Algeria - Revision history

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of Algeria */

2025-11-04T04:35:35Z

Camouflage Patterns of Algeria

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of Algeria */

2025-11-04T01:47:57Z

Camouflage Patterns of Algeria

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of Algeria */

2025-11-04T01:45:34Z

Camouflage Patterns of Algeria

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of Algeria */

2025-11-04T01:18:18Z

Camouflage Patterns of Algeria

Admin1: /* People's Democratic Republic of Algeria */

2025-11-04T01:13:18Z

People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

Admin1: /* People's Democratic Republic of Algeria */

2025-11-04T01:12:14Z

People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

Admin1: /* People's Democratic Republic of Algeria */

2025-11-04T01:04:21Z

People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of Algeria */

2025-11-03T02:20:12Z

Camouflage Patterns of Algeria

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of Algeria */

2025-11-02T23:55:00Z

Camouflage Patterns of Algeria

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of Algeria */

2025-11-02T23:52:52Z

Camouflage Patterns of Algeria

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 [[File:algeria-greylizard.png|200px]]
-* Another pattern to appear in recent years (2012) is this mottled brown design. It is presently uncertain whether this is being worn universally by the Algerian Army, or only by a specific unit.
+* Another pattern to appear in recent years (2012) is this mottled brown design. Most of the units wearing this design appear to be Army special operations.
 [[File:algeria5.jpg|200px]]

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 [[File:algeria-desertdpm.png|200px]]
-* An arid [[DPM]] variant was introduced into service around 2001, incorporating dark green, reddish-brown & dark ochre shapes on a khaki background. Although the pattern has been in service with some Army personnel (including special forces and high ranking officers), it is primarily associated with the ''Regiments de Fusiliers Marins'' (الفوج الأول للرماة البحرين) or Algerian Marines, and the Navy Special Action Regiment () . It seems plausible that this design replaced the previously issued desert DPM pattern.
+* An arid [[DPM]] variant was introduced into service around 2001, incorporating dark green, reddish-brown & dark ochre shapes on a khaki background. Although the pattern has been in service with some Army personnel (including special forces and high ranking officers), it is primarily associated with the ''Regiments de Fusiliers Marins'' (الفوج الأول للرماة البحرين) or Algerian Marines, and the Navy Special Action Regiment (الفوج العمل الخاص للبحرية). It seems plausible that this design replaced the previously issued desert DPM pattern.
 [[File:algeria2.jpg|200px]]
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 [[File:algeria-brushstroke.png|200px]]
-* A variation of the traditional French [[lizard]] camouflage design was re-introduced at some point in recent years, and appears to be affiliated primarily with airborne and para-commando units. The colors appear darker than the original French patterns, having a slightly greyish tone similar to lizard camouflage that was produced in [[Yugoslavia]] and its later republics such as [[Croatia]].
+* A variation of the traditional French [[lizard]] camouflage design was re-introduced at some point in recent years, and appears to be affiliated primarily with airborne and para-commando units. The colors appear darker than the original French patterns, having a slightly greyish tone similar to lizard camouflage that was produced in [[Yugoslavia]] and its later republics such as [[Croatia]]. The lizard designs (past and present) appear to be limited to use by the Army elite units, including units of the 17th Parachute Brigade and the Operational Maneuvers Regiments.
 [[File:algeria8.jpg|200px]]

@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 [[File:algeria-desertdpm.png|200px]]
-* An arid [[DPM]] variant was introduced into service around 2001, incorporating dark green, reddish-brown & dark ochre shapes on a khaki background. This has been in service with several Army units (including special forces), as well as the ''Regiment de Fusiliers Marins'' (Algerian Marines), although it is more generally associated with the Marines. It seems plausible that this design replaced the previously issued desert DPM pattern.
+* An arid [[DPM]] variant was introduced into service around 2001, incorporating dark green, reddish-brown & dark ochre shapes on a khaki background. Although the pattern has been in service with some Army personnel (including special forces and high ranking officers), it is primarily associated with the ''Regiments de Fusiliers Marins'' (الفوج الأول للرماة البحرين) or Algerian Marines, and the Navy Special Action Regiment () . It seems plausible that this design replaced the previously issued desert DPM pattern.
 [[File:algeria2.jpg|200px]]

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 [[File:algeria-lizard1.png|200px]]
-* This is the clearest photograph we have of a camouflage design that was worn by the National Liberation Army around 1962. The design is clearly some sort of ragged spot pattern that bears very strong similarities to the [[East Germany|East German]] ''flachtarnenmuster,'' and may in fact be made from the same fabric. This camouflage pattern was not widely distributed and may have been sourced through Tunisia, as some photograph captions reference ALN troops wearing them in a training camp there, although it does not appear to have survived more than a couple years in service with Algeria.
+* This is the clearest photograph we have of a camouflage design that was worn by the National Liberation Army around 1962. The design is clearly some sort of ragged spot pattern that bears very strong similarities to the [[East Germany|East German]] ''flachtarnenmuster,'' as well as the [[Hungary|Hungarian]] "Leaf" design of the 1970s. This camouflage pattern was not widely distributed and may have been strictly limited to use by the commandos trained at Bougara Barracks, as some photograph captions reference ALN troops wearing them in a training camp there. This particular design does not appear to have survived more than a couple years in service with Algeria.
 [[File:algeria-flachtarn.png|200px]]

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 The Algerian War was launched by the ''Front de Libération Nationale'' (FLN) in 1954 with the aim of liberating Algeria from French control. French forces were pitted against the ''Armée de Libération Nationale'' (ALN), the armed wing of the FLN. The war was primarily a guerilla campaign, but it evolved into a civil war as well, with loyalist Algerians supporting the nation remaining French and the insurrectionists favoring independence. Combat even spilled over into France, in the form of the so-called "Cafe Wars," bombings and assassinations that centered around cafes, perpetrated both by the FLN and the rival ''Mouvement National Algérien'' (MNA). France ultimately capitulated after nine years of war and Algeria achieved its independence in 1963.
-The Algerian People's National Army (الجيش الوطني الشعبي) emerged directly out of the ''Armée de Libération Nationale'' (ALN) following the end of French rule in 1962, and has played a dominant role in the country's politics since. A Revolutionary Council of former military officers replaced the fledgling National Assembly in 1965, following a coup d'etat that deposed elected president Ahmed Ben Bella, after which the Ministry of Defense assumed administrative control of the government. In 1988, a multi-party system was introduced, but the military retained a degree of influence over the country's politics as it viewed Islamist parties with suspicion, and canceled free elections scheduled in 1991, following up with a second coup d'etat which deposed elected president Bendjedid. This move essentially sparked the beginning of the Algerian Civil War (1992-2002), pitting the Algerian military government against several Islamist rebel groups, namely the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), which had eyes on ruling Algeria under sharia law. Dissident groups resorted to terrorism and initiated several massacres of Algerian civilians. The war effectively ended in 2002, although a splinter group calling itself Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (الجماعة السلفية للدعوة والقتال) or GSPC (which has publicly endorsed Al-Qaeda and the killing of civilians) continued to wage a largely ineffective insurgency campaign against the government. This group later changed its name to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (تنظيم القاعدة في بلاد المغرب الإسلامي).
+The Algerian People's National Army (الجيش الوطني الشعبي) emerged directly out of the ''Armée de Libération Nationale'' (ALN) following the end of French rule in 1962, and has played a dominant role in the country's politics since. A Revolutionary Council of former military officers replaced the fledgling National Assembly in 1965, following a coup d'etat that deposed elected president Ahmed Ben Bella, after which the Ministry of Defense assumed administrative control of the government. In 1988, a multi-party system was introduced, but the military retained a degree of influence over the country's politics as it viewed Islamist parties with suspicion, and canceled free elections scheduled in 1991, following up with a second coup d'etat that deposed elected president Bendjedid. This move essentially sparked the beginning of the Algerian Civil War (1992-2002), pitting the Algerian military government against several Islamist insurgent groups, namely the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), which had eyes on ruling Algeria under sharia law. Dissident groups resorted to terrorism and initiated several massacres of Algerian civilians. The war effectively ended in 2002, although a splinter group calling itself Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (الجماعة السلفية للدعوة والقتال) or GSPC (which has publicly endorsed Al-Qaeda and the killing of civilians) continued to wage a largely ineffective insurgency campaign against the government. This group later changed its name to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (تنظيم القاعدة في بلاد المغرب الإسلامي).
 Today, the People's National Army consists of the Algerian Land Forces, Algerian Naval Force, Algerian Air Force, the Territorial Air Defence Forces, the National Gendarmerie (الدرك الوطني), and the Republican Guard, the latter of which comes under direct control of the president. Within each branch of service (excepting the Air Defence) are one or more special operations units. The elite units of the Army include the 17th Parachute Division (six Parachute-Commando Regiments & support elements), the 104th and 116th Operational Maneuvers Regiments (RMOs), and the 25th Reconnaissance Regiment. The Navy has its Navy Special Action Regiment (RASM) or الفوج العمل الخاص للبحرية, aka the ''Commandos Marines,'' and specializes in maritime special operations. The Air Force has the 772nd Air Commando Rifle Regiment, the Gendarnerie has the Special Intervention Detachment (المفرزة الخاصة للتدخل), and the Republican Guard has its Special Intervention Regiment (RIS) or فوج الخاص التدخل.

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 The Algerian People's National Army (الجيش الوطني الشعبي) emerged directly out of the ''Armée de Libération Nationale'' (ALN) following the end of French rule in 1962, and has played a dominant role in the country's politics since. A Revolutionary Council of former military officers replaced the fledgling National Assembly in 1965, following a coup d'etat that deposed elected president Ahmed Ben Bella, after which the Ministry of Defense assumed administrative control of the government. In 1988, a multi-party system was introduced, but the military retained a degree of influence over the country's politics as it viewed Islamist parties with suspicion, and canceled free elections scheduled in 1991, following up with a second coup d'etat which deposed elected president Bendjedid. This move essentially sparked the beginning of the Algerian Civil War (1992-2002), pitting the Algerian military government against several Islamist rebel groups, namely the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), which had eyes on ruling Algeria under sharia law. Dissident groups resorted to terrorism and initiated several massacres of Algerian civilians. The war effectively ended in 2002, although a splinter group calling itself Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (الجماعة السلفية للدعوة والقتال) or GSPC (which has publicly endorsed Al-Qaeda and the killing of civilians) continued to wage a largely ineffective insurgency campaign against the government. This group later changed its name to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (تنظيم القاعدة في بلاد المغرب الإسلامي).
-Today, the People's National Army consists of the Algerian Land Forces, Algerian Naval Force, Algerian Air Force, the Territorial Air Defence Forces, and the Republican Guard, the latter of which comes under direct control of the president. Within each branch of service (excepting the Air Defence) are one or more special operations units. The elite units of the Army include the 17th Parachute Division (six Parachute-Commando Regiments & support elements), the 104th and 116th Operational Maneuvers Regiments (RMOs), and the 25th Reconnaissance Regiment. The Navy has its Navy Special Action Regiment (RASM) or الفوج العمل الخاص للبحرية, aka the ''Commandos Marines,'' and specializes in maritime special operations. The Air Force has the 772nd Air Commando Rifle Regiment, and the Republican Guard has its Special Intervention Regiment (RIS) or فوج الخاص التدخل.
+Today, the People's National Army consists of the Algerian Land Forces, Algerian Naval Force, Algerian Air Force, the Territorial Air Defence Forces, the National Gendarmerie (الدرك الوطني), and the Republican Guard, the latter of which comes under direct control of the president. Within each branch of service (excepting the Air Defence) are one or more special operations units. The elite units of the Army include the 17th Parachute Division (six Parachute-Commando Regiments & support elements), the 104th and 116th Operational Maneuvers Regiments (RMOs), and the 25th Reconnaissance Regiment. The Navy has its Navy Special Action Regiment (RASM) or الفوج العمل الخاص للبحرية, aka the ''Commandos Marines,'' and specializes in maritime special operations. The Air Force has the 772nd Air Commando Rifle Regiment, the Gendarnerie has the Special Intervention Detachment (المفرزة الخاصة للتدخل), and the Republican Guard has its Special Intervention Regiment (RIS) or فوج الخاص التدخل.
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 [[File:algeria3.jpg|200px]]
-* Two variations of a [[brushstroke]] camouflage design appear to be in service with the Algerian Armed Forces. One version (seen below, worn by an honor guard) incorporates dark olive green and russet shapes on a tan background, and may be in general service. Another variation appears to be worn strictly by Algerian Special Forces personnel, incorporating wide brushstrokes in purplish-brown & olive green on a sandy background. It is worth noting that, during the Algerian War, a handful of members of the ALN were photographed wearing what seem to be [[Belgium|Belgian]] "moon & balls" or "brushstroke" pattern camouflage uniforms, probably obtained through other African sources.
+* At least two variations of [[brushstroke]] camouflage appear to be in service with the Algerian Armed Forces, and others may have entered service as early as the mid-1980s. From photographs it is difficult to ascertain precisely how many color variants have existed. One version (seen below, worn by an honor guard) incorporates dark olive green and russet shapes on a tan background. Another variation appears to be worn strictly by Algerian special forces personnel (Para-Commandos, Reconnaissance units, and special military police) incorporating wide brushstrokes in purplish-brown & olive green on a sandy background. It is worth noting that, during the Algerian War, a handful of members of the ALN were photographed wearing what seem to be [[Belgium|Belgian]] "moon & balls" or "brushstroke" pattern camouflage uniforms, probably obtained through other African sources.
 [[File:algeria4.jpg|200px]]
 [[File:algeria-brushstroke.png|200px]]
-* A variation of the traditional French [[lizard]] camouflage design was re-introduced at some point in recent years, and appears to be affiliated primarily with airborne units. The colors appear darker than the original French patterns, having a slightly greyish tone similar to lizard camouflage that was produced in [[Yugoslavia]] and its later republics such as [[Croatia]].
+* A variation of the traditional French [[lizard]] camouflage design was re-introduced at some point in recent years, and appears to be affiliated primarily with airborne and para-commando units. The colors appear darker than the original French patterns, having a slightly greyish tone similar to lizard camouflage that was produced in [[Yugoslavia]] and its later republics such as [[Croatia]].
 [[File:algeria8.jpg|200px]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:55, 2 November 2025
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		+	[[File:algeria-greylizard.png\|200px]]

	* Another pattern to appear in recent years (2012) is this mottled brown design. It is presently uncertain whether this is being worn universally by the Algerian Army, or only by a specific unit.		* Another pattern to appear in recent years (2012) is this mottled brown design. It is presently uncertain whether this is being worn universally by the Algerian Army, or only by a specific unit.

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 == Camouflage Patterns of Algeria ==
-* During the Algerian War (1954-1962), Algeria was France's 10th Military Region, populated by its own distinctive native units including the Tirailleur infantry units, Spahi mechanized cavalry regiments, and several commando units. Some of these units, particularly the ''Commandos de Chasse'' or tracker units, were outfitted in French ''tenue de leópard'' or [[lizard]] pattern camouflage fatigues, caps and berets. Sources further show that units of the National Liberation Army (ALN) as well as some new Algerian Popular Army units also wore French camouflage fatigues (the former no doubt pilfered from French military sources), although these appear to have been phased out rather quickly and do not appear in photographs dated later than 1964.
+* During the Algerian War (1954-1962), Algeria was France's 10th Military Region, populated by its own distinctive native units including the Tirailleur infantry units, Spahi mechanized cavalry regiments, and several commando units. Some of these units, particularly the ''Commandos de Chasse'' or tracker units, were outfitted in French ''tenue de leópard'' or [[lizard]] pattern camouflage fatigues, caps, and even custom-made berets. Sources further show that units of the National Liberation Army (ALN) as well as some new Algerian Popular Army units also wore French camouflage fatigues (the former no doubt pilfered from French military sources), although these appear to have been phased out rather quickly and do not appear in photographs dated later than 1964.
 [[File:france4.jpg|200px]]
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 [[File:algeria-lizard2.png|200px]]
-* An interesting development during the Algerian War was the emergence of locally-produced uniforms items made from camouflage fabrics dating to the Indochina War era (or earlier), including [[United Kingdom|British]] "[[brushstroke]]" windproof camo, American [[Duck hunter|"frogskin"]], and a host of items made from made the ubiquitous French shelter half, ranging from berets, to practical headdress, to complete uniforms. Use of these uniforms spilled over to units of the National Liberation Army and even continued for a short period of time following independence.
+* An interesting development during the Algerian War was the emergence of locally-produced uniform items made from camouflage fabrics dating to the Indochina War era and earlier, including [[United Kingdom|British]] "[[brushstroke]]" windproof camo, American [[Duck hunter|"frogskin"]], and a host of items made from made the ubiquitous French shelter half, ranging from berets, to practical headdress, to complete uniforms. Use of these uniforms spilled over to units of the National Liberation Army and even continued for a short period of time following independence.
 [[File:france1.jpg|200px]]
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 [[File:algeria1.jpg|200px]]
-* A darker variation of the ''tenue de leópard'' or [[lizard]] pattern was issued by the Algerian Armed Forces at some point, possibly as early as the 1970s. This design incorporates purple and very dark olive stripes on an olive green background. At this point, uniform styles followed closely the original French TAP design. Earlier versions seem to appear more grey and some simple uniforms designs are likely to have been produced as well.
+* A darker variation of the ''tenue de leópard'' or [[lizard]] pattern was issued by the Algerian Armed Forces at some point, possibly as early as the 1970s. This design incorporates purple and very dark olive stripes on an olive green background. At this point, uniform styles followed closely the original French TAP design. Earlier versions (of which very few photographs seem to have survived) seem to appear more grey, and some simple uniform designs are likely to have been produced as well.
 [[File:algeria7.jpg|200px]]