A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Camouflage Patterns on USMC Plate Carriers

Abstract

"Current and emerging technologies provide an unprecedented ability to detect, track, and target forces on the modern battlefield. As a result, signature management plays an increasingly important role in both force protection and operational success. Although the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) enables U.S. Marines to adequately blend in with their environments, the Marine Corps-issued infantry combat equipment–specifically plate carriers–does not. Coyote brown plate carriers worn over Marine pattern (MARPAT) MCCUUs negate much of the benefit of wearing camouflage uniforms. This research provides analysis of potential courses of action (COAs) the Marine Corps could take to reduce the salience of plate carriers worn over MARPATs. This report quantifies the effectiveness of six courses of action, including the status quo, and estimates the costs associated to provide the related effectiveness-cost ratios. This research provides a framework that can be adjusted as necessary to reflect future decision-maker priorities. Results indicate that fielding plate carriers with matching MARPAT camouflage increases Marine effectiveness. The marginal cost changes according to the fielding strategy. COAs 3, 5, and 6 provide marginal effectiveness increases of 7%, 14%, and 34%, respectively, at marginal costs of $0, $117 million, and $153 million (in constant year 2025 dollars), respectively."