MARPAT (short for MARine Disruptive PATtern) is a pixelated camouflage pattern in use by the United States Marine Corps. The pattern is formed by a number of small rectangular pixels of color. In theory, it is a far more effective camouflage than standard uniform patterns because it mimics the dappled textures and rough boundaries found in natural settings. This is caused by how the human eye interacts with pixelated images. It is also known as the "digital pattern" or "digi-cammies" because of its micropattern (pixels) rather than the old macropattern (big blobs). The United States Marine Corps has patented MARPAT[1], and registered the trademark "MARPAT". By regulation, the pattern and items incorporating it, such as the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform, are to be supplied by authorized manufacturers only and are not for general commercial sale, although imitations are available. Authentic MARPAT material is distinguishable by a Marine Corps emblem incorporated into the pattern. Development The concept of using miniature swatches of color as opposed to large splotches is not a new concept; in World War II, German troops used various patterns similar to the current German Flecktarn, which involved similar small dabs of color on a uniform to provide camouflage. The MARPAT patent lists US Army research into fractal pattern camouflage as the basis for MARPAT[2]. [edit] Design and colors MARPAT has patterns produced by highly complex fractal equations that result in a non-repeating pattern. The purpose of the digitized pattern is to match the visual texture of typical backgrounds. When compared to a white background the MARPAT does look surprising and would seem to catch attention, but when used in an operative environment, its textured appearance and lack of hard edges make it more effective than traditional patterns. There were initially three MARPAT patterns: Woodland, Desert, and Urban. As of 2004, the woodland and desert patterns are used by the Marine Corps, but the urban pattern was never approved. Both the Woodland and Desert MARPAT incorporates the Eagle, Globe and Anchor in the design.[3] Similar designs MARPAT is similar to the Canadian Forces CADPAT which was one of the first digital patterns introduced. The U.S. Army has incorporated digital camouflage into the Army Combat Uniform, or ACU. The ACU's pattern differs most notably because its color scheme is tan and green and lacks the color black. The rationale is that black is rarely seen in nature. The U.S. Air Force has designed its own Airman Battle Uniform, or ABU, using a digital tiger stripe pattern. The U.S. Navy recently announced approval for a digital "BDU-style" work uniform, effective late 2007/early 2008. However, the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) was chosen by surveyed sailors for consistency and longer life, rather than to disguise them at sea.