IS shown in matching digital camo in execution video

2015-02-04T10:17:28-05:00

From: Marine Corps Times

In a new execution video released by the Islamic State group on Tuesday, the militants are clad in matching uniforms bearing some similarity to those worn by U.S. Marines — a development that raises questions about their logistics and the image they want to convey.

The video, which appears to show the death of Jordanian air force pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh, includes imagery of several men standing near a cage containing the captive. The lieutenant was captured in December after his plane crashed during a bombing run against Islamic State targets in Syria.

The digital desert camouflage the militants are wearing resembles the pattern licensed to the U.S. Marine Corps. It's known as MARPAT, which is short for "Marine Pattern." But over the past decade, similar patterns have become widely available, according to private intelligence and policy analysts.

"That pattern has been replicated all around the world," said Ben Connable, a retired Marine intelligence officer and international policy analyst for Rand Corp. "It is easy to come by and replicate without a license just about anywhere."

While the pattern is close to a Western design, the cut of militants' blouses — which fall near the knee — is anything but. It is more similar to nonmilitary garb worn by insurgents in Iraq. That raises the possibility that the uniforms were made to order for the Islamic State, rather than purchased from a general manufacturer or pilfered from a conventional military force.

"They could get them from a manufacturer in Pakistan," Connable suggested.

Beyond that, determining specifically where the uniforms came from is nearly impossible, Connable said. A private intelligence analyst with expertise in geopolitics — to include the conflicts in Iraq and Syria — agreed.

"Even if you were able to determine what specific camouflage pattern is represented, you wouldn't necessarily be able to determine with certainty where it came from," said another analyst who spoke with Military Times on the condition of anonymity. "The proliferation of the Internet has made it such that anyone can essentially go online and order whatever digital camouflage pattern they want. That makes it really difficult to draw any conclusions on how or where the ISIS members may have secured such gear with this pattern."

Connable said the ISIS militants seem to be trying to portray themselves as a cohesive, disciplined, well-funded force to be reckoned with.

The move is likely meant to fit into the theatrics of the shocking and grisly, while professionally produced, video. The group is careful in its selection of location and how they stage executions for maximum shock value. So it is no surprise that they want to appear as organized as possible on camera, Connable said.

The intel analyst echoed that sentiment.

"The ISIS members seem to be trying to portray a level of professionalism that comes from a group having standardized uniforms," the analyst said. "In this case, consider the overall propaganda value at play -— that this is a cohesive, well-trained group of soldiers ... an image that a standardized uniform can help convey."

Still, Connable said it's unlikely that that will extend beyond video as it would be impractical for ISIS to adopt a standard uniform for use on the battlefield.

"Their guys in the field are wearing 'mix-and-match,'" he said. "They are recruiting them locally, smuggling them across the border, so that makes it difficult. Any Marine will tell you keeping uniforms on people in field for extended periods of time takes a real supply chain."

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2015/02/03/islamic-state-uniforms-digital-camo-execution-video/22816459/

Response by SSgt Kevin Chavez made Feb 4 at 2015 10:19 AM

2015-02-04T10:19:26-05:00

Absolutely hideous! I believe this was a strategic mistake on their part and I hope it will back fire to embolden the fight against Islamic Extremism.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 11:08 AM

2015-02-04T11:08:46-05:00

That uniform isn't going to help them with no flak/plate carrier.

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Feb 4 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-02-04T13:54:21-05:00

They might look dumb, but in reality, are quite creative. However, their tactics will give them away. One way or another, they'll revert to their crude training, which can easily be spotted by seasoned military personnel.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 4 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-02-04T14:12:38-05:00

Smart. Devious....but smart. Insurgents hope to stay alive a little longer by blending into the battlefield posing as blue forces perhaps? The confusion of IFF (Identify Friend/Foe) radio chatter may keep a Hellfire or MK82 from landing on top of them. This is why NO ground victory can happen with air power only. Boots MUST be on the ground for those "up close and personal" meetings. ROE changes day to day. We had M1 crews guarding TCP's and dismounted with 9mm's. We gave them AK47's till they could get better firepower outside of their tanks. Not everyone with an AK is your enemy and not everyone in multicam is your friend. Boots on the ground!

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Feb 4 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-02-04T15:14:20-05:00

Some are saying this was a production....of course it is, just like all the others, that is all they are is a damn production and we allow it, play into their hands and let them do what they wish.

WE KNOW where they are and we can take them out whenever we wish, you all know it, I know it and the whole damn world knows that if the USA wants something, we get it done period.

You cannot tell me that a bunch of inbred backwardsass f*cknuts are a real threat...it drives me crazy that we are to believe the US is doing all we can, we are simply acting as if we are fighting them; Airstrikes against 3 ISIS bikes! Shooting one single car or some one off hut in the middle of the desert is a show.

Sorry but I dont buy this BS, we are letting this happen.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-02-04T15:25:57-05:00

This should just show the world how serious they are. They actually showed cohesiveness in their action and attire. They are doing a good job of portraying the idea and image they want to send to prospects for recruitment and to lone wolves around the world. And also send the message to the world they are more then a rag tag group.

Response by SGT Lawrence Holsworth made Feb 4 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-02-04T17:59:43-05:00

It looks an awful lot like a China-made copy of Arid MARPAT that has also been used as the official camouflage pattern of the Kuwait Army.

Response by SSG Anthony Morvillo made Feb 4 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-02-04T18:02:17-05:00

It can either by design or by circumstance cause several things to happen. 1) Wearing tactical gear of any pattern or similar to any nation will well make them more tactical, their gear will better withstand combat actions much better than homemade clothing. 2) Uniforms have always instilled a sense of inclusion to a unit/military, members will see themselves as more professional. 3) Uniforms similar to your enemy will add to the confusion on the battlefield and I would suspect an increase friendly fire incidents should coalition forces and IS wearing similar uniforms engage in the same area of operations.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 7:00 PM

2015-02-04T19:00:16-05:00

Good! They're arrogant enough to put uniforms on, it makes them easier to kill. Problem, will they keep them on? Uniforms: the man on the right is wearing the perfect camo for that part of the world. Unfortunate the DoD didn't think so.

I bought my own because, I'm right.

Response by Cpl Del Martinez made Feb 6 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-02-06T11:06:10-05:00

well this can mean many things but honestly either they order material from one of the same supplier that the united states uses or they want to assume a position of equal stature with marines who have fought in that part of the world. i just wont entertain the conspiracy buffs with this one.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 11:12 AM

2015-02-06T11:12:36-05:00

They got computers and credit cards.... I gues they can buy uniforms like the rest of us. I think though that they are trying to be seen as a legit political entity. They say they are a country (Caliphate). They claim to have a capital. Stands to reason they would have matching uniforms.

Now, will they keep them on when its time to do real military shit? Probably not.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-02-06T12:20:04-05:00

These guys just lit a Jordanian Pilot on fire. Which is probably why they overlooked the copyright agreement for MARPAT.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 4:01 PM

2015-02-06T16:01:24-05:00

They are missing an important point here... where did they get this camo from? Someone helped them develop it, and someone is producing it for them.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-02-06T16:49:34-05:00

Why are they wearing the uniforms? Simple; they are making an attempt to legitimize themselves. You know the phrase "...If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck..." then it must be a marine? No:

Terrorism is a CRIME- not a legitimate organization of any kind- if it were, it would be called a government. Despite what many may think- if it were military, then we would be fighting a recognized de-facto/de-jure Nation-State (Which, ISIS is clearly NOT and probably never will be)- these are not militants, these are criminals no different than Al Capone was serving in an organized crime ring that damn-near ran the US for a time, it's the same thing (this is also why I personally believe any individual accused and arrested for terrorism should be tried in CRIMINAL court, not in a military tribunal; they don't deserve the recognition/illusion of serving a legitimate country, but the Guantanamo Bay situation is a topic for another day).

They put these images out there in an effort to attain the same goals of any terrorist organization- Legitimacy. If they are recognized as a legitimate military unit, then they represent a legitimate governing body, which is what they want.

That is the answer to the question as to why they appear to be wearing those uniforms. I just hoped they cut the little EGAs out of them before they put them on.

Response by SGT Andrew Harless made Feb 6 at 2015 4:52 PM

2015-02-06T16:52:31-05:00

Being in uniform and under a so called government puts them under the laws of the Geneva Convention, which makes their treatment of POW's unlawful . Every nation that is in the United Nations should be jumping in to bring this all to justice. That is the hole primus of the UN isn't it?

Response by SSgt Jessie Bolado made Feb 6 at 2015 6:53 PM

2015-02-06T18:53:54-05:00

Despite what our "commander in chief" (term used loosely) says, the ' re not a JV team. Evil and smart...

Response by SPC Larry Buck made Feb 6 at 2015 7:17 PM

2015-02-06T19:17:54-05:00

Question.... How long ago was they bought or sewed together??? Awful goddamn clean to be fucking around in the desert all day long!!! Not to mention every bit of bii is immaculate...

Response by Cpl Kevin Brown made Feb 6 at 2015 11:15 PM

2015-02-06T23:15:51-05:00

They could wear dress blues but they'll never be mistaken for Marines. You can't hide and you can't run.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 12:42 AM

2015-02-07T00:42:56-05:00

Our intelligence community doesn't need me to tell them this, but I will anyway...follow the money.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 11:40 AM

2015-02-07T11:40:04-05:00

Best way to tell the difference between ours and theirs is is the sheer fact that our Marines aren't wearing balaclavas everywhere in a damn desert. Plus the fact that I've never meet/seen a Marine with a uniform that clean/new.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Feb 7 at 2015 12:26 PM

2015-02-07T12:26:04-05:00

Amongst other things, ISIS is waging "MediaWar" and (in general) doing it better than anyone else.

The leadership of ISIS (bent and sociopathic as it may be) is NOT stupid.

ISIS is fighting THEIR form of war, and that is a form of war specifically intended to negate the strengths and benefits of "our" form of war. "Their" form of war cannot (realistically) expect to DEFEAT "our" form of war - however, "our" form of war cannot (realistically) expect to defeat "their" form of war and that means that (absent any productive change in strategy or tactics) the first one to stop fighting is going to be the one that loses.

Conceptually the solution is simply. You can either [a] settle for an incredibly long struggle where you are constantly being bled by small cuts, or [b] you can change the way you are doing things to increase your effectiveness against "them". "Option C" spend millions of dollars to kill "them" one at a time - but at a slower rate than "they" are recruiting new personnel until you go broke isn't really an option - other than the fact that it does "lower the casualty rate" and "provides really keen photo-ops" and "encourages employment in areas where people want to get re-elected".

Response by PO2 Thomas J. made Feb 7 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-02-07T12:49:52-05:00

Just an attempt to convey uniformity and to promote themselves as a professional military which has beheaded, burned alive, buried alive and murdered thousands. It's public relations and a recruiting video calling for anyone who is on the fence to join them.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 9 at 2015 5:41 PM

2015-02-09T17:41:59-05:00

Reminds me of why we learn near/far recognition signals and proper challenge and password procedures. In TBS some Lts would crack wise about how 'no enemy looks like we do.' But everyone wants to look like the best, be they soldiers in the US, other countries or stateless militants.