Various camouflage designs were used occasionally through the end of the Vietnam War, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s that the pattern of black, brown, green, and khaki (referred to as M81 woodland) became the standard. It was authorized for all branches of the US military.

The first human uses of camouflage date back centuries, but up until long-range rifles were introduced in the fifteenth century, many western militaries wore brightly colored outfits.

Camouflage was first practiced in simple form in the mid 18th century by rifle units. Their tasks required them to be inconspicuous, and they were issued green and later other drab colour uniforms.

This is a list of military clothing camouflage patterns used for battledress. Military camouflage is the use of camouflage by armed forces to protect personnel and equipment from observation by enemy forces.

Camouflage started as a military necessity but now it has found its way into civilian life and fashion. Camo patterns became popular among hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and survivalists for practical purposes, airsoft and paintball players.