Lone Sentry: Camouflage of Vehicles; Check List (War Department Field Manual FM 5-20B, April 1944)

CHECK LIST

1. QUARTERING PARTY

a. Make reconnaissance of area to be occupied. If aerial photographs and large-scale maps are obtainable, study them before and during reconnaissance. Purpose is to—

(1) Provide adequate dispersion.

(2) Site unit parking within dark and heavily textured areas of the terrain pattern. Make use of overhead cover, clumps of bushes, scrub growth, and folds or other shadow-casting irregularities in the ground surface.

(3) Take advantage of overhead cover and the terrain pattern to conceal traffic circulation.

b. Make a track plan, preferably on a map overlay. This is necessary to prevent violations of camouflage discipline and to take full advantage of natural terrain features. Copies should be distributed to all motor officers and key unit N.C.O.'s. Track plan should—

(1) Make full use of all existing roads and paths for entering and leaving, for circulation within the area. and for access to security outposts.

(2) Locate new routes close to and parallel to lines which are normal features of the terrain pattern.

(3) Provide one-way traffic circulation.

(4) Show portions of routes to be wired in.

(5) Show portions of routes to be patrolled by traffic guides to prevent short cuts and other violations of camouflage discipline.

(6) Show portions of routes and parking areas requiring overhead or oblique screening.

(7) Show portions of routes where tracks must be obliterated after traffic has passed.

(8) Show locations of traffic signs. Reflectors and lighted signs for night traffic should have natural or artificial overhead screening.

(9) Show locations of soft or soggy areas which may become noticeably rutted.

(10) Show locations of unloading areas.

(11) Show locations of unit parking areas.

(12) Show locations of areas where materials may be cut without making scars attracting attention of enemy aerial observers.

2. MOTOR OFFICERS

a. Instruct drivers in details of track plan. Make sure they understand purpose of it.

b. Check parking for—

(1) Dispersion.

(2) Concealment measures.

c. Cover repair and refueling areas with overhead screens, if natural overhead cover does not exist.

3. DRIVERS

a. Maintain dispersal distances on the march, at halts, and in bivouac.

b. If vehicle breaks down, don't park in an open field. If possible, pull off main road on to a side road and park under trees, or in the shadow of bushes or a building. Drape vehicle if repairs will take more than a short time. Don't keep shiny tools or repair parts in sun, where reflections may attract enemy airmen.

c. Follow traffic signs and instructions of traffic guides when approaching, within, and leaving a concealed position. Keep to designated routes, unloading areas, and parking areas.

d. Don't make unnecessary noises during concealed movements. Disconnect horns during these operations.

e. To conceal your vehicle in a parking area—

(1) Park under overhead cover, if available, or parallel to and close beside a building, hedge, or other natural terrain lines, or close beside a clump of bushes. Park to take advantage of shadows.

(2) To prevent shine, cover windshield, headlights, cab windows, and taillights with mud, rags, foliage, or prepared covers. To conceal betraying shadow, drop curtain over rear entrance to cargo space.

(3) Drape with net. Arrange props so net is at least a foot above top of vehicle, and so props make soft and irregular bumps in net. Pull edges of net out as far as they reach and stake them to the ground. In sparsely wooded areas, carry props and stakes with you.

(4) If vehicle is not draped, use cut foliage to break up form of vehicle and the shadow it casts. If vehicle is draped, use cut foliage to break up prop bumps and edges of net. Choose foliage which blends with the surroundings and keep it in its natural growing position.

(5) If in bivouac or a concealed position, cut foliage only in areas designated for that purpose.

(6) Don't wash body of vehicle unless ordered to by motor officer. In some terrains, mud and dust help to blend vehicle with surroundings.

(7) Maintain blackout discipline at night.