According to the Guidebook For Marines, 18th Edition, camouflage is defined as the science of military deception. It is the process of concealing yourself so you can see without being seen. There are several rules of camouflage if adhered to precisely can increase your chances of mission success. The same principles can apply to the sport of hunting.
There are three ways to camouflage yourself.
The first option is to hide. Use what you have around you to hide behind. The second option is to blend in with your surroundings. You can do this using camouflage paint, camouflage clothing or other military and hunting gear. The third option is to trick the enemy by misdirection. If you convince the enemy that a dummy target is you, then his focus will be redirected, allowing you to move in.
Rules of Camouflage #1
Choose an area that already has as much hiding value established as you can find. Any parts of the land that provides a great way to hide or conceal yourself is ideal.
Rules of Camouflage #2
Cover your tracks as best as you can. Make sure the area that you are in is free from any signs the enemy could use to track you such as footprints or paths. Use the surrounding brush to cover your gear and yourself.
Rules of Camouflage #3
Match the color and texture of your surroundings by acquiring matching gear. Make sure that if you are trying to hide in a jungle that you are not wearing desert camouflage utilities. Keep the colors of your gear in line with the natural area.
Rules of Camouflage #4
Do not over do it on camouflaging your area. You don’t want to make it so obvious that someone is hiding under the bushes. It must look as though mother nature grew the brush in her own time.
Rules of Camouflage #5
Do not peek out from your camouflaged position. Unless you are using face paint or holding a bush in front of your face, do not lift your face to look up at a plane or out from your position.
Rules of Camouflage #6
Cigarettes are stupid anyway but if you have them, do not throw it on the ground. Pinch the fire out and scatter the tobacco around while rolling the paper into a ball. There must be no clues left that a human was ever there.
Rules of Camouflage #7
Mirrors and shiny objects can be seen for miles. They are valuable if you need to attract the attention of a plane but unless you know that you are in a secure area to do so, never keep a mirror or shiny objects uncovered. They can attract unwanted attention and pinpoint your position to your enemy.
Rules of Camouflage #8
If you have jewelry or dog tags, tape them together so that they do not make any noise. The slightest clink is enough to give your enemy or your prey the queue they need to get out of there or to know exactly where you are.
Rules of Camouflage #9
Stay off the horizon. You need to know where the horizon is so that you know how to avoid it. If your enemy is downhill from you, this gives him the tactical advantage of taking a good shot at you.
Rules of Camouflage #10
Never build fires in a clearing. Make sure you are underneath trees or put some sort of screen over the fire to disburse the smoke. This can be another clear signal to the enemy where you are.
Rules of Camouflage #11
Keep to the shadows and blend into the background. Make sure there is no lighted background behind you.
Rules of Camouflage #12
Bury all of your waste material. This includes trash if you cannot carry it with you. When you fill in the dirt, do your best to make it look as though there is no hole recently dug.
Rules of Camouflage #13
If you are using brush and limbs, make sure that you take them from a position that is not located where you are trying to hide. You don’t know how skilled the enemy is in tracking so any broken limbs and brush can be obvious to someone who has experience looking for these signs.
Rules of Camouflage #14
Don’t take short cuts or go off the beaten path. Follow exactly the path as you see it to avoid leaving any new pathways that could give away your position.
There you have it. Fourteen rules of camouflage that can help you stay hidden from the enemy. It is a good idea to master these when you have the time to practice. The more neutral you can be in the natural area the better.
Source:
Guidebook for Marines. 18th Edition. 2006. Published by the Marine Corps Association.