Camouflage Course Offers Practical Training for War

Practical training in concealing air bases, supply routes, factories and prominent landmarks prepares students in the University's new camouflage courses to protect the nation's war machine from the prying eyes of enemy bombardiers.

In the Fogg Museum laboratories the future camouflagers actually hide the military emplacements on realistic battlefields, and the vital industrial plants on miniature cities. The models, some of which are copied from real urban and rural communities, are illuminated by special lights to simulate the different times of day and reveal accurately the shadows cast by the sun's rays.

Camouflage Realistic

By means of paint, dyed fabrics, and temporary wood construction the camouflagers are even able to deceive the casual observer of their miniature defense centers. The students, by looking at the models through special optical instruments, can determine just what is seen from an enemy bomber as it flies over at various altitudes.

The series of courses offered by Winthrop O. Judkins '34, instructor in Fine Arts, who received Army camouflage training at Fort Belvoir, Va., includes study in military and civilian concealment as well as research in camouflage technique.

Army Credit Not Offered

Although no official Army credit is given for successful completion of the courses, the knowledge gained from them is a determining factor in the selection of camouflage experts by the Armed Forces. As Judkins puts it, "A specialist is of no use to the Army unless he can be a soldier first."

Besides doing actual camouflage work on the models, the students study the science of blending colors to match season-changing landscape. They learn how to conceal the revealing crooks of rivers and ponds by anchoring floats on them or by covering the surface of the water with sawdust.

The University program, which is the first of its kind to be offered to civilians, is supplemented by material obtained from authorities on aerial photography, architecture, and human vision as well as information gathered from Army research projects. The program has been endorsed by the Office of Civilian Defense in Washington.