Camouflage: desert camouflage
Desert camo is a collective term for various camouflage patterns designed to reduce visibility in deserts or desert-like regions. Important examples include Fleckdesert and Digital Desert. The term Fleckdesert can be somewhat misleading, as it is officially the Flecktarn variant Tropentarn. Digital Desert is a variant of the digital camouflage pattern MARPAT.
General information on the various desert camouflage patterns
Tropentarn of the Bundeswehr
In general, the term desert camo is associated with the Tropentarn (Fleckdesert) pattern, which is also abbreviated as “3-color FT” (for Flecktarn). Sand brown is used as the base color. On top of this are olive green and ocher brown spots. Desert camo is best suited for use on sandy ground with light vegetation as well as in dry steppes. Because the colors are overall very light, it is also used in deserts and open forests. Currently, Tropentarn is or was used exclusively by the Bundeswehr, for example in Afghanistan.
Digital Desert (MARPAT)
MARPAT stands for “Marine Pattern” and is a digital camouflage pattern developed by the U.S. armed forces. After the Canadian CADPAT, it is the second camouflage pattern to be developed using computer technology. As a digital camouflage pattern, it is made up of rectangular pixels to achieve the most finely distributed pattern possible. The desert variant was designed primarily for use in deserts and desert-like regions. Digital Desert was therefore also used in 2003 during operations in Iraq.
You should always keep in mind that camouflage patterns do not make a person completely invisible, as they rarely match exactly the dominant color tone of the immediate surroundings. It is just as important to break up your outline. This can be achieved, for example, by attaching materials from the environment to your gear and using them as additional camouflage. Especially in desert regions, it is particularly important not to carry items openly.
For which terrain is desert camouflage suitable?
Both Tropentarn and Digital Desert are intended for use in desert regions. Ideally, this means sandy ground with sparse vegetation. Tropentarn has also proven itself in light woodland.
Questions: Desert camouflage
Who invented desert camouflage?
The desert camouflage also known as Tropentarn was invented by the Bundeswehr and is currently only used by them. It is used by both the army and the air force.
Digital Desert (MARPAT) was developed by the U.S. armed forces. Its origins lie in the Canadian CADPAT, the first digital camouflage pattern, which in turn has its roots in German Flecktarn or was developed on its basis.
