms.

MCRP 3-20F.9 ​LAAD Gunner’s Handbook​, 4 Apr 2018. 286 pages.

Defines standard ​fire control orders​ for the surface-to-air engagement process:
engage, cease engagement, hold fire, resume fire, cease fire, ​and​ cover​.

See also JP 3-01 ​Countering Air and Missile Threats​, 2 May 2018.

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

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SOP

Air Guard SOP

Purpose. ​To ALERT the unit when an adversary UAS is sighted.

1. Every separate unit POSTS an air guard—at all times, day and night—for all operations. If two
or more air guard teams are posted then sectors are assigned.

2. The air guard WATCHES and LISTENS for adversary UAS. The air guard KNOWS the alert
process. See ​REDEYE UAS Drill​.

The air guard may or may NOT be trained in UAS recognition.

3. The air guard does NOT attack UAS.

C-UAS actions are a separate action. See ​LONGBOW C-UAS Drill​.

4. The air guard duty rotates, like any other duty. It is NOT a sleeping post. Air guard may be an
additional duty for the existing security watch.

LP/OP should be assigned the air guard mission to listen for UAS.

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References

ATP 3-01.8 ​Techniques for Combined Arms for Air Defense​, 29 July 2016.
68 pages.

Contributors: BBM​, ZDS, 1 Nov 2020.

1-14
 SIGMAN Camouflage SOP:
Chapter 2: How To

Marine Corps Intelligence Schools (MCIS)

Intelligence Training Enhancement Program (ITEP)
How To

CAMOUFLAGE a Helmet
Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical
signature (visual) of the helmet IOT
AVOID being observed and
targeted by the adversary.

Time

With an already camouflaged helmet, a Marine adds foliage in 10 minutes.

Equipment

Net, helmet band, zip ties, boot bands, and burlap strips. Camouflage net. Foliage.

Process

1. DRAPE a net over the helmet. Secure with a helmet band, zip ties, or boot bands.
ADD knotted burlap strips.

or,

DRAPE a camouflage net

over the helmet. SECURE
with a helmet band, zip ties,
or boot bands.

or,

PREPARE the helmet with

boot bands. ADD foliage in
the field.

2-1
2. ADD natural camouflage to blend with your environment. Keep vegetation short. Long leaves
move too much. Cut vegetation, do NOT rip it up by the roots. See ​CUT Vegetation​.

Notes

The ​shape​ of the helmet

—its most recognizable
characteristic—must be
changed.

A combination of
techniques, camouflage
netting plus boot bands,
is preferred. The net
obscures the shape of the
helmet and the boot bands
hold vegetation.

Avoid interfering with the

function of the NVG mount.
The mounting plate should
be covered during daytime
operations as the shape
and shine are easily
recognizable at close
range.

Add vegetation that

matches the primary color
and foliage at ground level.
The finished helmet should
blend with the surrounding
foliage.

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The kevlar helmet has no
radar signature.

The boonie cover is

camouflaged in the same
way as the helmet. Netting,
burlap, and vegetation can
be secured to the boonie’s
MOLLE band.

When the enemy is near, camouflage your face and exposed skin.

Contributors: EAT​, ZDS, BBM, 1 Nov 2020

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Camouflage SOP

2-4
How To

CAMOUFLAGE a Rifle
Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual) of the rifle IOT AVOID being observed and
targeted by the adversary.

Process

1. PAINT your rifle. This requires command authorization.

Weapons Painting SOP​. CamPen, CA: 1st Marines, 1 Feb 2020. 48 pages.

An outstanding reference. Authorization letters, Marine Corps Technical

Instructions, and step-by-step painting procedures for all infantry weapons.

or,

2. WRAP ​boot bands​ around the stock and the hand guards. WRAP ​burlap strips​.
ADD ​foliage​ in the field IOT BLEND with your surroundings.
The linear ​shape​ and black ​color​ of
the rifle—its most recognizable
characteristics—must be masked.

Avoid interfering with the operation of

the rifle—optics, chamber, charging
handle, magazine well, ejection port.

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 Cloth tape can break up the shape of the stock.
The radar signature of the metal rifle cannot be masked.

Notes on Painted Rifles

Painted rifles are well-camouflaged

rifles.

The Marine Corps has published a

procedure—requiring command
authority—and a Technical Instruction,
10 Dec 2015, on how to paint an M4A1.

References

Chad Skaggs​.​ ​Camouflage Infantry Rifles ​(FOUO). Camp Pendleton,

CA: SOI-W, 17 Aug 2018.

Testing at the School of Infantry determined that painted rifles were

much harder for an adversary to detect.

Contributors​: ​CCS​, BBM, ZDS, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

CAMOUFLAGE Equipment
Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual) of individual equipment IOT AVOID being
observed and targeted by the adversary.

Time

With a prepared assault and/or main pack, a Marine adds foliage in 10 minutes.
With a camouflage ghillie blanket, a Marine covers equipment in 10 minutes.
With prepared platforms, a Marine camouflages flak, boot tops, and sub-belt in 10 minutes.

Equipment

Tactical-colored bungee cords, boot bands, foliage, 550 cord. Camouflage ghillie blanket.

Process for Main Pack and Assault Pack

1. WRAP a ​bungee cord​ around the pack.

2. WEAVE a ​bungee cord​ through the MOLLE webbing on the top of the pack.

3. TIE pieces of “gutless” ​550 cord​ into other pack webbing you want to camouflage.

4. ADD ​foliage​ in the field to blend with your environment. Tuck foliage under the bungees and
tie it with the 550 cord.

or,

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5. CARRY a ​camouflage ghillie blanket​. ​SEE DEPLOY a Camouflage Ghillie Blanke​t​.

6. TIE ​local vegetation ​into the camouflage ghillie blanket.

7. COVER your ​pack​ and equipment.

8. SECURE the ​blanket ​with 550 cord or bungees.

Notes

550 CORD tie ins should be grouped in twos. One clump of vegetation should be tied into two 550
cord anchors to prevent excessive flapping. Burlap strips can be used instead of natural foliage.

MASK the shine on your equipment. Metal buckles and snaps can reflect light. Clip clips and zip
zippers silently.

AVOID staging packs in neat rows on the ground. Patterns are easily seen from the air.

Notes on Camouflage Ghillie Blanket and Using Local Vegetation

A camouflage ghillie blanket is one of the best ways to camouflage a pack, a Marine, or a fighting
position. See ​CAMOUFLAGE a Fighting Position.

Vegetation should be collected from the local environment and periodically updated. See ​CUT
Vegetation​.

Process for Flak / Chest Rig, Boot Tops, and Sub-Belt

1. WRAP ​shoulder straps​ of flak or chest-rig with boot bands or shock cord.

2. DON an extra set of boot bands ​outside of trousers​, over the boot top.

3. WEAVE boot bands, bungees, or shock cord t​hrough belt pouches ​and ​flak pouches​.

4. TUCK bundled ​vegetation​ into the elastic platforms. ​SEE CUT Vegetation​.

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 or,

5. DON a ​ghillie blanket​ after preparing with cut vegetation.

See ​DEPLOY a Camouflage Ghillie Blanket​.

Notes

REPLENISH vegetation that wilts or discolors.

Use the RIGHT SIZE of vegetation for each platform. ​SEE CUT Vegetation.

A prone Marine with equipment properly camouflaged.

Gutless 550 cord can be used to make vegetation anchors on gear webbing.

Notes on employment

This covers three of the four most distinguishable areas of the human silhouette—shoulders, waist
and ankles. For the head, see ​CAMOUFLAGE a Helmet.

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TAILOR the level of vegetation used to the tactical situation. EXAMPLE: a long range foot patrol may
not need shin camouflage but a close-in ambush may.

The ​camouflage ghillie blanket​ provides maximum camouflage, but also maximum encumbrance. It
will snag on thick brush and rough terrain. TAILOR it to your mission.

Do NOT camouflage frequently used pouches such as ammunition and batteries.

Contributors​: ​ZDS​, BBM, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

CUT Vegetation
Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual) of Marines and individual equipment IOT
AVOID being observed and targeted by the adversary.

Time. ​With a field knife, a Marine cuts vegetation in 5 minutes. A Marine adds vegetation to his
equipment in 5 minutes.

Equipment

Field knife, gloves, and local foliage source. Prepared pack, helmet, boonie cover, or flak jacket.

Process

1. DETERMINE the ​most common​ local vegetation.

2. CUT the ​vegetation ​with a field knife. Wear gloves.

3. CLUMP the vegetation into ​bundles​.

4. ADD the bundles of vegetation to your ​prepared equipment​.

See ​CAMOUFLAGE a Helmet​ and ​CAMOUFLAGE Equipment​.

Notes

The most prevalent local foliage may be deadfall.

Always CUT foliage. Do NOT pull it up by the roots. Roots and soil break up the pattern of the
vegetation. REPLACE foliage as it wilts and falls out. Camouflage is continuous.
REPLACE foliage if your environment no longer matches the initial foliage.

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CUT more than you think you need. This saves having to go back and re-forage for more.

Different platforms require different sizes of foliage bundles to be effective.

Oversized bundles sway too much, giving away your position.

Helmet, boonie cover​. USE fist to fist-and-a-half sized bundles.

Pack​. USE long clumps of vegetation to cover the pack’s larger surface area.

Camouflage ghillie blanket​. USE fist-sized clumps around the head and shoulders, longer clumps
down the back. Higher back clumps should point down. Lower back clumps should face up.

Plate carrier, chest-rig shoulder straps​. USE long blundles to mask the shape of the shoulders and
obscure the chest.

Pouches​. USE smaller bundles to avoid interference with access and movement.

Contributors​: ​ZDS​, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

DEPLOY a Camouflage Ghillie Blanket

Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual) of Marines and individual equipment IOT
AVOID being observed and targeted by the adversary.

Time

In 5 minutes, a Marine deploys a camouflage ghillie blanket to conceal his or her silhouette,
equipment, or fighting position.

Equipment

Prepared ghillie blanket, bungees, shock cord.

Process to camouflage a Marine

1. PREPARE the ​blanket​. It should be rolled up in a position with easy access. Local vegetation
should already be tied in.

2. UNROLL and DRAPE the blanket over the ​shoulders ​and pack like a cape.

3. SECURE the blanket by tying the ​shoulder ties​ and ​waist ties​.
See ​BUILD a Camouflage Ghillie Blanket​.

4. DON the ​hood​ if the silhouette of your head is exposed.

Process to camouflage a pack on the deck. ​See ​CAMOUFLAGE Equipment​.

1. DROP your ​pack​, ensuring that you have all essential gear on your person.

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2. UNROLL and DRAPE the blanket over the​ pack​.

3. SECURE the blanket around the pack with a ​bungee cord.

4. HIDE shadows from the blanket by keeping the pack in ​defilade​ and close to the ground.

Process to camouflage a fighting position. ​See ​CAMOUFLAGE a Fighting Position​.

1. UNROLL and DRAPE the blanket over the ​fighting position.

The fighting position should already be covered by a flat-top ​frame​ of deadfall branches
lashed to corner tripods.

2. HIDE shadows from the blanket by keeping it ​low to the ground​, using local foliage, and
staking the blanket to the deck.

Notes

Always​ ​use local vegetation with the camouflage ghillie blanket. The blanket is a baseline but
“veg is the edge.” See ​C​UT Vegetation.

You are NOT invisible while wearing a camouflage ghillie blanket. The blanket is most effective when
you are ​prone​, ​still​, and ​silent​.

When moving, the camouflage ghillie blanket must be ​secured tightly​ to the Marine to prevent
tell-tale movement and catching on terrain.

Contributors:​ ​ZDS​, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

BUILD a Camouflage Ghillie Blanket

Equipment

Tactical-colored netting, black marker, tactical colored 550 cord (with the guts pulled out), burlap,
multi-tool / knife. Optional: fabric paints, fabric dyes, sliding toggle from main-pack repair kit.

Process

1. SIZE the ​netting​. It should cover your head like a hood while falling just above the waist.

2. MARK the ​hood​. Wearing the netting, have another Marine trace the outline of your head and
shoulders with a black marker.

3. TIE ​shoulder​ ​ties​. TIE one 18-inch piece of gutless 550 cord to each shoulder of the hood.
These ties will hold the blanket to your shoulders.

4. TIE ​waist​ ​ties​. TIE one 18-inch piece of gutless 550 cord to each of the lower corners of the
blanket. These ties will hold the blanket to your waist.

5. TIE ​foliage anchors​. TIE a pair of 12-inch pieces of gutless 550 cord to the blanket, four
inches apart. Repeat this with a dozen or more pairs of 550 cord until the back of the blanket
has enough anchor points to hold a suitable amount of foliage. Prioritize anchors on the hood
and the top third of the blanket. The middle third and bottom third need less.

6. TIE ​burlap strips​ to the back of the blanket. Avoid patterns but prioritize the hood and the top
third of the blanket. The middle third and bottom third need less burlap.

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On left, burlap and tie density are greatest on hood and top third of blanket, with less burlap on the middle and bottom third.
Close-up on right shows the shoulder ties with toggle.

Notes on enhancing the Camouflage Ghillie Blanket

Fabric paint​ and ​dyes​ can be used to add camouflage patterns to the blanket.
A ​sliding toggle​ can be used to connect the shoulder ties.
WASH and DRY the blanket. Getting the blanket wet helps weather it. A quick cycle in the dryer will
help gnarl and weather the burlap.

A ​concealment hood​ (NSN 8415-01-544-6870)

can be ordered through the supply system.

Commercial ghillie suits and materials are available at:

www.ghilliesuits.com

Contributors:​ ​ZDS​, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

CAMOUFLAGE a Bivouac
Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual, IR thermal, and radar) of the bivouac IOT
AVOID being observed and targeted by the adversary.

Scope.​ Bivouac sleeping area only. See other sections for vehicles, TAAs, fighting positions, and
OP/LPs. For patrol base operations, see ​CAMOUFLAGE a Patrol Base​.

Process

1. DISPERSE into multiple small ​elements​. This is the most important step.
BE ​indistinguishable​—unable to be identified as different—IOT avoid being targeted. Multiple
small bivouacs are better than one large one. DISPLACE often.

DISPERSE positions irregularly, NOT covered and aligned. AVOID rows of tents, packs,
pallets, or equipment. Patterns are easily seen from the air:

2. FIND a concealed ​site​, off the main roads and away from junctions.
CONFORM to terrain. FIND low dead ground and micro-terrain, under trees, behind hills,
tucked into the shadows of buildings. In the city, bivouac ​inside​ a building.

3. OCCUPY at ​night​. Camouflage discipline includes light discipline.

4. CAMOUFLAGE. Every position and all equipment needs overhead concealment.

BLEND with your surroundings.

STAGE packs under trees and in the shadows, NOT covered and aligned. COVER with
camouflage ghillie blankets. See ​CAMOUFLAGE Equipment​.

COVER crew-served weapons, ammunition, and equipment with tarpaulins.

COVER supplies with tarpaulins. CAMOUFLAGE antennas and comm equipment.

CAMOUFLAGE sleeping positions. USE the tarpaulin even during daylight.

TIE a length of 550 cord along the spine of the A-frame: clove hitch at one end, trucker’s hitch
at the other. ATTACH irregular lengths of 550 cord to the spine with square knots.
TIE natural vegetation at the tie-off points to cover the tarpaulin.

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 TIE a length of 550 cord along the ​Spine​ of the A-frame. ATTACH irregular lengths of 550 cord to the Spine.

TIE natural vegetation at the tie-off points to cover the tarpaulin.

5. MINIMIZE ​movement​.

6. POST ​air guards​.

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7. PLAN to operate under ​UAS​. Think overhead. Hills block ground visual, IR thermal, and radar
observation, but the biggest threat is overhead UAS. PLAN resupply events.

8. INSPECT your signature from the enemy’s point of view. USE binoculars, NVGs, thermal
scopes, and UAS during ​clearance patrols​.

Notes

A bivouac near vehicles needs to cordon and mark the bivouac area. USE IR chemlites to maintain
light discipline and preserve night vision.

Contributors​: ​MIS​, BBM, ZDS, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

CAMOUFLAGE a Patrol Base

Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature of the patrol base IOT AVOID being observed and
targeted by the adversary.

Process

1. FIND a concealed ​site​. FIND ​defilade​ to prevent ground observation. FIND a ​treeline​ to
provide concealment from air observation.

​ GAIN depth in the treeline to maximize overhead concealment.

CONCEAL your position in a wooded area to avoid UAS observation.

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 USE the base of trees to maximize overhead concealment.

2. OCCUPY at ​night​, if possible. Do NOT move the entire unit into position at once. USE the
“bent-L” occupation method IOT reduce confusion and minimize visible and noise signature.

3. POST ​air guards​. Air guards should be trained to identify UAS, fixed-, and rotary-wing aircraft
in both day and night conditions using binoculars and optics. LISTEN for UAS.

4. POSITION buddy pairs irregularly with varying distances between them. SELECT positions
that correspond to assigned sectors of fire.

Triangular patrol base with poor overhead concealment.

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 Example UAS video feed of a triangular patrol base with poor overhead concealment.

REPOSITION Marines near the base of trees to maximize overhead concealment. Check each
new position to make sure it corresponds to the assigned sector of fire.

REPOSITION Marines near the base of trees to maximize overhead concealment.

If possible, CONDUCT a leader’s reconnaissance of the patrol base position ​before ​it is
occupied. MARK positions and sectors of fire.

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 Concealed positions marked during leader’s reconnaissance.

Example UAS video feed of a triangular patrol base well-concealed from overhead concealment.

5. CAMOUFLAGE your ​position​. BLEND with your surroundings. Natural concealment is best.
The tarpaulin reduces infrared acquisition, but it is easily identified by its square and shiny
appearance, distinctive sag, and difficulty in adding foliage. CAMOUFLAGE the tarpaulin with
a camouflage ghillie blanket or camouflage netting.

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6. INSPECT your signature from the enemy’s point of view. USE binoculars, NVGs, thermal
scopes, and UAS. CONDUCT ​clearance patrols ​OBSERVE your position.

7. ENFORCE camouflage discipline. After the patrol base has been camouflaged, priorities of
work should focus on the mission and maintenance of camouflage.

Platoon Commander Priorities of Work: ​(1) DEFEND the patrol base, (2) CONCEAL
platoon positions and routes, (3) CONDUCT patrols, (4) CAMOUFLAGE communication,
vehicle, and supply activities.

Squad Leader Priorities of Work: ​(1) SUPPORT platoon defensive scheme, (2) LIMIT
movement inside the position, (3) REFINE camouflage and replace wilted vegetation, (4)
CAMOUFLAGE crew-served weapons.

Marine Priorities of Work​: weapons, gear, position, self. (1) CLEAN weapons prior to evening
stand-to, (2) STAGE and CAMOUFLAGE individual equipment to support the defensive plan
and withdrawal plan, (3) CAMOUFLAGE tarpaulin from ground observation and overhead
observation, (4) MAINTAIN light, noise, and camouflage discipline.

References

ATP 3-21.8 ​Infantry Platoon and Squad​, 12 Apr 2016.

Patrol Base Activities are described on pages 6-9 through 6-13.

MCIP 3-10A.3i ​Marine Infantry Platoon​, 10 Jun 2019. 376 pages.

Patrol Bases are discussed on pages 172–176. The MCIP 3-10A.2 ​Infantry Company
manual has only a minimal mention of patrol bases on page 8-9.

MCIP 3-10A.4i ​Marine Rifle Squad​, 10 Jun 2019.

Patrol base is page 132. Bivouac is page 267. The priority of work on page 81, puts
camouflage last. Camouflage should be second priority after security.

Contributors​: ​MIS​, BBM, ZDS, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

CAMOUFLAGE a Fighting Position

Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual, IR thermal) of the fighting position IOT AVOID
being observed and targeted by the adversary.

Time. ​Two Marines should camouflage an already-constructed fighting position in 60 minutes.

Process

1. DISPERSE into multiple small ​elements​. This is the most important step.
BE ​indistinguishable​ IOT avoid being targeted. ASSUME you are being watched.
ESTABLISH irregularly-spaced positions, NOT linear positions.

2. FIND a concealed ​site​. The mission—the sector of fire—dictates the position. CONFORM to
terrain​. AVOID silhouettes. Positions in open desert terrain may have few options.

3. OCCUPY at ​night​. Camouflage discipline includes light discipline.

4. CAMOUFLAGE your ​position​. BLEND with your surroundings. Every position needs overhead
concealment. COVER your position with a camouflage ghillie blanket, camouflage net, woven
mat, or a MARPAT tarp. ADD foliage to blend with your ​surroundings​.

1: Ghillie Blanket 2: Camouflage Net 3: Woven Mat 4: MARPAT Tarp

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 All of these coverings are best when laid on top of a flat-top ​frame​ of deadfall branches lashed
to corner tripods.

Experiments at SOI-W concluded that the camouflage ghillie blanket is the most effective
camouflage against UAS. A camouflage net is second, followed by a locally-constructed
woven mat. The MARPAT tarp is the least effective covering due to its square and shiny
appearance, distinctive sag, and difficulty in adding foliage. A thermal blanket below the
concealment layer disrupts the IR thermal signature.

PICK a position with natural frontal cover to AVOID building a parapet of newly-dug earth.

5. MINIMIZE ​movement​.

6. POST ​air guards​. LP/OPs should be assigned as air guards to listen for UAS.

Crew-served weapons positions

Critical machinegun (MG) and anti-armor (AA) fighting positions must be well-camouflaged.

In the illustration, the MG position (a) is protected by a squad. The MG primary sector (b) is defined by
an FPL across the company front. A secondary MG sector (c) protects the left flank. A squad
automatic rifle FPL (d) is laid to parallel the MG.

The vital MG position and its protective squad is a single high-priority position and must be
well-camouflaged from enemy observation and protected from enemy fires.

All​ positions ​need overhead concealment: a flat-top ​frame​ of deadfall branches lashed to corner
tripods. Beneath the poncho and leaves, a thermal blanket disrupts IR thermal signature.

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Notes on Sandbags. ​Synthetic sandbags “shine like light bulbs” and are easily seen from the air.
SOI-W recommends smearing sandbags with mud.

Sandbags shining in the sun. Source: SOI-W camouflage experiments, 2017.

Platoon, Company, and Battalion Battle Positions

Battle position preparations are difficult to mask. Uncontrolled noise, people, activities, equipment,
materials, vehicles, and possible engineer support can create an overwhelming signature.

Unit leaders ​must ​discipline the process to avoid being targeted. OCCUPY at night. STAGGER
activities to reduce noise and congestion. CAMOUFLAGE preparations, positions, and supplies.

AVOID excessive clearing. AVOID creating a visible trail to your position. CAMOUFLAGE the CP.
CONCEAL spoil. REMOVE trash and dunnage. CONTROL vehicle movement.
CONTROL fires and stoves. Cook in dead ground or under trees, and only during daylight.

CAMOUFLAGE RES positions. SELECT a concealed CATK position and CATK route.

Battle Positions in MOUT

Existing buildings, indistinguishable from the air,

provide both cover and concealment for fighting
positions.

Establish firing positions back from the windows,

deep in the shadows. Mask dust signature from
firing weapons.

AVOID creating obvious IR thermal signatures near

windows.

Notes

PLAN to operate under ​UAS​. Think overhead. Hills block visual, thermal, and radar observation, but
the biggest threat is overhead UAS. PLAN operations at critical times. MINIMIZE logistics

2-27
requirements. PLAN resupply events.

INSPECT your signature from the enemy’s point of view. USE binoculars, NVGs, thermal scopes, and
UAS.

Hasty positions, skirmishers trenches, need overhead concealment early in the process.
Units need TTPs to CAMOUFLAGE a bunker, CAMOUFLAGE a tower, CAMOUFLAGE a building,
and CAMOUFLAGE a mortar position.

Low, small, and slow UAS are flown by the adversary from nearby clearings and hilltops. Aggressive
patrolling of key terrain can push adversary UAS operators away from your unit.

References

Chadd Skaggs​.​ ​Defensive Overhead Concealment Experiment​.

CamPen, CA: SOI-W, 11 Apr 2017.

Testing at the School of Infantry evaluated multiple overhead cover

options for fighting positions, both in daylight and at night.

Walker Mills​. ​AAR from 1st Battalion, 4th Marines MCCRE Regarding Small
Unmanned Aerial Systems​. CamPen, CA: 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 30 Jun 2018.

“An entrenched defense is no longer tenable... against an enemy… with UAS and
long-range fires. A defense… needs to prioritize concealment… Digging a… defense
is a sure way to get...targeted. The (adversary) was able to identify all the elements…
more accurately when they were in the defense than at any other time.”
NAVMC 3500.44D ​Infantry T&R Manual​, 7 May 2020.

Task 0300-DEF-1001 Construct a Fighting Position

Task 0311-MOUT-2201 Prepare a Fighting Position within a Building
Task INF-ANTI-3002 Construct an Anti-Armor Fighting Position
Task INF-MGUN-3003 Construct a Machinegun Fighting Position

MCIP 3-10A.4i ​Marine Rifle Squad​, 10 Jun 2019.

The SAFESOC priority of work, Figure 4-2 on page 81, puts camouflage last. This is
based on an outdated assumption that firepower negates the risk of discovery by the
enemy. This is no longer true and therefore the priority of work must be changed:
camouflage is second priority after security.

Contributors​: ​BBM​, ZDS, JLL, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

CAMOUFLAGE an OP/LP
Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual, IR thermal) of an OP/LP IOT AVOID being
observed and targeted by the adversary.

Process

1. BUILD a flat-top ​frame​ to avoid overhead observation of the OP. All​ positions ​need overhead
concealment—a flat-top ​frame​ of deadfall branches lashed to corner tripods. Beneath the
poncho and leaves, a thermal blanket disrupts IR thermal signature.

2. BUILD a ​linear barrier​ in front of the OP to avoid ground observation.

LASH a ​cross-beam​ between two ​tripods​ of lashed deadfall branches.

LEAN sticks against the cross-beam to form a ​skeleton​.
LEAVE gaps for two ​observation windows​.
COVER the skeleton with ​ground covering​.

LASH a ​cross-beam​ between two ​tripods​ of lashed deadfall branches.

LEAN sticks against the cross-beam to form a ​skeleton​.

2-29
 LEAVE gaps for two ​observation windows​.

COVER the skeleton with ​ground covering​.

3. POSITION plexi-glass behind the observation windows to mask thermal signature.

Camouflage ghillie blankets can be draped over the observation windows to prevent glare from
plexi-glass and optics.

OP view from left observation window. OP view from right observation window.

2-30
 View from behind the linear barrier. Detail of tripod. View from behind the linear barrier.

View of OP from enemy point of view. Linear barrier masks OP.

PAS-28 thermal view of OP at 15m. A head is visible. Plexi-glass masks thermal signature of head.

4. BUILD a v-shaped barrier for flank positions. USE three or four tripods.

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 V-shaped barrier.

View from behind v-shaped barrier. View of v-shaped barrier from enemy point of view.

OP detailed views of overhead concealment: Flat-top frame of deadfall branches lashed to corner tripods.

OP detailed views of reflective blanket: Figure on top of, and then beneath, reflective thermal blanket.

Contributors​: ​MIS​, BBM, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

CAMOUFLAGE a Vehicle
Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical
signature (visual, IR thermal, and
radar) of the vehicle IOT AVOID
being observed and targeted by the
adversary.

Time. ​After picking a position, two Marines should camouflage a vehicle in 15 minutes.

Equipment. ​LCSS or ULCANS camouflage netting system with tent pins. Styrofoam dunnage.

Process

1. DISPERSE into multiple small ​elements​. This is the most important step.
BE ​indistinguishable​—unable to be identified as different—IOT avoid being targeted.
ASSUME you are being watched. DISPERSE vehicles irregularly. DISPLACE ​often​.

2. FIND a concealed ​site​.

CONFORM to ​terrain​.
FIND low dead ground and
micro-terrain, behind hills,
tucked against the shadows
of buildings, or under trees.
In the city, park ​inside​ a
building.

3. UNROLL the ​camouflage net​.

Stretch out the corners and

drape the vehicle.

The best practice is to carry

the rolled net on the roof.

POSITION the net diagonally, offset from the long axis of the vehicle, with more material on
the shady side of the vehicle. Vehicles in open desert terrain often have few options.

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4. LIFT the net with ​support poles​ to create an irregular shape. The ​shape​ of the vehicle—its
most recognizable characteristic—must be changed.

PUT two feet of clearance

above the hot engine block.
Otherwise, the heat will
show through the netting to
thermal sensors.

If thermals sensors are a threat, put two feet of clearance off ​all​ metal surfaces. Use styrofoam
dunnage to prop up the netting. Styrofoam dunnage can be glued or taped to the surface of
the vehicle IOT speed up the camouflage process.

5. PIN the net down with ​tent pins​, flush and tight to the ground.
Maximize the slope.
Avoid vertical sides.

The vehicle shape—its most

recognizable
characteristic—must be
changed.
BLEND with your surroundings. ADD foliage. COVER windshields and all glass reflections.

Notes on Camouflage Nets

Camouflage netting provides concealment where none is available. It is portable, quick to set up, and
multispectral​—masking vehicles from visual, IR thermal, and radar sensors.

The older Lightweight Camouflage Screen Systems (LCSS), has been replaced by the newer Ultra
Lightweight Camouflage Net Systems (ULCANS). There are three colors. ​Class 1​ is Woodland, ​Class
2​ is Desert, and ​Class 3​ is Snow. Each is reversible, with a different shade on each side. Additionally,
nets are typed as either radar scattering or radar transparent (for use with radar vehicles), but the
differences are invisible. Each net is labelled with Class and Type.

Camouflage netting comes in two shapes: Hexagon and diamond. Join one hex and two diamonds
(48 x 28 feet) to cover a tactical vehicle.

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Notes

PLAN to operate under ​UAS​. Think overhead. Hills block visual, thermal, and radar observation, but
the biggest threat is overhead UAS. Use a thermal blanket to disrupt your heat signature against
enemy thermal sights. Use the right color camouflage netting to blend with your surroundings.

INSPECT your ​signature​ from the enemy’s point of view: binoculars, NVGs, thermal scopes, UAS.

The ​contained shadow​ is the

biggest error made with camouflage
netting. Avoid creating a dark
triangular gap that can easily be
seen from the air.

ENFORCE camouflage discipline.

Limit the movement of
crewmembers outside the netting.

Camouflage Other Vehicles

7-ton Truck​. One hex (28 x 32 feet) covers a generator or a GP Small Tent. Two hex and two
diamonds (56 by 48 feet) covers a truck. Three hex and three diamonds (56 x 64 feet) covers larger
vehicles or a GP Medium tent. See TM 5-1080-250-12&P, pp 1-5. Note that the net on larger vehicles
need to be propped up to avoid easily-identified silhouettes. PIN the net flush and tight to the ground
to avoid the obvious dark shadows created by the tires and undercarriage.

LAV-25​. Prior to LD, TIE a base layer of camouflage netting to the vehicle with zip-ties or 550 cord.
HANG netting loose to avoid straight lines. CREATE an air pocket around the muffler to prevent the
netting from burning and reduce the heat signature. The best practice is a HESCO cage with a layer
of wood from an ammunition crate. TIE burlap strips to the netting. SECURE tie-ties to the netting and
burlap so that vegetation can be added later. COVER M-240s with a camouflage veil.

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References

TM 5-1080-200-13&P ​Lightweight Camouflage Screen Systems (LCSS),​ Change 10

is 1 Sep 2002. 138 pages.

Chapter 2 is nine pages of operating instructions. The remainder of the manual is

maintenance, NSNs, and re-ordering information.

TM 5-1080-250-12&P ​Ultralightweight Camouflage Net Systems (ULCANS)​, change

1 is 1 Aug 2008. 99 pages.

Chapter 1 describes ULCANS and diagrams recommended configurations for

vehicles and tents. Chapter 2 is nineteen pages of operating instructions.

TM 10-180-256-10 ​Ultra Lightweight Camouflage Net Systems (ULCANS)​ ​Increment

I,​ 10 Mar 2020. 188 pages.

Describes the newest ULCANS Increment I.

NAVMC 3500.44D ​Infantry T&R Manual​, 7 May 2020.

Task 0300-TVEH-2002, “Camouflage a Tactical Vehicle,” is useless.

Chad Skaggs.​ Vehicle Camouflage Techniques​ (FOUO). CamPen, CA:

SOI-W, 9 June 2018.

Contributors​: ​GEB​, BBM, ZDS, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

CAMOUFLAGE a Convoy
Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual, IR thermal, and radar) of the convoy IOT
AVOID being observed and targeted by the adversary.

Process to DRIVE

1. DISPERSE vehicles irregularly along the route. This is the most important step.
DRIVE in small serials of twelve or less vehicles.

BAD​ convoy practices: DENSE assembly area. NO camouflage. LONG, visible serials. NO dispersion.

BE ​indistinguishable​—unable to be identified as different—IOT avoid being targeted.

ASSUME you are being watched.

2. DRIVE on concealed routes. CONFORM to ​terrain​. When driving cross-country, parallel fence
lines, fields, and natural features. Do NOT cut diagonally across open terrain.

3. DRIVE at ​night.​ DRIVE with blackout lights and NVGs. KNOW the hours of ​moonrise (MR)
and ​moonset (MS),​ and the percent of ​lunar illumination.​

4. POST ​air guards​.

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Process to STOP

1. DISPERSE vehicles irregularly.

2. FIND a concealed site to stop. CONFORM to ​terrain​.

Morning and afternoon
shadows are long and
protective. MOVE when
the shadow moves.

On a road, stop so that

your dark shadow is NOT
showing on the road.

3. CAMOUFLAGE vehicles if stopped for more than one hour.

4. MINIMIZE ​movement​ of people around vehicles. MINIMIZE ​radio calls​.

5. POST ​air guards​.

Process to PLAN

1. PLAN DISPERSED operations. PLAN multiple small serials of twelve or less vehicles travelling
separately.

2. PLAN concealed routes. PLAN concealed stops, concealed re-fueling, and concealed TAAs.

3. PLAN to OPERATE at ​night​.

4. PLAN to MINIMIZE ​radio calls​.

5. PLAN an ​air guard​ for each serial.

6. PLAN to operate under ​UAS​.

7. PLAN rally points for separated vehicle or serials. Rally points should be areas where multiple
vehicles can be easily camouflaged: woods, towns, or hilly areas.

Notes

COVER the contained shadow showing at the back of a canvas-covered truck.

Do NOT leave a broken-down vehicle in an open field.

Do NOT leave easily-seen tracks in open fields.

Do NOT cut corners across intersections, leaving tracks.

Contributors: BBM​, GEB, 1 Nov 2020.

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How To

CAMOUFLAGE a CP
Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual, IR thermal, and radar) of the CP IOT AVOID
being observed and targeted by the adversary.

Equipment. ​LCSS or ULCANS camouflage netting.

Process

1. DISPERSE into multiple small ​elements​. This is the most important step.
BE ​indistinguishable​—unable to be identified as different—IOT avoid being targeted.
ASSUME you are being watched. DISPLACE ​often​.

AVOID rows of vehicles, packs, pallets, or equipment.

Patterns are easily seen from the air.

DISPERSE antenna farms. Disperse logistics pallets.

Disperse generators. Mask noise with a dirt berm or put
the generator indoors in the basement.
Hide security positions, especially barbed wire.

DISPERSE vehicles with three vehicle lengths between

each vehicle.

2. FIND a concealed ​site​. Select a site unimportant to the adversary, off the main roads. AVOID
road junctions.

CONFORM to ​terrain​. FIND low dead ground and

micro-terrain, behind hills, tucked against the shadows
of buildings, or under trees. In the city, move ​inside​ a
building.

Dirt blocks visual, light, thermal, EM, and radar sensors.

Woods and towns are good. Dense urban clutter masks
EM signals. CPs in open desert terrain have few
options.

3. OCCUPY at ​night​. Camouflage discipline includes light discipline.

4. CAMOUFLAGE all ​tents​, vehicles, logistics pallets, and bivouac areas.

Camouflage netting disrupts ​visual​ sensors, ​rada​r sensors, and ​IR thermal​ sensors.
Cordon and mark bivouac areas.

5. MINIMIZE ​movement​. MINIMIZE ​radio calls​ for EMCON.

ESTABLISH routes in and out to reduce track signature. CONTROL traffic.

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6. POST ​air guards​.

7. PLAN to operate under ​UAS​. Think overhead. Hills block visual, thermal, and radar
observation, but the biggest threat is overhead UAS. PLAN concealed routes and positions.
PLAN resupply events.

8. INSPECT your ​signature​ from the enemy’s point of view. USE binoculars, NVGs, thermal
scopes, and UAS.

COUNTER adversary HUMINT, OSINT, and ELINT efforts. This information cues ISR
platforms. Reduce the signature of your CP so that the adversary does NOT prioritize his ISR
assets against you.

Notes on Camouflage Nets

See ​CAMOUFLAGE a Vehicle​. One hex (28 x 32 feet) covers a generator or a GP small tent. Three
hex and three diamonds (56 x 64 feet) cover a GP Medium tent. See TM 5-1080-250-12&P, pp 1-5.

The ​contained shadow​ is the biggest error made with camouflage netting. Pin the net flush and tight to
the ground. Avoid creating a dark triangular gap that can easily be seen from the air.

Notes

Use the right color camouflage netting. BLEND with your surroundings.

A CP is a critical asset that the adversary will target.

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See ​Command Post SOP​. The main CP is four vehicles. The log train and BAS are separate serials.
No serials exceed twelve vehicles.

Notes on Base Camps

Base camps, ports, warehouses,
and airfields are easily visible from
the air. Infantry units are usually
tenant organizations. The camp
commandant is responsible for base
camp SIGMAN and camouflage
discipline.

“CPs require excellent camouflage and concealment to survive on the battlefield.”

- MCTP 3-34C ​Survivability Operations,​ 16 April 2018

Contributors: BBM​, ZDS, ELK, 1 Nov 2020

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How To

CAMOUFLAGE a TAA
Purpose. ​To REDUCE the physical signature (visual, IR thermal, and radar) of the TAA IOT AVOID
being observed and targeted by the adversary.

Equipment​. Each Marine and each vehicle has the camouflage equipment they need.

Process

1. DISPERSE into multiple small ​elements​. This is the most important step.
BE ​indistinguishable​—unable to be identified as different—IOT avoid being targeted.
ASSUME you are being watched.
DISPERSE vehicles irregularly within the site.

AVOID rows of vehicles, packs, pallets, or equipment.

AVOID well-defined square perimeters.
AVOID clusters of Marines.
Patterns are easily seen from the air.

Disperse vehicles with at least three vehicle lengths between

each vehicle.

DISPLACE ​often​.

2. FIND a concealed ​site​. Woods are best.

CONFORM to terrain. FIND low dead ground and

micro-terrain, behind hills or under trees. Dirt blocks visual,
light, thermal, EM, and radar sensors.

Woods and towns are good. Dense urban clutter masks EM

signals. TAAs in open desert terrain have few options.

For multiple sites, assign separate areas for units, logistics

functions, and the CP.

MAKE a site plan showing parking, unloading, and refueling

areas, as well as a one-way traffic pattern. USE existing
roads. POST traffic guides.

3. OCCUPY at ​night​. Camouflage discipline includes light discipline.

4. CAMOUFLAGE all ​vehicles​, logistics pallets, CPs, and bivouac areas.

Camouflage netting defeats ​visual​ sensors, ​radar​ sensors, and ​IR thermal​ sensors.
See ​CAMOUFLAGE a Vehicle​. Cordon and mark bivouac areas. See ​CAMOUFLAGE a
Bivouac​.

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5. MINIMIZE ​movement​. MINIMIZE ​radio calls​ for EMCON.
ESTABLISH routes in and out to reduce track signatures. CONTROL traffic.

6. POST ​air guards​.

7. PLAN to operate under ​UAS​. Think overhead. Hills block visual, thermal, and radar
observation, but the biggest threat is overhead UAS. PLAN concealed routes and positions.
PLAN operations at critical times. MINIMIZE logistics requirements. PLAN resupply events.

8. INSPECT your ​signature​ from the enemy’s point of view. USE binoculars, NVGs, thermal
scopes, and UAS.

COUNTER adversary HUMINT, OSINT, and ELINT

efforts. This information cues ISR platforms. Reduce the
signature of your unit so that the adversary does NOT
prioritize his ISR assets against you.

Notes on Vehicle Dispersion

Missile, rocket, artillery, and mortar blast effects differ by weapon, size, and munition. HE, DPICM,
and fuel-air explosive blasts are different. Generally, however, increasing vehicle dispersion from two
to three vehicle lengths, ​reduces​ the number of vehicles in the kill zone by almost ​half​.

Vehicle dispersion​. With 30 foot dispersion, 28 HMMWVs fit on a football field. With 45 foot dispersion,
15 HMMWVs fit. ​Notes​: Blast effects are not circular. HMMWV is 15 feet long (4.6 m).

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Notes on Vehicle Tracks

Vehicle tracks, easily seen from the air, are a dead giveaway for a TAA.

Any diagonal tracks, across a field or cutting through an intersection, are especially noticeable.

Looping tracks at a turnaround point or refueling area, are especially noticeable.

The TAA site plan should establish a new track along a linear feature with a marked turnoff point.

RIGHT:​ Single track with inconspicuous turnoff into TAA. WRONG:​ Tracks clearly point to a concealed TAA.

Vehicle tracks, easily seen from the air. TAA: NO site plan, NO traffic control. Same vehicles, parked well, less tracks.

Contributors: BBM​, ZDS, BMW, 1 Nov 2020.

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 SIGMAN Camouflage SOP:
Chapter 3: Train

Marine Corps Intelligence Schools (MCIS)

Intelligence Training Enhancement Program (ITEP)
Train

CONDUCT a Field Exercise

Purpose.​ To SHARE best practices on SIGMAN camouflage training.

Training

1. Camouflage standards should be practiced during ​all​ training and ​all​ exercises, in ​all
environments, regardless of the primary purpose of the training.

Unit leaders can use time during larger exercises to practice drills and evaluate their own unit’s
camouflage efforts..

NCOs train Marines on camouflage discipline. Camouflage discipline includes ​light​ discipline,
heat​ discipline, ​noise​ discipline, ​trash​ discipline, and ​movement​ discipline.

Scout Snipers can train Marines on individual camouflage techniques.

2. Company training should include:

HAWKEYE Camouflage Drill

REDEYE UAS Drill

LONGBOW C-UAS Drill

Air Guard Training

USMC UAS capabilities

Adversary UAS capabilities

Adversary air, missile, rocket, artillery, and mortar threats

Training on most company operations should be augmented with camouflage requirements:

Convoy Operations + Camouflage

Fighting Positions + Camouflage
Movement to Contact + Camouflage
MOUT + Camouflage
Night Operations + Camouflage
Patrolling + Camouflage

3. Example training plans are included below.

3-1
 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
2nd Battalion, 5th Marines
Camp Pendleton, CA 92055

28 Aug 2020

From: Commanding Officer

To: Distribution A

Subj: FIELD TRAINING PLAN, 8-10 SEP 2020

Ref: Battalion SOP​, 1 July 2020

Encl: (1) DODIC List

(2) Exercise FRAGOs

1. Situation. The Bn SOP has been updated with multiple SIGMAN camouflage drills and standards. All Marines and
units need to be trained to the established standards.

2. Mission. On 08-10 Sep, 2/5 trains to the following SOP standards IOT evaluate unit camouflage skills:
1. Camouflage a Marine 11. Camouflage a Unit Positions
2. Camouflage a Vehicle 12. Camouflage a Convoy
3. Camouflage a Fighting Position 13. Respond to Adversary UAS

3. Execution

a. CONOPS. Over three days, (8) units execute multiple Battalion-level FRAGOs, all while under adversary
ground and air (UAS) observation and probing attacks. From TAA BLUE, units move during the day and
night, occupy a BP, conduct security patrols, resupply, and then retrograde.

b. Tasks

(1) Units. OCCUPY TAA BLUE NLT 1000 TUE 8 SEP 2020. EXECUTE operations IAW
FRAGOs. TRAIN on SIGMAN Camouflage SOP skills.

(2) OPFOR. COLLECT on Bn units using both ground and air (UAS) assets. Call for fire.
CONDUCT probing attacks. PHOTOGRAPH and report on unit sizes and locations. ASSESS
unit training levels. BRIEF results at AAR.

3-2
 (3) EXCON. CONTROL the exercise. ASSESS casualties. CONDUCT AAR in order to improve
Bn SIGMAN Camouflage SOP and procedures.

c. Coordinating Instructions

(1) Task Organization

Units (8): E, F, G, 81, HMG, COC, BAS, Log Train.
OPFOR: XO, S-2, SSP, AA Platoon, UAS, and four company 1stSgt.
EXCON is OpsO and a det from the AA Platoon.

(2) Schedule:
Time Units OPFOR EXCON
Tue 1000 OCCUPY TAA BLUE TAA RED TAA RED
Tue 1100 FRAGO 01: Movement to Contact Collect
Tue 1900 FRAGO 02: Night Infiltration Operation Collect
Wed 0800 FRAGO 03: ESTABLISH BP Collect / Probe
Wed 1900 FRAGO 04: Night Security Operation Collect / Probe
Thu 0800 FRAGO 05: Movement to Garrison Prepare AAR Prepare AAR
Thu 1300 Classroom: AAR for all Battalion Leaders AAR Run AAR

(3) All FRAGOs will be issued in the field. The OPFOR CANNOT see the FRAGOs or grid
locations.

(4) Range control coordination, airspace, and safety vehicle requirements will be done by EXCON.

(5) NO external support units—transportation or air assault—is planned.

(6) NO EW EMCON procedures will be evaluated. OPFOR will NOT collect technical signatures.

4. Admin and Logistics

a. Encl (1) lists pyrotechnics and blank ammunition requirements. S-4 will issue ammunition in TAA BLUE
NLT 1100 Tue 8 Sep 20.

b. S-1 will process daily PERSTATREPs and other required reporting IAW SOP.

c. S-4 Log Train will resupply units each day as a tactical evolution IAW RRP SOP. No hot chow.

5. Communication and Signals. S-6 will establish an EXCON CEOI and an OPFOR net. All Battalion units will
operate on standard nets IAW Bn SOP and CEOI.

P.A. BEEKMAN

3-3
Company UAS Training Letter of Instruction (LOI):

3-4
3-5
Contributors: WDM,​ 1 Nov 2020.

3-6
Train

ESTABLISH Training Standards

Purpose.​ To ESTABLISH training standards for camouflage.

A single poorly camouflaged Marine, vehicle, or position can give away the entire unit. ​A unit is only
as camouflaged as its least camouflaged Marine.

Marine Corps Infantry Camouflage Standards​. NAVMC 3500.44D ​Infantry Training and Readiness
Manual​, 7 May 2020, mandates only two camouflage tasks:

0300-TVEH-2002 Camouflage a Tactical Vehicle

0317-PAT-2002 Camouflage Sniper Equipment

Fourteen other tasks mention camouflage as a minor performance step:

INF-FP-5001 Employ Platoon Force Protection Measures

INF-FP-4001 Employ Squad Force Protection Measures
INF-0317-3002 Conduct Scout Sniper Team Operations
INF-ANTI-3002 Construct an Anti-Armor Fighting Position
INF-MGUN-3003 Construct a Machinegun Fighting Position
0300-DEF-1001 Construct a Fighting Position
0300-DEF-1002 Construct a Skirmisher Trench
0300-DEMO-2003 Employ a M18A1 Anti-personnel Mine (Claymore)
0311-MOUT-2201 Prepare a Fighting Position within a Building
0317-PAT-2005 Operate from a Hide
0317-PAT-2006 Conduct Individual Actions in an Observation Post (OP)
0317-PAT-2007 Conduct Individual Actions During Infiltration
0317-OPS-2501 Lead Sniper Operations from a Hide
0317-OPS-2507 Conduct Counter-sniper Operations

Marine Corps Doctrine​. The following manuals provide camouflage instruction: MCTP 3-01A
Scouting and Patrolling​, MCRP 3-10A.2 ​Infantry Company Operations​, MCIP 3-10A.4i ​Marine Rifle
Squad​, MCTP 3-01E ​Sniping​, and MCTP 3-34C ​Survivability Operations​.

Army Camouflage Standards​ are published in STP 21-1-SMCT ​Soldier’s Tasks​:

3-7
 STP 21-1-SMCT ​Soldier’s Tasks​, 1 Nov 2019. 468 pages.

Page 381 to 388 is “Camouflage Yourself and Your Individual Equipment.”

For Marine units, the following camouflage standards are proposed:

Camouflage Individual Training Standards

1. Task: ​Camouflage a Marine.

Conditions: In the field.

Standard: Helmet is camouflaged. Rifle is camouflaged. Skin is camouflaged. Marine is

equipped with a camouflage ghillie blanket. All camouflage matches surrounding terrain.

2. Task: ​Camouflage a Vehicle.

Conditions: Vehicle is stopped for 60 minutes or more.

Standard: Vehicle is parked in available shadows near buildings or under trees. Vehicle is
covered in camouflage netting. Netting is raised irregularly off the vehicle outline, and pinned
flush to the ground. All camouflage matches surrounding terrain.

3. Task: ​Camouflage a Fighting Position

Conditions: In an existing fighting position.

Standard: Marine cannot be seen from 25m away. Marine cannot be seen from above. All
camouflage matches surrounding terrain.

Camouflage Unit Training Standards

11. Task: ​Camouflage a Unit Position.

Conditions: In a stationary position—a TAA, patrol base, EAB, BP, or bivouac.

Standard: The unit cannot be seen from 1000m in open terrain, or 100m in close terrain. Units
are dispersed. CP is camouflaged. RRP is camouflaged. All Marines are camouflaged. All
positions are camouflaged. OPs are camouflaged. Vehicles are camouflaged. Movement is
minimized. Lights are not visible. Trash is not visible. After the unit leaves the position there is
little to no evidence the unit was there. Efforts are made to disguise the true size and type of
the unit that had occupied the position.

3-8
12. Task: ​Camouflage a Convoy.

Conditions: A moving convoy is directed by the unit leader to stop and camouflage.

Standard: Vehicles are dispersed, operating in serials of twelve vehicles or less. Drivers
maintain three vehicle lengths between vehicles. Route was selected based on available
concealment. Every vehicle carries camouflage netting. Every vehicle selects a good site to
stop. Every vehicle is covered with camouflage netting, pinned flush to the ground. When
occupying a position for more than 60 minutes vehicles employ camouflage netting and are
arranged irregularly. If possible the convoy is scheduled to take advantage of inclement
weather and satellite observation windows.

13. Task: ​Respond to Adversary UAS.

Conditions: An adversary UAS is overhead.

Standard: Unit identifies enemy or unknown UAS visually or by sound. Unit executes a C-UAS
drill directed by the unit leader. A UAS warning is passed through the unit and a UAS report is
passed to higher. An Air Guard is assigned. A C-UAS element is assigned. The C-UAS
element attacks the UAS if directed.

Responsibilities​. During each phase of an operation the responsibility for signature management
shifts. All unit commanders need to coordinate signature efforts with higher, adjacent, and supporting
unit. Regardless of HHQ efforts, nothing absolves individual Marines and smaller units of the
responsibility to reduce their own signatures.

Tactical Adversary SIGMAN

Action Threat Responsibility

Satellites​, radars, ASCM

MOVE by ship toward the coast ​undetected Ships, submarines, aircraft CATF
Mines, patrol craft

UAS​, Aircraft
INSERT by surface craft ​undetected Mines, patrol craft CATF
Adversary units

IADS​ (Radar, SAM)

INSERT by helicopter ​undetected Reconnaissance, MANPADS ACE
Adversary units

UAS​, aircraft
MOVE on foot toward the objective ​undetected Reconnaissance, IDF Unit
Adversary units

UAS​, aircraft
CONVOY by vehicle toward objective
Reconnaissance, IDF Unit
undetected
Adversary units

UAS​, aircraft
Actions on the objective Reconnaissance, IDF Unit
Adversary units

3-9
 UAS​, aircraft
MOVE on foot toward the LZ ​undetected Reconnaissance, IDF Unit
Adversary units

IADS​ (Radar, SAM)

INFILTRATE helicopters to LZ ​undetected Observation, MANPADS ACE
Adversary units

IADS​ (Radar, SAM)

EXTRACT unit by helicopter ​undetected Observation, MANPADS ACE
Adversary units

UAS​, Aircraft
EXTRACT by surface craft ​undetected Mines, patrol craft CATF
Adversary units

Tasks. ​During extended combat operations ashore, the responsibility for signature management is
generally with the unit. Expeditionary bases with multiple units are a signature management
challenge. Camouflage actions differ in each environment: urban, jungle, wooded, or desert.

Adversary SIGMAN
Action
Threat Responsibility

IADS​ (Radar, SAM)

MOVE by helicopter within the AO ​undetected Observation, MANPADS ACE
Adversary units

UAS​, aircraft
CONVOY by vehicle within the AO ​undetected Reconnaissance, IDF Unit
Adversary units

UAS​, aircraft
OCCUPY a TAA ​undetected Reconnaissance, IDF Unit
Adversary units

UAS​, aircraft
OPERATE from an established base camp Reconnaissance, IDF Camp CO
Adversary units

UAS​, aircraft
MOVE on foot within the AO Reconnaissance, IDF Unit
Adversary units

UAS​, aircraft
OPERATE from a patrol base ​undetected Reconnaissance, IDF Unit
Adversary units

Contributors​: ​WDM​, BBM, 1 Nov 2020.

3-10
Train

COLLECT Own-Force Signature

Purpose​. To COLLECT the physical signature of your own unit and see what the adversary sees IOT
improve camouflage effectiveness.

Condition​. The unit has been stationary for at least two hours. The unit is camouflaged.

Standard​. The unit cannot be seen or heard by a ground or air adversary 1000m away.

Equipment.​ “Camouflage Inspection Checklist,” binoculars, NVGs, PAS-28 thermal scope, or UAS.

Scope. ​Physical signature is collected by adversary geospatial-intelligence assets (space, aerial,

ground, or human) or through direct observation. Technical signature—collected by adversary SIGINT
assets and countered by EMCON procedures—is out of scope. Administrative signature (online
records) is out of scope.

Process

1. EXAMINE the unit from the adversary’s point of view.

USE binoculars, NVGs, thermal scopes, and UAS to spot-check your signature.

2. PHOTOGRAPH the unit.

RECORD discrepancies.

3. REPORT to the unit commander.

Notes

Unit leaders should appoint a SNCO to collect own-force signature. Fieldcraft is SNCO expertise. The
observer should understand adversary ISR capabilities—satellites, aviation, UAS, and ground
sensors.

The observer should envision the unit signature from the air: lines, lights, vehicles, tracks, fighting
positions, spoil, debris, pallets, and supplies.

References

Marine Corps Concept of Employment for Signature Management​, 12 Dec 2019.

48 pages.

“To be detected is to be targeted is to be killed.”

Defines physical, technical, and administrative signatures. Relates signature

management (SIGMAN) to CI, OPSEC, MILDEC, fires, and intelligence.
Defines the SIGMAN capabilities that the Marine Corps needs.

3-11
Camouflage Inspection Checklist Date:

Purpose.​ To inspect a s​tationary​ unit that has been in an TAA or BP for more than two hours. Unit:

Scope​. NOT a base camp. NOT a movement. NOT a convoy. ​Marks​. All “YES” is best. Initials:

1. Leadership.​ Do unit leaders inspect camouflage every day IAW SOP? Y N TBD

Is an air guard, who knows the warning procedure, on watch for aircraft and UAS?

2. Marines.​ Is every Marine’s helmet camouflaged? Rifles? Attachments too?

Is every Marine’s bivouac or fighting position camouflaged? Are packs camouflaged?

3. Vehicles.​ Is every vehicle off, covered with a camouflage net, flush to the ground?

Is every vehicle dispersed, irregularly, at least three vehicle lengths from the next?

4. Is the​Command Post ​camouflaged so it will NOT be targeted?

Are the elements (and antennas) of the CP dispersed?

Tents.​ Is every CP tent covered with a camouflage net, flush to the ground?

Or b
​ uildings​. Do CP buildings look ordinary so they will NOT be targeted?

5. Are the S
​ upply Points​ camouflaged so they will NOT be targeted?

Are the separate supply points dispersed?

Tents.​ Are all supplies or pallets covered with a camouflage net, flush to the ground?

Or b
​ uildings. ​Do supply buildings look ordinary so they will NOT be targeted?

6. Unit.​ Is the unit’s overall position camouflaged well enough NOT to be targeted?

Have piles of earth (spoil) been masked so that they are NOT visible from the air?

Have vehicle tracks been masked so they are NOT visible from the air?

Was l​ight discipline​ good last night? Were lights from vehicles and the CP masked?

Is t​rash discipline​ good? Have trash bags, dunnage, and debris been hidden?

Summary:

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 SIGMAN Camouflage SOP:
Chapter 4: Understand

Marine Corps Intelligence Schools (MCIS)

Intelligence Training Enhancement Program (ITEP)
Understand

Adversary UAS
Purpose. ​To FIND information on adversary UAS.

Process

1. ASK the S-2 for adversary UAS intelligence in your AO.

2. SEARCH the classified U.S. intelligence sites on SIPR:

NGIC​ (U.S. Army) provides intelligence on foreign ground forces.

NASIC​ (U.S. Air Force) provides intelligence on foreign air and space forces.
ONI ​(U.S. Navy) provides intelligence on foreign naval forces.

3. SEARCH the web for evolving UAS capabilities and UAS imagery.
See the ​TRADOC​ ​ODIN Worldwide Equipment Guide​.

4. UNDERSTAND UAS ​terms​. UAS groups 1 through 5 are defined by the Joint UAS COE
CONOPS V1.5, 2008. Low, slow, and small (LSS) UAS, which include micro- and mini-UAS
are defined by ATP 3-01.81 ​C-UAS Techniques​, 13 Apr 2017.

Maximum Normal
UAS Speed
Weight (lbs) Operating Example UAS
Group (kts)
(MGTOW) Altitude (ft)

Raven (RQ-11)
1 0–20 < 1200 AGL 100 Wasp

2 21–55 < 3500 AGL ScanEagle

< 250
Shadow (RQ-7B)
3 < 1320 Tier II / STUAS

< FL 180
Fire Scout (MQ-8B, RQ-8B)
4 Predator (MQ-1A/B)
Sky Warrior ERMP (MQ-1C)
> 1320 Any airspeed
Reaper (MQ-9A)
5 > FL 180 Global Hawk (RQ-4)
BAMS (RQ-4N)

Source:​ JOINT UAS COE CONOPS V1.5, 2008. ​Notes:​ UAS is unmanned aircraft system. MGTOW is
maximum gross takeoff weight. AGL is above ground level. FL is flight level (x100 feet).

5. UNDERSTAND UAS ​proliferation​.

4-1
 The Drone Databook​. By Dan Gettinger. Annandale-on-Hudson, NY: Bard
College, 2019.
dronecenter.bard.edu

Use of UAS by the world’s militaries has doubled since 2010. Gettinger lists
over 100 separate systems used by over 100 countries.

The Islamic State and Drones: Supply, Scale, and Future Threats​. By Don
Rassler. West Point, NY: U.S. Military Academy, 2018. ​www.ctc.usmc.edu

Many insurgent groups may replicate what ISIS did to acquire, arm, and
employ commercial UAS.

Is China at the Forefront of Drone Technology?​ CSIS: China Power​,

20 Mar 2020. ​chinapower.csis.org

6. UNDERSTAND adversary UAS ​TTPs​. Because offset position reporting is difficult for small
UAS, Russian practice is to fly directly over the target to acquire an accurate target position.

7. UNDERSTAND U.S. ​signatures​ that are vulnerable to adversary UAS.

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

4-2
Understand

Adversary Satellites
Purpose. ​To FIND information on adversary satellites.

Process

1. ASK the S-2 for adversary satellite intelligence in your AO.

2. SEARCH the classified U.S. intelligence sites on SIPR:

NASIC​ (U.S. Air Force) provides intelligence on foreign air and space forces.

3. SEARCH the web for evolving satellite ​capabilities​.

4. UNDERSTAND satellite ​terms​. What is synthetic aperture radar (SAR)?

What is geosynchronous orbit?

5. UNDERSTAND satellite ​proliferation​. UNDERSTAND the commercial market for satellite

images.

Source: ​Union of Concerned Scientists Satellite Database.

4-3
6. UNDERSTAND satellite ​TTPs​. What types of units, ships, facilities, and equipment are most
vulnerable to satellite collection? What sensors are being used? How can those sensors be
mitigated?

Because low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites are not overhead continuously, ask the S-2 to request
SATVUL (satellite vulnerability) windows and SATRAN (satellite reconnaissance advanced
notification) reports.

SATVUL​ (satellite vulnerability) (NTRP 1-02 ​Navy Supplement to the DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun
2012) — A SATVUL period is a window of time when a friendly unit is vulnerable to adversary
satellite collections. (NO DOD or USMC definition)

7. UNDERSTAND U.S. ​signatures​ vulnerable to adversary satellites.

Adversary coverage is never 24/7. If you are a priority, however, adversary coverage ​can​ be
24/7. Your window of vulnerability is now the entire 24-hour day.

You must assume day and night vulnerability, at all times, across multiple spectrums, visual
and electronic.

See Steffany A. Trofino, “​Russian Satellite Developments​.” ​Red Diamond​, Fort Leavenworth,
KS: TRADOC G2 ISA, Jan 2014, pages 13–16.

Commercial satellite image of Camp Leatherneck, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

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Understand

Adversary Missiles
Purpose. ​To FIND information on adversary missiles.

Process

1. ASK the S-2 for adversary missile intelligence in your AO.

2. SEARCH the classified U.S. intelligence sites on SIPR:

NGIC​ (U.S. Army) provides intelligence on foreign ground forces.

NASIC​ (U.S. Air Force) provides intelligence on foreign air and space forces.
ONI ​(U.S. Navy) provides intelligence on foreign naval forces.

3. SEARCH the web for evolving missile ​capabilities​.

See the ​TRADOC​ ​ODIN Worldwide Equipment Guide​.

4. UNDERSTAND missile ​terms​. What is the difference between ballistic missiles and cruise
missiles? Why are ballistic missiles classified by range, but cruise missiles classified by type of
target?

2017​ ​Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat​. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: NASIC /
DIMBAC, 2017. 40 pages. ​nasic.af.mil

Explains ballistic missiles (CRBM, SRBM, MRBM, IRBM, ICBM), submarine

and ship-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM, ShLBM), land attack cruise
missiles (LACM), and anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM).

5. UNDERSTAND missile ​proliferation​.

Missile Defense Project​, Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and

International Studies (CSIS). ​csis.org

A library of missile references, analyses, budgets, studies, and adversary

inventories: ​Missiles of Russia​, ​Missiles of China​, ​Missiles of North Korea​,
Missiles of Iran​.

A Low-Visibility Force Multiplier: Assessing China’s Cruise Missile Ambitions​.

By Gormley, Erickson, and Yuan. Washington, DC: NDU Press, 2014. 196
pages. ​ndupress.ndu.edu

A detailed study of Chinese ASCM, LACM, and missile doctrine.

4-5
6. UNDERSTAND adversary missile ​TTPs​.

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

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Understand

Adversary Rockets, Artillery, and Mortars

Purpose. ​
To find information on adversary rockets, artillery, and mortars.

Process

1. ASK the S-2 for adversary rocket, artillery, and mortar intelligence in your AO.

2. SEARCH the classified U.S. intelligence sites on SIPR:

NGIC​(U.S. Army) provides intelligence on foreign ground forces.

NASIC​(U.S. Air Force) provides intelligence on foreign air and space forces.
ONI ​
(U.S. Navy) provides intelligence on foreign naval forces.

3. SEARCH the web for evolving weapons capabilities.

See the ​TRADOC​​ODIN Worldwide Equipment Guide​.

UNDERSTAND the significance of the ​Zelenopillya Rocket Attack​

.

On 14 July 2014, two mechanized battalions of the Ukrainian Army, in an assembly area near
Zelenopillya, Ukraine, were almost completely destroyed by a Russian rocket barrage.

The attack was conducted by ​UAS​. The Russian rocket launchers, firing from inside Russian
territory, were ​Tornado-G​122mm MLRS, an upgrade to the BM-21. The barrage included
top-down anti-tank DPICM and thermobaric fuel-air explosives.

Over 100 other Russian rocket and artillery attacks followed during ​July and August 2014​.

4-7
4. UNDERSTAND rocket, artillery, and mortar ​terms​
.

System Caliber Range

Common Russian Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) Nomenclature

BM-21 122mm 20 km

BM-27 220mm 35 km

BM-30 300mm 90 km

9A52 Tornado ​
is a new MLRS. It is separate from the ​Tornado​upgrades to the BM-21,
BM-27, and BM-30. The ​Tornado 9A53-G ​ upgrade to the ​BM-21​
is the​ ​ . Range is 40 km.
Common Russian Self-Propelled (SP) Artillery Nomenclature

2S1 122mm 15 km

2S3 152mm 18 km

Common Russian Towed Artillery Nomenclature

D-30 122mm 15 km

Common Russian Mortar Nomenclature

2B11 82mm 7 km

5. UNDERSTAND rocket, artillery, and mortar ​proliferation​

. What adversaries have acquired
what weapons from what countries?

4-8
 Russian BM-30 Smerch (9A52-2)

6. UNDERSTAND rocket, artillery, and mortar ​TTPs​

.

Russia is fielding one UAS company to each brigade to support multiple artillery battalions.

by Lester
“Integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems within Russian Artillery,” ​
Grau and Chuck Bartles, ​Fires​, May-June 2016, pp 31-38.

Direct overhead flight is the primary means of calling for fire with UAS at
night: “Since terrain association with a thermal imager would be difficult… and
the risk of the UAS being shot down at night is… reduced, it is likely the UAS
operator uses the ‘fly-over-the-target’ method to fix the target.”

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

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Understand

Adversary Naval Threats

Purpose. ​To find information on adversary naval capabilities.

Process

1. ASK the S-2 for adversary naval intelligence in your AO.

2. SEARCH the classified U.S. intelligence sites on SIPR:

NASIC​ (U.S. Air Force) provides intelligence on foreign air and space forces.
ONI​ (U.S. Navy) provides intelligence on foreign naval forces.

3. SEARCH the web for evolving naval ​capabilities​.

See the ​TRADOC​ ​ODIN Worldwide Equipment Guide​.

4. UNDERSTAND naval ​terms​.

5. UNDERSTAND naval ​proliferation​.

China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities—

Background and Issues for Congress​.​ By Ronald O’Rourke. Washington, DC:
Congressional Research Service (CRS) RL 33153, 21 May 2020.

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet: Toward a Multiregional Force​. ​By Igor Delanoe.
Arlington, VA: CNA, 5 Jun 2019. 36 pages.

6. UNDERSTAND naval ​TTPs​.

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Understand

Adversary Fire Networks

Purpose. ​To FIND information on adversary reconnaissance and fire networks.

Process

1. UNDERSTAND the F2T2EA ​kill chain​ model.

FIND — An EM signal is detected and cues UAS. The FIND step can be done by any ISR:
ground reconnaissance, SIGINT, HUMINT, ELINT, or MASINT.

FIX — The UAS plots the exact target location.

TRACK — The UAS tracks the target location if the target is moving.

TARGET — The adversary Tornado-G battery calculates range and targeting data.

ENGAGE — The adversary Tornado-G battery fires rocket barrages to destroy the target.

ASSESS — The UAS, or other ISR asset, assesses BDA.

There are many combinations of equipment and units that can execute a kill chain.

2. UNDERSTAND Russian ​reconnaissance fire networks​.

The Russian Reconnaissance Fire Complex Comes of Age​. By Lester W.

Grau and Charles K. Bartles. Oxford, England: University of Oxford, 30 May
2018.

The Russian Reconnaissance Strike Complex (RYK) links long-range weapons to intelligence
and targeting for surface-to-surface missiles and aircraft-delivered “smart” munitions. The
Reconnaissance Fire Complex (ROK) is the tactical equivalent of field artillery.

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3. UNDERSTAND how to disrupt adversary ​ISR​ efforts.
Table.​ Disruption: ISR platforms vs. types of targets.

Light discipline disrupts visual ISR. The human eye can see a campfire at 8 km, and vehicle lights at 20 km.
Heat discipline disrupts IR thermal ISR.
Noise discipline disrupts direct observation (listening) by ground reconnaissance units.
EMCON disrupts adversary SIGINT and ES collection efforts.

4-12
4. UNDERSTAND how to disrupt adversary ​NVGs​.

NVGs are image intensifiers. They take existing light—from the stars, the moon, and from
manmade illumination—and magnify it.

To disrupt adversary NVGs, PLAN operations at critical times. KNOW the hours of ​moonrise
(MR)​ and ​moonset (MS)​, and the percent of ​lunar illumination​.

This information is available worldwide at: ​https://weather.af.mil/AFW_WBS/​ (NIPR/CAC) and

https://weather.af.smil.mil/AFW_WEBS/​ (SIPR).

A 20% moon, positioned at 30 degrees above the horizon provides 0.022 lux. Less than this
amount of light is called ​low light.​ A full moon is ten times brighter than a new moon.

5. UNDERSTAND how to disrupt adversary ​IR thermal​ sensors.

To disrupt adversary IR thermal sensors, PLAN operations at critical times. KNOW the hours
of ​BMNT​, ​sunrise (SR)​, ​EENT​ and ​sunset (SS)​.

This information is available worldwide at: ​https://weather.af.mil/AFW_WBS/​ (NIPR/CAC) and

https://weather.af.smil.mil/AFW_WEBS/​ (SIPR).

Thermal crossover times differ—because each piece of equipment heats and cools at different
rates—but they generally occur near sunrise and sunset.

6. UNDERSTAND how to disrupt adversary ​radar​.

A moving target indicator (MTI) picks up metal. Vehicles in the open can be detected by air or
ground MTI at 20 kilometers. Convoys moving on covered routes can disrupt their metal
signature.

Camouflage netting, when kept two feet off the metal surface, can disrupt the radar signatures
of vehicles. Conex boxes, infantry weapons, and metal ammunition cans can be vulnerable to
air and ground radars.

Concertina wire is visible to adversary synthetic aperture radar (SAR). A ring of concertina wire
around a headquarters or other facility is a clear indicator of a high value target.

7. UNDERSTAND how to disrupt adversary ​electro-optical​ (EO) sensors.

Some adversary EO cameras can detect glass reflections and shine.

Camouflage netting obscures the shape, shine, size, and silhouette of vehicles, facilities,
equipment, and positions.

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

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Camouflage SOP

4-14
Understand

Adversary Observation
Purpose. ​To UNDERSTAND how humans detect threats.

1. Indicators​. Humans are very good at picking up the following ​indicators​, which can all lead to
detection. In order to camouflage themselves well, Marines must minimize the seven indicators
listed in TC 3-22.10​ ​Sniper​, 7 Dec 2017:

Shine.​ Small reflections can be spotted from great distances. Skin stands out. Optics are
notoriously reflective, especially binoculars, RCO, and laser designators. Electronic device
screens, watches, ID tags worn in boot laces, compasses, and belt buckles all reflect. Be
aware of the direction of the sun.

Shape.​ The human shape, especially the head and shoulders, is very distinct, even at great
distances.

Silhouette​. The clear silhouette of a Marine or a vehicle on the skyline is visible at great
distances, even at night.

Shadow​. Avoid creating shadows. Move within existing shadows. Select positions in the
shadows.

Smell​. Distinctive smells can be carried by the wind. Avoid scented soaps, detergent, or
deodorants. Do not smoke. Reduce the use of insect repellent when possible.

Light​. Any light, visible or IR, can lead to detection. Practice strict light discipline with both
PEQ-16 and headlamps. Reduce the use of IR flash for signaling. Cover yourself with a tarp
when illuminating maps with penlights or checking backlit watch faces or electronic screens.

Noise​. Sound travels farthest at night. Small noises may be natural, but talking is not. Strap
down all loose equipment, especially ammunition cans and other noisy metal items.

2. Movement​. The human eye is especially aware of movement. Rapid movements are more
noticeable than deliberate movements, and the movement of animals or vegetation is often an
indicator of enemy presence.

3. Tactical Vignette. ​A Marine squad, moving to contact, pauses to conduct a SLLS (stop, look,
listen, smell) halt. The pointman cannot see anything unusual in the dense brush, but he

4-15
 detects the faint scent of cigarettes. The squad leader extends his hand out, moving it up and
down at the wrist then extends both arms to his side. ​Squad, skirmishers.​ His squad moves
silently online and then towards the suspected enemy location. A Marine on the left flank hears
voices and raises his rifle. Using his RCO to “burn through” the brush, he catches the glint of a
wristwatch, the quick movement of an arm, and hears the low voices of an enemy LP/OP. The
Marine squad opens fire and overruns the enemy position.

4. Night Observation.​ To compensate for reduced vision at night, the human brain focuses more
sharply on other senses, especially hearing and smell.

Adversaries with night vision devices can see our IR signatures—IR illuminators, chemlites,
and laser pointers—even more distinctly than white light.

References

TC 3-22.10​ ​Sniper​, 7 Dec 2017. 346 pages.

See pages 3-17 through 3-19 for indicators.

MCTP 3-34C​ Survivability Operations, 16 Apr 2018, ​lists recognition factors as ​reflectance​, ​shape​,
shadow​, and ​movement​.

MCIP 3-10A.4i Marine Rifle Squad, 15 May 2020, lists ​movement​, ​shadow​, ​shape​, ​shine​, and
color​.

MCTP 3-01E ​Sniping​, now out-of-print, includes a slightly different list of indicators.

indicator​ — 1. In intelligence usage, an item of information which reflects the intention or

capability of an adversary to adopt or reject a course of action. (DOD Dictionary, 1 Jun 2020)

Contributors: JLL​, 1 Nov 2020.

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Understand

U.S. Air and Missile Defense (AMD)

Purpose. ​To FIND information on AMD. All leaders should have a basic understanding of U.S. Air and
Missile Defense (AMD) terms, weapons, and capabilities.

Process

1. UNDERSTAND ​Joint​ AMD terms.

The Joint Force Commander (JFC) is responsible for AMD. The JFC appoints an Area Air
Defense Commander (AADC), who establishes an integrated air defense system (IADS) and
writes the Area Air Defense Plan (AADP).

The Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) executes the AADP. Only the
AADC—and subordinate regional air defense commanders (RACD) and sector air defense
commanders (SADC)—can delegate engagement authority to tactical units to shoot at
adversary aircraft and missiles.

Air and Missile Defense​ (AMD) consists of ​Air Defense​ (AD) - against aircraft, UAS, and
cruise missiles - and ​Ballistic Missile Defense​ (BMD).

2019 Missile Defense Review​. Washington, DC: Secretary of Defense, 2019.

108 pages.

Summarizes evolving missile threats and describes U.S. missile defense

capabilities, including GMD, THAAD, Aegis, and Patriot PAC-3.

JP 3-01 ​Countering Air and Missile Threats​, 2 May 2018. 169 pages.

Defines joint terms for AMD. Describes key roles in the AMD command and
control structure. Discusses offensive and defensive AMD planning,
homeland security, and global missile defense.

ATP 3-01.15 / MCTP 10-10B ​AMD: Multi-Service TTPs for Air and Missile
Defense​, 14 Mar 2019. 188 pages.

A comprehensive source for Joint and service AMD equipment, C2, and
doctrine, with a separate chapter for each service. JIPOE for AMD, UAS
challenges, planning checklists, and an AADP template.

2. UNDERSTAND ​Navy​ AMD terms.

4-17
 In the Navy’s Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) construct, the Air Missile Defense
Commander (AMDC) defends the force against airborne weapons launched from aircraft,
ships, submarines, and land-based sites. The Ballistic Missile Defense Commander (BMDC)
defends the force from ballistic missiles.

NTTP 3-01.11 ​Maritime Air and Missile Defense Planning​, 1 Apr 2015.

The Navy’s Aegis weapons system tracks and engages incoming missiles. Aegis integrates air
and missile defense weapons, as well as ASW torpedoes and Tomahawk LACM.

3. UNDERSTAND ​Marine Corps​ antiair warfare terms.

The ACE protects the MAGTF. The ACE is not expected to contribute to the Joint AADP.
Antiair warfare, primarily conducted by aircraft, is one of the six functions of Marine aviation.
Marine LAAD units, with AD weapons but no radar, provide local air defense.

Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1)​, Yuma,

AZ.

The MAWTS-1 website, and the antiair curriculum, is FOUO on SIPR.

MCTP 3-20C ​Antiair Warfare​, 4 Apr 2018. 92 pages.

Describes Marine antiair units and procedures.

Out-of-date. Written in 1999, with no discussion of adversary UAS.

4. UNDERSTAND passive air defense TTPs for ground units.

ATP 3-01.8 ​Techniques for Combined Arms for Air Defense​, 29 Jul 2016.
68 pages.

Ground combat units conduct passive air defense: dispersion, camouflage,

and concealment. Are air defense warnings (ADW red, ADW yellow, ADW
white) still relevant under adversary UAS observation?

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

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Understand

Light Levels
“At the first dawn of day, awake your whole detachment;
That being the time when the savages choose to fall upon their enemies,
you should by all means be in readiness to receive them.”
— ​Plan of Discipline, Roger’s Rangers, 1759

Purpose. ​To FIND information on light levels IOT UNDERSTAND how to operate at night.

KNOW ​sunset​ (SS), tonight’s hours of ​moonrise​ (MR), ​moonset​ (MS), and the percent of ​lunar
illumination​. KNOW tomorrow’s ​BMNT​ and ​sunrise​ (SR). To operate at night—with the naked eye,
night vision optics, or UAS—Marines need to understand visibility during the hours of darkness.

Process

1. ASK the​ S-2 ​for illumination data. This information is available worldwide from Air Force
Weather Services at: ​https://weather.af.mil/AFW_WBS/​ (NIPR/CAC) and on SIPR at:
https://weather.af.smil.mil/AFW_WEBS (SIPR).

Or, ASK The ​METOC​ officer for solar and lunar almanac information. The Naval Observatory
maintains an online Geophysics Fleet Mission Program Library (GFMPL).

4-19
2. UNDERSTAND light level ​terms​.

MR​ (moonrise) — The instant when the upper edge of the moon appears on the sea-level horizon (MCRP
2-10.6 ​MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018).

MS​ (moonset) — The instant when the upper edge of the moon disappears below the sea-level horizon (MCRP
2-10.6 ​MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018).

SR​ (sunrise) — The instant when the upper edge of the sun appears on the sea-level horizon (MCRP 2-10.6
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018).

SS​ (sunset) — The instant when the upper edge of the sun disappears below the sea-level horizon (MCRP
2-10.6 ​MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018).

BMNT​ (begin morning nautical twilight) — The start of that period where, in good conditions and in the absence
of other illumination, the sun is 12 degrees below the eastern horizon and enough light is available to identify the
general outlines of ground objects and conduct limited military operations (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020) ​This
definition should specify the “center of the sun.”

EENT​ (end of evening nautical twilight) — The point in time when the sun has dropped 12 degrees below the
western horizon, and is the instant of last available daylight for the visual control of limited military operations.
(​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020) ​This definition should specify the “center of the sun.”

lunar illumination​ — Given in percentage of the actual lunar disk visible at midnight of each given day (MCRP
2-10.6 ​MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018).​ Lunar illumination is reduced by cloud
cover and weather. Lunar illumination is NOT the percentage of illuminated hours of a given night.

lux​ — Luminous flux per unit area, measured as one lumen per square meter (SI). Sunrise is approximately 400
lux (U.S. Naval Observatory: ​https://aa.usno.navy.mil​).

Illumination Data: 1–9 Aug 2020.

References

MCRP 2-10B.6 ​MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018.

Contributors: JLL​, 1 Nov 2020.

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 SIGMAN Camouflage SOP:
Chapter 5: Reference

Marine Corps Intelligence Schools (MCIS)

Intelligence Training Enhancement Program (ITEP)
Reference

Camouflage Glossary
Purpose​. To collect standard definitions of SIGMAN and camouflage terms.

A2/AD​ — anti-access and area denial. ​An imprecise term banned by the CNO in 2016.

A2​ (antiaccess) — Action, activity, or capability, usually long-range, designed to prevent an advancing
enemy force from entering an operational area (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

AD​ (air defense) — Defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or aerodynamic missiles,
or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

active air defense​. REMOVED from JP 3-01 ​Countering Air and Missile Threats​ and ​DOD Dictionary​.

passive air defense​. REMOVED from JP 3-01 ​Countering Air and Missile Threats​ and ​DOD Dictionary​.

ADWC ​(air defense warning condition) — An air defense warning given in the form of a color code
corresponding to the degree of air raid probability with yellow standing for when an attack by hostile aircraft or
missiles is probable; red for when an attack by hostile aircraft or missiles is imminent or is in progress; and white
for when an attack by hostile aircraft or missiles is improbable (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

AMD​ (air and missile defense) — Direct [active and passive] defensive actions taken to destroy, nullify, or
reduce the effectiveness of hostile air and ballistic missile threats against friendly forces and assets (​DOD
Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

ascent phase​ — That portion of the flight of a ballistic missile or space vehicle that begins after powered flight
and ends just prior to apogee (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

ASCM​ — anti-ship cruise missile (NO DOD or USMC definition).

BANDIT​ (AD brevity code) — Positively identified as an enemy IAW theater ID criteria. The term does not imply
direction or authority to engage (MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity​, 28 May 2020).

battle drill​ — A critical collective action or task performed by a platoon or smaller element without the
application of a deliberate decision-making process, initiated on cue, accomplished with minimal leader orders,
and performed to standard throughout like units (MCRP 1-10.2 ​Marine Corps Supplement​, 31 May 2018).

BM​ (ballistic missile) — Any missile that does not rely upon aerodynamic surfaces to produce lift and
consequently follows a ballistic trajectory when thrust is terminated (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020). See:

CRBM — close-range ballistic missile — Less than 300 NM.

SRBM — short-range ballistic missile — 300 to 600 NM.
MRBM — medium-range ballistic missile — 600 to 1,500 NM.
IRBM — intermediate-range ballistic missile — 1,500 to 3,000 NM.
ICBM — intercontinental ballistic missile — Greater than 3,000 NM.
SLBM — submarine-launched ballistic missile.
SuLBM — surface-launched ballistic missile.

BMD​ — ballistic missile defense (​DOD Dictionary,​ 1 Jun 2020).

TBMD​ — theater ballistic missile defense (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

5-1
BMNT​ (begin morning nautical twilight) — The start of that period where, in good conditions and in the absence
of other illumination, the sun is 12 degrees below the eastern horizon and enough light is available to identify the
general outlines of ground objects and conduct limited military operations (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020) ​This
definition should specify the “center of the sun.” The term “first light” is NOT used and has been dropped from
the ​DOD Dictionary​.

BOGEY​ ​(AD brevity code) — A CONTACT whose identity is unknown (MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity​, 28 May 2020).

BP​ (battle position) — 1. In ground operations, a defensive location oriented on an enemy avenue of approach
from which a unit may defend. 2. In air operations, an airspace coordination area containing firing points for
attack helicopters (MCRP 1-10.2 ​Marine Corps Supplement​, 31 May 2018).

CCD​ — camouflage, concealment, and deception (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

CDCM​ — coastal defense cruise missile (NO DOD or USMC definition).

CM​ (cruise missile) — A guided and powered missile that flies at constant speed for the majority of its route and
relies upon aerodynamic forces for lift (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020). See:

LACM​ — land-attack cruise missile (NO DOD or USMC definition).

ASCM​ — anti-ship cruise missile (NO DOD or USMC definition).
CDCM​ — coastal defense cruise missile (NO DOD or USMC definition).

CMD​ — cruise missile defense.

CONTACT(S)​ (​ AD brevity code) — 1. Sensor information at the state position (MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity​, 28 May
2020).

C-RAM​ — counter-rocket, artillery, mortar (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

C-UAS​ — counter-unmanned aircraft system (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

CRBM ​(close-range ballistic missile) — A land-based ballistic missile with a range capability up to 300 nautical
miles (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

camouflag​e — (NO DOD or USMC definition).

camouflage discipline

light discipline (NO DOD or USMC definition).

heat discipline (NO DOD or USMC definition).
noise discipline (NO DOD or USMC definition).
trash discipline (NO DOD or USMC definition).
movement discipline (NO DOD or USMC definition).

concealment​ — The protection from observation or surveillance (MCRP 1-10.2 ​Marine Corps Supplement​, 31
May 2018) (NO DOD definition).

cover​ — 4. Protection from the effects of direct and indirect fire. It can be provided by ditches, caves, river
banks, folds in the ground, shell craters, buildings, walls, and embankments (MCRP 1-10.2 ​Marine Corps
Supplement​, 31 May 2018) (NO DOD definition).

dead ground​ — Terrain not visible to the enemy and protected from enemy direct fires.

5-2
DECLARE​ (AD brevity code) — Inquiry as to the ID of a specified track(s), target(s), or correlated GROUP.
Responses include: FRIENDLY, BOGEY, BANDIT, HOSTILE, NEUTRAL, UNABLE, CLEAN, or FURBALL. Full
positional data (BULLSEYE) must accompany responses (MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity​, 28 May 2020).

defilade​ — 1. Protection from hostile observation and fire provided by an obstacle such as a hill, ridge, or bank.
2. A vertical distance by which a position is concealed from enemy observation. 3. To shield from enemy fire or
observation by using natural or artificial obstacles (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

dispersal​ — Relocation of forces for the purpose of increasing survivability (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

dispersion​ — 1. The spreading or separating of troops, material, establishments, or activities, which are
usually concentrated in limited areas to reduce vulnerability (​DOD Dictionary,​ 1 Jun 2020).

disrupt​ — 1. To integrate fires and obstacles to break apart an enemy’s formation and tempo, interrupt the
enemy’s timetable, or cause premature commitment or the piecemealing of enemy forces. 2. To preclude the
efficient interaction of enemy combat or combat support systems (MCRP 1-10.2 ​Marine Corps Supplement​, 31
May 2018) (NO DOD definition).

EENT​ (end of evening nautical twilight) — The point in time when the sun has dropped 12 degrees below the
western horizon, and is the instant of last available daylight for the visual control of limited military operations.
(​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020) ​This definition should specify the “center of the sun.”

engage​ — 1. In air and missile defense, a fire control order used to direct or authorize units and/or weapon
systems to attack a designated target. 2. To bring the enemy under fire (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

F2T2EA ​— find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

FLIR ​(forward-looking infrared)​ ​— An airborne, electro-optical, thermal imaging device that detects far-infrared
energy, converts the energy into an electronic signal, and provides a visible image for day or night viewing (​DOD
Dictionary,​ 1 Jun 2020).

friendly​ — A contact positively identified as a friend using identification, friend or foe and other techniques
(​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

FRIENDLY​ (AD brevity code) — A positively identified FRIENDLY aircraft, ship, spacecraft, or ground position
(MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity,​ 28 May 2020).

guided missile​ — An unmanned vehicle moving above the surface of the Earth whose trajectory or flight path is
capable of being altered by an external or internal mechanism (​DOD Dictionary,​ 1 Jun 2020).

HOSTILE​ (AD brevity code) — A contact identified as enemy upon which clearance to fire is authorized IAW
theater rules of engagement (MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity​, 28 May 2020).

ICBM​ (intercontinental ballistic missile) — A long-range ballistic missile with a range capability greater than
3,000 nautical miles (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

IFPC ​(indirect fire protection capability) — IFPC Increment 2-Intercept (IFPC Inc 2-I) is a mobile, ground-based
weapon system designed to acquire, track, engage and defeat Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Cruise
Missiles (CM) and Rockets, Artillery and Mortars (RAM).

IRBM​ (intermediate-range ballistic missile) — A ballistic missile with a range capability from 1,500 to 3,000
nautical miles (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

ISR ​— intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance — 1. An integrated operations and intelligence activity that
synchronizes and integrates the planning and operation of sensors, assets, and processing, exploitation, and

5-3
dissemination systems in direct support of current and future operations. 2. The organizations or assets
conducting such activities (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

kill chain​ — In dynamic targeting, the steps and procedures involved to find, fix, track, target, engage, and
assess (F2T2EA) a target (JP 3-09 ​Joint Fire Support​, 10 Apr 2019)(NO DOD or USMC definition).

LACM​ — land-attack cruise missile (NO DOD or USMC definition).

LCSS​ — lightweight camouflage screen system (MCRP 1-10.2 ​Marine Corps Supplement​, 31 May 2018).

low light​ — Light level less than 0.0022 lux. Other than low light is light level greater than or equal to 0.0022 lux
(CNAF M-3710.7 ​NATOPS​, 5 May 2016).

LLL​ (low light level) — < 0.0022 lux (NO DOD or USMC definition).
HLL​ (high light level) — > 0.0022 lux (NO DOD or USMC definition).

LSS​ — low, slow, small UAS (ATP 3-01.81 ​C-UAS Techniques​, 13 Apr 2017).

lunar illumination​ — Given in percentage of the actual lunar disk visible at midnight of each given day (MCRP
2-10.6 ​MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018).​ Lunar illumination is reduced by cloud
cover and weather. Lunar illumination is NOT the percentage of illuminated hours of a given night. A full moon
below the horizon provides zero illumination.

lux​ — Luminous flux per unit area, measured as one lumen per square meter (SI). Sunrise is approximately 400
lux (U.S. Naval Observatory: ​https://aa.usno.navy.mil​).

MD​ (missile defense) — Defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy missiles, or to nullify or
reduce the effectiveness of such attack (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

micro-terrain​ — Small folds in the ground that provide protection from observation and enemy fire (NO DOD or
USMC definition).

MRBM​ (medium-range ballistic missile) — A ballistic missile with a range capability from about 600 to 1,500
nautical miles (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

MR​ (moonrise) — The instant when the upper edge of the moon appears on the sea-level horizon (MCRP
2-10.6 ​MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018).

MS​ (moonset) — The instant when the upper edge of the moon disappears below the sea-level horizon (MCRP
2-10.6 ​MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018).

multispectral​ — Of or relating to two or more ranges of frequencies or wavelengths in the electromagnetic

spectrum (​Merriam-Webster​, 2020).

NEUTRAL​ (AD brevity code) — A positively identified aircraft, ship, or ground position whose characteristics,
behavior, origin, or nationality indicate it is neither supporting nor opposing FRIENDLY forces (MCRP 3-30B.1
Brevity​, 28 May 2020).

NO JOY​ (AD brevity code) — 1. Aircrew does not have visual contact with the TARGET or BANDIT. Opposite of
TALLY. 2. Indicates that radio communications could not be established with the distant end on a specified radio
net (MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity​, 28 May 2020).

patrol base​ — A security perimeter which is set up when a squad or platoon conducting a patrol halts for an
extended period (ATP 3-21.8 ​Infantry Platoon and Squad​, 12 Apr 2016) (MCIP 3-10A.3i ​Marine Infantry Platoon,​
10 Jun 2019).

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RAM​ — rockets, artillery, and mortars (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

RRP​ (repair and replenishment point) — A combat service support installation, normally in forward areas near
the supported unit, established to support a mechanized or other rapidly moving force. It may be either a
prearranged point or a hastily selected point to rearm, refuel, or provide repair services to the supported force
(MCRP 1-10.2 ​Marine Corps Supplement​, 31 May 2018).

RSTA​ — reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

SAR​ — synthetic aperture radar (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

sensor ​— 1. A device that responds to a physical stimulus (such as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or
a particular motion) and transmits a resulting impulse (as for measurement or operating a control)
(​Merriam-Webster​, 2020).

shadow

cast shadow​ — A cast shadow is a silhouette of an object projected against its background. It is the
more familiar type of shadow and can be highly conspicuous. In desert environments, a shadow cast by
a target can be more conspicuous than the target itself (ATP 3-37.34 / MCTP 3-34C ​Survivability
Operations​, 16 Apr 2018) (NO DOD definition).

contained shadow​ — a contained shadow is the dark pool that forms in a permanently shaded area.
Examples are the shadows under the track guards of an armored fighting vehicle, inside a slit trench,
inside an open cupola, or under a vehicle. Contained shadows show up much darker than their
surroundings and are easily detected by an enemy (ATP 3-37.34 / MCTP 3-34C ​Survivability
Operations​, 16 Apr 2018) (NO DOD definition).

signature​ — A characteristic of an indicator that makes it identifiable or causes it to stand out (​Marine Corps
Concept of Employment for Signature Management​, 12 Dec 2019) (NO DOD or USMC definition).

physical signature​ — Physical signatures are indicators that can be collected by adversary GEOINT
assets or through direct observation (​Marine Corps Concept of Employment for Signature Management​,
12 Dec 2019) (NO DOD or USMC definition).

administrative signature​ — Administrative signatures are created by an individual or unit when

conducting planning, movement, contracting, or other administrative actions that can be collected on by
adversary OSINT, SIGINT, HUMINT, and offensive cyber operations (OCO) (​Marine Corps Concept of
Employment for Signature Management​, 12 Dec 2017) (NO DOD or USMC definition).

technical signature​ — Technical signatures are collected by adversary SIGINT or MASINT assets
which can typically only be detected by use of specialized equipment. They include, but are not limited
to: electro-optical, infrared, laser, spectral, radar, polarimetric, intentional and unintentional radio
frequency emanations, geophysical (acoustic, seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasonic, magnetic, and
gravitational), chemical, biological, or nuclear (​Marine Corps Concept of Employment for Signature
Management​, 12 Dec 2019) (NO DOD or USMC definition).

SIGMAN ​(signature management) — Signature management is a systems approach to identifying, reducing,

modifying, or intentionally displaying select indicators that, if ignored, could be exploited by an adversary to
achieve an operational advantage over friendly forces. (​Marine Corps Concept of Employment for Signature
Management​, 12 Dec 2019) (NO DOD or USMC definition).

SLBM​ — submarine-launched ballistic missile (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

SPLASH(ED)​ (AD brevity code) — 1. Target destroyed. 2. Weapons impact. 3. Informative call to observer or
spotter 5 seconds prior to estimated time of impact. (MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity​, 28 May 2020).

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SRBM​ (short-range ballistic missile) — A ballistic missile with a range capability between 300-600 nautical miles
(​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

SR​ (sunrise) — The instant when the upper edge of the sun appears on the sea-level horizon (MCRP 2-10.6
MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018).

SS​ (sunset) — The instant when the upper edge of the sun disappears below the sea-level horizon (MCRP
2-10.6 ​MAGTF Meteorological and Oceanographic Support​, 4 Apr 2018).

SUAS​ — Small UAS.

SuLBM​ — surface-launched ballistic missile.

TAA​ (tactical assembly area) — An area that is generally out of the reach of light artillery and the location where
units make final preparations (pre-combat checks and inspections) and rest, prior to moving to the line of
departure (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

TAC-D​ (tactical deception) — Deception executed by tactical commanders not necessarily linked to a higher
MILDEC plan (NO DOD or USMC definition).

TALLY​ (AD brevity code) — Sighting of a target, non-friendly aircraft, or enemy position. Opposite of NO JOY.
(MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity​, 28 May 2020).

TARGET​ (AD brevity code) — 1. Assignment of targeting responsibilities. 2. ROE, PID, coordination of forces,
and commander’s guidance requirements on the referenced target or track have been satisfied. Target or track
correlation, CDE, and clear field of fire must be accomplished prior to employing ordnance or fires (MCRP
3-30B.1 ​Brevity​, 28 May 2020).

thermal crossover​ — The natural phenomenon that normally occurs twice daily when temperature conditions
are such that there is a loss of contrast between two adjacent objects on infrared imagery (​DOD Dictionary​, 1
Jun 2020).

terminal phase​ — That portion of the flight of a ballistic missile that begins when the warhead or payload
reenters the atmosphere and ends when the warhead or payload detonates, releases its submunitions, or
impacts (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

TTPs​ — tactics, techniques, and procedures (​DOD Dictionary​, 1 Jun 2020).

UAS​ (unmanned aircraft system) — That system whose components include the necessary equipment, network,
and personnel to control an unmanned aircraft (​DOD Dictionary,​ 1 Jun 2020).

ULCANS​ — Ultra-lightweight camouflage net system.

unknown​ — 1. A code meaning “information not available.” 2. An unidentified target. An aircraft or ship that has
not been determined to be hostile, friendly, or neutral using identification friend or foe and other techniques, but
that must be tracked by air defense or naval engagement systems. 3. An identity applied to an evaluated track
that has not been identified (​DOD Dictionary,​ 1 Jun 2020).

UNKNOWN​ (AD brevity code) — (MCRP 3-30B.1 ​Brevity​, 28 May 2020).

WEZ​ (weapon engagement zone) — In air and missile defense, airspace of defined dimensions within which the
responsibility for engagement of air threats normally rests with a particular weapon system (​DOD Dictionary,​ 1
Jun 2020).

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

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Reference

Camouflage Bibliography
Purpose​. To SHARE sources for SIGMAN and camouflage.

Chad Skaggs

Defensive Overhead Concealment Experiment​. CamPen, CA: SOI-W, 11 Apr 2017.

Thermal/IR Defeat Trials​. CamPen, CA: SOI-W, 23 May 2018.

Vehicle Camouflage Techniques​ (FOUO). CamPen, CA: SOI-W, 9 Jun 2018.

Camouflage Infantry Rifles​ (FOUO). CamPen, CA: SOI-W, 17 Aug 2018.

The Fieldcraft Book​, 16 Feb 2020.

Walker Mills

“On Drones and Tactics: How Unmanned Platforms Will Change the Way the Infantry Fights.”
Modern War Institute at West Point​, 6 Nov 2018.

“AAR from 1st Battalion, 4th Marines MCCRE Regarding Small Unmanned Aerial Systems.”
CamPen, CA: 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 30 Jun 2018.

Eric Todorski

Field Craft I: Gear and Personal Sustainment​. Quantico, VA: TBS, 2020.

Field Craft II: Camouflage and Concealment​. Quantico, VA: TBS, 2020.

Field Craft III: Position Concealment LP/OP.​ Quantico, VA: TBS, 2020.

Cornelison

Counter UAS TTPs​. CamLej, NC: 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2018.

Terry McElwain and Lucas Tuning

Weapons Painting SOP​, CamPen, CA: 1st Marines, 1 Feb 2020.

U.S. Army / U.S. Marine Corps Manuals on Camouflage

ATP 3-37.34 / MCTP 3-34C ​Survivability Operations​, 16 April 2018. 190 pages.
Superseded ATP 3-37.34 / MCWP 3-17.6 ​Survivability Operations​, 28 Jun 2013

ATTP 3-34.39 / MCRP 3-17.6A ​Camouflage, Concealment, and Decoys​, 26 Nov 2010.
Superseded FM 20-3 ​Camouflage, Concealment, and Decoys​, 30 Aug 1999.

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U.S. Army

U.S. Army Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Strategy​, 5 Oct 2016

ATP 3-01.8 ​Techniques for Combined Arms for Air Defense​, 29 Jul 2016.

ATP 3-01.81 ​Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Techniques​, 13 Apr 2017.

ATP 3-21.20 ​Infantry Battalio​n, 12 Dec 2017. 584 pages.

.
ATP 3-21.10 ​Infantry Rifle Company​, 14 May 2018. 618 pages.

ATP 3-21.8 ​Infantry Platoon and Squad​, 23 Aug 2016. 826 pages.

TC 3-22.10 ​Sniper​, 7 Dec 2017. 346 pages.

Chapter 3 is “Field Craft.”

TM 5-1080-200-13&P ​Lightweight Camouflage Screen System (LCSS),​ 1 Sep 2002.

TM 5-1080-250-12&P ​Ultralightweight Camouflage Net Systems (ULCANS)​, 1 Jan 2003.

TM 10-1080-256-10 ​Ultra Lightweight Camouflage Net System (ULCANS)​, 10 Mar 2020.

U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Corps Concept of Employment for Signature Management​, 12 Dec 2019.

MCTP 3-10A ​Marine Infantry Battalion​, 2 May 2016.

MCRP 3-10A.2 ​Infantry Company Operations​, 4 Apr 2018.

MCIP 3-10A.3i ​Marine Infantry Platoon​, 10 Jun 2019.

MCIP 3-10A.4i ​Marine Rifle Squad​, 15 May 2020.

MCTP 3-01A ​Scouting and Patrolling​, 4 Apr 2018.

MCTP 3-01E Sniping, 2 May 2016. Cancelled and out-of-print as of 2020.

MCTP 12-10D ​Desert Operations​, 2 May 2016.

Appendix E is “Desert Concealment and Camouflage.”

MCTP 3-20C ​Antiair Warfare​, 4 Apr 2018.

NAVMC 3500.44D ​Infantry Training and Readiness Manual​, 7 May 2020.

5-8
Articles

AFH 10-222 V10 ​Civil Engineer Camouflage, Concealment, and Deception (CCD) Measures,​
18 Feb 2011. 114 pages.

Beals, Joseph T. ​Enemy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles​. Quantico, VA: MCU, 2011.

Flynn, Krebs, and Gentil. “Talon Reach VI AAR.” Quantico, VA: MCCLL, 17 Sep 2015.

Flynn, Krebs, and Gentil. “Talon Reach VII AAR.” Quantico, VA: MCCLL, 16 Jun 2016.

Gills, Jonathan. ​“In Over Their Heads: U.S. Ground Forces are Dangerously Unprepared for
Enemy Drones.”​ ​War On the Rock​s, 30 May 2017.

Grau, Lester and Chuck Bartles. “Integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems within Russian
Artillery.”​ Fires​, May-June 2016.

Minton, Sean. ​“The UAS Training Imperative: How to Implement C-UAS Training at the
Company Level.”​ ​Infantry​, Spring 2019, pp 20-24.

Niggl, Paul, Frank Miner, and Mark Sousa. ​“Call for Fire.”​ ​Marine Corps Gazette​, Dec 2018, pp
25-29.

Papa, Joseph and George Fahlsing. ​Camouflaging Vehicles Using Field Expedient Materials,
Commercial Hardware Store Materials, Camouflage Nets, and Rubber Conveyor Belt
Material​.​ Fort Belvoir, VA: U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering
Command, 1 Dec 2005.

Phillips, Jeremy. ​“Training for the Enemy UAV Threat.”​ ​Infantry​, May-Jun 2013, pp 46-47.

Matthew Dermody

Hidden Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Ghillie Suit Construction

Appear To Vanish: Stealth Concepts for Effective Camouflage and Concealment​, 2017.

Historical Studies

FM 5-20A ​Camouflage of Individuals and Infantry Weapons​, 9 February 1944.

FM 5-20B ​Camouflage of Vehicles​, 2 April 1944.

FM 5-20C ​Camouflage of Bivouacs, Command Posts, Supply Points, and Medical

Installations​,​ 1 May 1944.

In the spring of 1944, the U.S. Army printed a series of nine camouflage manuals to prepare
for the invasion of France. Highly detailed and well-illustrated, these manuals reflect an Army
without​ air superiority preparing to fight under German air observation and air attack.

FM 5-20 ​Camouflage, Basic Principles​.

5-9
 FM 5-20D ​Camouflage of Field Artillery​.

FM 5-20E ​Camouflage of Aircraft on the Ground and Airdromes.​

FM 5-20F ​Camouflage of Antiaircraft Artillery.

FM 5-20G ​Camouflage of Rear Areas and Fixed Fortifications​.

FM 5-20H ​Camouflage Materials and Manufacturing Techniques.​

Japanese Army Camouflage during World War II, 1938-1945.

North Korean People’s Army (NKPA) Camouflage during the Korean War, 1950-1953.

People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Camouflage during the Korean War, 1950-1953.

North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Camouflage during the Vietnam War, 1962-1975.

Contributors: BBM​, 1 Nov 2020.

5-10
Reference

UAS Imagery of Russian Units

Purpose​. To UNDERSTAND what UAS can see.

Observers for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) use UAS to observe
Russian Army units inside Ukraine.

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1 Nov 2020.

5-12
Reference

UAS Imagery of Marine Units

Purpose​. To UNDERSTAND what UAS can see.

Infantry battalion ​TAA​ from 2014 ft MSL. Infantry Company ​CP​ from 1519 ft MSL.

Infantry​, on road in daylight, from 1483 ft MSL. Infantry​, on road at night, from 1404 ft MSL.

Vehicles​ dispersed, from 1499 ft MSL. Vehicles​ raising dust, from 817 ft MSL.

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 Good effort at concealment in the treeline, but netting Good effort at concealment, but square, shiny tarps do
does NOT match background. From 1178 ft MSL. NOT match background. From 1453 ft MSL.

Good effort. Tan uniforms blend with background. Good effort. Mortar section is undetectable.
From 935 ft MSL. From 1548 ft MSL.

Synthetic sandbags shine “like light bulbs.” Contained shadows make fighting positions visible.
From 100 ft AGL. From 500 ft AGL.

Notes on UAS Imagery

1. Patterns​—rows of vehicles, tents, packs, pallets, or tarps—are easily seen from the air.

5-14
2. Roads​ are easily viewed from the air. Shadows and dark uniforms contrast with light-colored
roads. After dusk, roads retain heat.

3. Vehicles​ are easily seen from the air. Even when dispersed in foliage, vehicles still need
camouflage netting. Vehicles on dirt roads raise dust clouds.

4. Vehicle ​tracks​—in grass, dirt, or sand—are easily seen from the air. Tracks are difficult to
avoid or erase.

5. Square, shiny ​tarps​ are easily seen from the air. Tarps often do NOT blend with the
background.

6. Synthetic ​sandbags​—reflecting white sunlight—are easily seen from the air.

7. Contained ​shadows​—in fighting positions and vehicle netting—are easily seen from the air.

8. Marines in building ​windows​ are easily seen from the air with IR thermal sights.

References

Walker Mills​. ​AAR from 1/4 MCCRE Regarding UAS​. CamPen, CA: 2/1, 30 Jun
2018.

Chad Skaggs​. ​Defensive Overhead Concealment Experiment​. CamPen,

CA: SOI-W, 11 April 2017.

Contributors: WDM​, 1 Nov 2020.

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Camouflage SOP

5-16
 SIGMAN Camouflage SOP:
A Guide to Reduce Physical Signature Under UAS

Marine Corps Intelligence Schools (MCIS)

Intelligence Training Enhancement Program (ITEP)

1 November 2020

What is an SOP?​ An SOP standardizes recurring procedures IOT save time on detailed orders.
An SOP is directive and specific, setting clear coordination measures without explanation or justification.
An SOP is NOT a checklist or a repetition of doctrine. An SOP does NOT replace tactical judgement.
The endstate of an SOP is ​execution​, not publication. Well-trained units execute a standard procedure
with little or no direction.

Photo credits:​ Official Marine Corps photographs are in the public domain. ​www.marines.mil