|
MARPAT (short for Marine pattern) is a digital camouflage pattern in use with the United States Marine Corps, introduced with the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU), which replaced the Camouflage Utility Uniform. Its design and concept are based on the Canadian CADPAT pattern. The pattern is formed 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. 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 government has patented MARPAT, including specifics of its manufacture.〔http://www.google.com/patents/US6805957〕 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". MARPAT was also chosen because it distinctively identifies its wearers as Marines to their adversaries, while simultaneously helping its wearers remain concealed. This was demonstrated by a Marine spokesman at the launch of MARPAT, who stated: "We want to be instantly recognized as a force to be reckoned with. We want them to see us coming a mile away in our new uniforms." As such, the US Marine Corps restricts use of the camouflage, preventing its use in most other divisions of the United States military. ==Development== The concept of using miniature swatches of color as opposed to large splotches is not new. 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 Canadian Forces originally developed the pattern, called CADPAT, and The USMC design team in charge of this process went through over 150 different camo patterns before selecting three samples that met their initial objectives. These were two versions of tigerstripe and an older design of Rhodesian Brushstroke. The influence of tigerstripe can still be seen in the final MARPAT. These three samples were then reconstructed using new shapes and unique color blends that would allow a more effective uniform in a great range of environments. The new patterns were then field tested in different environments, day and night, with night vision and various optics. MARPAT did exceptionally well in their wet uniform test when viewed with night vision while illuminated with IR, where normally patterns appear as a solid. The MARPAT patent lists U.S. Army research into fractal pattern camouflage as the basis for MARPAT. The MARPAT pattern was chosen in a run-off against seven other patterns at the USMC Scout Sniper Instructor School.〔(Combat Utility Uniform Camouflage Considerations )〕 Field testing of MARPAT and the MCCUU began in 2001. The patent for the MARPAT pattern was filed on June 19, 2001,〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Camouflage pattern for sheet material and uniforms US D491372 S )〕 whereas the patent for the MCCUU uniform was filed on November 7, 2001.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Camouflage U.S. Marine corps utility uniform: pattern, fabric, and design US 6805957 B1 )〕 The uniform made its official debut at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on January 17, 2002, and the changeover was completed on October 1, 2004, a year ahead of the original requirement date set in 2001, of October 1, 2005.〔(Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform )〕 The MARPAT uniform was officially launched as standard issue to the recruits of 3rd BN Mike Company in 2002 at MCRD San Diego and continues to be the standard issue to date. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「MARPAT」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|