 Military camouflage was spurred by the increasing range and accuracy of firearms in the 19th century . In particular the replacement of the inaccurate musket with the rifle made personal concealment in battle a survival skill . In the 20th century , military camouflage developed rapidly , especially during the First World War . On land , artists such as André Mare designed camouflage schemes and observation posts disguised as trees . At sea , merchant ships and troop carriers were painted in dazzle patterns that were highly visible , but designed to confuse enemy submarines as to the target 's speed , range , and heading . During and after the Second World War , a variety of camouflage schemes were used for aircraft and for ground vehicles in different theatres of war . The use of radar since the mid @-@ 20th century has largely made camouflage for fixed @-@ wing military aircraft obsolete . 
