PURPOSE OF PAINTING

TM 43-0139 f. Special markings for vehicles in administrative use are included in AR 58-1. g. Under tactical conditions, when requirements for concealment outweigh those for recognition, all conspicuous markings may be obscured or removed by the authority and at the discretion of the major organization commander present. Protective red cross markings may be obscured only at the direction of the responsible major tactical commander. h. Major end items and major components with exposed surfaces painted with CARC will have the word 'CARC' stenciled on them in close proximity to the data plate. Refer to para 4-9 and Chapter 6, Section II. i. Markings on the exterior of tactical equipment will be applied using CARC in accordance with para 4-9. j. Safety markings, including hazard warning and caution information, for non-tactical equipment, tactical not subject to the Army camouflage policy, and equipment at fixed facilities will comply with the provisions of AR 385-30. Materiel painted in camouflage requiring hazard warning and caution information will have this information applied in accordance with para 4-9. k. Additional marking policy is contained in AR 750-1, Maintenance of Supplies and Equipment Painting, Army Materiel Maintenance Policies. 1-4. PURPOSE OF PAINTING a. Corrosion Protection. The primary function of painting is to protect metals, wood, and other material against corrosion and decay. (1) Paint should not be applied to unseasoned wood, since paint retards the seasoning process and fails to form a proper coating under such conditions. (2) Certain paints adhere to a given surface better than others and therefore furnish a better protective coating. The first or base coat should penetrate into the minute depressions or pits in the material and should adhere well enough to form a good bond for any additional coats. (3) The success of painting depends on the selection of a suitable paint, and also upon the care used in preparing the surface, which should be thoroughly cleaned, dry, and smooth. Other factors include the method of application and weather conditions. b. Camouflage. Camouflage of Army materiel is a function of paint. Para 4-2 discusses reasons for camouflaging. Additional information on camouflage can be found in FM 5-20, TM 5-200, and FC 90-7. c. Visibility. White and light-tinted paints are frequently used on interior surfaces to increase the visibility in spaces with limited access to outside light. In this respect, paint can serve to increase visibility with existing natural or artificial light, or it can serve to reduce the amount of natural or artificial light required in a given interior space. d. Chemical Agent Resistance. Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC) are used to protect combat, combat support, and combat service support equipment from chemical agent penetration. These coatings can be decontaminated relatively easily. e. Identification. Paint can be used to apply identification marks to equipment. Chapter 6 contains instructions for marking Army materiel. Markings on camouflaged equipment will be in accordance with para 4-9. 1-2