포로신문
보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 3788　5 March 1951

FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS 034)　27 February 1951

PW knowledge of camouflage is considered good due to his combat duty as platoon leader. Very cooperative and responded to questioning. Reliability - Good.

Individual soldier is not schooled formally in the principles and employment of camouflage. However, each squad leader instructs his squad in camouflage techniques during free time. Conducted in an informal and personal manner. Hence, training received by any particular individual depends largely upon ingenuity and experience of those in his immediate unit. Emphasized that all of this instruction is conducted at low levels of command and, hence, is a continuous and progressive training. The importance of camouflage is realized by the CCF and constant stress is placed on this subject by all small unit commanders.

No special items of camouflage material are issued to the CCF. However, coats (quilted) are reversible, and the white side is used during operations in snow. Some items of clothing, such as caps and coats, have with fiber loops placed at various parts on the garment, for insertion of straw, branches, etc. In areas affording access to natural material, maximum use is made of these materials by the individual soldier. In barren areas the soldier will smear mud or dirt on his clothing and person to blend with the terrain.

The camouflage of vehicles depends greatly on the tactical situation. If the vehicles are located near a position to be defended, pits, the depths of which are determined by the maneuverability of the vehicle, are dug to accommodate the vehicles. Then all available material at band, straw, trees, dirt, etc., is placed over vehicle. If forward movement of the vehicles is anticipated momentarily, such preparations are not made. Instead, vehicles are merely covered with natural vegetation available. No effort is made to conceal tire marks of vehicles in an assembly area. Occasionally, truck crews improvise crude camouflage nets (made of ropes and garnished with straw) and carry them with vehicles for use at time of halts. When vehicles are halted near small villages, drivers sometimes park close to native huts and, when camouflaging their vehicles, use materials similar to that of the hut to make vehicle appear to be an extension thereof. Method shown in attached sketch is also employed frequently.

Each pack animal has an attendant responsible for its progress and safekeeping. Attendant employs same methods of camouflage for the animal as he does for himself.

Camouflage of storage places, depots or other installations of a unit lower than division level is not considered mandatory. However, similar installations of a division or higher level are normally well camouflaged. Existing tunnels or caves are utilized to the utmost and if not available, such excavations are made by the responsible unit.

Weapon referred to in this paragraph is believed to be a 75mm mountain howitzer (Japanese). When tactical situation permits, e.g., for a unit located 1 or 2 days march from the front, the piece is disassembled. It is broken down as follows: the barrel and shield, the wheels, the breech mechanism, and the trails. These parts are placed and individually camouflaged at a distance of from 20 - 30 paces from each other. Naturally, this is never done if enemy ground contact is expected at any time.

Terrain in KOREA has offered excellent opportunities for utilization of natural camouflage. Success of Communist efforts along this line, accomplished without use of man made camouflage materials, is adequate proof of their appreciation of camouflage problem.

For the Commanding Officer:

METHOD OF VEHICULAR CAMOUFLAGE