c. Unidentifiable after its size, shape, shadow, and shade have been
considered. Then it is necessary to note the object and features associated
with or surrounding it. For example, antitank positions are usually found
in close proximity to roadblocks; machine-gun positions usually line
airstrip positions; radar units compliment antiaircraft artillery (AAA)
positions; manufacturing plants usually have electric transformer yards in
the area; and so on.
d. Of the five factors of identification, surroundings are probably the
most important to military identification.
To make use of surroundings
fully, you should be familiar with the enemy's weapons and equipment,
organization and tactics, and the topographic and geographic aspects of the
area of interest. The items in Figure 1-19 are groups of buildings. Both
building groups are similar, but in different surroundings they are
identified differently. Surrounded by cultivated fields, the group on the
left becomes a farm with house, barn, and silo. A railroad track added to
the group of buildings on the right changes the analysis to a railroad
station with storage buildings and a water tank.
Figure 1-19.
Surroundings.
PART D: CAMOUFLAGE IDENTIFICATION FACTORS
1. Identification (ID) factors should help your eye and brain to identify
camouflaged objects. Specific ID factors are listed within each ID factor,
i.e., ID factor: nature of the enemy; specific ID factor: litter or trash,
etc.
2. Color is an aid to an IA when there is contrast between the color of an
object and its background.
The greater the contrast in color the more
visible the object appears. While color alone will usually not identify an
object, it is often an aid in locating the object or confirming a tentative
identification (Figure 1-20).
a. A secondary consideration is the tone of color.
This is the
modification of color in varying shades. Usually darker shades of a given
color will be less likely to attract your attention than the lighter, more
brilliant shades.
IT 0649
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