Fort Moore, Georgia. (April 27, 2024): In old war films, G.I.s are seen painting their faces with grease to hide themselves from the enemy. Today, so-called “face paint” has come a long way in terms of technology and capability. In this photo by Captain Stephanie Snyder, Captain Moberly with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade applies camouflage paint prior to joining a field training exercise. Soldiers apply camouflage paint to their skin to disrupt the human silhouette which helps them blend into the environment.

Interestingly, the human face is the most detectable part of the body and is easily recognized at a distance. The effective use of camouflage helps break up these facial patterns by applying dark paint where light strikes the face (cheek bones and chin) and light colors where the face is shadowed (eyes). Soldiers must also ensure their neck and hands are likewise covered as the slightest movement is a dead giveaway as the light reflects off the skin.

Today’s “face paint,” however, does so much more.

Camouflage potions now shield troops in the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum as well as from thermal imaging and insects. Thermal imagers, which operate in the mid- and far-infrared regions of the spectrum, detect the heat “signature” of a combatant. These new camouflage creams minimize the risk of heat-based detection with chemicals to fool infrared sensors.

Today’s formulas even help protect troops from burns during attacks by improvised explosive devices. During these horrific explosions, where temperatures can reach a staggering 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit, troops can suffer third degree burns in only seconds. These improvements now protect soldiers from severe burns by absorbing the heat from the initial blast thereby lessening the extent of injuries.

Clearly, modern “face paint” has come a long way in protecting troops in the field.