MARPAT
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MARPAT (short for MARine PATtern) is a pixelated camouflage pattern in use by the United States Marine Corps, introduced with the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU), which replaced the Camouflage Utility Uniform. The pattern is formed by a number of small rectangular pixels of color. In theory, it is a far more effective camouflage than standard uniform patterns because it mimics the dappled textures and rough boundaries found in natural settings. This is caused by how the human eye interacts with pixelated images. It is also known as the "digital pattern" or "digi-cammies" because of its micropattern (pixels) rather than the old macropattern (big blobs).
The United States Marine Corps has patented MARPAT, including specifics of its manufacture[1], and registered the trademark "MARPAT". By regulation, the pattern and items incorporating it, such as the MCCUU and ILBE backpack, are to be supplied by authorized manufacturers only and are not for general commercial sale, although imitations are available such as "Digital Woodland Camo" or "Digital Desert Camo". Authentic MARPAT material is distinguishable by an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem incorporated into the pattern.
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[edit] Development
The concept of using miniature swatches of color as opposed to large splotches is not a new concept; in World War II, German troops used various patterns similar to the current German Flecktarn, which involved similar small dabs of color on a uniform to provide camouflage.
The MARPAT patent lists U.S. Army research into fractal pattern camouflage as the basis for MARPAT.[2]
The MARPAT pattern was chosen in a run-off against seven other patterns at the USMC Scout Sniper Instructor School.[3]
MARPAT was issued as a uniform in late 2003, but a helmet cover was issued at the beginning of the Iraq war.
[edit] Design and colors
MARPAT has patterns produced by highly complex fractal equations that result in a non-repeating pattern. The purpose of the digitized pattern is to match the visual texture of typical backgrounds. When compared to a white background the MARPAT does look surprising and would seem to catch attention, but when used in an operative environment, its textured appearance and lack of hard edges make it more effective than traditional patterns.[4]
There were initially three MARPAT patterns: Woodland, Desert, and Urban. Currently, only the Woodland and Desert patterns are used by the Marine Corps, replacing the U.S. Woodland pattern and the U.S. Three Color Desert pattern.
Both the Woodland and Desert MARPAT incorporates the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor in the design.[5]
[edit] Similar designs
MARPAT is similar to the Canadian Forces CADPAT which was the first digital pattern introduced for uniforms.
The U.S. Army has incorporated its digital Universal Camouflage Pattern into the Army Combat Uniform (ACU). The ACU's pattern differs most notably because its color scheme is tan and green and lacks the color black. The rationale is that black is rarely seen in nature.
The U.S. Air Force has designed its own Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) using a standard Tiger Stripe pattern and slight variation on the color scheme of ACU.
The U.S. Navy recently announced approval for a digital "BDU-style" work uniform, effective late 2007/early 2008. However, the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) was chosen by surveyed sailors for consistency and longer life, rather than to disguise them at sea.
[edit] See also
- Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform
- Battle dress uniform
- CADPAT
- Universal Camouflage Pattern
- Army Combat Uniform
- Airman Battle Uniform
- List of camouflage patterns
[edit] References
- ^ US patent 6805957 "Camouflage U.S. Marine corps utility uniform: pattern, fabric, and design."
- ^ Dualtex, United Dynamics.
- ^ Combat Utility Uniform Camouflage Considerations
- ^ Combat Utility Uniform Camouflage Considerations
- ^ Eagle, Globe and Anchor example, Magna Fabrics.
[edit] External links
- Photos of USMC-issued MARPAT
- Combat Utility Uniform Camouflage Considerations. United States Marine Corps.
- Combat Utility Uniform - Conceptual Background. United States Marine Corps.
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