The History of Camos Collection

A group of soldiers in combat uniforms pose in a jungle setting.

Since man has been involved in combat, he has at times, attempted to blend in with the terrain and foliage in which he was fighting. As a discipline unto itself, camouflage was first addressed in the early 1900s by the French, followed by the British and then the United States. Camouflage uniforms throughout the years have varied based on time, geographical location, and surrounding environment.

A soldier in camouflage uniform makes coffee on a windowsill using camping equipment and mugs.

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In 1943, U.S. Marines in the Solomon Islands began wearing uniforms with green-and-brown "frog" patterns. This type of camouflage pattern included speckled and disruptive coloration, similar to a frog's skin.

Four men in camouflage uniforms stand by a helicopter, smiling and holding bottles in their hands.

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By 1965, Green Berets and other Special Operations Forces in Vietnam began wearing unofficial "Tigerstripe" camouflage uniforms. These locally produced uniforms were later replaced by the official ERDL Leaf Pattern in American reconnaissance units. However, the Civilian Irregular Defense Group, advised by U.S. Army Special Forces, continued wearing tigerstripe uniforms until they disbanded in 1971.

Two soldiers in camouflage kneel on a dirt path, one pointing, both wearing helmets and holding equipment.

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By 1965, Green Berets and other Special Operations Forces in Vietnam began wearing unofficial "Tigerstripe" camouflage uniforms. These locally produced uniforms were later replaced by the official ERDL Leaf Pattern in American reconnaissance units. However, the Civilian Irregular Defense Group, advised by U.S. Army Special Forces, continued wearing tigerstripe uniforms until they disbanded in 1971.

Four soldiers in camouflage gear and helmets take cover beside a military truck, holding rifles.

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By 1965, Green Berets and other Special Operations Forces in Vietnam began wearing unofficial "Tigerstripe" camouflage uniforms. These locally produced uniforms were later replaced by the official ERDL Leaf Pattern in American reconnaissance units. However, the Civilian Irregular Defense Group, advised by U.S. Army Special Forces, continued wearing tigerstripe uniforms until they disbanded in 1971.

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A black backpack with a white patch featuring a gray arrow design on the front.

ARCTIC CAMO PATCH

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Man wearing a camouflage backpack and black shirt stands outdoors, looking over his shoulder.

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Man in military gear and a cap wearing tactical headphones, looking to the side with a neutral expression.

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Man in sports attire walks a Belgian Malinois dog on a leash outdoors, holding a soccer ball and wearing sunglasses.

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“Pre-military, rucking was a way of life. They don’t call it rucking. They just call it work…

When I joined the military, I remember the first time I got to basic training. The entire basic training class was all Ranger Regiment kids and 18X-ray. This is post 9/11, so every one of those guys had volunteered to go into combat arms because of 9/11. There was this tangible angst of how do we get to war. The first time we got that rucksack on, it felt amazing. This is what it was about. I was so proud and excited to be there.”

- Tim Kennedy, US Army Green Beret and Special Forces Sniper