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How to Minimize the Visual Effects of Motion With Camo

Camouflage, or "camo," is an essential component of many animal's survival instincts. Some members of the chameleon family have the ability to rapidly change the color and patterning of their skin to match their surroundings. Humans mimic this technique by wearing camouflage clothing to disguise themselves for hunting and war, but moving in camouflage can sometimes give away your position. Knowing how to move effectively in camouflage can mean the difference between life and death in a hostile situation.

Instructions

- 1
  Move as slowly as circumstances will allow in order to avoid making noise and drawing attention to yourself. The lower to the ground you can stay, the better. A flat crawl is ideal, as this allows the lowest possible profile of your shape to keep you well hidden.
- 2
  Crawl or crouch as you move to avoid detection. Silhouetting your body against surfaces that do not match your camouflage, such as the sky or a wall, may reveal your position. If you must put yourself in a situation where you are silhouetting, try to do so for as little time as possible and with as minimal an outline as possible.
- 3
  Climb under and around obstacles, not over them. If you cannot avoid climbing over an obstacle, try to keep your body level with the surface of the object to avoid breaking the silhouette of the object itself.
- 4
  Travel in dark or shaded areas. The darkness will desaturate the color of your camouflage and the surrounding area, creating a more even blend due to the reduction of total color tones. This is particularly true of urban camouflage.

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