The name "ghillie" comes from the Scottish Gaelic language word "gille," which means "servant" or "lad." Ghillie suits were originally developed by Scottish gamekeepers in the 19th century as a way to camouflage themselves while hunting on their estates. The gamekeepers would wear loose strips of burlap and other natural materials to blend in with their surroundings and avoid scaring away their prey. Over time, the design and use of ghillie suits evolved, and they became popular among military snipers and other special operations units that required advanced camouflage techniques. Today, ghillie suits are still used for hunting and military purposes, as well as by wildlife photographers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to blend in with their environment.
2.What is a ghillie suit in the military?
A ghillie suit is a type of camouflage clothing often used by military snipers, hunters, and wildlife photographers to blend into their surroundings. The suit is typically made up of loose strips of fabric or other materials that are attached to a base layer, such as a jumpsuit or jacket, and designed to imitate the foliage and terrain of the user's surroundings. This allows the wearer to effectively hide and remain hidden from their target or observation point. The name "ghillie" comes from the Gaelic word for "servant" or "lad," which was originally used to describe a Scottish gamekeeper's assistant who wore similar clothing to blend in with the environment while hunting.
3.Why are ghillie suits so effective?
Ghillie suits are effective in concealing the wearer because they are designed to imitate the natural surroundings and break up the human silhouette. They are usually made of strips of fabric or other materials, such as burlap, jute, or netting, that are attached to a base layer, such as a jumpsuit or jacket. These strips of material help to break up the outline of the wearer's body, making it harder for the eye to distinguish them from their surroundings.
In addition to the strips of fabric, ghillie suits often have additional features, such as vegetation loops or pockets, where natural materials can be attached. These materials are often sourced from the local environment to help the wear blend in more effectively.
The suit is also designed to allow the wearer to move slowly and quietly through their environment, minimizing noise and disturbance.
Overall, the combination of natural-looking materials, the ability to blend into the environment, and quiet movement make ghillie suits a highly effective camouflage option for military snipers, hunters, and wildlife photographers.