What is Military Green?
Military green refers to shades of green color that are used for military uniforms and equipment. The specific shades can vary between different militaries and time periods, but tend to be medium to dark greens. Some common military greens include olive drab, NATO green, and jungle green. The greens are meant to provide camouflage and concealment in many environments.
History of Military Green
The use of green coloration for military purposes dates back centuries. However, more systematic and widespread use of specific shades of green came about in the 20th century.
During World War I, many nations began developing and issuing uniforms and equipment in shades of khaki and olive drab. These muted greens helped provide concealment on the battlefields of Europe.
By World War II, new formulations of “jungle green” and “NATO green” were used by American and British Commonwealth forces. The greens allowed for camouflage in the tropics and European theatres.
After WWII, military greens continued to evolve with new patterns and shades. The wars in Vietnam spurred the development of new green camouflage patterns optimized for jungle combat.
Key Shades of Military Green
There are several iconic shades of military green used by militaries around the world:
Olive Drab
Olive drab was one of the most common shades of military green in the 20th century. It has a muted, gray-green appearance. Olive drab was used extensively by U.S. forces and others from World War I through Vietnam. It provided concealment in European environments. The color equivalent is (Hex) #3C341F or (RGB) 60, 52, 31.
NATO Green
NATO green is a darker green color developed after World War II. It was optimized for concealment in European forests and adopted by NATO forces. The color equivalent is (Hex) #4B5320 or (RGB) 75, 82, 32.
Jungle Green
Jungle green comprises shades of green optimized for concealment in jungle and tropical environments. It was widely used in the Pacific theatre of WWII and later conflicts in Southeast Asia. The color equivalent is around (Hex) #293620 or (RGB) 41, 54, 32.
Army Green
Army green refers to a variety of mid-level green shades associated with army uniforms and equipment. It can vary between nations but is generally darker than olive drab. Modern U.S. Army green has the color equivalent (Hex) #4B5320 or (RGB) 75, 83, 32.
Camouflage Patterns Using Military Greens
Military camouflage makes use of greens to help conceal troops and equipment. Here are some iconic camouflage patterns that use military shade greens:
U.S. ERDL Pattern
The ERDL pattern from the 1940s-1960s used olive drab and jungle green to help conceal soldiers and equipment in varied environments. It was employed extensively in Vietnam.
British DPM Camouflage
The British Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) used shades of jungle green, black and brown to conceal troops. It was developed in the 1960s and saw heavy use.
U.S. Woodland Camo
The woodland camouflage pattern for the U.S. military uses shades of army green, brown and black to provide concealment in forested areas.
CADPAT Camouflage
The Canadian CADPAT camouflage uses green, brown and black arranged in advanced digital patterns to provide superior concealment.
| Camouflage Pattern | Environment | Shades of Green Used |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. ERDL | Varied | Olive drab, jungle green |
| British DPM | Jungle, forest | Jungle green |
| U.S. Woodland | Forest | Army green |
| CADPAT | Varied | Dark green, light green |
Modern Military Greens
While traditional shades of green continue to see use, modern militaries employ ever-more advanced colors, patterns and materials to provide camouflage for troops and equipment.
Digital Patterns
Digital camouflage patterns like CADPAT break up outlines more effectively than traditional patterns. This is achieved through advanced computer algorithms optimizing the patterns.
Hybrid Urban Camouflage
New hybrid urban camouflage combines greens with tan, grey and black. This allows concealment in both urban and natural environments.
Active Camouflage
Experimental active camouflage uses technologies like smart textures, optics and metamaterials to change colors and patterns as needed. This provides dynamic camouflage adaptable to any environment.
Multi-Spectral Camouflage
Next-generation camouflage uses multi-spectral technologies to provide concealment in visible light, infrared, radar and other spectra. This makes troops and equipment practically “invisible” on the battlefield.
Military Greens in Wargaming
Military green colors feature heavily in models, miniatures and simulations used for wargaming. Accurately depicting military greens helps provide historical authenticity:
Paint Formulations
Many paint brands produce specific formulations for iconic military greens. These include Vallejo Colors, Model Master and Tamiya Color. Wargamers mix them to represent historic camouflage and equipment.
Color Guides
Books like the “Uniforms of World War II” provide detailed color guides to military shades. Wargamers use these as references when painting miniatures.
Camouflage Masking
Modelers mask off camouflage patterns using tapes and putties when airbrushing models. This allows recreation of the iconic multi-color camouflage schemes.
3D Printed Terrain
3D printing allows creation of highly detailed terrain pieces for wargames. Painting them in appropriate military greens helps establish historical settings.
| Country | Time Period | Military Green Shade |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | WWII | Olive drab |
| U.K. | WWII | Jungle green |
| Germany | WWII | Field grey |
| U.S.S.R. | WWII | Khaki green |
Military Green in Popular Culture
Military green colors are widely used in movies, video games, airsoft and other areas of popular culture:
Toy Soldiers
Miniature plastic army figures are often molded in appropriate military greens and camouflage patterns. Brands like Airfix, Tamiya and BMC are popular with collectors and wargamers.
Airsoft
Airsoft reenactment relies heavily on accurate military greens and camouflage patterns. Organizers often require historical accuracy and offer prizes for period authenticity.
Paintball
Simulated “Mil-Sim” paintball matches use dedicated camouflage and uniforms in appropriate shades of green. Players take realism seriously and study historical accuracy.
Video Games
Military-themed video games like Call of Duty depict uniforms and equipment in the correct colors. Studying greens provides greater immersion for players.
| Media Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Movies/TV | Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers |
| Toys | GI Joe, Army Men |
| Airsoft | MilSim West, Operation Irene |
| Video Games | Call of Duty, ARMA |
Conclusion
Military greens comprise a wide range of iconic green shades used for camouflage and concealment. The specific greens have evolved over time and are influenced by the operating environment. Greens like olive drab, NATO green, and jungle green are ingrained in the popular imagination. They are an integral part of military history and culture. Even as camouflage advances, the traditional greens will continue to be associated with the armed forces for the foreseeable future.