The topic of disguise has been of interest to humanity for a long time. The first camouflage robes were very primitive and consisted of outfits with branches and grass attached to them. Initially, they were used by hunters. Soon the art of disguising itself was in demand in the army. Thanks to the intensive development of military technologists, today a wide range of different camouflage suits is presented to the attention of consumers. Each of them has its own color scheme. For the border troops of the USSR, a camouflage "Birch" was developed. The history and description of this camouflage costume are presented in the article.
Acquaintance
Camouflage "Birch" is a special camouflage means of a separate type. Designed for use in the natural environment, namely in places with lots of grass and blooming trees. Since it was birch, the camouflage “Birch” was also named. In the technical documentation is listed as KZM-P.
About the history of the camouflage
For the first time, the army leadership thought about the need to use camouflage suits in the Russo-Japanese War, when hostilities acquired a hidden, sabotage character. In 1919, the staff of a specially created institution dealt with questions about camouflage clothing for Soviet soldiers. The developers were tasked with creating camouflage equipment and analyzing all the nuances of its tactical use. Already in 1930, a camouflage non-uniform gown covered with amoeba-like spots was attached to the equipment of the Red Army. This camouflage pattern is known as “Amoeba”. For the costume, materials of various shades were used. These were experimental variations in which patterns mimicked the environment. After analyzing the active phase of the Second World War, Soviet military developers of camouflage uniforms concluded that costumes with altered outlines familiar to the human eye would be more effective. In this regard, the camouflage suit was modernized several times. According to experts, the Birch camouflage has become a simple and fairly effective camouflage tool. The USSR in World War II, as never before, needed improved camouflage.
The impetus for the modernization of camouflage suits was the use of night vision devices by the enemy in 1944. Consequently, higher demands were placed on camouflage means. As fascist Germany was the leader in the years of World War II in questions of camouflaging personnel and military equipment, Soviet technologists decided to use a camouflage uniform of captured Nazi soldiers. In 1944 , after modernization, a whole range of camouflage suits was ready. For certain tasks, a kit with an appropriate color was provided.
About kits for Soviet border guards
For PV KGB of the USSR camouflage "Birch" was created in 1957. Camouflage uniforms were field uniforms of border guards and paratroopers. For camouflage, a deformation pattern “silver sheet” was provided. Until 1980, the costume was produced as a camouflage jumpsuit. These days, this format is not produced. The remaining kits are very popular among civilian consumers. In 1980, the "Birch" was adapted for use in deciduous forests of the middle strip. The set consisted of a jacket and pants. Intended for employees of the State Security Committee. Camouflage was produced until 1991. The camouflage clothing used by the rank and file and officers in the method of sewing, tailoring and the quality of the fabric did not differ. The task of this camouflage uniform is to save the life of a soldier in an emergency. Despite the fact that Berezka camouflage was created for Soviet border guards acting in tandem with state security officers, today it is used not only by the military, but also by civilians - airsoft players, hunters and fishermen.
Description
For camouflage of the USSR PV “Birch”, a sufficiently voluminous hood is provided. In order to wear a camouflage robe, a soldier does not need to take off his uniform and helmet. The advantage of this costume is its ability to change the shape of a person. Camouflage, produced in the 80s, were equipped with special buttonholes. This design innovation made it possible for border guards to further mask themselves with grass and small branches.
About shades
According to experts, from the moment of its creation until 1944 the camouflage of the KGB "Birch" PV was constantly improved. Modernization has touched the color scheme. The green color of the camouflage uniform was replaced by light green, and the gray spots in some cases were white or pink. The pattern itself has remained unchanged. In the manufacture of camouflage sets shades were given great attention. Classic camouflage is a kit made of olive fabric, on which light green spots are randomly located. This option is called a "sun bunny." The suit is intended for use only in summer in deciduous forests and marshy areas. Analogs of this model, according to experts, have not yet been developed. In 1984, the Birch trees version was created for use in the coniferous forest.
This model is known as “Bhutan,” or “Oak.” Thanks to the double-sided coloring, KGB Birch camouflage can be worn both in the daytime and at night.
About picture
Camouflage suits are covered with uneven spots. As a picture, a tree leaf is used. The edges of such a sheet are outlined unevenly and are very similar to a raster image. In an effort to achieve the effect of extinction, the developers equipped the camouflage suit with sheets of various sizes. Large spots are intended for missions over long distances, and smaller sheets are for short intervals.
About style
In the manufacture of camouflage kits, a dense fabric is used, which is characterized by twill weaving. In addition, additional reinforcements are provided in the knees and elbows. The jacket is equipped with four patch pockets. Of these, two are breastplates. These pockets are characterized by the presence of special firmware for ammunition for the rocket launcher.
Commander models of camouflage suits are released with two additional inside pockets. Pants in the kit can be with arrows and without them. Equipped with a belt, the width of which is not less than 50 mm. Button pants are fastened. In addition, the pants are equipped with an additional drawstring, which is tied with a strong rope. In order to thread the lace, there are no additional fastenings in the pants device. The kit comes with a cap or a panama suit.
Opinion of civilian consumers
Judging by some reviews, often when inspecting the camouflage PV "Birch" you can see that the shades of pants and jackets are slightly different. By checking the numbers and checks, you can make sure that the trousers and jacket are still from the same set. The reason for this color mismatch was technological errors during the production of the costume, namely at the stage of dyeing. Nevertheless, the consumer appreciated the quality of the pattern. As a result of the use by Soviet developers of a special method of sewing and colors, a peculiar combination was created that creates the effect of blur. Due to the hoodie-shaped cut, the outlines of the body are hidden.
Today, camouflage kits are made from high quality waterproof and windproof natural fabrics. In addition, such materials are well breathable, strong and durable. A person dressed in this camouflage set, performing combat techniques, may not be afraid to tear or stretch the suit. Due to the presence of high-quality seams “Birch” can be worn even on a naked body. In an effort to expand the functionality of the camouflage tool, technologists equipped the camouflage with additional loops, stripes, pockets, fasteners and a sanitary valve. The suit is quite light and does not take up much space when folded. A fighter dressed in this suit is able to secretly and efficiently complete the task.