Camouflage pattern DPM Woodland (UK)

The first Ghillie suits were worn by the British military unit "Lovat Scouts," which was a Scottish regiment of the British army. It is legendary in being the first to design and actively use these hunting suits even in the military. They were worn by sharpshooters during the Boer War (which occurred between 1899 and 1902). But that was not the only deployment of this Ghillie suit: the unit was also successfully used during World War I when it was issued to snipers. These often handmade and unique Ghillie suits were also known as "Yowie suits" (especially for Australians). As time passed, in 1917, the so-called "Symien sniper suit" was designed for British snipers, which of course, derived from the local Ghillie suit. It was mainly used by Englishmen from other regiments and units (always in the role of observers and snipers). Despite its years, Ghillie suits are still used today, and their proper construction is a skill that is often emphasized and taught in many sniper units and scouts.

Britain also experimented in its camouflage history with hand-painted camouflage patterns drawn on tents and tarps during World War I. These always contained brush strokes or brown stripes on a khaki background. This was apparently the first usage of the brush stroke technique in camouflage, and since nothing better or different was available before, it naturally flourished greatly during World War II, creating an entirely new class of camouflage patterns that are so legendary that they even influence the designs of today's hi-tech patterns. During World War II, camouflage was also used on personal hats and uniforms (again mainly for snipers and observers). All these were hand-painted on canvases of various types. It appears that they were somewhat influenced by French camouflage patterns.

Even though British paratroopers still used the painted camouflage "Denison smocks" in the 1970s, the standard uniform of Britain and its soldiers was khaki on olive green until a maximum of 1966. Then something unexpected happened – Britain designed another camouflage legend, which has not been surpassed to this day. What was it about? It was the design of "Disruptive Pattern Material" or "DPM," which not only remained in service in Britain up to literally the present day but also became the most copied camouflage pattern in the entire modern world. Even though this type has gone through numerous modifications and further developments over the years (including logically desert variations), it is one of the longest-lived types of camouflage patterns that has remained active with one state for such an incredibly long time.

What does the "Disruptive Pattern Material" or "DPM" camouflage pattern look like?

The British DPM camouflage pattern exists in four versions: (from left to right) original 1960 DPM camouflage pattern, the pattern from 1968, the pattern from 1985, and the S95 pattern from this year.

The name "DPM" or "Disruptive Pattern Material" is a designation that came from the then English Ministry of Defense. It is a series of camouflage patterns that were issued approximately from the 1960s of the last millennium. DPM is currently one of the most frequently copied camouflage patterns worldwide, with many countries having some of its numerous variations on their standard Woodland (temperate and lively areas) and Desert (dry areas). In some countries, Disruptive Pattern Material is even so far removed from the original intent and colors that it is difficult to detect (it can sometimes even go into red or orange or blue to purple). Which countries in the world use things from the DPM series in some variation?

• Bulgaria
• Indonesia
• Cambodia
• New Zealand
• Oman
• Philippines
• Portugal
• United Kingdom
• Yemen

There are more, but we mentioned the most famous ones… Many countries around the world got to the Disruptive Pattern Material camouflage pattern occasionally and for a short time (because they were briefly part of the British Kingdom, or because it is an exceptionally good design, which any soldier will immediately recognize).

The standard Woodland and warm DPM camouflage pattern is intended for warm environments. Therefore, it consists of these colors: black, brown, light green in various types, all on a khaki (or light brown) background. As we have already indicated, there are literally dozens of color variations and differences from this camouflage pattern, as each specific army adapted it precisely for its domestic environment. The quality of DPM is also strongly demonstrated by the fact that it is a camouflage system that is still used in the British army! However, it is occasionally and gradually being replaced by the modern type "MTP" (Multi-Terrain Pattern).

Use by armies: It is still used by England, as it is a very high-quality timeless design. There is also a desert version and a number of its local variations, as each army that adopted it has slightly adjusted it for its optimal conditions.