[/p][p]Why and what for is the new camouflage?[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/7612578d2d064575cc49dfdd13c57cdd2452e515.jpg"][/img][/p][p]To understand the wider context of the creation of this camouflage, we need to go back in time a little. Specifically, to the 1980s, when the M81 Woodland camouflage was introduced to all US Army units. This pattern proved to be a very successful successor to ERDL. From a purely structural point of view, this move made a lot of sense. Instead of producing different types of camouflage for each unit, or very similar ones, the decision was made to unify them, which allowed for cutting production costs and developing several similar solutions. The distinguishing features remained elements of the formation, such as emblems, ranks, and unique elements of the uniform (the eight-pointed hat in the case of the marines for example). [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/5a9c984eb07856a40feed5beb4249ee701bd0b9e.jpg"][/img][/p][p]Despite its validity from the point of view of the entire army and the state, this approach didn't necessarily appeal to all units and soldiers themselves. Elite formations didn't want “some civilians” to confuse them with National Guard units or other “less elite colleagues.” The Marines wanted to stand out on the battlefield so that both allies and enemies would immediately know who they were dealing with.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/547e5696725d9b035dd6f4d77b8da792f6bb117d.jpg"][/img]
[/p][p]Beginning of development[/p][p]The official start of work is considered to be April 2000. It was then that a team led by the legendary Timothy O'Neill began research on a new pattern designed specifically for the Marine Corps. The initial assumptions were simple: this camouflage had to be different from the others and be “modern,” something befitting the approaching new century.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/c099671ba93c69f3638896453a4c57e610d52f36.jpg"][/img]
The team initially focused on comparing dozens of different camouflage patterns from around the world. After initially rejecting designs that were outdated or didn't fit the main objectives of the project, Tigerstripe camouflages remained in the play. These were broken down into their technical components and modified until what we know today as MARPAT was created. [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/15247b3965669d94176d94a66d8cee02c3640e13.jpg"][/img][/p][p]Here, we should take a moment to acknowledge team leader Timothy O'Neill, because you may rightly ask how it was possible to go from “different stripes” to pixel camouflage. One of O'Neill's nicknames is Father of Digital Camouflage. He was a pioneer in the field of digital camouflage, and his most famous work is “Dual-Tex,” which has been tested since 1977, both as camouflage for vehicles (definitely the most famous part) and, to a lesser extent, for ordinary infantry. However, we will not discuss this camouflage here. [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/3cb0dbbedcd2829db73834f518663ca98f453970.jpg"][/img]
[/p][p]Controversy and final pattern[/p][p]After developing the main design concepts, the second stage of work began. Three different versions of camouflage were given to the units. The first one is almost identical to what we now know as MARPAT, the second one resembled the older Tigerstripe type in terms of pixel distribution, while the third one was a desert variant of MARPAT. As a result of testing and direct work by designers with the soldiers themselves, the second variant (the Tigerstripe variation) was identified as the one that the soldiers liked the most. As a result, the command chose version number one. Thus, the basic MARPAT for forest environments was born. The colors that make up the forest MARPAT are green, brown, and black in various shades. On November 7, 2001, it was confirmed as the new standard pattern for the Marines. The first public display took place on January 12, 2002, at Camp Lejeune[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/4839372825db00b326ea15907fbe525e5d7348eb.jpg"][/img]
After it was shown to the public, many voices were raised claiming that it was an almost blunt copy of the Canadian digital camouflage CADPAT, which had been implemented by Canada several years earlier in 1996. This is where various conspiracy theories and speculations arise. Some anonymous informants claim that Canada shared this camouflage with the US at the request of the Marines as a result of a program to exchange military experience and technology. Other anonymous informants claim that it is a completely unique product, based on O'Neill's experience and efforts to develop the “Tigerstripe” camouflage. [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/2715f2b7e41db95403dc40e8b2db9a6079f918be.jpg"][/img][/p][p]What really happened? We will probably not find out in the near future. The fact is that the research team worked on a new camouflage pattern (documents confirming this part have been stored), but on the other hand, the overall pixel distribution and size in both camouflages is very similar. So, as in many such cases, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. [/p][p]The complete re-equipping of the Marines with the new type of camouflage and elements made from it was officially completed on October 1, 2004. [/p][p]An interesting feature that distinguishes MARPAT from other similar (intentional or unintentional) digital camouflages is the stamp with the logo and the letters USMC, which are used to mark rolls of fabric and, as a result, can be found on random elements of the uniform. [/p][p]
How does it work?[/p][p]The easiest way to explain this aspect is based on a standard camouflage pattern consisting of two or more colors. In the case of M81 Woodland and similar patterns, camouflage works similarly to prescription glasses and contact lenses. If we are in the right spot (of course, there is no single specific spot in the case of camouflage), we are quite well hidden. However, if we move out of the “focus,” we become more visible again. To simplify further, let's say that for this type of camouflage, it is best to be at a distance of 200-500 meters. If we are closer or further away, we are more visible or begin to stand out against the background. The size of the spots and their distribution are very important in this case. As a result, more “conservative” camouflages such as MTP or MultiCam are still being developed. [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/5d7c88d51892c6bae95b4241d99368a2ad95020c.jpg"][/img][/p][p]In the case of digital camouflage, such as MARPAT, we have the same effect as with device screens. If you get close enough, you will notice that each shape consists of a tiny square or light point in the case of giant displays. However, as you move away, the individual squares or light points form a single coherent (if we want it to be) or less coherent image. Digital camouflage uses exactly the same effect. The further away we are from the soldier, the more “clearly” he blends into the background around him. Of course, the colors of the background must more or less match those of the uniform.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/1cc413ef8feba3a35d8e03f6876b05c270adbb15.jpg"][/img][/p][p]The whole thing is, of course, based on tricks designed to deceive our brains, which are accustomed to the shapes of nature that have surrounded us as a species for tens of thousands of years. Apart from animals, symmetry and sharp edges are rare phenomena, which automatically attract our gaze and attention. [/p][p]MARPAT is still used by the Marines, and various similar digital camouflages have been developed for both the standard infantry of the United States and most other major countries on the international stage. [/p][p][/p][p]MARPAT in World War 3[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/32896386/0275b459aab2f7b52af20d6ae06cf755ccbd366d.jpg"][/img][/p][p]In our game, this camouflage is one of the main ones used by Operators. It can also be purchased as part of a bundle containing several items featuring this camouflage. Currently, such a bundle is available in the game store for 200 UNC. You can buy a set consisting of:[/p]
- [p]OLV VEST WITH WZ93 JACKET MARPAT[/p][/*]
- [p]OITV VEST WITH ACU JACKET MARPAT[/p][/*]
- [p]AIRCREW PANTS MARPAT[/p][/*]
- [p]TYTAN HELMET MARPAT[/p][/*]
- [p]M95 HELMET MARPAT[/p][/*]
Please note that by purchasing the above set, you automatically unlock the base version of each of these equipment items. [/p][p]
That’s all Operators! Fall out![/p]
