Exploring the US Army’s Camouflage Choices: Scorpion vs. MultiCam

The selection of an appropriate camouflage pattern for military use requires a careful consideration of factors including environmental adaptability, optical properties, and practicality. In the United States, the military has adopted notably different yet effective patterns for their respective branches. This article dives into the specific camouflage patterns used by the U.S. Army, focusing on the Scorpion W2 and the MultiCam patterns, shedding light on their characteristics and differences.

The US Army’s Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP): Scorpion W2

The United States Army’s current operational camouflage pattern is known as the Scorpion W2, officially termed the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). This pattern is designed to blend effectively with various natural environments encountered by the soldiers in the field, promoting stealth and reducing the risk of detection.

Characteristics of Scorpion W2

The Scorpion W2 pattern is specifically designed with a focus on adaptability across diverse terrains. Its color scheme is as follows:

A base tone of desert beige to blend into sandy and arid environments.

Dark greens and browns to match woodlands and grasslands.

Varying shades of gray to cover scrub and urban settings.

The pattern is composed of smaller geometrical shapes, which are designed to disorient the human eye and blend with the surrounding environment more effectively. The use of lighter and darker shades ensures that the pattern is effective in both bright sunlight and low-light conditions.

The Evolution of MultiCam: A Patented Pattern

Before the adoption of the Scorpion W2, the U.S. Army had been using MultiCam as their primary clothing and gear pattern. MultiCam was introduced as a patented camouflage design by Crye Precision in 2001. It has undergone several iterations over the years, with the latest version known as MultiCam 12T.

MultiCam 12T Characteristics

The MultiCam 12T pattern combines a base of browns and grays with several vertical stripes that represent different features such as trees, shadows, and water. This pattern is designed to blend into a wide range of environments, including woodland, desert, and urban terrains. The vertical elements in the pattern are a distinctive feature, aiming to break up the human silhouette and provide better concealment.

The Transition to Scorpion W2

Despite the effectiveness of MultiCam, the U.S. Army decided to transition to the Scorpion W2 in 2018. This decision was based on several factors, including the need for a more simplified and easier-to-manufacture pattern. The Scorpion W2 is a simplified variation of the MultiCam, lacking some of the vertical elements that differentiate MultiCam from traditional patterns. These vertical elements were found to be less effective in certain environments, particularly in desert and urban settings.

Practical Considerations and Training

The transition from MultiCam to Scorpion W2 involved comprehensive training for soldiers. They were taught to understand the nuances of each pattern and the specific conditions in which each would be more effective. This training ensures that soldiers can effectively use the pattern in their operational roles, regardless of the terrain or environment.

Field Testing and Evaluation

An extensive testing process was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Scorpion W2 in various scenarios. This process involved field testing in a wide range of environments, including arid deserts, dense forests, and urban and rural settings. Feedback from soldiers and field tests were crucial in refining the pattern and ensuring its effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the main difference between Scorpion W2 and MultiCam patterns? The Scorpion W2 is a simplified variation of the patented MultiCam pattern. It lacks some of the vertical elements found in MultiCam, which were found to be less effective in certain environments. Q2: Why did the U.S. Army choose to adopt Scorpion W2 as their new standard pattern? The decision was based on a combination of practical reasons such as easier manufacturing and color fading resistance, as well as feedback from soldiers who found that the simplified pattern offered better concealment in various environments. Q3: Are there any plans to revisit the MultiCam pattern or its variations? While the current standard is Scorpion W2, the U.S. military continually evaluates new technologies and patterns. However, any potential revisit to the MultiCam pattern would need to be based on similar considerations of effectiveness and practicality.

Conclusion

The U.S. Army’s choice between Scorpion W2 and MultiCam is a testament to the ongoing evolution of military technology and the importance of effective camouflage in modern warfare. While the Scorpion W2 may be a simplified version of a previously well-established pattern, its adoption signifies a commitment to practicality and adaptability. As the military faces new challenges in various global environments, the choice of camouflage patterns will continue to be a critical aspect of operational readiness.