Patrol Lane
P4

CAMOUFLAGE & VISUAL SIGNALING

10 min (camouflage) 10 sec per signal

Conditions: Preparing to establish an ambush position. Enemy presence suspected.

Understanding This Task

Two parts: camouflage application and visual signals. For camouflage, the key principle is dark paint on high/shiny areas and light paint on low/shadow areas — this reverses the natural pattern of light and shadow on the face.

26 visual signals must be demonstrated within 10 seconds each: 11 combat formations, 4 battle drills, 5 patrolling, and 6 driver control.

Common NO-GO Mistakes

  • ALL exposed skin including ears, neck, hands — even very dark skin
  • Reversing paint: dark on HIGH, light on LOW (shadows)
  • Using mud, motor oil, or insect repellent to soften paint sticks
  • Not knowing all 26 visual signals

Task Basis: 052-COM-1361, 071-COM-0608

Video Resources

ESB 2022: Camouflage & Visual Signaling — 1-2 SBCT
Camouflage and visual signaling demonstration
NATO Camouflage Face Paint Tutorial
Step-by-step face paint application with subtitles
Critical Notes
  • ALL exposed skin including ears, neck, and hands — even dark skin.
  • Dark paint on highlights, light on shadows.
  • Do NOT use mud, motor oil, or insect repellent to soften paint sticks.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

0/11 GO
  1. 1

    Employ realistic camouflage resembling background

  2. 2

    Use natural/artificial materials to break up shapes

  3. 3

    Reduce shine — cover or remove reflective items

  4. 4

    Blend colors with surroundings

  5. 5

    Camouflage exposed skin

    • Cover ALL skin with paint sticks (even very dark skin).
    • Dark paint on HIGH/shiny areas: forehead, cheekbones, nose, ears, chin.
    • Light paint on LOW/shadow areas: around eyes, under nose, under chin.
    • Paint back of neck, arms, and hands with irregular pattern.
  6. 6

    Camouflage uniform and helmet

    • Roll sleeves down, fasten all closures.
    • Attach leaves, grass, branches to distort shapes.
  7. 7

    Camouflage personal equipment

    • Cover/remove shiny items. Secure items that rattle.
    • Break up shape of large/bulky equipment.
  8. 8

    Visual signals: Combat Formations (11 signals)

    • Disperse, Assemble/Rally, Join/Follow Me, Increase Speed, Quick Time, Enemy in Sight, Wedge, Vee, Line, Coil, Staggered Column
  9. 9

    Visual signals: Battle Drills (4 signals)

    • Contact Left/Right, Action Left/Right, Air Attack, NBC Attack
  10. 10

    Visual signals: Patrolling (5 signals)

    • Map Check, Pace Count, Head Count, Danger Area, Freeze/Halt
  11. 11

    Visual signals: Control Drivers (6 signals)

    • Start Engine, Halt/Stop, Left/Right Turn, Move Forward, Move in Reverse, Stop Engine

From the Ranger Handbook (TC 3-21.76)

Supplementary context — not tested directly, but builds deeper understanding.

Tactical Principles of Camouflage: The Ranger Handbook treats camouflage as an integral part of every operation, not just a standalone skill. Key references:

  • Patrol base security (Ch. 7): The PSG enforces camouflage discipline, keeps movement and noise to a minimum, and ensures designated personnel maintain readiness.
  • ORP preparation: Before moving to the objective, Rangers recamouflage and make final preparations — including preparing demolitions, EPW bindings, and first aid kits (Ch. 7, para 7-15).
  • Limited visibility movement (Ch. 6, para 6-20): Strict noise and light discipline is enforced. Rangers use terrain to avoid detection by enemy surveillance or NVDs, making frequent halts to stop, look, listen, and smell (SLLS).
  • Ambush positions: After emplacing Claymores and aiming stakes, the assault element camouflages their positions before the ambush is initiated (Ch. 7).
  • Defensive positions: Camouflage, noise, and light discipline are enforced at all PB and defensive positions. Priorities of work always include camouflage improvement.

Source: TC 3-21.76, Chapters 6 and 7, April 2017

P3: DAGR GPS P5: CBRN Operations