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Multi-Terrain Pattern

The Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) is a versatile design employed by the as the standard pattern for combat uniforms and , engineered to provide effective visual concealment across a broad spectrum of terrains including , , , crops, compounds, arid stone, deserts, mountains, and settings. Developed using advanced computer modeling, , and scientific analysis to optimize colors and levels, MTP features a multi-color scheme that enhances adaptability in mixed operational environments such as those encountered in . Introduced in March 2010 for personnel deploying on operations like Op Herrick in , MTP marked the first major update to camouflage in over 40 years, phasing out the longstanding (DPM) and Combat 95 uniform system across all corps and regiments. The pattern represents a hybrid evolution, heavily based on the American Crye Precision design for its multi-environment efficacy while incorporating subtle influences from DPM to align with aesthetics and requirements. By 2011, MTP had been more widely issued throughout the Armed Forces, including enhancements to clothing such as fastenings, reinforced pockets for compatibility, and fire-resistant fabrics to improve functionality in . As of 2025, MTP remains the primary for troops in training and deployment, underscoring its role in enhancing operational effectiveness amid evolving global threats.

Design and Characteristics

Pattern Composition

The Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) features a digital camouflage design composed of overlapping blotches and irregular shapes that replicate natural environmental disruptions, enabling adaptability across , arid, and transitional terrains. Derived from the pattern developed by Crye Precision, MTP incorporates organic geometric elements such as irregular polygons with curved and faded edges to create visual depth and break up the human outline effectively. The structure of MTP utilizes a multi-scale approach to optimize concealment at different observation distances: a foundational layer of fine, irregular elements for close-range blending into textures, layers of medium-sized blotches for mid-range disruption, and broader overlay shapes for long-range fragmentation. This hierarchical composition, separated into seven distinct layers during , draws from MultiCam's base overlaid with branching forms but is refined for enhanced performance in temperate environments. MTP is applied to fabrics via rotary , where the design is engraved onto mesh screens for each layer, allowing precise ink transfer onto materials like 1000D or NYCO blends to achieve durability and colorfastness under operational stresses. This technique ensures consistent pattern integrity across large-scale production, supporting its adoption by forces in 2010.

Color Scheme and Printing

The Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) utilizes a seven-color palette consisting of cream, khaki, light green, green, light brown, mid brown, and dark brown. These hues, which include equivalents to olive drab, dark brown, tan, , and lighter earth tones, are specifically chosen to provide effective blending across diverse environments such as temperate forests, arid deserts, and fringes. The distribution of these colors prioritizes mid-tones for primary visual disruption, supplemented by darker accents to simulate shadows and lighter elements to facilitate transitions into sandy or snowy terrains, thereby enhancing overall versatility in mixed landscapes. This balanced composition draws from influences like the temperate and desert variants of while incorporating adaptations for broader applicability. The organic base structure supports the layering of these colors to create a cohesive disruptive effect. MTP is printed using water-based inks, as pigment prints are not permitted, on fabrics including 100% 2x2 weave or 50/50 -polyester blends, with options for advanced synthetics in cold weather components of the Personal Clothing System (). These materials typically weigh around 175 g/ for variants, ensuring durability while meeting reflectivity requirements to reduce visibility under night-vision equipment. Production adheres to strict British (MoD) specifications outlined in standards such as UK/SC/5878 and UK/SC/6600, including color fastness to light rated at 5-6 on the BS EN ISO 105 B02 scale and dimensional stability after laundering per BS EN ISO 6330 and BS EN ISO 5077. The pattern must visually match approved reference standard Pattern No. MAT0006B, with breaking strength requirements of at least 1000 N in the warp and 550 N in the weft to guarantee longevity in operational conditions.

History and Development

Origins and Influences

The British military's reliance on (DPM), introduced in the for temperate woodland environments, revealed significant limitations during operations in and in the early 2000s, where troops frequently transitioned between arid deserts, rocky terrains, and vegetated areas, requiring separate woodland and desert variants that complicated and reduced effectiveness. These operational challenges prompted the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to explore multi-terrain camouflage solutions, drawing key influences from international developments such as the Canadian Armed Forces' (Canadian Disruptive Pattern), a digital pattern introduced in the late that excelled in trials for blending across varied environments and spectra. Critiques of the U.S. Army's (UCP), adopted in 2004 and tested between 2005 and 2006, further informed these efforts, as evaluations showed UCP's poor performance in natural settings compared to multi-environment alternatives, underscoring the need for patterns optimized for real-world diversity rather than universal applicability. A primary influence on MTP was Crye Precision's pattern, unveiled in 2002 and proven effective in diverse terrains through U.S. use, which the licensed for adaptation to needs, including compatibility with , Eastern, and operations. In the late 2000s, the (Dstl) collaborated with Crye Precision on research into adaptive , emphasizing interoperability and multi-spectrum concealment to address the shortcomings of single-terrain designs. This partnership modified 's color palette and structure to incorporate subtle DPM-like elements, tailoring it for UK forces while building on broader studies into multispectral soldier dating back to 1999.

Creation and Testing

The development of the Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) was led by the UK's (Dstl) in collaboration with the () Defence Clothing Project Team, focusing on creating a versatile camouflage suitable for diverse operational environments such as those encountered in . The project involved analyzing photographs from to identify seven primary background types, including , , mountainous, and terrains, which informed the design of prototype patterns. Computer modeling was employed to simulate pattern performance across green zones, arid areas, and transitional backgrounds, while fabric prototypes were produced for practical evaluation. This phase was completed within six months in 2009. Key testing milestones included field trials conducted at UK sites such as the in , RAF Donna Nook in , and , selected to replicate Afghan color palettes and terrains. In 2009, ten camouflage variants—including prototypes generated by the Defence Clothing Team and Dstl, alongside in-service woodland and desert (DPM), and the commercially available Crye Precision —were rigorously compared. Trials encompassed live observer assessments by , who evaluated suit effectiveness at detection distances of 50 meters, 100 meters, and 150 meters across woodland, arid, and transitional environments, as well as night-time tests. Additional methods involved objective measurements of time-to-detection and subjective feedback on pattern preference and comfort. The trials demonstrated that provided superior concealment overall, outperforming standard DPM in varied settings, which influenced the final MTP design as a modified derivative to balance effectiveness with visual similarity to existing patterns for identification. In December 2009, the approved MTP as the successor to legacy for and uniforms, with initial production commencing in 2010 for deployment to front-line troops in .

Adoption and Applications

Primary Military Users

The Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) serves as the standard camouflage for the , adopted in 2010 for all regular units to replace the legacy (DPM) in temperate environments. This transition began with issuances to deploying personnel on in from March 2010, expanding to wider service across the Army by 2011. MTP has fully supplanted DPM variants for regular forces, as confirmed by the . Reserves continue to receive MTP uniforms as part of ongoing modernization efforts. Within the broader , the Royal Air Force employs MTP as its primary pattern, aligning with standards for in operations. The pattern is integrated into the Personal Combat System (), which replaced the earlier Combat Soldier 95 (CS95) ensemble, providing enhanced durability and environmental adaptability for ground personnel. The Royal Marines initially incorporated MTP into their CS95 and subsequent PCS uniforms following its 2010 rollout, but transitioned to the Crye Precision pattern in June 2020 as part of a rebranding initiative to emphasize compatibility. Beyond the , MTP sees limited adoption among allied forces and partners. Armed Forces have utilized donated surplus MTP uniforms and gear since 2022, supplementing their indigenous patterns during the ongoing conflict. Australian employ licensed variants, which share close visual and functional similarities with MTP, in select operations for with British and allies. MTP extends beyond personal uniforms to integrated equipment, including netting for tents, helmet covers, sleeves, and wraps on platforms like the multi-role , ensuring seamless visual blending across operational assets. This holistic application supports the pattern's design goal of versatility in diverse terrains.

Operational Deployments

The Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) was first deployed operationally by forces in during April 2010, with soldiers of Task Force Helmand in receiving the new uniforms as part of . Designed to provide effective concealment across the region's diverse environments, including arid compounds, , crops, and sparse , MTP addressed challenges in mixed terrains where previous patterns like Desert DPM proved inadequate. This initial fielding marked the transition from trials to active use, enhancing troop concealment during patrols and engagements in the province. MTP saw widespread application throughout Operation Herrick, the British military's campaign in Afghanistan, from its introduction in 2010 until the mission's conclusion in December 2014. Deployed with units rotating through Helmand Province starting with Herrick 12, the pattern supported a range of combat activities, including counter-insurgency operations and force protection tasks, before the full withdrawal of combat troops. In NATO contexts, units have contributed to the Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroups in since 2017, where the leads a based in Tapa. Troops in woodland and forested training exercises have utilized the pattern for deterrence and readiness missions along NATO's eastern flank. British forces have also employed MTP during overseas training scenarios, including annual exercises with the (BATUK) in , which facilitate light-role infantry drills in East terrain. Similarly, jungle training in , supported by the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB), incorporates MTP uniforms for survival, navigation, and combat simulations in dense tropical environments covering over 5,000 square miles. For interoperability with allied forces, MTP integrates seamlessly with U.S. accessories and equipment, as the patterns share a similar color palette and design structure derived from the original Crye Precision . This compatibility has supported joint operations and exercises, such as those between and U.S. units in multinational settings. The (MoD) manages MTP distribution through established supply chains, issuing the pattern as the standard across various clothing items tailored for temperate, tropical, and extreme conditions, as of 2025.

Evaluation and Variants

Performance Effectiveness

The Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) has demonstrated strong concealment efficacy in empirical evaluations conducted by the UK's (Dstl), particularly in transitional and mixed environments. In pre-adoption trials, Dstl researchers assessed MTP against the legacy (DPM) across various backgrounds, including woodland and arid terrains, finding that MTP offered superior overall performance by reducing detection times when personnel transitioned between environments. This was attributed to its balanced color palette and disruptive elements, which minimized visual contrast in dynamic operational scenarios. Field and laboratory testing further validated MTP's adaptability, with evaluations incorporating , computer modeling, and observer detection tasks in representative settings such as UK woodlands, Afghan deserts, and semi-arid zones. The pattern excelled in temperate regions like UK moors and grasslands, as well as semi-arid edges in the , where its earthy tones effectively broke up outlines against vegetation, rocky outcrops, and sparse foliage. However, performance was moderate in extreme conditions like full deserts or snowy landscapes, where supplementary over-layering with specialized garments is recommended to enhance blending. Technologically, MTP incorporates near-infrared (NIR) reflective properties to evade goggles (NVGs), aligning with military standards for spectral camouflage that limit visibility in the 700–900 nm wavelength range. These features ensure low NIR signatures comparable to natural terrain, reducing detectability under passive infrared sensors during low-light operations. Limitations persist in highly reflective urban concrete environments, where the pattern's organic hues provide less optimal disruption against man-made surfaces, as noted in analyses of mixed urban-arid theaters. Long-term operational feedback from deployments underscores MTP's versatility, with widespread adoption since 2010 reflecting high user confidence in its multi-environment utility. Soldier reports highlight improved morale from the pattern's reliability across global postings, though ongoing refinements address niche terrain challenges.

Derivatives and Related Patterns

Within the , the Royal Marines adopted the American Crye Precision pattern in 2020 for their new combat uniforms, marking a departure from MTP for that branch while the continues to use MTP as standard as of 2025. Internationally, the Canadian Armed Forces developed the Multi-Terrain (MT) pattern in 2021 and began issuing it in February 2024 as a successor to earlier variants, featuring a pixel-heavy digital design optimized for transitions across temperate, arid, and arctic environments to support domestic and expeditionary operations. Similarly, has adopted the MM-25 pattern from 2022 onward, a locally produced clone inspired by (the foundational design for MTP), for use by its armed forces in the region due to its versatility and low production costs amid ongoing conflict. In commercial contexts, licensed reproductions of the MTP appear in non-military gear from brands like Helikon-Tex, which offers tactical clothing, packs, and accessories in the pattern for enthusiasts, hunters, and equipment, providing civilian access to its multi-environment concealment benefits.

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